Four different lasers are typically used for laser hair removal, although many more patented ones do exist. The four most common lasers — Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and the Nd:YAG — each have their advantages.
In the world of lasers, Rubies can be considered “old timers”, having been in use for laser hair removal for quite some time. Ideal for people with dark hair and light skin, the Ruby produces a small beam of light. This means laser hair removal sessions are oftentimes longer, with more pulses of light needed to target the treatment site. Lasers like the Ruby have become less popular with the breakthrough of newer, more effective laser technologies.
The Alexandrite laser produces a longer beam of light than the Ruby, requiring fewer pulses during a laser hair removal session. This has the benefit of lessening patient discomfort. With more efficiency than the Ruby, the Alexandrite laser successfully removes hair on people with lighter skin tones and hair color combinations, and is especially effective on coarse hair.
The Diode laser offers a gentler touch, removing hair while protecting the skin, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. The Diode is typically most effective on people with light-to-medium skin tones.
Now for the best of the best—the Nd:YAG laser—one of the most innovative lasers on the market (and also the one we use at LaserAway, in the form of the Cynosure Apogee Elite). Nd:YAG lasers have the incredible ability to distinguish between subtleties in pigmentation, effectively removing hair on any skin tone. If you have darker skin tones, it’s essential that you ensure your laser provider is using an Nd:YAG.
Another bonus? Because the Nd:YAG laser produces one of the longest beams, fewer pulses are required to get the job done. With the Nd:YAG laser, you’re guaranteed shorter laser hair removal sessions, minimal patient discomfort, and reduced risk of complications.
