Hair Removal Lasers Comparing Diode and Alexandrite Lasers

By Brian Lett
9 Min Read

Laser hair removal works by selectively heating dark target matter (melanin) and disabling hair follicles without harming surrounding tissues.

Studies have proven both Alexandrite and Diode lasers to be equally effective at reducing hair. One such study showed similar results six to 12 months post treatment for both types of laser.

The Diode Laser

Laser hair removal is an effective, non-invasive solution to unwanted body hair. The procedure works by emitting pulses of light energy from a hand-held device into your skin where they penetrate deeply enough to target active hair follicles – heating them until they can no longer survive and permanently disable them to stop future hair growth and save you from shaving, tweezing and waxing! You’ll finally be free from shaving, tweezing and waxing!

Diode laser hair removal is ideal for patients with light to medium skin tones. The wavelengths used by diode lasers penetrate to deeper layers of skin where they target melanin molecules to convert them into heat energy that destroys hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue – making this treatment method “safe” and effective across all hair types.

Diode laser technology differs significantly from IPL in that it uses only one wavelength of light for hair reduction, which leads to less wasteful energy use and selective absorption by hair follicles. Diode lasers utilize only one wavelength, helping reduce redness and swelling post session as side effects.

Outpatient treatments require no anesthetics or sutures, making this process simpler and quicker than ever. Simply prepare for your session by refraining from certain hair removal methods such as shaving and waxing for at least a couple weeks leading up to it; additionally, the area being treated should be completely bare prior to beginning treatment.

Though both alexandrite and diode lasers can provide effective hair reduction results, according to a 2004 Dermatologic Surgery study it was revealed that Alexandrite Laser provided superior results due to its longer wavelength and larger laser head.

Your clients will reap many advantages by opting for our Nd:YAG lasers; these longer wavelength lasers don’t target melanin and therefore offer safer and more effective treatment of all skin tones and hair colors.

The Alexandrite Laser

The Alexandrite Laser uses a wavelength of 755nm to permanently reduce unwanted hair by disabling its growth, leading to long-term reduction of unwanted strands after multiple sessions. The wavelength penetrates skin layers to reach pigmented areas and disable hair follicles from growing; Alexandrite lasers work best on patients with light to medium complexion who have not been sun tanned.

The alexandrite laser is also widely known for its effectiveness at treating telangiectasia and reticular veins, small blood vessels under three millimeters in diameter that appear most commonly on legs as signs of varicose veins. To minimize skin damage in superficial layers of skin, however, patients are recommended not using tanning products or visiting solariums three to four weeks before a session with the alexandrite laser and not shaving, waxing, or plucking hairs before treatment with it.

In a laser treatment procedure, the alexandrite laser’s cooling system helps protect the surface of the skin. Without its operation, each pulse of light energy would lead to immediate tissue destruction. Usually comprised of both water and glycerol solutions, this cooling system ensures maximum safety during treatment.

Alexandrite lasers are among the fastest lasers on the market, enabling large areas to be treated quickly and effortlessly – making them a fantastic option for clinics offering fast yet convenient laser hair removal services.

Studies conducted on alexandrite and diode lasers for hair removal have yielded similar efficacy rates, as evidenced by studies published in Dermatologic Surgery journal in 2004 demonstrating both systems as capable of reaching hair reduction rates of up to 85% after four treatment sessions with either system.

The Ruby Laser

The Ruby laser is one of the oldest and best-known laser hair removal methods available today. After almost four decades in use, its vast body of research and knowledge makes it one of the most commonly utilized lasers today in clinics worldwide. Ideal for fine hair on light skin tones; not as effective on darker or coarser locks.

The Ruby laser emits a red beam which targets melanin pigmentation found within hair follicles, turning energy into heat that is then absorbed by surrounding tissues to destroy and prevent further hair growth – this process, known as photothermolysis, has an exceptionally high patient satisfaction rate.

At the core of every ruby laser lies an Al2O3: Cr3+ single crystal in cylindrical form that serves as its laser medium or active medium. Doped with small amounts of chromium ions for enhanced thermal properties, its pump source supplies energy through a mirror M1 with 100mm radius and reflectivity of 1% at wavelength 694nm before this energy is transferred through population inversion into its ruby medium.

It can be achieved by applying low intensity pulses of low intensity to the ruby crystal, creating an electromagnetic field within it and exciting electrons within, shifting their state from ground state to meta stable or higher energy states, thus stimulating emission. When an electron enters a higher energy state it may spontaneously release lower energy photons which are amplified into laser beams – this phenomenon is known as stimulated emission.

Laser energy absorbed by melanin in hair follicles converts into heat energy that damages its ability to grow hair, eventually leading to its demise altogether. This method is much quicker and more effective than electrolysis in eliminating unwanted hair growth; however, patient selection and full explanation are crucial components of success for optimal outcomes.

The ND:YAG Laser

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment among those who desire smooth, hair-free skin. Additionally, it can also be used to address unwanted pigmentation or discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles as well as unwanted discolourations of fine lines and wrinkles. Laser technology works by emitting therapeutic energy that is non-ablative – meaning it won’t damage outer layers of your skin but instead directly targets areas of concern in order to address them directly.

The ND:YAG Laser uses longer wavelengths to penetrate deeper into the skin, avoiding superficial laser-related damage while targeting melanin pigments responsible for hair growth. As such, this laser works effectively for those with darker complexions who find diode or Alexandrite lasers difficult to use.

ND:YAG lasers are widely used to remove unwanted hair on both the face and body, as well as treat vascular lesions like spider veins and rosacea. This type of laser can particularly effectively combat inflammation associated with rosacea by reducing redness and creating more even skin tones.

Light energy in the form of photons is used to break down tattoo ink into smaller particles that are then cleared by your body’s natural processes and eliminated through multiple treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart for optimal results. For optimal results, multiple sessions should be scheduled accordingly.

Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection that thickens and yellows nails, can also be treated effectively using this laser therapy machine; ND:YAG lasers tend to work more effectively for this condition than IPL and ruby lasers due to their ability to combat onychomycosis effectively.

If you want to determine which laser will best meet your hair removal needs, the best thing is to consult with a dermatologist. They will be able to give an in-depth assessment of both skin type and hair type, while outlining both benefits and drawbacks of various laser options.

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