By definition, laser hair removal refers to the removal of unwanted hair on one’s body through exposure to spurts of laser light that destroys hair follicles. Like other permanent hair removal techniques, such as intense pulsed light or electrolysis, laser hair removal does not completely eradicate the unwanted hair. You will need to go for several sessions (typically about 4-6) to completely get rid of the hair.
All the same, laser hair removal should be your go-to solution. It is more effective and has fewer side effects compared to other seemingly-simpler and less-costly methods such as shaving, hair removal creams, plucking and waxing. It also works well for pale-skinned people with thick, coarse and dark hair. You get better results around the lip, chin, bikini and underarm areas. Here are six types of laser hair removal.
1. Nd: YAG Laser Hair Removal
These types of laser hair removal technology are perfect for those with dark skin owing to the low melanin absorption rate. By using the longest wavelengths of all other types of laser hair removal, it is most likely to reach the very root of the hair follicle at the papilla and destroy it. This implies your hair follicles could possibly take longer to grow back.
On the downside, it may require a higher number of treatments compared to other lasers to achieve the desired results. It also tends to be more painful and is not suitable for fine hair. Brand names you may come across for this type of laser treatment include cynosure elite, candela gentleYAG, and cutera coolGlide.
2. Diode Laser Hair Removal
This is one of the more recent models of laser hair removal, having been designed for fair to medium-dark skin tones. Depending on the type and colour of your skin and hair, your physician can adjust the wavelength to one that’s appropriate for you. The fact that the diode emits both short and long wavelengths also improves melanin absorption, facilitates deep penetration to the hair follicles, and reduces risks of damaged skin.
Moreover, these types of laser hair removal it possible to treat larger areas of the body within a short time due to its fast repetition rate. However, it requires several treatments and physicians are yet to gather enough data to gauge the long-term results since the technology is relatively new.
3. Ruby Laser Hair Removal
Some people tend to be a bit skeptical about being among the first to use a particular technology, especially one that deals with sensitive areas such as the skin. Truth is, it could turn out both ways; you could either end up with radiant, healthy-looking skin or severe skin damage.
For those who would not want to take the risk, try out the ruby laser hair removal technology. It is one of the oldest types of laser hair removal technologies. What this means is that there are loads of data about it, and it is great for fair skin and light/fine hair. However, it’s high melanin absorption rate may leave skin discoloured. Hence it should be used on fair skin only.
4. Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
Compared to other lasers (apart from the Nd:YAG, of course), Alexandrite has considerably longer wavelengths. It is, therefore, suitable for a wide range of skin tones, one of them being olive skin. Its most significant advantage is that it can treat larger skin areas quickly due to the increased spot size and repetition rate. Its primary disadvantage is that it poses serious discolouration risks, which are linked to the high melanin absorption ability.
You may also experience substantial pain despite the invention of alexandrite laser machines with inbuilt cooling devices aimed at making you more comfortable. If you are dark-skinned, steer clear of this laser hair removal.
5. IPL Hair Removal
While IPL hair removal may not be a real laser per se, it uses the equivalent intense pulsed light to trigger photothermolysis by pulsing thermal energy. The result is that it targets the melanin pigment in the hair follicles. The result is a gentle, safe removal of hair, especially around the face, back, leg and pubic areas without causing skin damage.
Besides, IPL hair removal allows you to customize the wavelength, pulse duration, and energy level. Side effects associated with this hair removal technique are minimal, with redness or swelling disappearing just as fast as it appears. Light-skinned people with dark hair are good candidates for these types of laser hair removal. If hair grows back after the treatment, it is usually sparsely distributed and finely-textured.
6. Argon Laser Hair Removal
This laser hair removal dates back to the 1960s. It was invented by William Bridges and is among the ion lasers with the same active medium as a noble gas. They emit around 13 wavelengths through the ultraviolet spectra. However, argon is not as common today, especially in the application of hair removal.
Free tip: always shave before your appointment, be consistent and avoid exposing the affected area to the sun after treatment.
