The short answer
The main laser systems used for hair removal are the diode, the alexandrite and the Nd:YAG, plus IPL devices, which use broad-spectrum light rather than a true laser. Each uses a different wavelength, and that wavelength determines how deep it reaches and which skin tones it treats most safely. Alexandrite suits lighter skin with dark hair; Nd:YAG is the safer choice for darker skin; diode sits in between and is widely used. A practitioner matches the device to you at consultation.
‘Laser hair removal’ is not one machine but a family of technologies, each defined by the wavelength of light it produces. That wavelength governs how deeply the light penetrates and how much it is absorbed by skin versus hair — which in turn decides who each device suits. This page introduces the main types, what sets them apart, and why no single laser is right for everyone.
The main types at a glance
- Diode ~800–810 nm; versatile, widely used
- Alexandrite ~755 nm; best on light skin, dark hair
- Nd:YAG ~1064 nm; safest for darker skin
- IPL Broad spectrum, not a true laser
- Chosen by Your skin tone, hair colour & area
- Decided at Consultation and patch test
Why there is more than one laser
All hair-removal lasers share the same job — heat the melanin in the follicle to slow regrowth, as set out in how laser hair removal works. What separates them is wavelength, measured in nanometres (nm). A shorter wavelength is absorbed strongly near the skin surface; a longer wavelength travels deeper and is absorbed less by surface pigment. That single property explains why one device suits fair skin and another suits darker skin.
The three lasers you are most likely to encounter in the UK are the diode, the alexandrite and the Nd:YAG. IPL is frequently grouped alongside them in marketing, but as our laser vs IPL guide explains, it uses broad-spectrum light and is not a true laser.
The three main laser systems
| Laser | Wavelength | Best suited to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandrite | ~755 nm | Lighter skin, dark hair | Fast over larger areas; less suited to darker skin |
| Diode | ~800–810 nm | A broad range of skin tones | Versatile all-rounder; very common in clinics |
| Nd:YAG | ~1064 nm | Darker skin tones | Longest wavelength; passes surface pigment more safely |
- Alexandrite — a shorter wavelength absorbed well by hair pigment, giving efficient results on fair skin with dark hair, but carrying more risk on darker tones.
- Diode — a middle wavelength and a practical all-rounder, used across many skin tones and the workhorse of a lot of UK clinics.
- Nd:YAG — the longest wavelength, reaching deeper and bypassing much of the skin’s surface melanin, which makes it the safer choice for darker skin.
For a side-by-side breakdown of these three, see diode vs alexandrite vs Nd:YAG.
How the right type is chosen
You do not pick the laser yourself — a qualified practitioner matches the device to your skin tone, hair colour and the area being treated, then confirms suitability with a patch test. Skin tone is usually assessed using the Fitzpatrick scale, a six-point classification from very fair to deeply pigmented skin. Some advanced clinics combine wavelengths or switch devices between areas. The detail matters because the wrong wavelength on the wrong skin raises the risk of burns or pigment changes, which is why this is a clinical decision, not a menu choice.
Where IPL and home devices fit in
Alongside true lasers, two other categories are worth knowing about. IPL (intense pulsed light) is frequently advertised next to lasers and works on the same pigment-heating principle, but it uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single wavelength, which makes it less precise — our laser vs IPL guide explains the distinction in full. Home devices are almost always lower-powered IPL units, deliberately set to gentler energy levels for safe unsupervised use, which means slower and less complete results than a clinic course. Neither is ‘wrong’; they simply occupy different points on the spectrum of power, oversight and results, as our clinic versus home guide sets out.
- Clinic laser — highest power, practitioner-controlled, tailored to your skin and hair.
- Professional IPL — broad-spectrum light, common in salons, convenient over large areas.
- Home IPL — lower power for safety, useful for maintenance, slower to show results.
What the type does not change
Whichever laser is used, the fundamentals stay the same: the treatment targets pigment, so it works poorly on blonde, red, grey or white hair; it only affects hair in its growth phase, so a course of several sessions is required; and it delivers long-term reduction rather than guaranteed permanence. The type of laser influences safety and efficiency for your skin, not whether the underlying biology of hair growth suddenly changes. To gauge how well any of them will work for you, read does laser hair removal work and book a consultation with a qualified practitioner.
Want to know which laser suits your skin?
The right device depends on your skin tone and hair colour, and only a qualified practitioner can confirm it with a patch test. Find a regulated clinic to assess you.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of laser is best?
There is no single best laser — the right one depends on your skin tone and hair colour. Alexandrite suits fair skin with dark hair, Nd:YAG is safer for darker skin, and diode is a versatile middle option. A practitioner decides at consultation.
Is IPL one of the laser types?
Not strictly. IPL uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single laser wavelength, so it is a related but separate technology. It is often listed alongside lasers because it works on the same pigment-heating principle.
Does the type of laser change how many sessions I need?
The fundamental need for multiple sessions stays the same because any device only affects hair in its growth phase. The device mainly affects safety and efficiency for your skin tone, not the basic six-to-eight-session structure.
How do I know which laser a clinic uses?
Ask directly at your consultation. A reputable clinic will tell you which device they use and explain why it suits your skin and hair, and will carry out a patch test before starting a course.
Sources & further reading
- NHS — Cosmetic procedures: laser hair removal and IPL
- MHRA — Lasers, intense light sources (IPL) and LEDs: guidance
- British Medical Laser Association (BMLA) — Laser and light device information
- Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) — Choosing a safe practitioner and clinic
This guide is general information, not medical advice. A patch test and consultation with a qualified, regulated practitioner are essential before treatment, and results vary by individual. Laser achieves long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed permanent removal of every hair. Discuss any skin or health concerns with the practitioner or your GP.