Laser hair removal can be a safe and effective method for removing unwanted hair. However, side effects may arise if an inexperienced technician performs it improperly or uses the wrong type of laser.
Different lasers vary greatly in their effectiveness for treating various skin tones and hair colors. Spot size and fluence also have an impactful role to play when considering whether the treatment will be permanent.
Nd: YAG
Nd: YAG laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after long-term methods of hair reduction, due to its ability to selectively target and destroy individual follicles without harming surrounding skin. Selective photothermolysis (SPT) works by targeting melanin found in hair follicles with laser light beams; to do this, the laser sends light beams directly to each follicle and absorbs its wavelength, damaging them and stopping hair growth in its tracks. Selective damage requires several components in order to be effective: an appropriate chromophore, wavelength and parameters that limit how much energy can be absorbed by hair follicles. Nd:YAG lasers offer safest treatment solutions for people with darker Fitzpatrick skin types due to their use of lower frequencies and longer wavelengths.
Nd: YAG crystals produce two wavelengths suitable for laser hair removal: one wavelength is suitable for treating fine, lighter hair while the other targets darker follicles that contain more terminal hairs. Nd: YAG laser technology has become one of the most commonly used laser technologies for permanently reducing unwanted hair growth among those with darker skin tones, offering effective treatments against unwanted follicles that produce excessive terminal hairs.
Studies have demonstrated that Nd: YAG laser treatments with short pulses are just as effective at hair removal on darker skin than longer pulses, without causing significant discomfort to users or suitability for those with tanned skin.
Some patients with darker complexions can experience superficial crusts after treatments; these typically peel away within one week and provide an obvious contrast to their normal skin color. This effect is caused by melanin’s absorption of laser light into their bodies, so taking precautionary steps such as applying sunscreen every day after treatments could prevent this complication.
After six to eight sessions, most people can expect 80% to 90% permanent hair reduction. Maintenance sessions may still be necessary due to hormonal shifts or new hair growth; many salons provide annual packages or unlimited session rates at a fixed price.
Diode
Laser technology enables hair follicles to be targeted and destroyed without harming surrounding skin, leading to long-term reduction of unwanted hair growth. Diode laser hair removal utilizes handheld devices that emit rapid pulses of laser energy that penetrate deep into follicles where melanin absorbs it, effectively disabling them to prevent future hair growth. Furthermore, this procedure is much quicker than more traditional forms of removal like waxing or shaving.
Diode laser treatments differ from IPL treatments by targeting specific wavelengths that target melanin pigment more precisely and efficiently, for maximum effectiveness. They’re considered safe for most skin types and work especially well on dark hair due to contrast between its hue and that of the patient’s own complexion.
Like all laser treatments, this procedure does cause some discomfort; however, most patients find that after several sessions they experience significant hair reduction. The number of sessions depends on each individual as the natural growth cycle may result in new hair appearing between sessions; this typically appears much thinner and less noticeable.
There are other factors that could impede the success of laser hair removal treatments, including type of laser, beam size and fluence (energy density). A larger spot size is more effective at targeting multiple follicles quickly, leading to more comprehensive coverage; similarly, higher fluence helps reach deeper skin layers more efficiently while effectively damaging melanin pigment cells.
Diode laser hair removal can be an ideal solution for both women and men looking for safe hair removal solutions, without anesthesia or sutures required – making it suitable for home and office use alike.
Alexandrite
Laser hair removal uses a long-pulsed Alexandrite laser to heat up melanin (pigment) present in hair follicles and destroy it, leading to permanent reduction of hair growth. Thermal damage causes them to miniaturize and die, ultimately leading to permanent hair reduction. It works on all skin types including those with dark complexions; its effectiveness depends on how much melanin there is present within their follicles – for optimal results it should be avoided for three weeks prior to treatments on tanned skin.
Laser hair removal differs significantly from electrolysis in that it treats multiple follicles at once, making the process faster and less painful than its alternative methods like shaving or waxing. Furthermore, lasers have proven more effective than these other hair removal approaches like shaving or waxing in eliminating hair growth; however, multiple sessions may still be necessary to ensure all follicles have been destroyed completely.
Ruby laser was the initial laser used for hair removal. Due to its shorter wavelength and lower risk of complications, this laser proved more successful at targeting light skin tones than its counterparts. Unfortunately, however, dark or black hairs proved harder for it penetrate deeper layers of skin due to difficulties penetrating this particular laser’s wavelengths.
Diode laser hair removal is also an increasingly popular solution, providing another excellent option. Similar to its Alexandrite counterpart, this diode laser can be more suitable for light or medium skin tones and hair colors as its settings can be tailored specifically for each client. Diode lasers tend to be gentler than their Alexandrite counterparts but still don’t perform well against dark or black hairs.
Along with the five types of lasers listed above, there is also intense pulsed light hair removal (IPL). Though not strictly classified as a laser treatment, this form of intense pulsed light works similarly and can be tailored to suit all skin and hair colors with less expensive costs than most forms of laser procedures.
No matter which laser hair removal procedure is chosen, it’s vitally important that it be performed by an experienced practitioner in order to reduce risks such as redness and swelling. Furthermore, it should be avoided for at least twelve days prior to treatment as waxing, plucking or epilating can increase side effects such as reddening.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide laser treatments are an efficient tool in both cosmetic and medical skin treatments, offering precise removal of thin layers of skin without causing harm to nearby structures. They’re especially useful in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, surgical scars and sun damage as well as treating and preventing keratinocyte skin cancers – as well as being used to treat enlarged oil glands on the nose (rhinophyma).
Carbon Dioxide laser hair removal uses light energy to heat the pigment in hair follicles and destroy them, eventually stopping future hair growth and decreasing unwanted hairs over time. While this procedure is safe, quick, and non-invasive it is important to understand any risks that are associated with any form of laser treatment; here are some of the more prevalent risks:
Carbon dioxide lasers can be used not only for hair removal, but also in various cosmetic procedures like scar reduction, facelifts, blepharoplasty and photofacials – which may help individuals look younger and healthier. Before undertaking such treatments it is wise to consult a physician.
CO2 laser resurfacing is an effective treatment option for mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles, including those around the eyes, on the forehead, tightening skin on cheeks and upper lip, soften deep lines, eliminate stretch marks and hyperpigmentation, diminish sun freckles/age spots/age spots as well as repair mild scars to reduce appearance of enlarged pores.
CO2 laser therapy can also help treat sebaceous hyperplasia, which occurs when sebum gets trapped in an oil gland and expands it, creating a waxy bump on your skin. While not harmful, CO2 laser can quickly and safely treat this condition by targeting its affected gland without harming any surrounding skin tissue.
