5 Laser Hair Removal Types, Decoded

If you’re a stranger to laser hair removal, the mere thought of it can seem intimidating—but not to worry, you can put away both your doubts and your razor,  because we’re breaking down 5 laser hair removal types to give you the answers to all your burning questions.

Before you select your package at the spa, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. For example, what part of the body do you want to treat? The size of the area makes a difference on the kind of laser treatment and instruments used in the procedure. Do you want to go with tried-and-true laser treatments or more cutting-edge technology? Having a little knowledge heading into your appointment ensures that you’ll be able to ask the right questions and get the results you’re looking for.

Laser hair removal cliff notes

We’re all familiar with shaving and waxing. But with a treatment technique with so many options, how do you know what is the right one for you? Of course, the goal is to achieve smooth skin with minimal to no irritation or adverse effects. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all your options at your local provider, these are the top five services you would see most often.

So, what is it exactly? Laser hair removal utilizes concentrated light beams to eliminate unwanted hair. Because the laser completely destroys the hair follicle, it is considered a permanent hair removal method.

Think of laser hair removal as an umbrella term—we speak of it as one specific treatment, but it encompasses several methods, each having its own benefits and specifics.

1. Ruby

The Ruby laser was one of the first hair removal lasers ever developed. Since it’s been around for so long, it’s considered one of the most trusted options, backed by plenty of clinical research. It has a slower repetition (pauses between laser pulses), which means that you’ll experience less discomfort than with many other laser types. The Ruby laser is recommended for small treatment areas. People with fair skin should consider this one.

2. Alexandrite

If your goal is to remove a large area of unwanted hair, think the legs, you’ll likely want to go for the Alexandrite laser. This is the fastest laser method currently on the market. With a fast repetition rate (the downside of this is a more painful procedure) and a longer wavelength than many other laser types, it’s more versatile. If you fall anywhere between light to an olive skin tone, then the Alexandrite laser could be your go-to.

3. Nd:YAG

The Nd:YAG laser is the best for richer complexions. It doesn’t target melanin so it won’t cause skin pigmentation changes. The Nd:YAG laser has the longest wavelength of all current hair removal lasers, which means it will likely cause more discomfort than other laser types. However, it also means that it’ll penetrate the deepest, effectively reaching the root of the hair quicker. That could mean fewer treatments needed to reach your hair removal goals.

4. Diode

Diode lasers, one of the newest hair removal lasers around, are generally safe for all skin types, skin tones, and hair types. The Diode laser hair removal system is extremely versatile. Your technician can customize the wavelength to what is most suitable to your needs. Like the Alexandrite laser, the Diode is also an effective option for treating large areas of the body.  

5. IPL

IPL isn’t technically a true method of laser hair removal, but we are including it for a good reason. IRL uses a different type of light than the other typical lasers.

The IPL uses a broad spectrum of light instead of only one light source. This treatment option is typically less effective than other options. Even so, it is still a favorite among fair skin/light-haired people.

Conclusion

You’re likely to see these most common treatments on the spa menu. This blog shortlists them for you. Before treatments begin, you will meet with the specialist for a consult. In this meeting, you discuss your goals, skin tone, hair type, and comfort level.  Since you’ve read this blog, you will have a good idea of what kinds of lasers you want to try.

Ready to say goodbye to pesky and troublesome body hair? By using the Booksy mobile application or Booksy on the web, you can easily schedule a hair removal appointment at a laser clinic in your area, with just a few clicks.

Check out this blog on how lasers are used to treat Rosacea.