There are several different types of FDA-approved lasers currently in use for hair removal. Here are the most common:

• Alexandritte: This laser penetrates deeply to affect actively growing hair, but is not ideal for darker skin types
• Diode: Because it has an ideal wavelength for targeting the pigment in the hair follicles, the diode commonly used for laser hair removal.
• ND Yag: Penetrates deeply to reach the base of the hair follicle while bypassing the skin's surface, thus this type of laser is very effective in treating darker skin tones.
• Ruby: An earlier versatile laser effective in treating most skin and hair types.
• IPL: Not a true laser, but intense focused light concentrated in the wavelengths which are absorbed by the hair follicles.
• ELOS (IPL/RF): The combination of two energy sources which help to fine tune the focus of the energy to the hair follicle, even with lighter colored hairs, while preserving the overlying skin, thus beneficial for all skin types.