Many people wonder about laser hair removal and think that it involves a laser like what is seen in Hollywood action films, and that can make them feel as though they are in danger from laser hair removal. However, saying laser hair removal is a bit of a misnomer. The reason is that rather than using a laser, hair removal is done by using various wavelengths of light. Each laser is identified by the wavelength that it uses. So, here the lasers that may be used on you depending on your hair and skin type.

• Argon: This uses a wavelength of 488 nanometers, which gives it a blue or cyan color. However, it is no longer used for laser hair removal, so don’t go to clinics that use an argon laser.
• Ruby Laser: Also no longer used for laser hair removal because it is not safe for the skin and can cause pigment changes on the skin for anyone who does not have white skin. This laser wavelength is 694.3 nanometers.
• Alexandrite: This laser appears red because it uses the wavelength of 755 nanometers, which is red light. This is the most effective laser and if you have light skin, then this will be the laser used on it because it is the safest for light skin.
• Pulsed Diode Array: This laser light is pretty much infrared because the nanometer wavelength is 810. This is used on individuals who have light or medium-type skin.
• Nd YAG Laser: If you have dark skin, then you will get this near-infrared light laser that has a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. While it is able to treat all types of skin types for laser hair removal, it is most often used for dark skin.

Getting laser hair removal done may seem like it is dangerous, but it is very important to remember that there has been 20 years of research done on laser hair removal and this was before it was ever used commercially. As well, if you go to a clinic that uses an argon or ruby laser, you should find another clinic. These lasers are no longer used and the only reason a clinic would use them is because they are so cheap. They are also illegal to use on humans for laser hair removal, so it is just bad news if the clinic uses them.

Laser hair removal is very safe and very efficient. So much research has been done and for the past 13 years laser hair removal has been used by thousands upon thousands of people who wanted to get rid of problem hair. More cost effective in the long run than shaving, and far less painful than waxing, laser hair removal is your best option for having hair removed from your body.

Ask your laser hair removal technician about the laser they use and you will find yourself put at ease.

Make sure to read our FAQs and laser hair removal articles before going for a laser hair removal session.