If you're looking for a laser or photoepilation device for long-term hair removal, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the sea of information. Especially when everyone claims to offer the “best” and “most powerful” laser. So how do you find your way? Laser Hair Removal or photoepilation (IPL) for permanent results? Are there devices that can remove light-colored hair? What are the different types of lasers, and how do you choose the right one?
We've asked ourselves all of these questions before our very first hair removal session. Endless internet reading doesn’t always lead to gathering high-quality or useful information. That’s why we’re trying to synthesize part of our knowledge on the topic here and present it all in one place. We’ll also share advice backed by our medical expertise and over 7 years of experience with more than 6,000 clients.
Let’s start with a comparison between laser and IPL hair removal.
WHY CHOOSE A LASER HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE AND NOT IPL?
How does IPL photoepilation work?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is based on the principle of broad-spectrum light. It uses multiple wavelengths ranging from 600 to 1200 nm. During photoepilation, this exposes the skin to an unnecessarily wide spectrum of light energy. The energy becomes ineffective because it's dispersed between the melanin in the skin and the melanin in the hair — see the graph. That’s why its intensity is usually insufficient to reach and destroy the hair follicle.
Results after IPL photoepilation
PL causes hair to fall out and slows down regrowth due to heating, but it comes with a major downside: the hair root remains intact, and regrowth is expected. Most devices available in Bulgaria do not allow for adjustment of key parameters such as wavelength, pulse duration, etc. This results in an effect similar to waxing.
There are very few IPL machines that offer truly effective settings, and even those tend to be slow and painful. For this reason, IPL is considered an outdated method of hair removal. This brings us to another important point:
Home IPL Devices
All home-use IPL devices are designed to be harmless. They’re meant for use by people with no training, without protective goggles, cooling gel, or cryo-air, and without proper skin or hair type settings. They also lack adjustable energy intensity (to prevent burns), and are built to operate at very mild levels. Unfortunately, this means they are not capable of destroying the follicle. They merely heat and “tire” the hair, which falls out temporarily, but the root remains alive.With prolonged use, some users may experience slower regrowth and thinner hair, but not permanent results.
This is why photoepilation is not a method for long-term hair removal.
WHY CHOOSE A LASER HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE?
A far more modern and logical choice is to invest in an advanced and truly effective – medical alexandrite laser for hair removal.
Why we recommend a laser hair removal device for long-term results
Laser hair removal is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. The light energy is directed and absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair. Due to its much higher speed compared to photoepilation, the energy reaches the hair root before the hair has time to release the absorbed energy. At the root, the light transforms into intense heat, destroying the follicle completely. This is one of the main advantages of the Alexandrite laser!
When looking for the right laser hair removal device, it’s important to know that there are several different types. They vary based on the wavelength they operate on. And within each type, there are different quality classes depending on who manufactured them, how, and where.
Alexandrite Laser – Wavelength: 755 nm
This is considered the gold standardamong laser hair removal systems and the most advanced technology for laser hair removal available today. High-end Alexandrite lasers are medical-grade. Due to their powerful capabilities, these devices must be operated by qualified medical professionals, who can determine the correct treatment parameters.They are suitable for treating larger areas and are ideal for skin types I to III, and sometimes even type IV (not used on black skin tones).
Globally, this is the most widely used laser for hair removal, but in Bulgaria, it remains rare. The main reason is the cost — from $50,000 to $160,000, requiring a significant investment.
The Alexandrite wavelength is absorbed best by the melanin in the hair, making it the most effective laser for hair removal. However, this is also why it isn’t suitable for dark or tanned skin. Treatments with this type of laser are almost painless (the sensation is similar to a prick, but not a burn or unbearable pain). Cooling is done with cryo-air, not gel.Additionally, Alexandrite is the only effective laser for light, fine, and thin hairs, due to its high speed. When the hair is thin and light, it releases heat very quickly, so speed is critical for successful destruction of the follicle.
Which Alexandrite Laser is #1 in the World?
Of course, even among Alexandrite lasers, there are compromises. Some lower-cost models may lack essential safety certifications, while others simply offer weaker parameters and lower efficiency.
The undisputed global leader among Alexandrite lasers is the Gentle Lase ProIt is the fastest, most powerful, and most capable system in its category. It also has the highest success rate when it comes to removing light and fine hairs. The only drawback is that it requires a very high level of operator expertise. This is necessary so that medical professionals can determine the most effective parameters for each individual, adjusting them with every session based on the results — ensuring that just six sessions can leave your skin smooth for over 15 years. The good news? Sofia can rely on the laser center Body Aesthetics, which offers the GentleLase Pro Alexandrite laser. Our expert medical team will ensure you achieve optimal results in complete safety.
In the global ranking, Cynosure and EpiTouch Plus (older-generation systems) come in after our GentleLase Pro.
Diode Laser – Wavelength: 800–810 nm
A diode laser is a non-medical hair removal device, meaning it can be operated without a medical degree — something that may compromise the quality and safety of the procedure. It is suitable for all skin types, but is only moderately effective, and even then only for thick, dark hairs. The reason is that the wavelength of diode lasers does not absorb as strongly into melanin. After 2–3 sessions, their effect diminishes or stops entirely, as the hairs become finer and lighter. These lighter hairs are no longer affected by the diode laser beam. At that point, it’s necessary to switch to another type of laser — ideally, an Alexandrite laser.If you're wondering whether to choose a diode or Alexandrite laser, keep in mind: only Alexandrite is effective for fine and light hairs.
In laser hair removal with a diode laser, the capabilities of the diode are limited. Due to its non-optimized wavelength — it bypasses the hair follicle deep in the skin — this type of laser does not have a wide range of parameters. It also cannot be used with different settings according to the individual characteristics of the hair growth of the clients in laser centers.
The diode laser is used for hair removal on all skin types. It is even safe on tanned skin, but not effective. The reason is that the energy of its beam is not as strongly attracted by the melanin in the skin and hair. That’s why the procedures only work on very dark hair.
Why diode laser hair removal is so widespread
or every center, the price when purchasing a laser hair removal machine is a significant factor. Investment in a diode laser is not large, and this is exactly what makes these devices the most widely used in Bulgaria. The downside is that it is very difficult for a person to assess their quality. There are simply many compromised versions and imitations of reputable brands available for even as low as $2,000. Nevertheless, the leading brands of diode laser machines are PrimeLase, Elysion Pro, LaserLite, Apex 800, Epistar, and Alma Lasers.
Nd:Yag laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm
At the laser center Body Aesthetics we have always strived to offer a complete range of services for every skin type with the most advanced equipment. That’s why we have added to our extensive "arsenal" of services the Gentle Max ProPlus – the newly created Alexandrite + Nd:YAG laser by Candela for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and regeneration. It can be used on tanned skin as well as on dark skin types IV, V, and VI. This is particularly important during summer when we are exposed to the sun and want to achieve smooth skin while maintaining a bronzed tan.
Yes, laser hair removal with the Alexandrite laser GentleLase Pro , from the world leader Candela, continues to be the gold standard worldwide. However, its only disadvantage is that it does not allow us to work on tanned skin and on individuals with naturally darker phototypes. That’s why we at Body Aesthetics have added the Gentle Max ProPlus to our collection of world-class devices. So now, laser hair removal during the summer is fully achievable for even the darkest skin with a suntan.
The global leader is the GentleLase MaxPro. However, Cutera, CoolGlide, Fotona, Athos, Medlite IV, Varia, Lyra, and Image are also commonly encountered.
Ruby laser with a wavelength of 694 nm
This is the oldest laser hair removal device, effective mainly on thin and fine hairs. It cannot be used on people with darker skin or a tan, only on skin types I and II. The procedures are very painful, and this is the main reason why this laser is rarely used nowadays. It treats small areas and is slow, which increases the duration of the procedure. It is considered an outdated method. The most well-known ruby lasers are Palomar E2000, RubyStar, and EpiPulse Ruby.
IN CONCLUSION
We at Laser Center Body Aesthetics hope that all of this extensive information has ultimately been useful to you. Our goal is to be objective, but not impartial. The reason is that we firmly stand behind our choice of laser hair removalmachine after comparing it with all others on the market. The Gentle Lase Pro proves its uncompromising effectiveness and the value of the significant investment in it every single day.Its royal reputation as the #1 Alexandrite laser in the world is confirmed by every satisfied visitor to our center and elsewhere.
So take a look at our laser hair removal prices and come in for treatments with the best-performing device for optimal results. The initial consultation is thorough and completely free.