Understanding the Different Laser Hair Removal Machines

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of laser hair removal—yay!  But, before you get too excited about your hairless skin, you might be wondering: “Wait, aren’t there different types of lasers? And how do I know which one is best for me?”

Let’s chat through all the different options so you can research clinics with confidence. Ready to become a laser expert? Let’s dive into our top two laser options!

1. The Classic: Alexandrite Laser (The Speedy Gonzales of Lasers!) 

First up, we’ve got the Alexandrite Laser. This little speedster is the Ferrari of laser hair removal. It’s super fast and super effective, which is why it’s one of the most popular options out there. The Alexandrite laser uses a 755nm wavelength, making it great for people with fair to medium skin tones and dark hair.

Why it’s awesome:

• Super quick: The fast pulse means you can treat larger areas, like legs or arms, in record time. Perfect for those of us who want smooth skin yesterday.

• Great for fine hair: This laser is especially good at targeting fine hair, which is perfect if you’ve been battling that pesky peach fuzz. 

• Eliminates More Hair: Because this laser is more efficient it can remove a greater amount of hair compared to other lasers. 

If you're looking for a fast and effective way to zap away hair and don’t mind a tiny bit of sensation (nothing too crazy, we promise!), the Alexandrite laser hair removal machine is your go-to. 

2. The Gentle Giant: Nd:YAG Laser (The Calm, Cool, and Collected One) 

Next, we’ve got the Nd:YAG Laser. This one is the gentle giant of the laser world. It’s a bit different because it uses a longer wavelength (1064nm), which makes it great for darker skin tones (think: deeper brown or black skin) and thicker, coarser hair.

Why it’s awesome:

• Safe for all skin types: If you have darker skin, this laser is a great option. It’s specifically designed to target hair while leaving the skin beneath it nice and safe. No burns here!

• Deep penetration: It can reach deeper hair follicles, which is perfect for those stubborn, thick hairs. Since the wavelengths are longer the laser won’t target the melanin in the skin, meaning it can reach the hair follicle at full strength and do its job properly!

If you’ve got a darker complexion and have struggled with other lasers in the past, the Nd:YAG laser might be the perfect match for you. 

We use a laser that has both Nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser functions!

Yours Smoothly’s Laser: The Perfect Combo

We use the Candela Gentle Max Pro which is one of the best lasers on the market. It uses both the Nd: YAG laser and the Alexandrite laser. So depending on your skin and hair colour we are able to select the laser type that will give you the best results!

Our machine also comes with a cooling spray. So as each laser pulse touches your skin it is met with a blast of cooling cryogen. This makes the process almost painless and keeps the skin nice and happy after the treatment.

Here are two other common laser types that aren’t bad, but just might not be the best possible option out there. 

3. Diode Laser 

If we had to pick a “jack of all trades” in the laser hair removal world, it would definitely be the Diode Laser. It works well on a wide range of skin tones (from light to medium).

Things to keep in mind:

• Wavelegnth: The Diode laser uses a 810nm wavelength, which is shorter than the Nd:YAG but longer than the Alexandrite laser, which makes it great for a variety of hair types and colours.

• Less pain: While some lasers can feel a bit more intense, Diode lasers tend to be a little gentler while still being effective.

The Diode laser isn’t the best option for people with darker skin. Since the wavelengths of the laser are shorter, they can end of targeting more of the melanin in the skin vs. Targeting the hair follicle. This can lead to some increased skin irritation and less accurate results. 

Some Diode lasers require the use of gel on the skin to act as a protecting barrier from the lasers heat and to help amplify the laser waves. Make sure to check with your technician to see which version of the machine they have. 

4. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) 

Okay, we know it’s technically not a laser, but it’s still worth mentioning! IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses broad-spectrum light to target hair follicles, making it a more gentle and less intense option for those looking for a less aggressive treatment.

Some Pros and Cons:

• Great for lighter skin tones: IPL works best for lighter skin and darker hair, but it’s an excellent option for those who are just starting out with laser hair removal and want something less intense.

While it’s not technically a “laser,” IPL is a great starting point for those who are looking for a less intense treatment or who are treating smaller areas, like the upper lip or underarms. But it’s important to keep in mind that it works best on lighter skin and darker hair. So if you have lighter hair or darker skin, another laser option will give you better results. 

Unlike the other lasers, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with many different wavelengths. This means that the light energy is less focused and may not penetrate the skin as effectively. 

The broader spectrum of light can make IPL less effective for hair removal, meaning it could require more treatments and results may not last as long. 

Most IPL machines also require applying gel to the skin so that there is a barrier between the skin and the intense heat of the laser. This makes the laser process set up and clean up take longer. Some people also find gel lasers a bit more painful. 

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That can be a lot of information to take in at once but hopefully it will help you find a laser treatment centre that uses a laser that will give you the best results. If you have any questions about laser types or would like to book in for a session shoot us a message!