Laser hair removal is a straightforward and relatively common treatment at a med spa treatment – but the machine used can make all the difference for your comfort, safety, and overall experience.
This article is your guide to different types of laser hair removal machines. As you read, carefully consider your goals to determine if the laser hair removal treatment will help you meet them!
How Do Laser Hair Removal Machines Work?
All laser hair removal machines use a similar technology with slight variations. They all use light to target melanin (pigment) in your hair. The light penetrates the hair follicle and transforms into heat, which damages the follicle and causes the hair to fall out from the root.
The different types of laser hair removal machines we examine in this article include diode, Nd:yag, and intense pulsed light (IPL).
The intense pulsed light treatment does not use a laser but applies broad spectrum light to target hair follicles for a similar result. IPL is a multi-purpose treatment that also improves the texture and smoothness of your skin, among other benefits.
Types of Laser Hair Removal Machines
In this section, we will explore the best use for each of the two lasers and IPL treatments.
1. Diode Laser
The diode laser is known for having a long wavelength (810 nm). The longer wavelength helps it to penetrate deeper into the hair follicles. Diode lasers are suitable for a variety of skin types and hair colors, although they require a greater contrast between the skin and hair color for the best results.
A cooling gel is applied after treatment to aid with recovery and minimize any adverse effects like irritation, redness, or swelling. Overall, results from laser hair removal with a diode laser are good.
2. Nd: YAG Laser
Diode lasers target hair by detecting the difference between skin tone and hair color. So, the greater the contrast between your hair and skin, the better your results.
The ND: Yag laser has the longest wavelength (1064 nm) of all those on this list, allowing it to penetrate deep into the hair follicle. The deep penetration makes the ND: Yag suitable for dark skin tones and coarse hair. The light is not absorbed by the skin around the hair follicle, which minimizes the risk of damage to the surrounding skin.
IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a laser to remove unwanted hair. It works just as well as laser treatments to target hair follicles and is acceptable for all hair types and skin tones.
Treatments with IPL are fast and efficient, ideal for large or small treatment areas. Discomfort is usually minimal because IPL involves the circulation of crystals and water through a copper radiator, followed by TEC cooling, which can soothe your skin and help prevent adverse reactions such as swelling and redness.
In addition to hair removal, IPL can reduce the appearance of sunspots and age spots. IPL’s versatile light spectrum can also address vascular issues like spider veins and redness, making it a popular choice for overall skin rejuvenation. Its ability to target multiple skin concerns in a non-invasive manner has established IPL as a go-to solution for achieving smoother, more even-toned skin.
Overall, laser hair removal machines rely on the contrast between the skin and hair color for effective hair removal. Choosing the right laser for your skin tone and hair type is essential if you want to get better results.
Post time: Feb-27-2025
