Chances are you’ve heard that laser hair removal can be a miracle worker when it comes to getting rid of hair. What most of us haven’t heard is that there’s not just one type of laser – there are five. And some of them go by the kind of scientific names that can challenge our attention spans. So, in simple terms, here’s what they are, what they do, and how to pick the right one for you.
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1 IPL: best for pale skin and light hair
Technically speaking, IPL (or intense pulsed light therapy) isn't a laser. But it's one of the most popular light-based hair removal types, so it would be rude not to mention it. While lasers send out a single beam of light, IPL sends out a whole spectrum. As it's less powerful than a laser, it can be less effective, which is why it's best for fair hair. It's also often a bit cheaper if you're on a budget.
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2 Alexandrite: best for olive skin
Alexandrite has a slightly shorter wavelength than Nd:YAG. It's also got a fast repetition rate and bigger spot size, so it's perfect for targeting large patches of unwanted hair – like on your legs.
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3 Nd:YAG: best for dark skin
No, the cat didn't just run across our keyboard – Nd:YAG is a hair-busting laser for darker complexions. (See, this is what we meant earlier about the scientific names.) It has longer infrared wavelengths that ignore the melanin in your skin and go straight for the hair follicles instead.
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4 Diode: best for most skin tones
The new kid on the block, diode works on a range of wavelengths. Your technician will set it to the perfect wavelength for your hair and skin. That said, it works best if you've got a pale-to-medium skin tone.
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5 Ruby: best for fair skin
Finally, a word we all know. Ruby was the first laser designed for hair removal. It's got a high rate of melanin absorption, so it works on fair and thin hair too. The paler you are, the better, as it can cause discolouration on darker skin. You'll usually get a patch test 24 hours before your appointment, so you'll know you've chosen the right laser before you go ahead and zap away. L8R, body hair.
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FAQs
Which type of laser hair removal is best for dark skin?
The Nd:YAG laser is ideal for people with dark skin tones. It uses longer infrared wavelengths that bypass melanin in the skin and directly target the hair follicles, making it safe and effective for deeper complexions.
What is IPL and who is it suitable for?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light and is best for people with pale skin and light hair. It delivers a broad spectrum of light, making it less powerful than traditional lasers, but often more affordable. Due to its gentler approach, it works well on fair hair types.
Can you use the Ruby laser on all skin types?
The Ruby laser works best on fair skin and thin hair. Because of its high melanin absorption rate, it is not recommended for darker skin, as it can cause discolouration. A patch test is usually done 24 hours before your appointment to ensure it’s suitable.
How do you choose the right laser for your skin tone?
The right laser depends on your skin tone and hair colour. Nd:YAG is ideal for dark skin, Alexandrite suits olive tones, Diode works for most skin tones but is best for pale-to-medium, while Ruby and IPL are recommended for fair skin and light hair. Your technician can advise which laser is the best match for your needs.
Is there a way to test if a laser will work for you before treatment?
Yes, a patch test is typically performed 24 hours before the full laser hair removal session. This helps confirm that your skin will react well to the chosen laser and gives you confidence in your treatment before proceeding.