Know About The Best Laser Hair Removal for You?
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular way to eliminate unwanted hair. But many people don’t realize that there are five primary types of laser hair removal, all of which differ slightly. You may have wondered – is there safe, effective laser hair removal near me? There is laser hair removal in Coon Rapids, MN, and all over the country. A med spa near you likely offers any of the following five methods of laser hair removal.
Types of laser hair removal procedures
In the early days of laser hair removal, the primary target demographic was people with light skin and dark or coarse hair. With advancements in technology, several types of laser hair removal procedures are available.
Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
Alexandrite laser hair removal is a type of laser hair removal that uses a laser to target the hair follicles. The Alexandrite laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This method is mainly aimed at people with light or olive skin tones since the laser can more effectively differentiate between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin.
Because the wavelengths are shorter, treatment with an Alexandrite laser may require more sessions than with another laser. It also could lead to longer-lasting removal, compared with other methods. Some people claim it hurts slightly less than other lasers, but others believe it leads to the most discomfort during the procedure. As usual, results and the overall experience vary by patient.
Diode Laser Hair Removal
Diode laser hair removal is one of the newer methods on the scene, using semiconductor diodes to create a laser with a wavelength longer than the Alexandrite method. The longer wavelength makes it better for penetrating deeper into the hair follicle.
These lasers are aimed primarily at people with darker skin types and can be more effective at removing thick or coarse hair. It is very popular with men looking to remove chest or back hair, and with continued technological advancement, it can often be a near-painless experience.
The diode laser usually requires fewer treatment sessions, which varies based on the patient.
Ruby Laser Hair Removal
The Ruby laser hair removal system was among the first lasers developed for permanent hair reduction, using a very short wavelength that is particularly effective for people with light and thin hair. The laser does not work as well for people with darker skin tones.
People generally consider the Ruby laser the least painful laser hair removal method, but this is because it has a long pause between laser pulses to decrease discomfort. Because of this, the procedure takes longer than other methods – so it is ideal for smaller treatment areas.
Nd and LP Nd: YAG
The Nd and LP Nd: YAG is one of the most versatile laser hair removal systems. It has the longest wavelength, meaning the procedure can be more uncomfortable than other lasers.
Before treatment, a specialist typically applies carbon lotion to the skin because carbon absorbs light more than melanin.
The unwanted body hair absorbs the carbon. The laser then targets the carbon over the melanin, meaning the Nd and LP Nd: YAG laser is safe and effective for most skin types. However, people with darker skin are more likely to benefit the most.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, does not use an actual laser but mimics the effects by pulsing the thermal energy that the melanin absorbs. A professional can customize the IPL’s wavelength, pulse duration, and energy level. This customization allows the practitioner to apply IPL to patients based on skin tone and hair qualities.
The number of IPL sessions needed to remove hair often varies more per patient than with other methods, based on the fact that the best IPL customization for your specific case may be the slowest option.
Are all five types of laser hair removal near me?
The availability of each type of laser hair removal varies by provider. Most spas will have every option available, whether you live in Coon Rapids, MN, or New York City. When looking for laser hair removal near you, research and speak with a professional to understand which type of laser hair removal best suits your needs.
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