Laser hair removal is one of the most demanded services in the aesthetic sector. Both women and men are increasingly turning to this method to remove unwanted hair, which has led to the emergence of a multitude of centers dedicated exclusively to hair removal.
There are different methods of laser hair removal, so both users and aesthetics professionals can get lost between the benefits and advantages of one and the other.
How does laser hair removal work?
It is a procedure that uses heat produced by a beam of light, which removes the hair follicle and prevents hair regrowth.
The laser uses a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the melanin. For laser hair removal to be effective, the hair to be treated must be in the anagen phase.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases.
- Anagen phase: this lasts between 2 and 6 years. It is that of hair growth.
- Catagen phase: lasts between 2 and 3 weeks. At this stage the matrix cells stop reproducing and regression occurs.
- Telogen phase: during 3 to 4 months, the hair is released from the skin and falls out.
Normally, body hair is usually in the anagen phase. Several laser hair removal sessions are performed, spaced over time, to try to apply the light beam on as many hairs as possible in this phase.
It must be taken into account that hair growth in the human body is not in unison, but that each area has its own rhythm.
Characteristics of laser hair removal
The laser systems used for hair removal offer certain characteristics that indicate their effectiveness and mode of operation. For a professional it is important to know the meaning and use of the elements that make up the laser.
Wavelength
The beam of light emitted by the laser is directed at the chromophores, which are the atoms that absorb heat. These atoms can only interact with these atoms at certain wavelengths, which is why laser hair removal systems use ranges between 550 nm and 1200 nm.
The longer the wavelength, the deeper the laser reaches. This is an important point, because in order to remove the hair, the base of the hair follicle must be reached.
Fluence
The fluence is the amount of energy delivered to the epilation area, measured in joules/cm2. In principle, the more energy, the better the results.
Spot size
The spot size indicates the area covered by the light beam. The larger the size, the larger the area that can be epilated in a single light pulse, thus reducing the time of each session.
Refrigeration
The cooling system is one of the keys to laser hair removal, as without it, the skin would be burned with every shot. There are different cooling systems depending on the type of laser used.
Pulse duration
The pulse duration influences the effectiveness of the hair removal system. If it is too short, it may cause wounds to the skin tissue, while if it is too long it will not be able to destroy the hair follicle due to lack of heat.
Types of hair removal lasers
Given all this information, you can say “okay, great, now what?” Now you have to decide which machine best suits your needs based on your customers and the above parameters. If you have to decide between diode laser or IPL, here are the main types and differences of hair removal lasers.
Alexandrite laser
The alexandrite laser uses a wavelength of 755 nm. It is fast and very effective with lighter skin and dark, fine hair.
It is particularly suitable for hair removal in the bikini line, underarms and legs. It is also suitable for men’s arms.
Diode laser
Like the alexandrite laser, it is one of the most widespread systems. The diode laser is very effective and fast. It uses a wavelength of 810 nm, which allows it to go deeper.
For this reason, it is very effective in removing hair from the back, abdomen and chest of men, although it can be used on any type of skin with dark hair, even tanned skin.
At Sisneo we market the Twinscan diode laser hair removal machine, which stands out for working on any type of hair with a large spot that makes the process much faster and painless.
Nd Laser
Although it uses a longer wavelength (1064 nm) and is able to go deeper, it does not achieve as good results as alexandrite and diode. The laser is most effective at shorter wavelengths.
Ruby laser
It uses a wavelength of 695 nm, which is why it has been relegated after the appearance of the alexandrite and diode lasers. Its efficacy is lower than these two.
Soprano laser
It is a less effective system than alexandrite and diode because it does not act selectively. More sessions are needed because it emits repetitive shots during each pass.
More sessions are needed to complete the treatment or longer sessions, it is not painful and can be used on any type of skin.
IPL photoepilation
Photoepilation emits different wavelengths, can be used on all types of hair and skin, but is less effective than laser hair removal, so more sessions will be necessary.
It can also be less painful, as it is not as selective as laser.
Which hair removal system is best?
The question you should be asking yourself is not whether ipl or diode hair removal is best, but which works best for which skin and hair type. What is important in this case is the effectiveness of the technology, and this is influenced by whether the skin is light, dark, the color of the hair or whether the skin is sensitive.
It is therefore important to be advised and consulted before starting a treatment.
As for pain, it will also depend on the area to be epilated, the type of skin and the sensitivity of each person.
Contraindications to laser hair removal
Although it is a safe method, in certain cases it is better to avoid its application.
- Pregnancy: hormonal changes that occur in women during pregnancy can cause abnormal hair growth and changes in skin pigmentation. There are also no empirical studies on the safety of laser hair removal in pregnant women.
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Medication: certain medications may cause skin wounds and other effects if laser hair removal is performed during treatment.
- Photosensitizing drugs: Roacutan and Retin A (both used against acne), contraceptive pills, naproxen, ibuprofen and hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) can cause burns.
- Anticoagulant drugs: this group includes all drugs that can alter the blood clotting process, such as simtrom and aspirin.
Side effects
Certain skins may suffer some side effects when receiving the light beam emitted by the laser, such as blisters due to burns or scars due to misuse of the device.
The most common are:
- Hypopigmentation: the skin loses color temporarily. It recovers after a few months.
- Hyperpigmentation: the skin darkens and returns to its normal color after a few months.
- Eye injuries: may occur when a suitable eye protection system is not used.
