Laser hair removal is a popular and common procedure that men and women alike appreciate for the savings and convenience it brings to their lives. While the result is permanently smooth and hair-free skin, getting there is a process. Optimal results require multiple sessions, with the exact number depending on various factors, from skin type and hair colour to the device itself. You have many choices regarding laser hair removal, with three different types of laser hair removal lasers at the forefront: Diode, Alexandrite, and ND YAG lasers.

Each of these comes with its own pros and cons; read on to learn more about each wavelength and make an informed decision for yourself.

Alexandrite

The Alexandrite wavelength is the shortest of these three options and is often considered the most versatile. It works well on a wide range of hair colours and types, including lighter and thinner hair.

Laser hair removal works when the laser targets the pigment in the hair. This is why light, thin hair can be difficult to treat. However, the industry has worked hard over the years to create a proper solution, and Alexandrite does a good job.

It also covers a wide target area and offers a higher repetition rate. This makes it a fast and efficient device, often requiring fewer sessions to see full results.

Pros:

• It’s designed to cover large surface areas
• The higher penetration rate often means fewer sessions
• The high pulse repetition makes for faster sessions
• It’s effective on thin and/or light hair

Cons:

• The higher penetration and repetition rate can make it more painful or uncomfortable than other lasers
• It’s not great for those with darker or tanned skin as the risk of melanin damage and blistering is higher

Diode

The diode laser offers a medium wavelength that operates at a higher frequency. It’s good at destroying the root of the hair follicle, effectively stunting hair growth for good. It’s newer to the market but it’s fast being embraced by many as a good, standard laser hair removal treatment.

Not only is it effective but uses a vacuum system to prepare the skin for a more comfortable treatment. Overall, it’s extremely effective for darker skin tones, but may not work quite as well on lighter, finer hair.

Pros:

• The wavelength allows for a higher frequency than other lasers
• It’s safe for all skin types
• These lasers are available in different sizes, allowing for treatments on smaller, more difficult areas of the body
• It’s effective on darker skin tones, which not all lasers are
• It’s extremely effective on coarser hair

Cons:

• While it’s great for dark skin and coarse hair, it’s not as effective on thinner, lighter hair
• Still presents a risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring as skin tone gets darker
• The deeper penetration makes for some discomfort during treatment, often described as a pinching sensation rather than intense pain

ND YAG

ND YAG lasers offer a longer wavelength and therefore deep penetration into the skin. It also uses a beam and doesn’t actually touch the skin – making it arguably the safest option for the widest range of skin tones. The deeper penetration also means it’s particularly good at reaching the hair follicles with little to no impact on the surrounding skin and its pigment.

Pros:

• Highly effective for thick, coarse hair
• Treats all skin tones effectively
• Protects darker, heavily pigmented skin tones more effectively than other options

Cons:

• The longer wavelength may cause some discomfort, though many find it tolerable
• Not as effective on thin, fine, and lighter hair

Choosing the Right Laser for You

All three of these types of laser hair removal lasers are useful and effective in their own right, but they aren’t without their differences. Each one comes with both strengths and challenges, meaning there are several factors you must consider when making a choice. Some come down to preference, while others are about safety.

If you’re unsure what’s best for you, our skincare professionals can help guide you during a consultation. However, these are some of the main considerations you should make:

• Your comfort level. While no types of laser hair removal treatment is guaranteed to be entirely free from discomfort, some will be more painful than others.
• Time. The different wavelengths offer different timelines when it comes to reaching optimal results. For example, alexandrite lasers may offer the quickest results, but at the cost of more painful sessions.
• Hair type and colour. Eliminating lighter, finer hair looks very different from treating dark, coarse hair. Unfortunately, lighter hair is harder to eliminate since the treatment requires pigment to work. It’s not impossible but you should choose a laser that’s made for lighter, finer hair, and prepare for a higher number of sessions.
• Skin tone. In addition to efficacy, this can be a matter of safety. More melanin can mean a higher risk of hyperpigmentation and painful side effects like burning or scarring. This doesn’t mean you can’t receive treatment, but you must be diligent and only work with highly trained and experienced technicians. This is why many with darker skin tones opt for treatment with ND YAG lasers as they are made especially to protect the darker skin tones.

Enjoy Our Premium Laser Treatment

We offer a top-notch laser hair removal experience here at Rejuvenation Med Clinic. Our device is a revolutionary machine that combines many years of technology to offer the ultimate experience in comfort and efficacy.

Not only does it offer a range of wavelengths and target areas, but it uses special cooling technology to keep skin cool and comfortable. Once you finish your initial round of treatments, you’ll enjoy freedom from shaving, waxing, and expensive supplies for good!

It also offers other health benefits such as an even skin tone, minimal irritation, and healthier skin overall. Lastly, the minimal recovery and downtime mean you don’t have to interrupt your life to achieve the freedom of a hair-free existence.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and we’ll get you started on the right path in no time!