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It’s the Laser That Matters
Four different lasers are typically used for hair removal – although many more patented ones do exist. These are the four most common lasers – Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG –the Nd:YAG is the gold standard for laser hair removal, and the technology we use at LaserAway!
Ruby Laser Hair Removal
In the world of lasers, Rubies can be considered old-timers, having been in use for laser hair removal for quite some time. The Ruby produces a small beam of light. This means laser hair removal sessions are oftentimes longer, with more pulses of light targeting the treatment site. Lasers like the Ruby have become less popular with the breakthrough of newer, more effective laser technologies like the Nd:YAG.
The Ruby laser has a slow repetition rate which may increase the time for treatments.
There is some risk of burns, scars, redness, swelling, and skin discoloration.
Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
The Alexandrite laser produces a longer beam of light than the Ruby, requiring fewer pulses during a laser hair removal session. This has the benefit of lessening patient discomfort. With more efficiency than the Ruby, the Alexandrite laser successfully removes hair on people with a wide range of skin tones and hair color combinations..
Some of the advantages of the Alexandrite laser include:
The laser has a very good skin penetration rate
It is known to be effective on finer, thinner hairs that stymie most other lasers
The laser is very effective on light skin tones
Some of the disadvantages of the Alexandrite laser include:
The laser may cause pigment changes (darkening or lightening) of the skin and should not be used on Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.
Nd:YAG Laser Hair Removal
The Nd:YAG laser is one of the most innovative lasers on the market and considered the gold standard for Laser Hair Removal. . It has the incredible ability to distinguish between subtleties in pigmentation, effectively removing hair on any skin tone. Because the Nd:YAG laser produces one of the longest beams, fewer pulses are required to get the job done. Treatments performed with the Nd:YAG laser guarantee shorter laser hair removal sessions, minimal patient discomfort, and reduced risk of complications.
Some of the advantages of the Nd:YAG laser include:
Works on almost all skin types, including tanned or darker skin tones
Nd:YAG 1064 NM system is recommended for darkly pigmented skin.
Many studies have shown that these lasers are able to achieve a significant delay before hair grows again in the treated area.
Larger body areas can be treated rapidly
Some of the disadvantages of the Nd:YAG laser include:
This laser is not that effective on white or light hair, and it is also less effective on fine hair
The laser may be more painful than other lasers
There exists a risk of burns, scars, redness, skin discoloration, and swelling
Has not been proven to be effective in achieving long-term results
Diode Laser Hair Removal
The Diodeis typically only effective on light-to-medium skin tones.
Some advantages of the Diode laser include:
This laser provides safer and deeper penetration into the skin layer.
Some disadvantages of the Diode laser include:
There may be some scars, burns, skin discoloration, redness, and swelling.
In some patients, it can cause a skin condition called urticaria.
Which Lasers Are Right for Your Skin Tone?
Because laser hair removal works by preferentially targeting the melanin in hair follicles, people with high-color contrasts, such as those with dark hair and light skin, tend to respond better to treatment. That being said, there are still laser hair removal options for other hair and skin color combinations, the Nd:YAG being the best choice.
For those with darker skin and hair, certain lasers, such as the Nd:YAG laser have proven to be highly effective in eliminating unwanted hair. This laser has longer wavelengths and is highly sensitive to all pigment and melanin, meaning, they can more precisely penetrate hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue.
Those with darker skin tones should keep in mind that if treated with the wrong laser, they are likely to experience a higher risk of complications such as hypopigmentation, keloid scarring, and folliculitis.
LaserAway Brings You the Industry’s Best Lasers
LaserAway is proud to offer the most aesthetic dermatology treatment options of any
national skincare provider. We hire only the most highly trained medical staff, experienced and certified in administering laser and other dermatological procedures. Each of our clinics are supervised by a board-certified dermatologist, where treatments are performed by registered nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. And to add to that, we use only innovative techniques and cutting-edge laser technology.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134. Our nurses look forward to making sure your service and skin are as smooth as possible.
Why LaserAway?
We’ve committed over a decade to helping people of all skin types discover their best skin ever, with over 3 million treatments performed and new locations opening every month! We use state-of-the-art technology for maximum results, our clinics are supervised by board-certified, industry-leading dermatologists, and our treatments are implemented by registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physician associates who undergo one of the most comprehensive training programs in the business. Our mission is to make our clients feel beautiful by providing the best and most effective aesthetic treatments in the nation in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Ready to invest in yourself? Schedule a free consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134. Our nurses look forward to making sure your service and skin are as smooth as possible!
