Types of Lasers for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is still in its early development. It was only in 1995 that the Food and Drug Administration approved the first laser for hair removal, the Soft Light. This laser produced a beam of light that would destroy hair follicles and needed an application of a carbon-based lotion to darken the hairs in order to be effective. Unfortunately it wasn’t perfect and still needed improvement, as it could possibly damage proximal skin cells. Eventually, scientists realized that there had to be a more effective method by targeting the melanin/pigment in the hair.

Lasers continue to develop and improve, creating more effective and safe treatments. Research will continue in this growing and popular field and new and improved equipment will continue to emerge. Dozens of lasers are now approved by the FDA, making it confusing for the consumer, to say the least.

Here is a breakdown of the most popular lasers used for hair removal:

The Ruby Laser

The ruby laser was the first to be approved for hair removal after the Soft Light in 1997. Because of its longevity it is the most widely tested and used. It directly targets the melanin in the skin. It is most effective for dark hair and light skin. Researchers discovered that there was a risk of hyper-pigmentation on clients with tan or dark skin. Also, the laser didn’t damage the hair shaft enough to guarantee permanent hair loss.

Alexandrite Lasers

Alexandrite lasers use alexandrite (a gemstone) that sends out a wavelength of light. This particular laser has a faster repetition rate, which means that it can cover a larger area faster, reducing overall treatment time. Alexandrite lasers are most effective for clients with dark hair and lighter skin, and has been found to be more effective in treating finer hair as well. It is safer for darker skin tones than the ruby laser, but its effectiveness is still limited.

Diode Lasers

Diode lasers use an electrical component (a diode) that create a beam of light. Diode lasers have a longer wavelength and therefore a longer penetration depth than Alexandrite lasers, which means that it can be used on darker skin tones.

Nd: YAG Lasers

Nd: YAG lasers have longer wavelengths than the Alexandrite and Diode lasers. This longer wavelength means that the laser bypasses the dark pigment in skin and directly targets the hair follicles, making it ideal for those with darker complexions. Like the ruby laser, a carbon lotion is applied and is then removed from the skin. The laser targets the absorbed carbon in the hair follicles. It has been found to cause the least damage to skin of all laser treatments. Also it has been found to be the least painful of all the laser hair removal options.

IPL Lasers

IPL lasers use pulsed light which use multiple wavelengths of light to different depths. It has been found to be effective for coarse as well as finer hair. It is potentially effective for darker complexions, although doesn’t seem to be as effective as the Nd: YAG lasers. It seems to require more treatments to achieve desired results, which in turn can make it more expensive and less satisfactory in the long run.

Researching the different type of lasers for hair removal can get overwhelming. We have omitted talking about the depth of lasers in millimetres and getting too technical. Lasers can be ideal for effectively and permanently reducing unwanted hair, but there is not one laser that is right for everyone. Depending on the type of hair you have (coarse or fine, dark or light) and your skin complexion, there is a laser that will be best suited for your needs. It is important to meet with an experienced technician for a consultation. They can assess you and determine what is the ideal treatment for your needs. Ask around, investigate and go to more than one clinic in order to make the best choice.