Laser Hair Removal: An In-Demand Aesthetic Treatment
Laser hair removal is currently one of the most sought-after services in the beauty and aesthetics industry with both women and men turning to this method to get rid of unwanted body hair. This new wave of popularity has led to a proliferation of specialised centres focused exclusively on hair removal treatments.
With so many types of laser hair removal methods available, it can be overwhelming for the average person to navigate the benefits and distinctions of each laser treatment. Thankfully our professional hair removal experts are here to provide some advice and shed some light on the various types.
So which is the right laser hair removal treatment for your needs? Well, the honest answer is that the key question isn’t whether IPL or Diode is better - it’s which technology is most suitable based on skin type, hair colour, and sensitivity.
Why Get Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Fed up with the constant cycle of shaving, sticky waxing strips, or smelly creams? Laser hair removal could be your ticket to smoother, simpler skin in the long run! While it needs a few sessions upfront, it tackles hair right at the root - meaning significantly less regrowth over time and lasting smoothness that razors or creams just can’t match.
Some people think of it as an investment that will save you both money and time in the long run. You might spend more initially, but imagine waving goodbye to endless packs of razors, pricey salon waxes, or tubes of depilatory cream forever! Plus, your skin will likely thank you. Laser treatment minimises common gripes like painful ingrown hairs, razor bumps, nicks, and the irritation often caused by traditional methods.
Once your course is finished, you’ll reclaim countless hours – no more daily shaves or pre-holiday waxing faff. The result? Consistently smoother skin without the scratchy stubble. It’s a popular choice for ditching the upkeep and feeling more confident, effortlessly.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal involves the use of a concentrated beam of light that produces heat to target and destroy hair follicles, effectively reducing hair growth over time.
This laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by melanin - the pigment found in hair. For optimal results, the laser must target hairs that are in the Anagen phase of the growth cycle (see below).
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair goes through three key stages of growth:
• Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts from 2 to 6 years. Hair actively grows during this phase.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. Hair growth stops and the follicle shrinks.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): Lasts approximately 3 to 4 months. Hair eventually falls out and is replaced by new growth.
Since not all hair on the body is in the same phase at the same time, multiple laser sessions spaced over several weeks are necessary to effectively target as many hairs as possible in the Anagen stage.
Key Features of Laser Hair Removal Technology
Laser systems used in hair removal have several technical specifications that affect their performance. Professionals assess these elements to choose the right machine and settings to provide the best treatment for your specific skin type and area.
Wavelength
Each laser emits light at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by chromophores (light-absorbing molecules, mainly melanin). Laser hair removal systems typically use wavelengths between 550 nm (nanometers) and 1200 nm. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the laser penetrates the skin, which is crucial for reaching the hair follicle root.
Fluence
Fluence refers to the amount of energy delivered per square centimeter, measured in Joules/cm². In general, higher energy results in better hair removal outcomes.
Spot Size
This is the diameter of the laser beam. A larger spot size covers more skin per pulse, allowing for quicker treatments.
Cooling System
Skin cooling is essential to prevent burns and discomfort during treatment. Various cooling technologies are built into laser systems to protect the skin.
Pulse Duration
The pulse length determines how long the laser energy is applied. If it’s too short, it may damage the skin, where as if it’s too long it may fail to destroy the hair follicle effectively!
Types of Hair Removal Lasers
When deciding which laser is best suited to your needs, it’s important to understand the different laser types and how they interact with various skin and hair types.
Alexandrite Laser
• Wavelength: 755 nm
• Highly effective for light skin with fine, dark hair
• Commonly used on areas like bikini line, legs, and underarms
• Also works well for male arm hair
Diode Laser
• Wavelength: 810 nm
• Deep penetration makes it excellent for thicker, darker hair and larger body areas like the back, chest, and abdomen
• Suitable for most skin types, including tanned skin
• The Twinscan diode laser is notable for treating a wide range of hair types quickly and with minimal discomfort
Nd:YAG Laser
• Wavelength: 1064 nm
• Penetrates deeper into the skin but generally offers less effective results compared to Alexandrite and Diode lasers
• Still beneficial for darker skin types
Ruby Laser
• Wavelength: 695 nm
• One of the earliest laser types for hair removal, now largely outdated due to its limited effectiveness and slower speed compared to modern systems
Soprano Laser
• Uses low-energy, repetitive pulses across a larger area
• Requires more sessions to achieve desired results
• Suitable for all skin types and generally less painful
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
• Unlike lasers, IPL emits a broad range of wavelengths
• Can be used on various skin tones and hair types, but less efficient and requires more sessions
• Typically gentler and less painful than laser treatments
So, Which Hair Removal Method is Right for You?
Hopefully this article provides you with a basic understanding of what laser hair removal treatment involves and how each laser type performs. At Rachael Katie Cosmetics we use the latest Diode Laser technology, as it's painless and provides great performance across skin types and areas.
The effectiveness of any laser hair removal treatment depends heavily on the factors mentioned above. For this reason, it’s essential to get a professional evaluation and advice before starting any laser hair removal regimen.
