If you’re not happy with the traditional method of removing unwanted hair from your face or body, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering for permanent hair removal. The never-ending consumer desire for being hair-free fuels innovation and increases the popularity of laser hair removal treatments. It is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.K. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorbs the light. That destroys the hair.
The best thing about laser hair removal is that it is a professional treatment that helps permanently eradicate hair within 3 to 7 sessions. With so many devices on the market, it’s important to understand the key differences between the technologies used by these devices. Today we are exploring the three most popular laser technologies used on medical-grade Laser Hair Removal Machines – Alexandria, Diode and ND:YAG.
Alexandrite (755) Laser Hair Removal
Alexandrite wavelengthhair types
Alexandrite laser hair removal uses alexandrite crystal as its laser source. It has a wavelength of 755 nm which is converted into heat and helps damage the hair follicles. An Alexandrite wavelength laser causes precise damage and ensures that the surrounding tissue does not get damaged. It can cover a much larger area and has a higher repetition rate. Thus, Alexandria laser hair removal offers an efficient option for removing hair.
Pros of Alexandrite
- Alexandrite wavelength laser is designed to cover larger surface areas.
- It boasts an excellent penetration rate which ensures that fewer treatments are required.
- High pulse repetition rate for faster treatment.
- More effective when it comes to treating thinner hair.
Cons of Alexandrite
- The treatment can be rather uncomfortable due to the penetration rate.
- Not suitable for patients with dark-toned or tanned skin as the laser might damage melanin and cause blistering.
Diode (808) Laser Hair Removal
The Diode wavelength is very effective on darker skin tones but is less effective on lighter, finer hair. Its deep penetration levels offer the best results for skin types I to IV.
Diode laser hair removal has a much higher abruption rate when it comes to melanin. The laser energy will destroy the root of the follicle and instantly disable hair growth for good. It is a much newer option in the market and has become the gold standard. Most diode lasers utilise vacuum systems for listing the skin before releasing a light pulse to offer a more comfortable treatment.
Pros of Diode
- Diode wavelength allows the practitioners to deliver a much higher frequency.
- Studies reveal that diode laser hair removal is a much safer option for all types of skin.
- As diode lasers are available in different sizes, treatments can be performed in smaller and higher body areas.
- The laser beam penetrates deeper into the dermis which makes it more effective when used on a darker skin tone.
- Works best with coarse, dark hair.
Cons of Diode
- Not as effective on lighter or thinner hair.
- Some risks of hypopigmentation and scarring are still present when treatment dark-skinned patients.
- Due to deeper penetration, Diode Laser Hair Removal can be a little bit painful, however its more like a pinch than a pain.
ND:YAG (1064) Laser Hair Removal
ND:YAG Laser Hair Removal is also a popular option. It relies on the use of a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet crystal. It produces two wavelengths. The lower wavelength is effective at treating finer hair, whereas, the higher wavelength can reach deeper follicles housing more terminal hair. It is considered the safest option for use in dark skin tones.
Pros of ND: YAG
- ND:YAG is highly effective for getting rid of thick, coarse hair.
- Protects darkly pigmented epidermis.
- Treats all skin tones.
Cons of ND: YAG
- Caution is necessary for treating darker-skinned patients,
- A higher frequency can make the treatment rather uncomfortable even though patients might be tolerable.
Alexandrite vs Diode vs ND:YAG – The Comparison
The ideal wavelength for Laser Hair Removal
At Skin Logic Laser Clinic in Harley Street, our advanced, medical class IV XLase Plus Laser Platform, delivers Triple Wavelengths Technology, Alexandrite 755, Diode 808, ND:YAG 1064, a unique patented technology, which allows for higher coverage and targets the melanin pigment of the hair delivering outstanding results. The triple laser transfers energy downward, reaching different depths of the follicle to create even follicular damage.
Rather than exposing hair follicles to single, high-energy pulses, our advanced hair removal platform gradually heats the dermis and damages hair follicles while avoiding injury to the surrounding tissue. This results in a fast, comfortable and effective hair removal on most skin types.
