Most people point out that compared to IPL, the effectiveness of diode lasers is the main difference, but where does this come from? We take a look at what you need to know about laser hair removal technology. Before investing in the laser hair removal business, it is key to understand the difference between a diode laser and IPL.
Learn About Laser Hair Removal Technology
The key principle of laser hair removal is to match the specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to a specific target (that is, the melanin in the hair follicle), while avoiding the surrounding tissue area. Melanin is a natural pigment associated with color in our skin and hair.
Learn About Diode Laser Hair Removal Technology
The key to successful laser hair removal is to transfer high energy into the skin. Energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin around the hair follicles, while not affecting the surrounding tissues.
The 808nm wavelength light used by diode lasers has a high ablation rate in melanin. As the melanin heats up, it destroys the roots, and the blood flowing to the hair follicles permanently loses the hair’s ability to grow. High-quality laser hair removal machines such as The Primelase HR and The Elysion use crystal freezing refrigeration contact cooling (+ 5ºC) to protect the skin surface and make the treatment a comfortable and painless experience for patients. Diode lasers provide high-frequency, low-energy pulses and can be used safely on all skin types.
Learn About IPL Hair Removal Technology
IPL (intense pulsed light) technology is technically not a laser treatment. It uses a broad spectrum of light with many wavelengths meaning it leads to unfocused energy around the hair and skin area. As a result there is much wastage of energy and less selective absorption in the follicle resulting in less effective destruction of the hair. Using broadband light also increases the potential for side effects such as burns or pigmentation, particularly if integrated cooling is not used. IPLs are typically only suitable for lighter skin types (1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale) for the most part.
What is the difference between diode laser hair removal and IPL?
The treatment methods outlined above mean that, typically, IPL technology will require more regular and long-term treatments for hair reduction. A diode laser will work more effectively with less patient discomfort (with integrated cooling) while treating more skin and hair types than the IPL.
Which laser is most suitable for your salon business?
In business your customers are king. Diode laser hair removal is all about delivering the most effective technology that gives high client satisfaction and the most ROI for your business. However not all diode lasers are created equal so it’s important to understand critical factors that deliver on this.
Choosing a system that has Medical CE mark provides the assurance of much more stringent product testing and quality. To achieve this the original manufacturer will have an ISO 13485 accreditation. It’s thought that in the not too distant future a Medical CE mark will be a regulatory requirement of all cosmetic devices.
How much does a professional laser hair removal machine cost?
Prices can vary greatly between brands. Be aware that like most things in life if prices sound ‘too good to be true’ they usually are. Cheap aesthetic machines will be of poorer quality and can end up costing businesses more in the long run.
High quality diode lasers can last for many millions of pulses making their running costs low. IPLs on the other hand, will require regular changes of either their flash-lamps or hand-pieces will have to be factored in to costs when considering the total business cost.
Diode laser hair machine specifications
The spot size, power and technical specifications of a diode laser hair machine can be easily used to help you can select the right model for your business.
Effectively pulses mean cash so a smaller spot size requires more shots to treat a specific area. However with larger spot sizes it’s important to remember the laser hair removal machine must have the power to handle a larger spot size.