Whether you want to get rid of unsightly hair or are just tired of spending your hard-earned money on waxing, shaving, and plucking, diode laser hair removal is a great option for you.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about diode laser hair removal, from the general procedure to the gentle aftercare and more!
What Is Diode Hair Laser?
Leading the cosmetic industry for nearly two decades, diode laser hair removal is a procedure that uses selective photothermolysis technology to target and destroy the hair at its root.
A diode laser is a kind of light-emitting diode that creates short pulses of near-infrared (NIR) light. The NIR light targets melanin and damages its structure by interrupting its chemical bonds, effectively destroying the follicle (tube-shaped sac within the skin).
This specialized procedure integrates a cooling technology that protects the surrounding skin and reduces the chances of burning and bruising. After this laser treatment, the follicle undergoes programmed cell death (apoptosis) or stops growing hair temporarily.
Since this hair treatment penetrates deep into the skin and targets even the tiniest strand of hair, it is a popular choice for those with coarse hair on their faces and body or those who are looking to remove fine hairs around the chin, bikini lines, chest or underarms.
What Is the Procedure of Diode Hair Laser?
Unlike electrolysis, which is performed by inserting needles into the follicles, this laser hair removal treatment is completely uncomplicated and painless. We’ve broken down the steps below so you know exactly what to expect during this procedure.
Step 1: Skin Analysis
The first step of the procedure is skin analysis. The doctor will evaluate the skin condition and hair type and determine if there are any potential problems. If you have any medical conditions or allergies that need to be addressed, they will be taken care of before proceeding with the procedure.
Step 2: Preparation
To prepare you for your first laser session, the doctor will ask you not to wax or pluck your hair for almost four to six weeks prior to the procedure. During this time period, you can shave your hair if needed.
Step 3: Application of Topical Anesthetic Cream
Just before the procedure, a topical anesthetic cream is applied to the targeted area. This cream will numb the skin and make it less sensitive to heat and cold. The cream should be applied at least 30 minutes before the laser treatment.
Step 4: Equipment Setting
After applying the numbing cream, a protective eye shield will be placed over your eyes. You will also be given protective ear plugs to protect your ears from any possible harm from the laser beam.
The laser machine will have a control panel that can be used to set various parameters such as wavelength, power density, pulse duration, etc. These settings are configured according to the size and thickness of your hair follicles.
Step 5: Treatment
During the laser process, your technician will place a handheld machine that emits infrared light energy to effectively destroy hair shafts and follicles in the targeted area. You may feel some tingling or burning sensation during this process, but it should not last more than a few seconds.
This step usually takes around 20 minutes for each session depending on how many sessions you are planning to undergo and which part(s) of the body you are removing hair from.
Step 6: Post-treatment
After the treatment is complete, your technician will cleanse your skin immediately with a special solution to remove any remaining pigment before applying a soothing gel.
They may also offer you an ice pack or cold compress to help soothe any discomfort that may occur after treatment. You can then go about your day as usual, but it is important to remember that you must not wash your hair for 24 hours following this procedure.
Aftercare of Diode Hair Laser
After your treatment, you need to follow the instructions from your technician carefully to avoid any side effects. Some of these instructions include:
- Do not use any kind of laser-based device on your skin until four weeks after your treatment as it may cause infection and scarring.
- Avoid using perfumes and deodorants to prevent any adverse effects including skin redness or irritation.
- Do not use any kind of tanning cream or lotion as it can increase sensitivity and cause injury to the skin.
- Do not use any abrasive creams, soaps, or cosmetic products on treated areas until your skin has healed completely.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least six weeks after laser hair removal, as sunlight can cause problems in the healing process and may give rise to hyperpigmentation on your skin, which is difficult to remove completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair grow back after diode laser?
Yes. Over time, the treated hair follicles will recover from the damage and new hair will start growing. The rate of hair regrowth depends on multiple factors, such as your hair thickness, hormonal fluctuations, the number of treatments performed, and the amount of time between treatments.
Generally, your skin will remain smooth for about six weeks. After this time, your hair will grow much thinner and lighter than before.
Is diode laser better than IPL?
Diode laser is more effective than IPL because it targets the root of the problem rather than simply destroying surface tissue like IPL does. This type of laser also has superior penetration into deeper layers of skin (about 3mm), and it targets more hairs at once without having to spend extra time treating each one individually.
IPL lasers also emit broad spectrum narrow wavelengths of light with unfocused energy to the hair and skin, leading to unwanted side effects such as bleeding or bruising during treatment sessions.
Does diode laser damage skin?
No, unlike other hair treatments, diode laser treatment is extremely safe and effective when done by a trained professional. The diode laser emits light that targets and destroys hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin or causing blisters.
How many sessions of diode hair laser do you need?
As with any other cosmetic procedure, the number of diode hair laser sessions can vary from person to person depending on different factors including your skin type, hair color, and hair thickness.
On average, it takes between seven to ten treatments scheduled at least four to six weeks apart to achieve permanent results with diode laser hair removal. After that, you might have to get a touch-up once or twice every year.
Brief Summary
With all of this information, you can see why diode laser hair removal is the best option for your skin and hair. It’s safe, non-invasive, and effective. Just be sure to pick a clinic that uses cutting-edge technology and a certified doctor with experience for optimal results!
