What Laser Hair Removal Machines Are Best? | BodyLase® (2024)

Laser hair removal is a popular and effective way to get rid of unwanted body or facial hair. It works by using a beam of light to target the pigment in the hair follicle and damage it, preventing future hair growth. However, not all laser hair removal machines are created equal. Some factors to consider when choosing a laser hair removal treatment are:

  • The type of laser: There are different types of lasers that work best for different skin tones and hair colors. For example, alexandrite lasers are optimal for light skin and dark hair, while Nd:YAG lasers are suitable for darker skin tones. IPL (intense pulsed light) devices are not true lasers, but use a broad spectrum of light to target hair follicles. They are less effective and more likely to cause side effects than lasers.
  • The size of the spot: The spot size refers to the area of skin that the laser covers in one pulse. Larger spot sizes mean faster treatments, but also higher costs and more discomfort. Smaller spot sizes are more precise and less painful, but take longer to cover the same area.
  • The cooling system: Laser hair removal can cause heat and discomfort on the skin, so a cooling system is essential to protect the skin and reduce pain. There are different types of cooling systems, such as air cooling, contact cooling, and cryogen spray cooling. The best cooling system depends on the type of laser, the spot size, and the patient’s preference.
  • The cost: Laser hair removal machines vary in price and quality. Some machines are more effective and reliable than others, guaranteeing better results. The cost of the machine also affects the price of the treatments, which considerably varies per session, depending on the area and the med spa.

The Best Technology AND The Best Machine

There are many different laser hair removal technologies on the market, each with its own advantages or disadvantages. Some of the most common technologies include:

  • Alexandrite laser: Alexandrite lasers are very effective at removing dark hair on light skin. They are also relatively fast, with treatment times typically lasting 15-30 minutes per session. However, Alexandrite lasers can be more painful than other types of lasers, and they are not as effective on tanned skin or dark skin.
  • Nd:YAG laser: Nd:YAG lasers are safe for all skin tones, and they are effective at removing both light and dark hair. However, they are not as fast as Alexandrite lasers, and they may require more sessions to achieve the desired results.
  • IPL (intense pulsed light): IPL is not a true laser, but it is often used for laser hair removal. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light to target hair follicles, which makes it less effective than lasers. However, IPL is also somewhat less painful and less expensive than lasers.

Some med spas use IPL technology for laser hair removal, but this is not the best option for several reasons. First, IPL devices are not true lasers, but use a broad spectrum of light that is less focused and less effective than a single wavelength of laser light. Second, IPL devices are not suitable for all skin tones and hair colors, as they can cause burns, blisters, or scarring on darker skin tones, or fail to target lighter hair colors. Third, IPL devices are not as fast or powerful as laser devices, as they have smaller spot sizes and lower fluences, which means they take longer to cover the same area and require more sessions to achieve the same results. Therefore, IPL technology is not the best for laser hair removal, and we at BodyLase use the best professional laser device available on the market – the Candela Gentle Max Pro.

The Best Laser Hair Removal Machine: Candela Gentle Max Pro

The Candela Gentle Max Pro is a professional laser hair removal machine that uses a dual wavelength system of alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers to treat all skin types and hair colors. It is the gold standard for laser hair removal, as well as other skin and vascular treatments. It has multiple spot sizes, from 1.5 to 24 mm, and variable pulse duration, from 0.25 to 100 ms. It also has a patented dynamic cooling device (DCD) that sprays cryogen on the skin before each pulse, providing comfort and protection. It is FDA-cleared, clinically proven, and trusted by top dermatologists and aestheticians around the world.

The Candela Gentle Max Pro has many advantages over other laser hair removal machines, such as:

  • It can treat all skin tones and hair colors, including light, fine, or gray hair, unlike most IPL or diode devices.
  • It can deliver faster and more powerful treatments, with larger spot sizes and higher fluences, than most IPL or diode devices.
  • It can provide more versatile and comprehensive treatments, with dual wavelengths and variable pulse durations, than most IPL or diode devices.
  • It can offer more comfort and safety, with a patented cooling system and a skin tone sensor, than most IPL or diode devices.

Here is a brief comparison between the Candela GentleMax Pro and some other popular laser hair removal options on the market:

FeatureCandela GentleMax ProSciton BBL HeroIPL
WavelengthDual-wavelength (Alexandrite and Nd:YAG)Broadband light (BBL)Broad spectrum
Skin toneAll skin tonesAll skin tones, including tanned skinBest for lighter skin tones
Hair TypeAll hair typesAll hair typesBest for finer hair
EffectivenessMost effectiveMore effectiveLeast effective
PriceMost expensiveMore expensiveLeast expensive
VersatilityMost versatileLess versatileLeast versatile

Laser hair removal is an investment in your beauty, and you deserve to get the best results possible. However, not all med spas use the best machines for laser hair removal, and some may even use outdated or inferior technology that can compromise your safety and satisfaction. The Candela Gentle Max Pro is the top machine on the market (and the most expensive one – but at BodyLase we are happy to invest in your beauty!), and it is the best one that can treat all skin tones and hair colors effectively, safely, and comfortably.

As the top med spa in the Triangle, we are committed to offering only the best to our customers, and that is why we use the Candela Gentle Max Pro for all our laser hair removal treatments.

Written By Brittany Bulzan – Bodylase Spa Director

What Laser Hair Removal Machines Are Best? | BodyLase® (2024)

FAQs

What Laser Hair Removal Machines Are Best? | BodyLase®? ›

Studies consistently show that alexandrite laser devices can eliminate a greater percentage of hairs compared to other machines. Alexandrite is proven safe and highly effective for Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3, but those with deeper skin tones will do better with a different laser, such as the Nd:YAG.

Which laser hair removal machine is the most effective? ›

Studies consistently show that alexandrite laser devices can eliminate a greater percentage of hairs compared to other machines. Alexandrite is proven safe and highly effective for Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3, but those with deeper skin tones will do better with a different laser, such as the Nd:YAG.

Which type of laser hair removal is best? ›

The Alexandrite laser is superior to other types of lasers because it can penetrate deep into the skin and remove hair follicles from the root. Alexandrite laser is a better alternative to Diode laser. It is more effective on skin type 3 and 4.

What is the best laser hair removal tool? ›

JOVS Venus Pro™ II IPL Hair Removal Device

Whether you're looking to remove hair on your face, arms, legs, or bikini area, this at-home laser can get the job done. This device uses Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT)—an advancement in IPL technology—which emits higher intensity light to speed up the hair removal process.

What to look for when buying a laser hair removal machine? ›

A machine with an appropriate window size will let you treat the area quickly. Operational power (in Watts): The more power the machines use, the more effective they are. If the power is lower, then the treatment will take longer. A device with 2000 Watts or higher would be a good choice.

What are the negatives of laser hair removal? ›

Other potential side effects include swelling, redness, and scarring. Permanent scarring or changes in skin color are rare. Blisters are rare but are more likely in people with darker complexions. Another rare side effect is the treated hair turning gray or more hair growing around the treated areas.

Are some laser hair removal machines better than others? ›

Each laser system is different from the other. Some lasers are better for certain types of hair. Some lasers are safer for individuals with darker skin tones. And some laser systems perform better on specific areas of the body than other lasers.

What is the best laser for pubic hair removal? ›

Diode Laser

This laser is a popular choice to remove hair from areas such as the back, chest, legs, arms, upper lip, chin, and bikini area, where it offers deep penetration and effective treatment for coarse hair.

What is better, an IPL or a diode laser? ›

IPL laser hair removal will most likely require more than one session, while using a diode laser may work more effectively. Diode laser hair removal is more comfortable because of the integrated cooling and treats more hair and skin types, whereas IPL is best suited for those with darker hair and lighter skin.

Which is better diode or alexandrite laser hair removal? ›

Diode lasers are typically more effective for individuals with darker hair and fair skin, while alexandrite lasers are more versatile and can be used on a wider range of skin types and hair colors. Another factor to consider is the treatment area.

Are at home laser hair removal devices worth it? ›

If an at-home laser works for you, it may be worth the investment, as it would be significantly cheaper to use at home than to continuously get treatments at the doctor's office. However, for best results, you would have to use the device fairly often, which may make it not all that different from shaving.

Do you shave before laser hair removal? ›

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

Is smart diode laser better than soprano ice? ›

With 66% more power, SMART Diode laser machines are superior to other machines such as the Soprano laser range. Its cooling technology makes the whole experience virtually pain free – even like a relaxing and warming massage, according to our clients.

How much does a good laser machine cost? ›

The price of CO2 laser cutting machines for plastic can range between $500 and $4,000 for hobbyist and small business use. Costs can rise to as much as $200,000 for a laser cutter designed for industrial use.

Is candela or soprano better? ›

Pain Management: While both devices incorporate cooling technologies for patient comfort, Soprano ICE Platinum is renowned for its pain-free experience due to its IN-Motion technology. On the other hand, Candela GentleMax Pro employs the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) to reduce discomfort.

How do I choose a good laser clinic? ›

HERE ARE 5 TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL CLINIC FOR YOU:
  1. ASK WHO WILL DO OR SUPERVISE THE PROCEDURE. ...
  2. TESTIMONIALS. ...
  3. PROXIMITY AND TRAVEL COSTS. ...
  4. OPENING TIMES AND BOOKING PROCESS. ...
  5. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED. ...
  6. COSTING. ...
  7. PARKING & LOCATION. ...
  8. OPEN TIMES.
Mar 27, 2023

Which laser is better, diode or alexandrite? ›

Diode lasers are typically more effective for individuals with darker hair and fair skin, while alexandrite lasers are more versatile and can be used on a wider range of skin types and hair colors. Another factor to consider is the treatment area.

Which is better IPL or diode laser machine? ›

However, there are some key differences between the two technologies: Wavelength: IPL uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths, typically ranging from 500-1200nm. Diode laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses a single wavelength of light, typically in the range of 800-810nm.

What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal machine? ›

Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results. IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing.

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