Laser types, decoded

The single most confusing — and most safety-critical — part of laser hair removal is which laser a clinic uses. Here’s each one in plain English: what it’s best at, and who it’s safe for.

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At a glance

Laser	Wavelength	Best for skin	Dark skin safe?	Comfort
Nd:YAG	1064 nm	Fitzpatrick IV–VI	Yes	More intense
Diode	800–810 nm (some 1060 nm)	Fitzpatrick II–IV	Yes	Moderate
Alexandrite	755 nm	Fitzpatrick I–III	No	Moderate
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)	broadband ~500–1200 nm	Fitzpatrick I–III	No	Gentle
Ruby	694 nm	Fitzpatrick I–II	No	Moderate

Educational information, not medical advice. Always confirm suitability with a licensed clinic during a consultation.

Nd:YAG

1064 nm

The safest laser for dark, tanned and deeply pigmented skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI).

Safe for dark skinMore intense

Diode

800–810 nm (some 1060 nm)

The versatile all-rounder — works across most skin tones, often with built-in cooling.

Safe for dark skinModerate

Alexandrite

755 nm

The fastest, most effective laser for light-to-olive skin — but not for dark skin.

Light–olive skin onlyModerate

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

broadband ~500–1200 nm

Not a true laser — broadband light. Best for light skin with dark hair; least powerful.

Light–olive skin onlyGentle

Ruby

694 nm

An older laser for very fair skin and fine hair — rarely used today.

Light–olive skin onlyModerate

Common questions

What is the best laser for dark skin?

The Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is the safest and most effective for dark, brown and deeply pigmented skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI). Its long wavelength targets the hair follicle without overheating pigmented skin, avoiding the burns and hyperpigmentation that shorter-wavelength lasers can cause.

Is IPL the same as laser hair removal?

No. IPL (intense pulsed light) is broadband light, not a single-wavelength laser, so it is less targeted and generally less effective. It suits light skin with dark hair and is what most at-home devices use.

Which laser hurts the least?

Diode lasers with contact cooling (such as "in-motion" systems) and IPL are usually the most comfortable. Nd:YAG can feel more intense but good clinics pair it with cooling.