Two wavelengths, not one. A long-pulsed 755 nm alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG on the same platform — which is what allows treatment to be matched to skin type rather than the other way round.
The principle is selective photothermolysis. Melanin in the hair shaft absorbs laser energy, that energy converts to heat, and the heat conducts to the follicular structures responsible for producing the hair.
Two things follow from this. First, the target is pigment — so hair that carries little melanin responds poorly regardless of the device. Second, the melanin in your skin competes for the same energy, which is where skin type becomes the governing variable.
Hair also grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active anagen phase are susceptible at any given moment. This is why treatment is staged rather than done once.
This is the part most often glossed over, and it is the whole reason a dual-wavelength platform exists.
755 nm alexandrite is strongly absorbed by melanin. Where there is good contrast between dark hair and lighter skin — Fitzpatrick I to III — that strong absorption is precisely what you want. But the same property becomes a liability as skin pigment increases: surface melanin absorbs energy intended for the follicle.
1064 nm Nd:YAG behaves differently. The longer wavelength is less readily absorbed by melanin in the upper layers and penetrates deeper, so more energy reaches the follicle rather than being taken up on the way through. This is what makes it the appropriate wavelength for Fitzpatrick IV to VI.
Neither wavelength is better. They answer different skin. Having both on one platform means the treatment is matched to you, rather than you being told your skin type is unsuitable.
Singapore's population spans a wide phototype range, and a great deal of it sits in Fitzpatrick III to V — exactly the range where wavelength choice stops being academic.
Treatment on darker skin with an inappropriate wavelength or setting risks epidermal injury and post-inflammatory pigment change. Getting this right is a matter of assessment and parameter selection, not of buying a machine.
The same platform underpins Dr Sin Yong's R2 Glow protocol, where long-pulsed delivery is directed at inflammatory activity in the skin rather than at the hair follicle.
“A single-wavelength device forces you to compromise at one end of the skin-type range. Two wavelengths remove that compromise.”
Dr Sin YongOn dual-wavelength hair removal
Treatment is planned individually, so the cost follows the plan rather than a fixed list. Four things shape it:
A figure quoted before assessment would not reflect your presentation. Cost is set out clearly at consultation, before anything is agreed.
Laser hair removal works by selective photothermolysis. Melanin in the hair shaft absorbs laser energy, which converts to heat and conducts to the follicular structures that produce hair. Because the target is pigment, hair with little melanin responds poorly, and because hair grows in cycles, treatment is staged across sessions.
Yes, provided the wavelength is appropriate. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is less readily absorbed by melanin in the upper skin layers and penetrates more deeply, which makes it the appropriate choice for Fitzpatrick IV to VI. Treating darker skin with a wavelength intended for lighter phototypes carries a risk of epidermal injury and post-inflammatory pigment change.
The 755 nm alexandrite wavelength is strongly absorbed by melanin, which suits Fitzpatrick I to III where dark hair contrasts with lighter skin. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is less absorbed by surface melanin and penetrates deeper, which suits Fitzpatrick IV to VI. Neither is preferable in the abstract; they are matched to different skin.
The number of laser hair removal sessions varies with the area, hair characteristics and individual growth cycles. Only follicles in the active growth phase respond at any given session, which is why treatment is staged. The plan is set out at consultation after assessment rather than sold as a fixed package.
Commonly treated areas include the underarms, legs, arms, bikini line, back, chest and face. Suitability for each area, and the appropriate wavelength and settings, are assessed in person.
Most patients describe a snapping sensation with each pulse. Epidermal cooling is used to protect the skin surface and improve tolerance. Comfort varies between individuals and between areas, and is managed during the session.
Cost depends on the area treated, its surface area, and how the plan is staged across sessions. Because these differ considerably between patients, a figure quoted before assessment would not be meaningful. Pricing is set out clearly at consultation.
Suitability is assessed in person. Recent sun exposure or tanning, photosensitising medication, active infection or inflammation in the area, certain skin conditions and pregnancy are among the things considered. Not every patient or every presentation is appropriate for treatment.
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