Laser Hair Removal: Do Your Homework Before Purchasing Equipment

Laser hair removal technology has changed a lot in the past five years.  It should come as no surprise that up to date equipment is better for clients when it comes to both results and comfort levels.  This in turn is good for business.  Clients who are comfortable and have great results will be back when they need you again, and will refer friends for treatment.  And, just as we have seen an improvement in computers, digital cameras, video recorders and cell phones in the past five years, the improvements in lasers have also been vast.

What Type of Laser Should You Use?

Laser energy used for hair removal varies.  It can be visible light, or near infrared radiation.  The wavelengths used vary according to the type of laser, which can be argon, ruby, alexandrite, pulsed diode array or Nd YAG.  Many considerations are used in determining the best type of machine to use.  Pulse width is considered, and it is agreed upon by most professionals that longer pulse widths tend to be safer when used with darker skin.  The same is true of longer wavelengths.  Spot size, which refers to the width of the laser beam, also affects the treatment.  The width of the ideal laser beam is four times the width of the target depth.  Most lasers have a spot width of the average pinky finger.  Energy level, also called fluence, should be considered, measured in joules per square centimeter.  Also repetition rate, which has a cumulative effect.  It is understood that two or three pulses fired at the same target with a delay between pulses can have a better effect than two or three pulses at once.

Multiple Treatments and Depth of Skin

Multiple treatments have been shown to be more effective for long-term reduction of hair. A series of treatments that are spaced at one month for the face, at two  months for the chest and at three months for the legs seems to be an optimum combination. Also keep in mind that the deeper into the skin a laser beam must travel, the less effective it becomes.  Thinner skin is more likely to be helped than thicker skin.

How Many Sessions?

How many sessions a client will need depends on several parameters. The most important of these are the locality of the area that needs to be treated and the gender of the client.  Generally however, three to six sessions will take care of most of the hair removal needs.  Some areas like the back and face in men, who have thicker hair, may require more treatments.  However, compared to the past, treatments today are much more effective and much more comfortable than ever if you are using updated equipment.

To learn more about hair removal and laser technology, read previous blog posts on Advanced Hair Removal and Post Laser Skin Care: Guiding Treatment and Recommendations to Clients