The Different Types of Laser Hair Removal Machines

According to the 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, laser hair removal is one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in the market today. There is also an abundance of devices available for the home. The best home hair removal system even uses the same technology as the ones at professional clinics.

The types of technology used in laser hair removal are: Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, Diode, and IPL. The differences are in the depth of penetration in the skin, allowing it to target the root of the hair. The longer the wavelength, the more effective the treatment.

Source: Researchgate

Alexandrite and Diode are used for light skin with dark hair. Nd:YAG is the one that’s viable for dark skin with dark hair. IPL or intense pulsed light are not true lasers but can function as one.

Brands that use diode lasers include: Lumenis LightSheer and the Alma Soprano XL, Mantis Trisom, Cymedics Diode+

Home diode devices are: Tria Laser Hair Removal System

Brands that use Alexandrite lasers include: the Candela GentleMax Pro, Deka Motus AY & AX, Elemenic Element-SA, Cynosure Accolade, Asclepion Mediostar Next Pro Alex, Sciton Joule, DDC Technologies AL-40, Cutera Excel HR, Wontech Picowon, Lutronic Clarity

Nd:YAG machines include: Deka Synchro Repla:y, Quanta System Thunder MT, Candela Alex Trivantage, Elemenic Element-TL, Alma Soprano Ice Platinum, ITS Tirranus, Bison Dual Accento, Light Age, Epicare Duo

IPL machines at home include: Braun Gillette Venus Silk-Expert, Philips Lumea Prestige, iluminage touch Permanent Hair Reduction Device, Remington iLight Hair Removal System, LumaRx IPL Hair Removal Machine

The most popular lasers at professional salons and medispas use dual devices like the Candela GentleMax Pro which has both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG technology. Most high-end clinics have these types of machines that cost around $100,000 because it caters not just to white skin and dark hair but dark skin with dark hair as well. IPL is the most widely used because it has a variety of functions aside from laser hair removal, including vascular treatments, skin rejuvenation, skin brightening, and many more. All these services in one system is very attractive for business owners. It also allows them to offer services on the affordable side, even though it is technically less effective than true lasers. The client will also have to return for more that they would in comparison to treatments from true lasers.

At home laser hair removal devices are also very popular as it offers an affordable alternative to professional services. The most prevalent technology is still IPL, which is the main reason these devices are affordable. (They range anywhere from $100-$500.) The most effective in my opinion is the only FDA certified device that has diode technology, which makes it the only device that offer a true laser—the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser.

If you’re looking for a laser hair removal solution that won’t break the bank, a home device is the way to go. If you done mind the price tag, a professional treatment by a board certified doctor is the best solution for you.

Resources:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/cosmetic-procedures-average-cost-2018.pdf