Laser Hair Removal treatments is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments that is performed all across the world. According to a survey done by Grandviewreseach, the global laser hair removal market is estimated to be around 1.19 billion USD.
Despite its rising popularity, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions that circle around this procedure, the biggest one being that laser hair removal is not suitable for certain skin types. And somewhere or the other it is true, not every laser technology suits every skin type.
Laser hair removal has a long and varied history, it was first discovered in the 1960s inadvertently while researching the development of ruby lasers. Later came the Nd: YAG laser, although it wasn’t a permanent solution to hair removal initially, it offered a significant reduction of hair. Finally, in the 1990s, a more permanent and effective solution was proposed and eventually it gained FDA approval, this technology was called Alexandrite Laser.
If you’ve considered getting a laser hair removal done, you should have the most accurate information about today’s technologies. Using the wrong approach could mean that you don’t get your desired results. And what’s worse than spending money on a procedure that doesn’t work? Having unwanted or even permanent damage to your skin because of the process. To avoid this, we will dive into different laser hair removal technologies that will help you determine which will be the most effective one for your skin type.
The main difference regarding which laser hair removal in delhi method would work best for you include which skin type and hair color combination each technology is best suited for. The best way to determine which laser technology would work best for your skin type is based on the thorough understanding of the Fitzpatrick skin type scale.
The Fitzpatrick scale measures skin darkness and ranges from I to VI. Knowing where you fall on the scale can make a big difference in figuring out which technology is right for you.
| Fitzpatrick Scale |
Skin and Hair type |
| I | Fair skin that never tans, usually people with this skin type have blonde or red hair |
| II | Relatively fair skin, but they may have blonde or light brown hair |
| III | Medium skin tone that can tan with UV exposure, often people with this skin have darker hair |
| IV | Brown skin that rarely burns, have dark brown hair |
| V | Dark brown hair that never burns and usually has black hair |
| VI | Darkest skin type that never burns and has black hair |
How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Laser hair removal works through the process of photothermal reaction where the hair follicle is damaged while leaving the skin unaffected. Energy enters the skin from a laser in pulses and is delivered to the desired area through a mechanism known as photothermolysis. If too much energy is used, it doesn’t target the hair follicle appropriately and damages the surrounding tissues.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way of hair removal that has absolutely no side effects. However if the wrong type of laser or suboptimal settings are used, it can result in unwanted side effects, including burns, hypopigmentation, and scarring.
Which Laser Hair Removal Technology is suitable for your skin type?
There are four types of lasers usually used in laser hair removal procedures.
1. Ruby Lasers
Ruby lasers excel at removing light patches of hair, but they need prolonged contact with the skin to remove all the pigment and detach the hair follicle. Ruby laser is an excellent treatment option for people who don’t want a lot of pain during laser hair removal as the pauses between each laser pulse are slower and minimize discomfort. This type of laser hair removal requires multiple sessions to make sure that all the hair is removed and is best suited for smaller treatment areas.
2. Alexandrite Lasers
The Alexandrite laser is the most popular option for laser hair removal since it covers sizable areas in a short time. However, this efficiency also makes it one of the most uncomfortable laser treatments, since the laser pulses have almost no delay and repeat rapidly. This laser also penetrates the skin better which allows for more hair removal. Alexandrite laser treatment usually lasts for 1-3 sessions, depending on the area and the patient’s pain tolerance.
3. Diode Lasers
Diode lasers are highly concentrated and reach deeper into the hair follicle which helps them target the pigment more effectively compared to other lasers. It is one of the most versatile laser treatments available since it’s able to remove most types of hair regardless of their texture or color. However, diode laser treatments are relatively expensive, with most cosmetic practices lacking the tools or expertise to operate the machine.
4. Nd: YAG Lasers
Most lasers used for hair removal don’t penetrate the upper layer of the skin, since their wavelengths can’t pass through the melanin without damaging it. However, Nd: YAG lasers can target pigments deep within the dermal layer which allows for efficient removal of coarse or tough hair. Nd: YAG laser is a relatively new technology and a lot of aesthetic practices often don’t offer it as an option.
Here’s a table summarizing which type of laser works with which skin type.
| Laser Technology | Compatible Skin Type based on Fitzpatrick Scale |
| Ruby Laser | Types I, II, and III |
| Alexandrite Laser | Types II, III, and IV |
| Diode Laser | Types IV, V, and VI |
| Nd: YAG Laser | Almost all types of skin |
While you may use the Fitzpatrick scale as a baseline for the specific laser treatment, your dermatologist should have the final say in what type of laser would be the best for you.
Laser hair removal as a concept might seem intimidating at first. But as you ease into the idea, you’ll realize just how easy and invaluable this procedure can be. It’s cost-efficient, effective, and an almost painless process. The only time when laser hair removal can raise concerns and create skin issues like pigment changes, scarring, or blistering is when it’s performed incorrectly by inexperienced professionals.
At Alive Wellness Clinics, we boast 25+ years of expertise in holistic dermatological care. Our team of experts and consummate professionals is dedicated to helping patients with their skin, hair, fat loss, and nutrition concerns. Through a patient-focused approach, we work closely with each patient to identify the root causes and provide tailored treatments to meet their individual needs – which means that you can rest assured as you embark on your journey of smooth, hair-free skin.
