The Best Lasers for Hair Removal--and Why LaserAway Uses the Most Advanced Technology

Laser hair removal works by using concentrated beams of light to target and permanently reduce unwanted hair. But not all lasers are created equal--and choosing the right type of laser for your skin tone and hair type is key to getting safe, effective results. At LaserAway, we only use the most advanced technology available, and we're proud to offer the Cynosure Apogee Elite, a dual-wavelength laser system that's trusted by medical professionals worldwide. We've also enhanced our systems with LaserSafe, our exclusive built-in safety software that makes every treatment smarter and safer. Here's what you need to know about the types of lasers used for hair removal--and why our system is built to deliver the best results for every skin tone.

The Most Common Laser Types for Hair Removal

There are a few main types of medical-grade lasers used in professional hair removal:
  • Alexandrite (755 nm): Best suited for lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III), this laser is highly effective for removing fine to medium hair and offers fast treatment times on larger areas.
  • Nd:YAG (1064 nm): Known for its deep penetration and low melanin absorption, the Nd:YAG laser is safe for all skin tones, including deeper complexions (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). It's the gold standard for treating darker skin without damaging surrounding tissue.
  • Diode: Often used in at-home or lower-cost systems, diode lasers can work on a range of skin tones but tend to be less versatile and customizable than professional-grade systems like Alexandrite or Nd:YAG.
  • Ruby: One of the earliest lasers developed for hair removal, Ruby lasers are now mostly outdated. They are slow, limited to very fair skin types, and rarely used in modern clinics.

Why We Use the Cynosure Apogee Elite

At LaserAway, patient safety, comfort, and results are our top priorities--which is why we've chosen to use the Cynosure Apogee Elite in all our clinics. This dual-wavelength system includes both the Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers in a single device, allowing our clinicians to customize each session based on your individual skin tone and hair type.
  • Alexandrite (755 nm) is ideal for patients with fair to medium skin tones.
  • Nd:YAG (1064 nm) is safe for all skin tones and is especially effective for deeper complexions.
This versatility means we can treat virtually any patient safely and effectively. And because we're able to adjust the settings based on your skin's needs, your treatments are not only safer--they're also more efficient.

LaserSafe Solution: Our Exclusive Protocols for Added Safety

We've elevated laser hair removal safety with the LaserSafe Solution--a set of protocols uniquely powered by Cynosure's cutting-edge software and the clinical expertise of our experienced nurses. Built into every Cynosure Apogee Elite laser we use, this advanced safety feature is designed to deliver consistent, skin-safe results for all skin tones. It automatically defaults to Nd:YAG, the most universally protective wavelength, whenever the device is powered on, left idle, or adjusted. Alexandrite, intended for lighter skin tones, can only be manually activated by one of our licensed clinicians--adding an extra layer of intentional control. By minimizing the risk of wavelength misuse and supporting precise, tone-appropriate treatments, the LaserSafe Solution ensures that every session is safer, smarter, and more personalized--start to finish.

Built for All Skin Tones, Backed by Expert Care

One of the most important things about laser hair removal is making sure it's done with the right laser for your skin tone. Using the wrong type of laser can lead to side effects like burns, irritation, or pigmentation changes--especially for patients with deeper skin tones. That's why our approach is designed around inclusivity and safety. We use the Nd:YAG wavelength as our baseline because it's been clinically proven to safely treat all skin types (Fitzpatrick Scale I to VI), and we make sure every laser system is inspected monthly by our expert laser engineers to ensure it's working exactly as it should. With our LaserSafe Solution protocols guiding your treatment and our experienced medical team personalizing your plan, you're in the best hands from start to finish.

Why LaserAway Is The Smartest Choice For Laser Hair Removal

Not all lasers are created equal--and the one used in your treatment matters. At LaserAway, we use the Cynosure Apogee Elite, featuring advanced dual-wavelength technology to safely and effectively treat every skin tone. What sets us further apart is the LaserSafe Solution--a powerful combination of Cynosure's smart software, and the clinical expertise of our experienced medical team. Built into every system we use, it ensures your treatment starts with the safest setting and stays aligned with your skin's needs from beginning to end. Book your free consultation today and discover how laser hair removal at LaserAway is safer, smarter, and designed just for you. References "Nd:YAG Technology for Laser Hair Removal: What's New?," Dermatological Reviews, July 26, 2024.