Advantages and Disadvantages
of the Different Hair Removal Devices
Laser or Light Source
Advantages
Disadvantages
Normal mode ruby laser eg. Epilaser
• Effective for dark hair • Best for fine to moderately coarse hair
• Slow repetition rate • Articluated arm • Device gets very hot (need a cool room) • Increased risk of pigmentary changes
Normal mode alexandrite laser eg. Gentle Lase or EpiTouch
• Effective for dark hair • Potentially safer for dark skin • Fiberoptic cable makes it easier to maneuver • Some devices can deliver rapid repetition rates (5Hz)
• Because wavelength is less absorbed by melanin higher influences may be needed • Not effective for fine hair
Pulse Diode eg. LightSheer or
Palomar SLP1000
• Effective for dark hair • Permenant hair reduction proven • Potentially effective for dark skin • Long pulse duration effective for coarse hair. • Fiberoptic cable makes it easier to maneuver • Solid-state device with low maintenance costs
• Because wavelength is less absorbed by melanin higher influences may be needed • Not effective for fine hair
Carbon Suspension-Nd:YAG laser
• Potentially safe for all skin types • Producess temporary hair removal in light hair • Lower risk of epidermal damage
• Long lasting hair removal has not been demonstrated • Carbon suspension messy to apply
High Powered Q-switched Nd:YAG eg: ALTUS Cool Glide or
Softlight
• Potentially safe for all skin types • Lower risk of epidermal damage • Rapid repetition rate results in shortened operative time • Less discomfort
• Long lasting hair removal has not been demonstrated
Intense pulsed light source eg: ESTELUX or EPI LIGHT
• Effective for dark hair • Potentially useful for darker skin types and both fine and coarse hair
• Slower than new generation hair removal lasers • Bulky handpiece
