Hair removal methods range from shaving to depilatory creams to electrolysis to laser hair removal. While more expensive than its hair-removal counterparts, the effects of laser hair removal are longer-lasting. A variety of lasers exist on the market today, but their basic usage involves destroying the hair follicle root while refraining from damaging the skin around it, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Ruby Laser
This laser utilizes a lower frequency--694 nanometers--than many other laser removal methods and is generally considered ideal for use on those with dark hair, according to the Laser Hair Removal Review. White hairs typically are not removed with this laser, and blond or gray hairs also may prove resistant. Because this laser has been linked with pigmentation changes to surrounding skin, it is best used on very light skin, according to Skin Care Guide.
Diode Laser
The diode laser uses a 800 to 810 nanometer wavelength to remove hair. Its longer wavelength than ruby or alexandrite counterparts makes it a good laser to use on darker skin colors, according to the Laser Hair Removal Review. It is best used on those with thick or even coarse hair but is not effective on fine hair, according to Skin Care Guide.
YAG Laser
A YAG, or Nd:Yag, laser utilizes a 1064 nanometer wavelength laser, according to the Laser Hair Removal Review. This laser can be indicated for all skin types yet does not result in the same long-term hair removal effects as other lasers when used on the skin. According to the Skin Care Guide, this laser carries the lowest risk of epidermal damage.
Alexandrite Laser
The alexandrite laser features a 755 nanometer wavelength, according to the Skin Care Guide. Like the ruby laser, this laser is not effective on white hairs and is less effective on blond and gray hairs. However, unlike the ruby laser, the alexandrite laser can be used on darker skin tones but not for very dark skin tones.
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