Most people have heard of laser hair removal, but it is lesser known that there are actually different types of laser used. While all of these are effective at permanent hair reduction, there are some differences.

The Ruby laser is the original design. This laser is particularly sensitive to melanin and may be effective on lighter and finer hair than some of the other lasers. For this same reason it is more dangerous for darker skin tones and should not be used on them. There is a two-second pause between each pulse in order to make this laser more comfortable, since many pulses close together are more likely to cause pain.

The Alexandrite laser, on the other hand, can be used for skin tones as dark as an olive completion. This laser is the fastest for treatment of large areas and is known to be quite effective. The pulses are closer together however, so you may feel more discomfort with a laser of this type.

The Diode laser also works relatively quickly, but may cause some redness in the treated area.

The ND Yag laser is the newest of the options. It works by targeting the carbon that is absorbed by the hairs after applying a carbon lotion. This laser can be used on darker skin, since it does not as directly target melanin, but it is also more uncomfortable. This type of laser is also used for tattoo removal and treating sun spots.

IPL (intense pulsed light) is not technically considered a laser, but has similar effects. It is gentler than a full laser, but may also be somewhat less effective.

Any of these lasers provides effective laser hair removal, but some of them might be more tailored to your personal needs. For each of these, the costs of laser hair removal should be about the same.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Wendel