All Epilia centres are equipped with Alexandrite lasers from Candela.
This is a conscious choice resulting from thorough research. This blog provides an overview of all of the different types of lasers and methods on the market.
How do lasers work?
Before revealing the specificities of the different lasers, let us explain how they work.
The laser targets the pigmentation of the hair (i.e. the melanin). It emits a very concentrated beam of light at a very precise wavelength. That light is converted into heat when it is absorbed by the melanin. When the pigment in the hair follicle (sac from which the hair grows) is hit, the hair and its root are destroyed, which means that it can never grow back.
The epidermis remains intact and the surrounding tissues are not damaged.
Laser hair removal is ideal for both women and men who consciously choose a simpler life.
The Alexandrite laser
Epilia chose to work with the Alexandrite laser from Candela, which is currently the world leader in the field of dermatological and aesthetic lasers.
The Alexandrite is a semi-precious stone that filters light at a wavelength of 755 nm. This wavelength corresponds to the maximum absorption peak of melanin. As a result, the light beam penetrates the hair root very precisely without needing a high level of intensity.
All scientific studies agree that the Alexandrite is currently the laser that offers the most convincing results on fair and medium skin types.
The Nd-Yag laser
Nd-Yag is the most appropriate laser for the treatment of dark skin types. This laser works at a wavelength of 1064 nm, which has a low level of absorption by melanin and therefore the light beam penetrates deeper into the hair root.
The thermal effect on the hair is low and ensures a high level of intensity. This laser is recommended for long-term hair removal on dark skin or deeply rooted hair.
The Diode Laser
The Diode Laser, which is much less efficient than the Alexandrite, has the advantage that it is cheaper and more compact. This also makes it easy to transport. The Diode operates on a wavelength from 810 to 980 nm, so it has a wider spectrum than the Alexandrite and the Nd-Yag.
This wavelength has a low level of absorption by melanin and therefore the light beam penetrates deeper into the hair root.
The lower absorption by melanin is both an advantage (tanning and skin pigmentation are not greatly affected) and a disadvantage (lighter and finer hairs resist the treatment).
Although this is a promising technique, the Diode Laser is not yet fully developed, so a lot of sessions are needed for a good result.
Are there other techniques available for permanent or long-term hair removal?
IPL technology, or Intense Pulsed Light, is often confused with laser hair removal. However, these two hair removal techniques are very different, both in terms of safety and effectiveness.
IPL
The lamps used in IPL provide less selective, less powerful and more diffused light than lasers. Since the pulsed light is much less strong it only weakens the hair follicles, and therefore cannot guarantee a permanent result.
Therefore, the results are often temporary and disappointing for the patient, and it also has a significant risk of burn marks.
… versus laser
The laser, on the other hand, emits a powerful, more selective energy beam that completely destroys the hair follicle. This makes the treatment truly permanent.
Unlike IPL, laser treatment is only carried out by specially trained medical personnel. Thanks to compulsory training, the laser procedure is a highly controlled technique and is also the subject of numerous efficiency and safety studies. Laser hair removal is the only technique that can guarantee you a permanent, safe and effective solution for unwanted hair growth.
In short…
Epilia has opted for the latest generation of state-of-the-art lasers: Alexandrite lasers from the Candela brand. This type of laser is highly efficient and guarantees permanent hair removal under optimal safety and hygiene conditions.
It is important to be well informed about the different techniques of permanent hair removal before you make your choice.
Would you like to know more about the lasers used in Epilia centres? On our website you can find all the information you need. Do you have any further questions? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Are you convinced and do you want to get rid of unwanted hair? You can book an appointment online or by phone on +32 3 830 66 80.
