When it comes to laser hair removal machines, there are many options. The five most comon types of hair removal laser systems include the Ruby, Alexandrite, IPL, Diode, and Nd:YAG. Each laser system is different from the other. Some lasers are better for certain types of hair. Some lasers are safer for individuals with darker skin tones. And some laser systems perform better on specific areas of the body than other lasers. In this 2 part series on the different hair removal lasers, you will learn about the five top lasers for permanent hair reduction and learn the advantages and disadvantages of each system so you can choose the best laser hair removal in NYC for you.
SKIP to Part II: The Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Laser Systems >>
Ruby Hair Removal Laser
The Ruby hair removal laser was the first system developed for permanent hair reduction. This system uses a shorter wavelength of 694nm that targets melanin. This makes the ruby laser ideal for removing hair that is light and thin. On the flip side, the Ruby laser system is not recomended for individuals with darker skin tones. The Ruby laser system has a long pause between laser pulses to decrease discomfort. While less painful, the slower repetition means laser treatments require more time than other hair removal laser systems. As a result, the Ruby laser is ideal for smaller treatment areas.
Popular Ruby Laser Systems
- RubyStar
- Palomar E2000
- EpiPulse Ruby
Alexandrite Hair Removal Lasers
The Alexandrite laser is the most popular system for laser hair removal. It is also the fastest laser system available. For example, the Alexandrite laser can cover a large treatment area, such as the back in as little as 30 minutes. The downside of the fast laser repetition is pain. The Alexandrite laser is one of the least comfortable laser hair removal systems. Although newer machines have built in cooling devices to improve patient experience. The Alexandrite laser operates at a shorter wavelength of 755nm, making it ideal for targeting melanin in the hair follicles of individuals with light to olive skin tones.
Popular Alexandrite Laser Systems
- Candela
- Cynosure Apogee
- GentleLase
- EpiTouch Plus
Diode Hair Removal Lasers
Diode machines are relatively new to the laser hair removal market. Their energy source consists of semiconductors, known as diodes, grouped together to create a laser beam with a wavelength of 800-810nm. This is a longer wavelength, better for penetrating deep into the hair follicle. Diode lasers are generally safe on darker skin types and are ideal for removing thick or coarse hair. This makes the Diode hair removal laser system popular among men seeking treatment to remove back hair or chest hair.
Popular Diode Laser Systems
- SLP, F1 Diode
- LightSheer
- MeDioStar
- SopranoXL
- LaserLite
- Epistar
- Apex
Nd:YAG Hair Removal Laser
Nd:YAG systems provide the latest advancements in cosmetic laser technology. Besides effective hair removal lasers, this system offers numerous applications including tattoo removal and laser skin resurfacing for the correction of sun damage. Nd:YAG systems operate at a wavelength of 1064nm. Most other laser systems target the melanin found in hair and skin. However, targeting melanin constricts application to removing dark hair from individuals with light skin types. At the 1064nm wavelength, carbon is a better chromophore (a colored chemical compound that absorbs light) than melanin. Before treatment, a carbon lotion is applied to the skin. The unwanted body hair then absorbs the carbon. Because the laser targets the carbon and not melanin, laser hair removal using the Nd:YAG laser is safe for all skin types, even tan skin tones.
Popular Nd:YAG laser systems
- Cynosure
- Candela
- GentleYAG
- Medlite IV
- Lyra
- Sciton
- Cutera
IPL Hair Removal
IPL laser hair removal does not utilize a true laser, but the equivalent in the form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL.) Like lasers, IPL’s initiate photothermolysis by pulsing thermal energy that is absorbed by melanin in the hair follicle. The advantage of intense pulsed light is a customizable wavelength, energy level, and pulse duration.
Popular IPL systems for hair removal
- Aculight
- Quantum
- Vasculight
- Epilight
- PhotoDerm
Learn more about Laser Hair Removal from SKINNEY Medspa >>
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Before selecting the right Laser Hair Removal Device for your treatments, many people want to know about the longevity of laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is FDA approved for permanent hair reduction. It works by destroying the hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back. Individual experiences may vary.* However, most people achieve silky smooth skin that lasts long-term.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser Hair Removal disables the hair follicles, keeping them from re-growing. Treatments do this by targeting the pigment in the hair that absorbs light, known as “melanin.” The laser carefully targets each hair with a burst of high-energy light during a hair removal treatment. This light is designed by the hair’s root, not by the surrounding skin.
The high-energy light damages the hair follicle, disabling it from growing back. It is worth mentioning that while laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution for ridding yourself of unwanted hair, treatments require multiple sessions to be effective. This is because hair goes through three distinct stages of growth.
First, the anagen phase or the “active” phase of growth is the stage where the hair contains the largest amount of melanin. Therefore, hair removal treatments are most effective during the anagen stage. However, since only about 20-30% of your hair is in the anagen stage at any given time, Skinney Medspa helps you choose a treatment schedule to achieve optimal results.
Laser Hair Removal Before and After*
Laser hair removal before and after images show each patient achieving smoother, silkier skin. These results are typical with permanent hair reduction. As with any cosmetic treatment, results will vary.* However, the people in the laser hair removal before and after images show genuine results when achieving a laser hair removal treatment from Skinney Medspa.
Laser Hair Removal Cost
Laser hair removal cost depends on the quality of the laser, the treatment areas you select to treat, and the number of treatments needed to achieve long-lasting, smooth, bare skin. You can discuss exactly how much your laser hair removal experience will cost during a complimentary consultation with a technician. This consultation is also an excellent chance for your technician to select the correct type of laser device for your skin and needs. Once these factors are determined, they create a treatment plan that stays within your budget.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can remove unwanted body hair from head to toe. The most popular areas to treat include:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Underarms
- Legs
- Bikini areas
During your consultation, you can discuss the areas you want to treat and how many sessions are needed for your desired outcome.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
It depends on the laser used during your treatment, the treatment area, and the skill of your laser technician. At Skinney Medspa, our highly trained technicians provide painless laser hair removal in NYC using the most advanced lasers on the market.
Laser Hair Removal NYC
Continue to part II of SKINNEY Medspa’s series on the different lasers for permanent hair reduction to discover which laser system is right for you. Or leave it up to the experts at SKINNEY Medspa by scheduling a complimentary laser hair removal consultation. As the premier skin and laser spa in Manhattan, SKINNEY Medspa is known for delivering the best laser hair removal in NYC and can help you discover the best, most effective route for silky, smooth skin.
Part II: The Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Laser Systems >>
