Types of Hair Removal Laser

Different types of laser used in laser hair removal have different advantages and disadvantages. It is always worth talking to several different laser hair removal clinics as they may use different laser technologies. You can then choose the best one for your particular circumstances.

Ruby Laser
Ruby lasers are best suited to people with a lighter skin, and as with all laser hair removal, dark hairs are more easily treated than blonde and grey hairs. The small spot size makes it good for small areas.

Alexandrite Laser
Alexandrite lasers have a variable spot size and so are good for treating large areas - a whole back can be done in 30-40 mins. They are safer for dark skin than ruby lasers

NdYAG Laser
The NdYAG laser is especially suited to darker skin types and thicker coarser hair. It is normally safe for all skin types, and causes the least epidermal damage and the least discomfort during treatment of all laser types.

Diode Laser
This laser is suitable a wide range of skin types , due to its longer wavelength, and for darker thicker hairs. As with all lasers, it is less effective for lighter and finer hairs. It is useful for the treatment of large body areas, and some say that diode lasers provide the best balance of results, speed and comfort.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL )
IPL is not actually a laser, but it comes under the general term laser hair removal. It produces broadband light energy of many different wavelengths. It iss most commonly used by non-specialist medical practitioners and beauticians, and uses a specially constructed xenon flash lamp and focusing optics.

The Intense Pulsed Light hair removal process has become very popular due to its cheaper and faster procedure than standard laser hair removal. The comparison of effectiveness between Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Epilation is debated by equipment manufacturers and practitioners but it is generally accepted to produce equivalent results.