Alexandrite or diode laser: which is better?

We continue to reveal the secrets of hair removal with modern equipment.
Here’s the next question from our clients: “Diode laser or Alexandrite laser: how to choose?” Evaluate based on the characteristics listed below to understand which laser is the best fit for you.

Technology and principle of operation of the alexandrite laser

To understand the difference between a diode laser and an Alexandrite laser, it is important to first discuss the features of each device separately.
The active medium in an Alexandrite laser system is an artificially grown Alexandrite crystal.
Growing this crystal in laboratory conditions requires time and financial resources, which is why Alexandrite devices are more expensive than diode lasers.

What is its principle of action?

During flashes, monochromatic light with a wavelength of 755 nm penetrates the skin to a specified depth (3.5 mm).

Melanin, which is present in the hair and hair follicle, absorbs this radiation. The higher the temperature, the faster the follicle is destroyed.

Motus AX with Moveo technology – painless alexandrite laser

Laser hair removal procedures — whether with a diode or a traditional Alexandrite laser — used to be associated with unpleasant, painful sensations.
With the creation of the Motus AX laser, it became possible to use the properties of Alexandrite without the need for anesthetics.
This laser system was developed by the Italian company DEKA. Thanks to the patented Moveo technology (hair removal in motion) and the built-in cooling system, it allows for completely painless hair removal.

The sapphire tip cools down to 15°C, so the contact between the handpiece and the skin does not cause pain or any other discomfort, unlike other systems.
The skin does not overheat or get damaged. You will feel only a slight cooling sensation in the treated area.

In addition, this Alexandrite laser allows safe and effective treatments on all skin phototypes.
That’s why the Motus AX device with the Moveo handpiece is considered the best laser for hair removal on dark and tanned skin.

Technology and principle of operation of the diode laser

The diode laser works similarly to the Alexandrite laser: a focused beam of light with a wavelength of 800–810 nm penetrates up to 4 mm deep into the skin.
It targets the pigment that colors the hair, heating it. At the same time, the temperature of the dermal papilla and the blood vessels nourishing the hair also increases.
As a result, the hair’s nourishment is disrupted, causing hair growth to stop.

Diode laser systems are based on diode plates made from two layers of semiconductor material (gallium arsenide).
The most advanced diode systems may use up to three different types of semiconductors, producing three different wavelengths.

Features of diode laser procedures

When it comes to diode lasers, client reviews often mention the pain associated with the procedure.
During treatments, especially in highly sensitive areas like the  bikini line and underarms, anesthetics are commonly used — even despite different individual pain thresholds.

Diode lasers, which are used in most salons in Ukraine, are not suitable for hair removal on dark skin.
This is because the diode laser beam targets not only the melanin in the hair but also the melanin concentrated in the skin.
As a result, both the hair and the skin heat up.
At high intensities, this can lead to burns and pigmentation issues after laser hair removal.

Although medical equipment developers around the world are continuously improving diode laser systems, in Ukraine there are only a few devices available that are truly safe to use on skin types V and VI.

Alexandrite or diode laser: why did we choose Motus AX?

Firstly, we believe that experimenting with a client’s pain threshold is inhumane. A modern salon procedure should not cause discomfort or pain. Therefore, painlessness during laser hair removal is important.
The second and main issue is effectiveness of hair removal with the Alexandrite laser. We have not only studied the technology and research proving the effectiveness of the course but are also confident in its efficacy due to client feedback.

The third criterion for choosing the device is safety. We mean the ability to treat clients with any skin types and perform procedures at any time of the year.

With Alexandrite and previous-generation diode lasers, clients had to avoid sun exposure for an entire month.

This includes 14 days before and 14 days after the procedure. During the summer months, one had to constantly hide from the sun or wait for the colder season to start the course.

And another important characteristic of our Alexandrite laser Motus AX is high speed. This allows us to save time (taking more clients in shorter intervals) and reduce your time spent in the salon.

Although, believe us, the atmosphere of care makes you want to stay here as long as possible: fragrant coffee, cool sparkling drinks, and other pleasant little things make your stay with us enjoyable and memorable.

Which laser is better: diode or alexandrite with Moveo technology?

When comparing two devices – Alexandrite and diode lasers – the effectiveness of hair removal is approximately the same.
The only remaining issue is pain level and the possibility of using the hair removal method on tanned and dark skin (V-VI skin types).

As for our Alexandrite laser Motus AX — we are confident in its effectiveness, safety for dark skin, and high speed.
Proven by thousands of our clients.
We invite you to make every touch to your silky skin truly desirable.
If you are interested in laser hair removal in Kyiv, visit one of the LaserVille salons at a location convenient for you.