By Mariela
Updated: May 24, 2024
7 minutes
Regarding professional laser hair removal machines as mentioned in 6 Types of Laser Hair Removal Machines, Diode laser is one of the most sought-after technologies because of its effectiveness, the ability to treat several skin tones and hair colors, skin rejuvenation properties, and fast treatments.
Furthermore, it treats coarse, thick, and stubborn hair effectively making people choose this technology for the best results on their quickly growing unwanted hair. So, if you are planning on getting laser hair removal treatment with a diode and are looking for more information on it, you are in the right place.
Let us find out all you need to know about diode laser hair removal.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1. What is Diode Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 2. Is Diode Laser Hair Removal Effective?
- Part 3. How Many Sessions For Diode Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 4. Diode Laser Hair Removal vs. Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
- Part 5. Diode Laser Hair Removal vs. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
- Part 6. Diode Laser Hair Removal Machines
Part 1. What is Diode Laser Hair Removal? 
Just like any other laser hair removal technology, diode laser also works on the principle of selective photothermolysis. It means the radiation from the laser is absorbed into the melanin of the hair while sparing the skin.
A significant point about diode is that it works great for dark skin tones and is more efficient on dark, terminal, and coarse hair. It uses a wavelength ranging from 700 nm to 1100 nm. This long wavelength allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and kill stubborn hair follicles in less time.
Furthermore, a clinical study determined that 3 wavelengths of diode effectively remove the unwanted hair from the face, chest, limbs, and other areas of the body in people with skin tones IV and V [1].
Part 2. Is Diode Laser Hair Removal Effective?
There are various sessions required for the diode laser to show its effects. After completing the sessions, you can notice a visible reduction in hair. A study conducted in Poland and the UK shows that the use of an 805nm diode laser has proved effective against unwanted hair on the body[1].
It is not only effective for hair removal but also shows long-term results for months to even a year or more [2]. However, the outcome can vary depending upon:
- Hair Color: Since the lasers work based on the concentration of melanin in your hair and skin, they work best for darker hair as compared to lighter shades like blonde
- Hormonal Influence: Any systemic condition such as PCOS, tumors, or problem in your hormone-producing glands can cause hormonal imbalance. This affects your hair follicles leading to variable outcomes of diode laser
- Individual Response: Your ethnicity, genetics, and some other undetermined factors influence the results of the treatment and the number of sessions required for you
Part 3. How Many Sessions For Diode Laser Hair Removal?
Similar to other types of lasers, diode laser also needs more than one session to effectively target your hair and remove it. On average, it requires a total of 6-10 sessions depending upon:
- Area of treatment: The number of sessions is highly influenced by the area of treatment. Areas like the face having less hair require fewer sessions while areas with more hair like Bikini lines require more sessions. Furthermore, there is more influence of hormones on such body parts which leads to the need for more sessions.
- Skin color: The better the contrast between the pigmentations of the skin and the hair, the less will be the sessions. As the pigment in dark skin and hair is comparable, additional measures are taken to kill the follicles while protecting the skin. So, more no, sessions are required for dark skin tones as compared to light skin colors.
- Hair type: Diode laser hair removal responds better to thick and coarse hair. Therefore, you will require fewer sessions if your hair is dark and terminal. However, if you have light vellus hair, you might struggle with diode treatment.
- Consistency and Adherence: The sessions of diode laser hair removal are scheduled according to the hair growth cycle. So, you will need 1 session every 1 to 1.5 months until the treatment is complete. Skipping sessions disturbs the effects of the laser on hair follicles while staying consistent improves the results.
Part 4. Diode Laser Hair Removal vs. Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal
Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755nm while diode laser has a wavelength of 810nm. This means diode laser can penetrate deeper into your skin making it safe for darker skin types [3]. Alexandrite laser is preferred for lighter skin types.
However, the diode laser is considered more painful as compared to alexandrite laser. Diode has proved effective against coarse hair and alexandrite laser is good for finer hair.
Furthermore, alexandrite laser uses a combination of minerals and diode laser contains two layers of semiconductors with gallium arsenide as the active substance in it. This makes alexandrite more expensive.
Part 5. Diode Laser Hair Removal vs. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Diode laser hair removal is a professional procedure and rarely can be done at home. On the other hand, IPL is an FDA-cleared technology-cleared technology that only affects the target cells such as hair [5]. Additionally, a well-reputed IPL device is priced at 1/3rd of 1/4th the price of the diode hair removal treatment.
Therefore, IPL can be used as an affordable and convenient alternative to diode laser hair removal.
If we compare the wavelength, IPL uses 500 to 1200 nm broad-spectrum light rays while Diode uses mono-chromatic 700 to 1400 nm. The longer the wavelength, the deeper the penetrations. This makes IPL suitable only for fair to light brown skin tones while Diode works for brown and black colors as well.
Furthermore, diode works better on terminal hair while IPL can be used on any type of hair as long as they have pigment. So, you should consider your skin color, hair type, and budget while selecting any of the two laser hair removal technologies. You can find the best IPL hair removal machines here.
Part 6. Diode Laser Hair Removal Machines
1. Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
Tria hair removal laser 4x is the only reliable at-home laser hair removal machine available in the market. It uses professional diode technology that is modified and made safe for at-home utilization.
Having a small round window that gives out 20 J/cm2 of energy, rechargeable wireless functioning, and 5 intensity levels, Tria Hair Removal 4x is a device to try if you want to treat your unwanted hair by yourself.
Also, it is FDA-cleared and effective in slowing down hair growth and allowing long-lasting hairlessness [6]
2. ELYSION-PRO Diode Laser Hair Removal System
Elysion-Pro diode laser hair removal system features 4 wavelengths to allow professionals to treat a variety of skin tones and hair colors. It has both FDA-cleared and European medical certificates. Additionally, it gives out persistent flashes of light to target the given area precisely.
3. Soprano Laser Hair Removal System
Featuring 3 wavelengths and integrated ice technology, the Soprano diode laser hair removal system is one of the top devices available in professional hair removal salons. It is used for the treatment of all skin tones, fine to coarse hair, and all parts of the body. Additionally, it works for tanned skin as well and there is little to no downtime.
4. Filfeel Portable 808 Diode Laser Hair Removal Machine
Filfeel diode is a portable laser hair removal machine that is regarded as safe and effective for all body hair. It kills the hair follicles while keeping the skin intact and uses 3 types of wavelengths to customize the treatment. The package comes with the device, glasses, and eye patches. Also, it is one of the most affordable diode laser hair removal systems.
Note
It is important to note that the first device on the list is an at-home diode laser hair removal device. The other two are professional devices used in hair removal salons, clinics, and spas. Both these devices are highly reviewed and safely used by a variety of customers. These devices cost over $50,000 which is why laser hair removal is so expensive.
Moving ahead, the last device is a portable device costing around $1,500. However, its FDA cleared, reliability, safety, and effectiveness are unsure.
So, it is recommended to always go to a reputable clinic to get treated. In the clinic, you can ask the doctor about the device’s features and specifications he/she is using.
Conclusion
Diode laser hair removal machines are one of the top setups used by laser hair removal surgeons to treat a variety of hair types and skin colors. It is especially effective on coarse dark hair and dark skin tones because of its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Additionally, it is more effective but less convenient than IPL hair removal and more painful yet efficient for dark skin tones when compared with alexandrite.
Therefore, we encourage you to know more about different types of lasers while selecting the machine that will be used on your body.
References
[1] E P Raj Kirit 1, Aishwarya Sivuni 1, Sridevi Ponugupati 1, Michel H Gold. “Efficacy and safety of triple wavelength laser hair reduction in skin types IV to V”. PubMed. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr;20(4):1117-1123. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13995. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567152/
[2] Załęska, Izabela, and Magdalena Atta-Motte. “Aspects of Diode Laser (805 nm) Hair Removal Safety in a Mixed-Race Group of Patients.” Journal of lasers in medical sciences vol. 10,2 (2019): 146-152. doi:10.15171/jlms.2019.23 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6499570/
[3] Goldberg, David J. “One-year follow-up results of hair removal using an 810 nm diode laser.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 17,5 (2018): 775-778. doi:10.1111/jocd.12757 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30251358/
[4] Mustafa, Farhad Hamad, et al. “Comparison of Alexandrite and Diode Lasers for Hair Removal in Dark and Medium Skin: Which is Better?.” Journal of lasers in medical sciences vol. 5,4 (2014): 188-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281988/
[5] Barbara Soltes. “Intense pulsed light therapy”. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2010 Dec;37(4):489-99, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2010.09.005. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21093744/
[6] Ronald G Wheeland. “Long-lasting hair reduction with a home-use diode laser: Safety and effectiveness 1 year after eight treatments”. Lasers Surg Med. 2012 Sep;44(7):550-7. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22051. Epub 2012 Aug 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22886431/
