Why the Same Laser Machine Works Differently for Different PeopleA diode laser (or any cosmetic laser) is just a tool. The final result depends not only on the device itself, but mainly on the person operating it (the cosmetologist) and on the client.
Here are the main reasons why the exact same machine can give very different outcomes in different hands or on different people.1. The Cosmetologist — the Main Factor (70–80% of Success)
In the hands of a skilled professional — it’s a Ferrari.
In the hands of a beginner — it’s still a Ferrari, but it drives slowly and with a high risk of crashing.A great cosmetologist + proper client preparation + a well-maintained machine = consistently excellent and predictable results.
- Settings: One specialist sets 30 J/cm² with a 2-second pause between shots, another uses 40 J/cm² with almost no pause. The difference in follicle heating can be enormous.
- Technique of movement: Smooth, even passes with no gaps or overlaps vs random, chaotic movements — this directly affects uniformity and the actual amount of energy delivered per zone.
- Cooling and gel application: One applies a thick layer of cooling gel and keeps the handpiece tightly pressed to the skin; another applies a thin layer or leaves an air gap → difference in client comfort and treatment effectiveness can reach 20–30%.
- Experience: A beginner is afraid of burns and always uses low energy → weak results. An experienced professional knows the skin’s real limits and gets the maximum safe effect.
- Maintenance of the equipment: One regularly cleans the sapphire tip, filters, and handpiece; another does it rarely → over time the second one’s laser gradually loses real power.
- Skin phototype (Fitzpatrick I–VI): Light skin (I–III) responds much better to 808 nm; dark skin (IV–VI) requires extra caution, lower energy, and usually more sessions.
- Hair thickness and color: Dark, thick hairs are the perfect target (high melanin content). Light, gray, red, or very fine hairs absorb much less energy → significantly poorer results.
- Hormonal background: PCOS, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances cause faster regrowth → more sessions are needed.
- Hair growth phase (anagen): Only 10–30% of hairs are in the active growth phase at any given time, and this percentage varies greatly between people and body areas.
- Preparation: One client shaves the area 24 hours before the session (ideal), another shaves a week earlier → big difference in effectiveness.
- Condition of the laser: Even the same machine gradually loses power over time (dust buildup, diode stack degradation, dirty filters) — without regular professional maintenance, results deteriorate.
- Room temperature and cooling system: Cold cooling water gives better results; if the system overheats or the room is too warm → weaker effect.
- Treatment regularity: One client follows the recommended schedule strictly, another takes long breaks → dramatically different final outcome.
In the hands of a skilled professional — it’s a Ferrari.
In the hands of a beginner — it’s still a Ferrari, but it drives slowly and with a high risk of crashing.A great cosmetologist + proper client preparation + a well-maintained machine = consistently excellent and predictable results.
