Numerous lasers and light sources are currently available for use in laser hair removal. Different lasers may be better suited for different skin types and hair color. Lasers and light sources used in hair removal include:

• Ruby. Uses a wavelength of 694 nanometers (nm) and a pulse duration of 1.2 to 3 milliseconds (ms). Aqueous gel, cool contact glass or sapphire cooling systems are used to cool the skin before delivery of laser pulses.
  
  
• Alexandrite. A wavelength of 755 nm and a pulse duration of 2 to 40 ms is used. Aqueous gel, cold air flow or dynamic (cryogen spray) cooling systems are employed.
  
  
• Diode. A wavelength of 800 nm is used with a pulse duration of 5 to 30 ms and a sapphire cooling system.
  
  
• Nd:YAG (neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet). Employs a wavelength of 1,064 nm and a pulse duration of 10 to 100 ms with a cool contact glass cooling system. This is the only laser proven safe and effective for all skin types.
  
  
• Pulsed light. These are not lasers but employ a wide spectrum of light. Wavelengths are between 590 and 1,200 nm and pulse durations are variable. A variety of cooling systems may be used.