What’s the Difference Between the Lasers Used in Laser Hair Removal?

It’s the Laser That Matters

Four different lasers are typically used for hair removal – although many more patented ones do exist. These are the four most common lasers – Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG –the Nd:YAG is the gold standard for laser hair removal, and the technology we use at LaserAway! 

Ruby Laser Hair Removal

In the world of lasers, Rubies can be considered old-timers, having been in use for laser hair removal for quite some time. The Ruby produces a small beam of light. This means laser hair removal sessions are oftentimes longer, with more pulses of light targeting the treatment site. Lasers like the Ruby have become less popular with the breakthrough of newer, more effective laser technologies like the Nd:YAG.  

The Ruby laser has a slow repetition rate which may increase the time for treatments.

There is some risk of burns, scars, redness, swelling, and skin discoloration.

Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal

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 a wide range of skin tones and hair color combinations..

Some of the advantages of the Alexandrite laser include:

• The laser has a very good skin penetration rate
• It is known to be effective on finer, thinner hairs that stymie most other lasers
• The laser is very effective on light skin tones

Some of the disadvantages of the Alexandrite laser include:

• The laser may cause pigment changes (darkening or lightening) of the skin and should not be used on Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI.

Nd:YAG Laser Hair Removal

The Nd:YAG laser  is one of the most innovative lasers on the market and considered the gold standard for Laser Hair Removal. . It has the incredible ability to distinguish between subtleties in pigmentation, effectively removing hair on any skin tone. Because the Nd:YAG laser produces one of the longest beams, fewer pulses are required to get the job done. Treatments performed with the Nd:YAG laser guarantee shorter laser hair removal sessions, minimal patient discomfort, and reduced risk of complications.

Some of the advantages of the Nd:YAG laser include:

• Works on almost all skin types, including tanned or darker skin tones
• Nd:YAG 1064 NM system is recommended for darkly pigmented skin.
• Many studies have shown that these lasers are able to achieve a significant delay before hair grows again in the treated area.
• Larger body areas can be treated rapidly

Some of the disadvantages of the Nd:YAG laser include:

• This laser is not that effective on white or light hair, and it is also less effective on fine hair
• The laser may be more painful than other lasers
• There exists a risk of burns, scars, redness, skin discoloration, and swelling
• Has not been proven to be effective in achieving long-term results

Diode Laser Hair Removal

The Diode is typically only effective on light-to-medium skin tones. 

Some advantages of the Diode laser include:

• This laser provides safer and deeper penetration into the skin layer.

Some disadvantages of the Diode laser include:

• There may be some scars, burns, skin discoloration, redness, and swelling.
• In some patients, it can cause a skin condition called urticaria.

Which Lasers Are Right for Your Skin Tone?

Because laser hair removal works by preferentially targeting the melanin in hair follicles, people with high-color contrasts, such as those with dark hair and light skin, tend to respond better to treatment. That being said, there are still laser hair removal options for other hair and skin color combinations, the Nd:YAG being the best choice.

For those with darker skin and hair, certain lasers, such as the Nd:YAG laser have proven to be highly effective in eliminating unwanted hair. This laser has longer wavelengths and is highly sensitive to all pigment and melanin, meaning, they can more precisely penetrate hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue.

Those with darker skin tones should keep in mind that if treated with the wrong laser, they are likely to experience a higher risk of complications such as hypopigmentation, keloid scarring, and folliculitis.

LaserAway Brings You the Industry’s Best Lasers

LaserAway is proud to offer the most aesthetic dermatology treatment options of any 

national skincare provider. We hire only the most highly trained medical staff, experienced and certified in administering laser and other dermatological procedures. Each of our clinics are supervised by a board-certified dermatologist, where treatments are performed by registered nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. And to add to that, we use only innovative techniques and cutting-edge laser technology.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today by filling out a request form or calling the LaserAway staff at (855) 233-9134. Our nurses look forward to making sure your service and skin are as smooth as possible.