Laser Hair Removal: How to Save Money with Customized Treatments
It’s a beautiful feeling to finally be free from unwanted hair. Particularly if your hair is thick, dense or grows extremely fast, the freedom of not having to worry about regular shaving or waxing can be very liberating.
Fortunately, we have technology on our side. Laser hair removal is an excellent way to reduce stubborn hair growth from all areas of the body. One way to achieve successful long-term, even permanent, hair removal (and save money in the process) is with customized laser treatments.
The Fitzpatrick Scale and Its Role in Customized Laser Hair Removal
The key to customization is knowing when to switch from one type of laser device to another to maximize each session. It will get you hair-free faster, saving you both time and money in the process.
We’ll explain. Customization begins with understanding your skin type. The amount of melanin (pigmentation in skin and hair), your ethnic background plus other factors will determine your unique skin profile. One way that laser professionals consistently assess skin type is using the Fitzpatrick scale.
First developed to measure the skin’s response to UV radiation, Fitzpatrick is now the most widely used classification system for skin pigmentation - scale of I-VI. Knowing the amount of melanin present in your skin is important because it can determine which device is the safest and most effective for your particular skin type.
Additionally, as you’re undergoing treatment, customization can become relevant to the hair too. Over time hair growth can become sparser, with some hairs growing thinner than before. In this case the device that worked great up to this point may no longer be the best option. An highly skilled and experienced laser technician will advise you when it’s time to transition to another technology.
How We Customize Your Laser Treatment with Advanced Devices
Not all laser hair removal machines are created equal. Even the most technologically advanced lasers are more suited to some skin types versus others. That’s why it’s very important to have your treatments performed by an experienced technician with expertise in working with various types of lasers.
Your Consultation: What to Expect: At Spotless Laser your journey to becoming hair-free starts with a complimentary 60-minute consultation. A calculation is performed to determine your skin type, hair colour and thickness. At this point your technician will also review your medical history, paying particular attention to any health conditions or contraindications that might affect the treatment process.
A test patch will be performed on a small area before starting the full treatment The purpose of the patch test is twofold: one is to gauge your skin's reaction to the laser, and the second is to determine the appropriate energy settings. Choosing the right setting is an important part of the process that will help to prevent any adverse reactions during and after treatment.
Towards the end of your consultation your technician will recommend a customized treatment plan based on your hair and skin type. They will also review pre- and post-treatment instructions to minimize potential side-effects such as redness or swelling. They will also go over package costs and how to take advantage of any savings and promotions.
These Are Some of the Best Devices: Comparing Technologies at Spotless Laser
Lutronic Clarity 2 - Alexandrite
The Alexandrite laser hair removal system is a popular choice with many clinicians because of its speed and versatility. It effectively cuts down on treatment time, even for large body areas, thanks to its fast laser pulse repetition rates and larger treatment spot sizes.
Highlights of the Lutronic Clarity 2 - Alexandrite:
A digitally high-powered 755/1064nm dual wavelength laser for quicker treatments.
Designed for all skin types, but most effective on light to olive-coloured complexions.
Built-in cooling system to minimize discomfort and improved patient experience.
Shorter pulse widths which make it highly effective for removing thin or fine hair.
Soprano Ice Diode
Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light to target melanin in the hair follicles. The "Ice" in Soprano Ice is an advanced cooling sensation emitted by the device during treatment to help minimize discomfort while reducing the risk of burning.
Highlight of the Soprano Ice Diode:
One of the fastest lasers on the market, delivering an 810 wavelength for a highly effective treatment.
Considered the most versatile laser which can be safely used on light or dark skin, as well as coarse of fine hair.
In-Motion™ SHR Stack and Stationery, which means the laser can either travel across the skin quickly or deliver the laser energy in individual pulses for a highly customized experience.
The treatment is extremely comfortable, and many clients would even say it’s painless.
Candela Gentlemax YAG Laser
The YAG laser is known as the gold standard in laser hair removal. YAG is an acronym for "yttrium aluminum garnet.” This refers to the crystal used as the laser medium in this type of technology. The Candela GentleMax YAG laser emits laser light with a specific wavelength of 1064nm. The YAG is effective for a wide range of skin types and hair thicknesses thanks to its deeper penetration and reduced scatter of the laser energy.
Highlights of the Candela Gentlemax YAG Laser
Offers permanent hair reduction for all skin types, particularly for Fitzpatrick types III-VI (Asian, middle eastern and even the darkest skin tones).
Highly effective for fine hair thanks to its higher fluence and shorter pulse durations.
Modern device that offers a faster treatment time than previous generations.
Built-in cooling for a more comfortable client experience.