The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Machine 

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Just because laser hair removal services are popular today doesn’t mean you should start your beauty centre or spa with any old hair removal machine.

Finding a good hair removal machine is the most important step on your journey. That is if you want to establish a laser hair removal reputation or grow your aesthetic clinic or medical spa with this in-demand treatment. Before making a large purchase, one that will determine your company’s success, there are things to consider.

But, if you’re completely unfamiliar with what kind of hair removal equipment is available on the market, no worries. Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about laser hair removal machines.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hair Removal Machine

In this day and age, everything happens at a lightning-fast pace.

Customers and patients seeking aesthetic treatments are looking for almost immediate gratification. They want care that is flexible enough to fit into their busy lives and agendas. They not only want and desire haste, but they also expect that it be provided to them.

This is not a discussion about providing swift service to customers, though quick response times are essential for running your business. We are talking about relatively short periods of time for therapy.

Choose the Right Spot Size

When compared to a laser that has a smaller spot size, a laser that has a larger spot size may significantly reduce treatment durations. It allows you to book more patients per day.

In addition, larger spot sizes enable deeper penetration into the skin. This ultimately results in greater treatment efficacy on the skin’s deepest follicles.

You can also explore our hair removal machines here. You’ll find all the details about spot size in the description. 

Ensure That All Skin Types Can Be Treated

You need to be able to serve customers with a variety of skin types if you want to be considered the top laser hair removal service in your neighbourhood. It is never a good idea to refuse service to a client for any reason, especially when you are unable to address their skin tone in the appropriate manner.

When the technology for hair removal first became available, it could only be used on individuals with skin that was lighter in tone.

Patients with darker skin types had more adverse effects. These include hyperpigmentation, burns, and other problems, as a result of the treatment. Even though much more ancient technology is still in use today, the development of more recent technology, such as the capacity to operate at a variety of wavelengths, integrated skin cooling, and other improvements, has made laser hair removal safer and more accessible to patients with all different types of skin.

You’ll want a machine that not only treats all skin types but also eliminates most hair types regardless of texture or skin colour. Additionally, you’ll want a machine that has an inbuilt 360-degree contact skin-chilling system. It’ll instantly cool the skin before each treatment pulse. This is a feature that all patients enjoy and is something you should look for when purchasing a machine.

In addition to this, make use of machine technology that ensures consistent distribution of energy over the treatment area. Hence, reducing the likelihood of uncomfortable side effects and hot spots appearing. 

Dependable Service

When determining which laser hair removal equipment to purchase, don’t ignore the kind of service help that comes with your laser. This is the last but certainly not the least important point.

Consider what happens if your laser has a malfunction, a laser glitch, or an emergency. You will need assistance that is both prompt and reliable in order to get it back up and running as quickly as possible.

Even while the vast majority of manufacturers employ onsite technicians who are able to maintain your laser, this is not always the case.

In point of fact, some manufacturers outsource some tasks to third-party companies or use third-party workers. Both of whom have a limited understanding of the technology and a delayed response time. Thankfully, the Alma Academy has a nationally certified program on laser safety.

A laser system that cannot be immediately maintained is a source of frustration for you, your business, and your clients. There is nothing that is more disheartening.

Exploring Laser Hair Removal Machines

There are several laser hair removal technologies available on the market.

How do you choose the best laser removal equipment for you when there are so many options? The five most prevalent kinds of hair removal techniques are discussed in detail below: Ruby, IPL, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd: YAG.

The Ruby (694 nm)

The Ruby laser was the first product of its kind to be made available on the market for use in laser hair removal. Because the Ruby laser has been around for such a long time, there is a significant body of evidence supporting its usefulness.

Basically, the laser has not undergone significant development since it was originally introduced. So, many service providers believe that the Ruby laser is now outmoded. It was initially developed in 1960, and they choose more contemporary laser systems instead.

The Ruby laser produces a shorter wavelength of 694 nm. It emits a red-coloured beam that targets the melanin (brown pigment) that is found in hair follicles. Both of these characteristics allow it to be used for hair removal.

Those with a light skin tone and dark hair are ideal candidates for using the Ruby. This laser will not operate on hair that is lighter in colour (blonde, red or grey).

Ruby is not suitable for use on darker skin types because of its high melanin (skin pigment) laser absorption rate, which might result in depigmentation. Because the ruby has a slow repetition rate, laser treatments take substantially longer than conventional hair removal devices. As a consequence, the Ruby laser is only suitable for treating tiny portions of the skin.

One of the key benefits is that it comes with decades of safety data. And, because the gadget is older, it is less costly. On the other hand, it tends to only works on pale skin.

Because the treatment period is so lengthy, it can only cure small regions. Currently, you’ll find that the EpiPulse Ruby, Palomar, and RubyStar are the most common examples of Ruby devices on the market.

IPL

IPL is an abbreviation for “intense pulsed light.” Despite the fact that IPL is not a laser, it is widely used in aesthetics to eliminate undesired hair.

This gadget employs a powerful, visible, broad-spectrum light pulse or flash. IPL, like lasers, targets the melanin in the hair to destroy the follicle. IPL treatments are similar to laser treatments in that they both employ light to heat their targets. The pale complexion and dark hair are good candidates for IPL hair removal.

IPL is not safe for tanned skin since it employs wide spectrum light that targets all sorts of skin structures, as opposed to laser, which is ultra-focused on concentrating heat in the follicles. Because of the sluggish coverage rate and the large handpiece, IPL is seldom utilized for hair removal. It is, nevertheless, still a popular and efficient method for removing brown spots and skin redness.

When it comes to pros, this is a fairly common piece of equipment that can be found in practically any dermatological practice. It can remove freckles and brown patches are removed. Also, it’s inexpensive.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t employ a laser beam, and heat may harm skin tissues other than the hair follicle. Besides, it can’t be used on anybody who is tanned or darker. The handpiece is bulky and produces uneven results.

Aculight, Epilight, PhotoDerm, Quantum, Vasculight, and Alma are examples of common IPL devices.

Alexandrite (755 nm) 

The Alexandrite laser hair removal system is the laser that is used the most often on the market today. This is due to the fact that it is both efficient and quick.

The shorter Alexandrite (or “Alex”) laser pulse repetition rates and larger treatment spot sizes make it possible to treat extensive areas of the body in a shorter amount of time. Because the laser is so good at targeting brown pigment, the Alex is most effective and safest when used on people with light to olive-coloured skin.

Because of the rapid nature of the laser pulses, the patient may experience some discomfort. However, despite this, it continues to enjoy a lot of popularity since treatment times are cut down significantly. In order to ease patients’ suffering and improve their overall experience, more recent Alexandrite devices are equipped with cooling systems.

Unfortunately, due to the strength of the laser’s reaction against brown tones, the Alexandrite laser cannot be used on dark skin tones. It could result in burns, dyspigmentation, and scarring. This prevents the laser from being deployed for this purpose.

It’s extremely effective in removing hair. And, the rapid repetition rate and short treatment periods minimize the pain.

Of course, since it’s one of the most recent technology it’s a bit more pricey. Candela GentleLase, EpiTouch Plus, Cynosure Apogee, and Deka Motus Ax are examples of popular Alexandrite devices.

Diode (810 nm)

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has authorized two wavelengths for laser hair removal on darker skin tones. They are the diode (810 nm) and Nd: YAG (1064 nm) laser systems.

Because the Diode laser is a newer laser hair removal device, there is less research to establish its long-term safety and efficacy. The wavelengths produced by the Diode penetrate deep into the hair follicle. Deep laser penetration is safer for darker skin types.

After all, the laser’s energy cannot concentrate where pigment exists in the skin. Apex, Epistar, F1 Diode, LaserLite, LightSheer, MeDioStar, SLP, Soprano Titanium are examples of common diode devices.

Nd: YAG (1064 nm) Machine

The bigger the wavelength, the better the results. The Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, more often referred to as the Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet), the laser is recognized as the gold standard for the treatment of patients who have darker skin. This is due to the laser light’s lower dispersion and deeper penetration.

Lasers that use the Nd:Yag wavelength range may penetrate the hair follicle significantly. YAG laser penetration is safer for those with darker skin types than CO2 laser penetration. This is because the energy produced by the laser cannot concentrate in areas of the skin where pigment is present.

Additionally, as compared to the diode laser, the Nd: YAG laser permits the use of shorter pulse lengths without compromising safety. When working with a fine hair texture, this comes in quite handy. Shorter pulse durations make it possible to treat more areas of the body in a shorter amount of time.

The fact that this laser hair removal equipment is the least dangerous one available on the market right now is the primary advantage it offers. It has a high repetition rate and just a few minutes between each treatment. Dermatologists are of the opinion that this particular laser is the most effective and least risky option for patients who have darker or tanned skin.

Additionally, the introduction of new technology always results in increased expenses. Devices such as the Cynosure Elite, Candela, Cutera Excel, GentleYAG, Lyra, Medlite IV, and Sciton are among the most widely used Nd: YAG options.

Demystifying the World of Hair Removal Equipment

Any beauty centre worth its salt will have to provide hair removal treatments to its clients. But, not every hair removal machine should be treated equally. Some definitely perform better than others.

Once you’ve identified your non-negotiables about the perfect laser hair removal equipment you want, you’re ready to make your purchase. Hopefully, our guide has shed some much-needed light on the subject, so that you can make your decision with confidence. 

Most probably you have a couple of questions that only a professional can answer. We’ve got your back. You can get in touch with us, and we’ll help you narrow down your research and be ready to provide hair removal treatments in no time at all.

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