The Nd:YAG laser is the newest laser hair removal technology, preceding Alexandrite as the most effective form of laser hair removal. That said, Alexandrite is the most popular type of laser system you’ll find on laser machines.

It’s important to note that laser machines are different to IPL machines. A brief summary of Nd:YAG vs Alexandrite vs IPL can be seen below:

A summary of how a Nd:YAG laser works

Nd:YAG laser works by emitting a beam of high-energy light at a wavelength of 1064 nm. This wavelength is well-absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft, which causes the hair follicles to heat up and be destroyed.

During the treatment, the laser energy is directed at the hair follicles through a handpiece. The energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair and is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle and prevents it from producing new hair.

The process of laser hair removal works best on hair that is in the active growth phase (anagen phase), since the hair in this phase has the most melanin, which absorbs the laser energy the best. Because hair growth occurs in cycles, multiple treatments are typically needed to target and destroy hair follicles that were not in the active growth phase during the initial treatment.

Nd:YAG laser has a longer wavelength than other laser hair removal options, it’s less absorbed by melanin in the skin, making it a safe option for patients with darker skin tones. Additionally, some Nd:YAG lasers are designed to have a cooling mechanism, by a sapphire tip or cooling gel, to help reduce any discomfort or pain during the procedure.

The applications of a Nd:YAG laser

1. One of the most common additional use is in the treatment of pigmented lesions, such as age spots, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Nd:YAG laser can target the melanin present in these lesions and break it down, resulting in a reduction of pigmentation. It’s considered a safe option for patients with darker skin tones, as it has a longer wavelength that is less absorbed by melanin in the skin, reducing the risk of burning or pigmentation changes.

2. Another application is in the treatment of vascular lesions, such as spider veins, port-wine stains, and hemangiomas. Nd:YAG laser can target the hemoglobin present in these blood vessels, causing them to coagulate and eventually disappear. This kind of application is also considered a safe option for darker skin tones.

3. Nd:YAG laser is also used for skin rejuvenation, by targeting deeper layers of skin, it causes collagen remodeling and production, resulting in a smoother, tighter and more youthful-looking skin.

4. Additionally, Nd:YAG laser can be used for tattoo removal. The laser energy breaks up the pigment in the tattoo, which is then removed by the body’s natural processes.

We have a great article that discusses which type of laser machine is best for hair removal which breakdown ND:YAG, Alexandrite, Diode and Ruby lasers.

Does this mean I can use a single Nd:YAG laser machine to treat both hair removal and tattoo removal?

As we read above, Nd:YAG lasers are designed to have the flexibility to be used for a variety of different applications, including hair removal, pigmented lesion treatment, vascular lesion treatment, and tattoo removal. However, this doesn’t mean that one specific Nd:YAG laser machine can treat all of these conditions equally well.

It’s important to note that different settings and parameters may be used for different applications and different types of Nd:YAG lasers may be better suited for certain treatments. For example, a hair removal laser is typically set to a lower fluence and a longer pulse duration than a tattoo removal laser, which is typically set to a higher fluence and a shorter pulse duration.

Additionally, the treatment outcomes can depend on the laser system, it’s technology and specifications. Some laser systems are dual-wavelength, meaning that they can emit both 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths, which can make it more versatile to use, but it also may require different handpieces or applicators to be able to deliver the energy.

So while it is possible that one specific Nd:YAG laser machine can be used to treat both hair removal and tattoo removal, it is generally recommended that different machines or different settings on the same machine be used for these different applications to ensure optimal results. It’s always best to consult with a licensed practitioner who has experience with both hair removal and tattoo removal to ensure you get the best results.

What Nd:YAG laser would you recommend for hair removal?

Our Nu TriLaze Plus features the very latest in laser technology. This FDA & Medical CE Certified machine comes equipped with three laser heads including – Alexandrite, diode, and of course Nd:YAG.

We’ve discussed the benefits of Nd:YAG lasers above. It is important to note though that Alexandrite and Diode play their part in laser hair removal, and have some other applications in aesthetics and dermatology. One such application is in the treatment of acne, as these laser types can help eliminate the bacteria that cause acne, as well as decreasing the redness and inflammation caused by active acne.

Another use for Alexandrite and diode lasers is in skin tightening and rejuvenation. The laser system uses a high fluence and low repetition rate to heat up the dermis, which helps to stimulate collagen remodeling and production, resulting in tighter and more youthful-looking skin.

In addition, they can be used to treat pigmented lesions such as age spots, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The laser energy targets the melanin in the lesion, breaking it down and leading to a reduction in pigmentation.

Our Nu TriLaze Plus is the perfect solution for those who want the power of three laser machines in one platform. This machine requires minimal maintenance and offers advanced safety levels, making it the perfect choice for busy professionals. With its three lasers –The cutting edge Nd:YAG 1064nm, Alexandrite 755nm, and Diode 808nm – the Nu TriLaze Plus can handle any hair removal job, big or small.