IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is often classified as a laser hair removal treatment, but it is not actually a laser. IPL is just a type of light. Intense pulsed light damages the hair follicles in a similar way to lasers, and IPL is highly customizable to the individual. The power levels can be adjusted to meet the individual’s skin tone and hair thickness needs. The treatment takes place over several sessions, but each person is different regarding the number of sessions they require.
Diode Laser Hair Removal
Diode laser treatments are perfect for people with coarse hair and medium to dark pipgments. This type of laser hair removal is very versatile and quite similar to the Alexandrite method. The Diode method is relatively painless and requires fewer sessions for completion, but the number of sessions varies based on each individual’s needs.
Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
The Alexandrite method is one of the most popular types of laser hair removal and is ideal for lighter skin tones. It hurts less than some other types of lasers, but this is because the wavelength of the laser is shorter, meaning it doesn’t penetrate as deeply. This method may take more sessions to achieve permanent hair removal because of the shorter wavelengths. Even if laser hair removal is not permanent, it is much longer lasting than any other hair removal method.
Nd and LP Nd: YAG
This heavy-duty laser works best on coarse hair or individuals with darker skin tones. It is less effective for individuals with lighter skin and finer hair, so these people should opt for a different laser treatment. Nd and LP Nd: YAG treatments have the longest wavelength of any treatment, meaning they can be a bit more uncomfortable than other methods but are also highly effective. This treatment penetrates the deepest and therefore lasts the longest. The lasers are more likely to reach the bottom of the root of the hair, killing it permanently after several sessions.
Ruby Laser Hair Removal
The first method ever developed to remove hair was the Ruby laser, and has become quite obsolete as it tends to be slower and less effective than other methods. However, it is better for lighter, finer hair and light skin tones. The nice part about Ruby lasers is that they have been around long enough for there to be a lot of research conducted regarding the effectiveness of laser hair removal, how to improve the methodology, and how to lessen the side effects.
Does the Type of Laser Matter?
Yes, the type of laser matters. It influences your treatment’s effectiveness and your chance of experiencing side effects. To minimize the risk of damage to melanin producing cells, the choice of laser and the method in which it is used can be matched to your skin type during a consultation with SpaMedica.
Fair-skinned people with darker hair can use an IPL device, Alexandrite laser, or a diode laser. People with darker complexions and darker hair can use a Nd:YAG laser or Diode laser. People with lighter hair can use a diode laser. Short laser pulses are used to control unwanted tissue damage, and the laser’s energy is adjusted. Some laser systems also perform better on specific areas of the body, so it is best to discuss with your doctor your skin type, hair type, treatment preferences, and the area you want to treat.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Yes, laser hair removal can be permanent depending on which treatment you choose. Laser hair removal can permanently reduce the density of the hair or permanently remove unwanted hair. A reduction in hair density means some hair can regrow, and patients will need ongoing laser treatment. Permanent hair removal means no hair will grow back, and no ongoing therapy is needed.
What are the Pros of Laser Hair Removal?
- Drastically reduced hair growth. Although most treatments don’t permanently remove hair, you will have to deal with less hair that is much finer as a result of treatment – and ongoing treatments ensure you will never have to shave or wax again. Patients have reported not seeing hair for months to even years, and the hair is ultimately lighter and less coarse.
- There is no limit to where you can remove hair from. Because of the wide range of lasers and treatments available, you can remove hair from your legs, back, underarms, bikini line, stomach, face, or anywhere you want less hair. There is no higher risk of side effects with laser hair removal in sensitive areas like the bikini line or face than there is anywhere else.
- The pain is very manageable. Depending on your hair type and where you are getting the treatment done on your body, a lot of people say laser hair removal feels like shaving or, in cases of coarse, darker hair, and waxing. Sensitive areas may be more painful, but it is a quick treatment that becomes less painful each session.
Common Areas that can be Treated by Laser Hair Removal
The most common areas patients choose to be treated by laser hair removal include:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Bikini area
During your consultation with the SpaMedica team, you can discuss which areas you would like to be treated and which treatment plans are best for you.
Main Benefits from Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Some of the benefits of laser hair removal include:
- Precision, as the laser can target even the most coarse, stubborn hairs.
- Speed, because laser pulses only take milliseconds to treat several hairs at once, meaning some areas can be treated in minutes.
- Lighter hair growth and color, meaning the new hair growth is less dense than before and grows in a few shades lighter than its original color.
- Effectiveness, as people see long-term results after 3 to 8 sessions.
Compare the effectiveness and comfort of waxing and laser hair removal methods in our latest article.
Differences Between Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis
Laser hair removal involves penetrating the hair follicle with bursts of light impulses, damaging the cell with wavelengths and heat. Electrolysis is a process that damages the hair follicle permanently and prevents hair growth. It is the only surefire method of permanent hair removal available. Electrolysis involves a technician placing a needle into the targeted hair follicle, and the electrical current passes through the probe, ultimately killing the hair root.
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis provide long-term solutions to hair growth. Those considering hair removal treatments should speak one-on-one with the SpaMedica team about the best options for their needs.
