The Best Laser Hair Removal Devices for Professionals
Permanent hair reduction has become an indispensable part of the world of skin care and cosmetic treatments. The demand for this effective and long-lasting treatment method continues to grow. But which technology is best suited to your practice? And which device delivers the best results for your specific clientele? In this article, our clinical experts will tell you about laser hair removal devices and help you make the right choice for your practice.
Why choose permanent hair reduction?
Before we delve deeper into the different technologies, it is important to understand why more and more people are opting for permanent hair reduction.
Benefits of permanent hair reduction:
- Prevention of ingrown hairs: Laser hair removal significantly reduces the chance of ingrown hairs, which is especially beneficial for people with curly or coarse hair.
- Reduction of skin irritation and inflammation: Regular shaving, waxing or plucking can lead to skin irritations, red bumps and even folliculitis. Laser hair removal largely prevents these problems.
- Long lasting results: After a full treatment cycle, most clients experience a permanent hair reduction of 70-90%.
- Time saving: No more daily shaving or monthly waxing appointments. This saves clients considerable time.
- More confidence: Especially during the summer months, smooth, hair-free skin gives many people more self-confidence in swimwear or summer outfits.
- Cost-effective in the long term: Although the initial investment is higher, clients save significantly in the long run on the costs of razors, waxing treatments and other hair removal methods.
Types of treatment techniques and laser hair removal technologies
There are different laser technologies for hair removal, each with their own specific characteristics and areas of application. The choice of a particular technology depends on factors such as skin type, hair color, treatment area and specific wishes of the client. Within the different technologies, we also distinguish between two application methods:
Stamp method vs. in-motion technique
There are two common methods for laser and IPL hair removal: the stamp technique and the in-motion technique. With the stamp technique, the handpiece is briefly placed on one spot each time and emits a powerful pulse at high power. This ensures a deep and targeted energy transfer to the hair follicle. The in-motion technique, on the other hand, works with lower energy pulses, while the handpiece moves continuously over the skin. The heat is gradually built up, which makes the treatment more comfortable.
The popularity of the in-motion method is partly due to patient comfort and lower production costs for manufacturers: the technique requires less powerful laser modules and less precise energy control. In practice, however, this method is often applied too superficially, with settings that are too low or movements that are too fast. The result is then only temporary weakening of the hairs, which return within a reasonable time. The stamp technique, on the other hand, offers more control, consistency and depth: essential factors for a long-lasting and effective result. In this blog, we therefore focus specifically on the stamp technique.
Below you will find an overview of different technologies that can be used for permanent hair reduction with the stamp technique:
Features
- The laser medium is located in the handpiece
- Almost always used in combination with a contact gel
- It works with an original wavelength between 800 and 810 nanometers
- Often equipped with a cooled tip for extra comfort during treatment
The advantages
- Relatively lower production costs
- Easier to maintain on a daily basis than some other systems
- More often a small footprint: the device takes up less space
- Laser smoke generated during treatment is retained in the gel, which is more pleasant for the client and practitioner
Possible disadvantages or limitations
- When using higher power, the pulse duration increases, which makes it more difficult to effectively treat thin hairs and can affect the pain experience.
- The handpiece can generate a lot of heat and requires intensive cooling, there is a risk of overheating.
- The integrated laser medium allows the handpiece to be heavier or larger, which can be stressful for the practitioner during prolonged use.
- The lifespan of the laser medium is limited, when it becomes outdated the entire handpiece must be replaced, which can entail high costs.
- Due to the lower production costs, there can be significant quality differences between cheaper and more expensive diode lasers.
What skin type is the laser suitable for?
The laser is suitable for the ontharen from skin types I to IV.
Features
IPL It's not a laser, but a broadband light source with a wavelength often between 400 and 1200 nanometers. The exact wavelength depends on the specific device you're using. Because there's a wide range of IPL systems, we'll describe the general characteristics of IPL for hair removal below.
The advantages
- Relatively low purchase costs
- Cheaper and easier to maintain than some other systems
- Some devices offer the possibility to use different filters, which makes IPL more widely applicable for other indications. The system is therefore sometimes multifunctional.
- Often equipped with a large spot size, allowing larger areas to be treated quickly.
- Laser smoke generated during treatment is retained in the gel, which is more pleasant for the client and practitioner
Possible disadvantages or limitations
- The handpiece is often large and can therefore be awkward to use, especially for smaller treatment areas.
- The lamps of IPL devices can wear out relatively quickly.
- Dark skin types are less or only limitedly treatable, depending on the filter and settings.
- IPL devices have a lower peak power than some lasers, which can negatively impact effectiveness.
What skin type is the IPL suitable for?
IPL is suitable for skin types I to IV. Some advanced IPL systems can also be used for skin types V and VI, depending on the filters and settings used.
What other indications is IPL suitable for?
With the right filters, IPL can also be used for:
- Treatment of superficial vessels
- Pigment disorders
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Treatment of acne (in some cases)
Features
- De alexandrite laser works with a wavelength of 755 nanometers
- It is a solid-state laser that uses an alexandrite crystal as the medium, placed in the main unit of the device
- The laser light is guided to the handpiece via an optical fiber
- Treatments are in most cases performed without contact gel and without a cooled tip. Other cooling techniques are used such as cold air, cryogenic or a fine mist of air and demineralized water.
The advantages
- Very high precision, parameters are independently adjustable for targeted treatments
- High peak powers allow for shorter pulse durations, which is more effective for finer hair structures
- Stronger absorption by melanin than alternative hair removal systems, allowing even less pigmented and thinner hairs to be treated
- Suitable for the treatment of superficial (epidermal) pigment
- Often adjustable in spot size, which makes it easier to adapt to different treatment zones
- The alexandrite crystal is durable and lasts longer compared to some other laser mediums.
Possible disadvantages or limitations
- They are often larger devices that can take up a lot of space
- Requires more daily maintenance than some other lasers due to the more complex technology.
- Due to the high degree of absorption by melanin, this laser is riskier on tinted skin
What skin type is the laser suitable for?
Hair removal with an alexandrite laser is suitable for skin types I to III.
What other indications is the laser suitable for?
In addition to hair removal, the alexandrite laser is also suitable for the treatment of epidermal Pigment for skin types I to III.
Features
- De Nd:YAG laser works with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers
- It is a solid-state laser using a Nd:YAG crystal as the medium, placed in the main unit of the device
- The laser light is guided to the handpiece via an optical fiber
- Treatments are in most cases performed without contact gel and without a cooled tip. Other cooling techniques are used such as cold air, cryogenic or a fine mist of air and demineralized water.
The advantages
- Very high precision, parameters are independently adjustable for targeted treatments
- High peak powers allow for shorter pulse durations, which is more effective for finer hair structures
- Lower absorption in melanin than other lasers, making the Nd:YAG laser particularly suitable for the darkest skin types (IV–VI) and deep-seated hair structures.
- Suitable for a wide range of other medical and aesthetic applications
- Often adjustable in spot size, which makes it easier to adapt to different treatment zones
- The Nd:YAG crystal is durable and lasts longer compared to some other laser mediums.
Possible disadvantages or limitations
- They are often larger devices that can take up a lot of space
- Requires more daily maintenance than some other lasers due to the more complex technology.
- Less effective on lighter skin types and fine, light hair. For these skin types, combined systems (e.g. Nd:YAG + Alexandrite) are more suitable.
What skin type is the laser suitable for?
The Nd:YAG laser is suitable for skin types I to VI, but especially for skin types IV to VI.
What other indications is the laser suitable for?
In addition to hair removal, the Nd:YAG laser can also be used for:
- Treatment of vascular lesions (such as varicose veins and couperose)
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nails) and warts
- Certain inflammatory skin conditions
Multiple wavelengths in 1 system
In order to treat as broad a group of patients as possible effectively and safely, modern laser systems are increasingly equipped with multiple wavelengths. A common combination is that of the alexandrite laser (755 nm) and the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) in one device.
Advantages of combined systems:
- Broader applicability: one device can be used safely and effectively for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI).
- More treatment options per patient: for example, first treat with Nd:YAG for tanned skin, later switch to alexandrite for lighter skin.
- Efficiency in the clinic: no need to change devices; faster switching between treatment modes.
- Clinical flexibility: some systems offer other treatment options in addition to hair removal.
Our laser hair removal equipment
Dalton Medical offers a carefully selected range of professional laser hair removal devices, including:
Choose the best laser hair removal device for your practice
As a professional, it is essential to select the right laser(s) that meet the needs of your clients and your practice. When making your choice of the right laser, consider the following factors:
- Customer base: Who are your customers? Analyze their skin and hair types to determine which laser technology is most suitable.
- Investment budget: What is your budget? Don't just look at the purchase price, but also at recurring costs such as maintenance and consumables. We are happy to think along with you about an investment that matches your ambitions.
- Treatment portfolio: Which treatments do you want and are you allowed to offer as a professional? Only hair removal, or also treatments for pigmentation, vascular problems or skin aging?
- Training needs: How much time can you spend on training? Some systems are more complex than others. Through our Dalton Academy, we ensure that you and your team quickly become familiar with the equipment.
- Space and mobility: What does your practice space look like? We offer both compact and larger systems, depending on the available space and desired flexibility.
Successful together with Dalton Medical
At Dalton Medical, we have been at the forefront of medical and aesthetic innovation in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg since 2001. Our years of experience make us the ideal partner for your practice. We believe in quality, commitment and sharing knowledge.
“Successful together” is more than a slogan – it’s how we work. We not only supply top equipment, but also help you progress with training through our Dalton Academy. There you will learn all the ins and outs of your equipment and stay up to date with the latest developments.
Need advice or additional information?
Want to know which laser hair removal device is best for your practice? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call us directly on + 31(0) 162 74 44 44, mail to [email protected] or leave your details below. We are happy to help you.