Which Laser Hair Removal Is Best?

In other words, which laser hair removal is best for my skin color, my hair color and my hair removal goals? Which type of laser machine offers me the best results?

The best laser hair removal machine for you is one that is capable of treating your skin color and hair type. Modern laser machines have more options than ever including the ability to read your skin tone to ensure you get a result tailored to your skin color and cooling options for better safety.

The four types of laser technologies used for hair removal are:

• Ruby
• Diode
• Alexandrite
• Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet)

Modern laser hair removal machines have features that enable them to better treat different skin colors and hair colors, two very important factors for hair removal success. Modern lasers also may come with cooling technology to make the process more comfortable and less painful.

Below we’ll discuss the four types of lasers in more detail and some popular brand names for each.

Which Laser Hair Removal Is Best?

Ruby Laser

Key points:

• Best for light colored skin types
• Works on light and dark colored hair
• Good for covering small areas of hair removal
• Works on fine hair better than other lasers do

Well-known brand names: Palomar E2000, RubyStar, EpiStar Ruby

Diode Laser

Key points:

• Good for light to medium dark skin types I-IV
• Works better for darker skinned clients than Ruby laser
• Emits both longer and shorter wavelengths so it offers deep penetration of hair follicles
• Decreases chance of skin damage
• Good for larger areas of hair removal than Ruby laser

Well-known brand names: Infinity, SLP 100, F1 Diode, MeDioStar, Light Sheer, LaserLite, Apex 800, and Epistar

Alexandrite Laser

Key points:

• Suitable for a wide variety of skin colors from light skin to olive skin
• Tends to be more suitable for olive skinned patients, an advantage over the Ruby and Diode
• Faster machine that can cover a larger area of hair with each pulse with a high repetition rate which are the main advantages over the Ruby and Diode
• Has a slightly longer wavelength than the Ruby laser

Well-known brand names: Candela GentleLase, Cynosure Apogee, EpiTouch Plus

Nd:YAG

Key points:

• The most versatile hair removal option, possibly suitable for all skin types I-VI
• Best laser hair removal option for dark skin
• Doesn’t work well on fine or white hair
• While it has the most potential of all lasers to destroy hair down to the base of the hair follicle the Nd:YAG may also require more treatments due to its lower ability to absorb melanin.

Well-known brand names: Cutera CoolGlide, Cynosure Elite iQ, Candela GentleYAG, Athos, Medlite IV, Laserscope Lyra, and Image

Laser Hair Removal Brands and Machines

While we listed some of the major commercial brand names to be aware of, there are some specific manufacturers and machines you’re likely to read and hear about most frequently for laser hair removal at clinics you visit.

Whereas older lasers used one of the four technologies, newer laser brands often combine two or more types of lasers in one unit making them more versatile for different skin and hair types, than ever before.

Based on what I’m seeing, many (most?) clinics these days are using Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers (or both) for hair removal so let’s talk about some of the popular ones:

Synchro REPLA:Y by Deka Laser: An Alexandrite laser, Nd:YAG and pulsed light machine rolled into one. Can be configured by the clinic in several ways. This machine not only performs hair removal but is useful for assisting with skin issues such as lesions and Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) among others. This laser has a fast 3 pulses per second speed and can accommodate a wide range of spot sizes (2.5 to 24mm spot size) depending on the area being treated. Settings can be adjusted per patient and pain may be less than other machines.

Elite iQ by Cynosure: Referred to as an Aesthetic Workstation for hair removal and skin revitalization. Is a combined Alexandrite-ND: YAG laser system that comes with Skintel® a first-of-its-kind melanin reader to confirm the skin tone of each patient for a customized experience. Marketed as a permanent hair reduction option for all skin types and body hair removal wherever desired. Launched in June 2020 it’s one of the most modern machines available.

SPLENDOR X: This laser combines long-pulsed 755nm Alexandrite as well as a 1064nm Nd: YAG laser energy. The SPLENDOR X offers a unique square-shaped spot size of 20mm X 20mm (Alexandrite) and 24mm X 24mm (Nd:YAG)

Clarity II Laser by Lutronic: This laser combines long-pulsed 755nm Alexandrite as well as a 1064nm Nd: YAG laser energy. The machine can be adjusted for various skin types and hair colors to better serve a variety of skin tones and hair colors.

GentleLase Pro by Candela: A 755 nm Alexandrite laser optimal for skin types I-III. Can handle a wide range of spot sizes from 1.5 mm up to 24 mm. Has an air cooling option for comfort to cool the skin.

GentleYAG Pro by Candela: A 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser optimal for skin types IV-VI. Can handle a wide range of spot sizes from 1.5 mm up to 24 mm. Has an air cooling option for comfort to cool the skin.

GentleMax Pro by Candela: Combines the two lasers found in the GentleLase Pro and GentleYAG Pro machines. Can handle a wide range of spot sizes from 1.5 mm up to 24 mm. Has an air cooling option for comfort to cool the skin.

Conclusion

• Modern laser hair removal machines do a better job than older versions of treating a wider range of customers with various skin tones and hair color.
• They also tend to combine 2 or more laser technologies (Alexandrite and Nd:YAG for example) and may come with a cooling function for safety and comfort and other features previously unavailable.
• A brand new option called Elite iQ comes with a unique feature that reads a person’s skin tone to better meet their unique needs. Gone are the days when lasers were only available for those with light skin and dark hair.
• Which laser hair removal is best for you? You have plenty to choose from depending on your skin color, hair color, hair coarseness, amount of unwanted hair to be removed and more factors. Just check with local clinics in your area to see what options are available.