As a clinic owner and laser operator of 17 years I have tried and tested many many laser machines over the years.
I’m writing this comparison to help my fellow salon owners understand the difference between lasers, as it can be very confusing. The suppliers don’t always make it easy to understand (because they’re not coming from a salon owner’s point of view.)
Here I’m looking at the Smart Diode Laser vs Lynton Initia Diode Laser. Just to be clear, I don’t own either of these machines, and am not endorsed by either company. I’m not affiliated to either company in any way, and am not being paid to write this.
My aim is to provide your with a laser owner’s comparison to help you with your search for equipment.
Smart Diode Laser vs Lynton Initia Diode
The Smart Diode as the name suggests is a smart machine. What I mean by that is that it has preset parameters to help you get the right setting for your client.
So you will be able to choose;
- Your client’s Skin Type (1 to 6)
- Area of the treatment eg. face, legs, underarms.
- The laser will then suggest the correct setting for you to start with.
The Lynton Initia Diode is very similar to this. In fact it is probably a little smarter.
The screen of the Initia allows you to choose;
- Your client’s Skin Type (1 to 6)
- Hair Colour of the area you’re treating (light, medium or dark)
- Hair Thickness (fine, medium or coarse)
- The laser will then suggest the correct setting for you to start with.
Operating Modes
Many diodes operate in 2 laser modes which gives you complete flexibility and a choice of speeds. However this is where these 2 machines differ greatly.
Here’s a brief description of the modes.
SHR Mode / Fast Mode – this gets referred to as different names including SHR, fast mode or standard laser mode. It operates in a way which means you’re just covering each area of the skin once.
So for large areas like full legs, or full back it’s a much quicker way to operate the laser and makes a huge difference in time. The Lynton Initia Diode has this mode.The Smart Diode does NOT operate in this mode.It means that the difference in treating areas like full legs can be done in half the time using the fast mode.
Pain Free / Slide and Glide Mode- this is where the laser head is passed over the skin multiple times to gradually build up the heat in the hair follicle. This is why it takes longer – because you are passing over the skin multiple times. (in some cases up to 10 times)
The Smart Diode operates in this mode for all treatments
The Lynton Initia Diode can also operate in this mode.
This mode of treatment is the best one to use particularly for more sensitive areas such as top lip, chin, bikini, Hollywood bikini. That’s because the feeling is gradual and less painful.
The Smart Diode also has ‘stacking mode’ but this is really just the same as ‘slide and glide’ but is used in a very small area, where the handpiece is kept still.
Cooling Tips
Both machines have in built chill tips. This means that they the laser heads feel really cold when they touch the skin, and this helps soothe the area while the laser treatment is being delivered.
The Price
Smart Diode charges between £25,000 and £28,000 for their laser hair removal devices. It depends on whether you choose a single wavelength or triple wavelength and also their are slight differences in power output.
Lynton charge between £28,000 and £32,000 for their Initia Diode laser hair removal device.
If you are looking at these machines for Laser hair removal I would also encourage you to contact salon or clinic owners and ask their opinion of the equipment as this is one of the best testimonials. In my experience companies will give you guides on treatment speeds and prices, but this doesn’t mean it’s accurate for you.
I hope this guide has helped you understand the differences between the Smart Diode Laser and Lynton’s Initia Diode Laser. If you need further advice on laser hair removal or other equipment for your Salon or Clinic then feel free to get in touch with me here: rachael@comeandcopyme.co.uk