Hair Removal Laser Information

There are three major classes of lasers currently in use in hair removal: Alexandrite lasers, Diode lasers,and Nd:YAG lasers.

Each of the lasers operates at a different wavelength (or color), ranging from 755 nanometers to 1080 nanometers. The wavelength of the laser can influence its ability to target the melanin in hair follicles, with longer wavelength lasers tending to be more effective in people with olive or darker complexions.

The lasers all utilize various cooling technologies used to keep the skin from overheating during treatment. Some cooling methods require the use of thick, chilled gels applied to the skin, while others utilize a cooled tip or a spray of refrigerant timed to cool the skin immediately before, during, or after the laser "shots:".

Lasers now can be used to remove hair on most hair colors and skin types. While people with fair skin and dark hairs make ideal candidates, people with darker skin can be treated as well. Before signing on to a treatment plan, make sure the laser the laser being used is appropriate for your skin type and hair color.

While some ruby lasers are still in use for laser hair removal, the majority of lasers on the market are either Alexandrite, Diode, or Nd:YAG lasers. The following is more detailed information on each of these types of laser and the most popular model for each type.

Alexandrite Lasers

Alexandrite lasers operate at a wavelength of 755 nanometers, the shortest wavelength of the three most common hair removal lasers.

Alexandrite lasers tend to work well on light to olive skin. One such laser is the GentleLase.

The GentleLase has a very large spot size (up to 18mm) and a fast repetition rate (up to 2 Hz), which allows it to cover large areas rather quickly. This makes it a good choice for large areas like the back or legs.

This laser utilizes a cryogenic spray as its cooling mechanism. A small amount of refrigerant is sprayed on the skin in timing with the laser flashes, protecting the skin from damage. The GentleLase is said to be excellent at clearing very fine or thin hairs due to its high maximum fluence (100 J/cm2).

Diode Lasers

Diode lasers operate at a wavelength of 810 nanometers, the second shortest wavelength of the three most common hair removal lasers.

Diode lasers also work well on light to olive skin. Some practitioners use diode lasers on darker skin tones as well, due to the longer wavelength. However, those with very dark skin might want to check into an Nd:YAG laser, as they have a much longer wavelength and thus are thought to be safer on darker skin.

The diode laser is perhaps the most popular laser on the market today due to its versatility and speed. One very popular diode laser is the LightSheer.

The LightSheer laser has a fast repetition rate (up to 2 Hz) and large spot size (either 9mm X 9mm in the ST and ET models or 12 mm in the XC model). Therefore, it is well suited for larger areas like the legs or back.

The lightsheer is cooled by a cooled tip that contacts the skin. A cold, thin gel is then spread over the skin. This thin gel enhances cooling.

 

Nd:YAG Lasers

Nd:YAG lasers operate at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers, the longest wavelength of the three most common hair removal lasers.

This longer wavelength allows the Nd:YAG to penetrate deeper into the skin than the other two lasers. This makes the Nd:YAG laser an excellent choice for people with olive to dark skin. One such laser is the CoolGlide.

The CoolGlide is a high powered laser with a fluence of up to 2300 J/cm2. It has a spot size that is adjustable to 3mm, 5mm, 7mm or 10mm, and a repetition rate of up to 2Hz.

The main advantage of the CoolGlide is its ability to treat dark or even tanned skin (though it is always preferable to avoid tanning several weeks before laser treatment).

The CoolGlide and other Nd:YAG lasers are said to be less effective on finer hairs than the Alexandrite or even Diode lasers. Therefore, if you have fair skin and fine hair, you would most likely be better off investigating either of those two lasers.