Which Type of Laser is Best For Laser Hair Removal?

December 20, 2022

Which Type of Laser is Best For Laser Hair Removal?

Statistics show that 75% of female clients want to find a long-term solution to hair removal. This means that it is time for you to introduce laser hair removal services to your aesthetic clinic. The type of laser treatment you end up using on your clients requires a lot of thought – does it cater to all skin types and hair types? 


It is important when choosing a laser that it will be the most effective on your client demographic. Here are the four different types of laser hair removal technologies and how they work:

Armpit laser hair removal before and after

Traditional lasers use a “mineral” as the key component in producing a single wavelength of light (nm).

Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal 755nm

(Alexandrite crystal)


One of the most common types of laser hair removal is the Alexandrite. This laser type is ideal for individuals with light skin tones and often criticised for being unable to treat deeper-lying hair and darker skin tones and may increase the risk of pigment changes.


In comparison to other types of lasers, it is said to hurt slightly less. However, part of the reason it hurts less is that the wavelength of the laser is shorter, which means it doesn’t penetrate as deeply. 


Ruby Laser 695 nm

(Ruby Crystal) 


This laser hair removal method was among the first to be created. As a result, it is becoming outdated as it tends to be much slower than other modern methods. It is not as effective on darker skin and coarser hair but is somewhat better for finer hair and light skin. However, the positive side of Ruby Lasers is that it has been around long enough for there to be a tonne of research and knowledge about its effectiveness and side effects.


Nd: YAG 1064nm

(Yttrium, Aluminium & Garnet) 


This is a heavy-duty laser and is most effective on thicker and coarser hair. It is also the best type for individuals who have darker skin as it has a low melanin absorption but conversely is less effective for individuals with lighter skin and finer hair. Of any type of laser treatment, Nd: YAG treatments have the longest wavelength, which means they tend to be much more uncomfortable than other types. However, it is likely to reach the deepest level of the hair’s root and kill it permanently after several sessions.


Diode Laser 755, 808/810, & 1064nm

(Semiconductor technology) 


Diode laser is the newest in hair removal technology for hair removal. Using the latest in “Electronic” technology rather than the traditional “Mineral” component to generate the laser energy. This allows for a very stable production of light and intergrade with contact skin cooling to promote pain-free delivery. The larger spot size and rapid SHR delivery has also reduced treatment times by up to 80% compared with the older technologies.


This type of laser is a very versatile method as the semi-conductor technology allows for different wavelengths to be emitted offering a choice to operators in choosing the right wavelengths for their client demographic. 


The best in its-class products, such as the SMARTDiode and SMARTDiode PRO offer options of wavelengths including single or adaptive triple wavelength technology with optimum power output, which is effective for all skin types and delivers great results. 


Our advanced, medical-grade SMARTDiode and SMARTDiode PRO laser hair removal devices represent the pinnacle in fast and effective laser hair removal. SHR delivery is the proven delivery of laser energy for fast and clinically improved treatments and the latest intelligent software, SMARTDiode offers outstanding results for all skin types.

Discover SMART Diode

Regenerative Skincare: The Clinically Proven Approach Now Being Adopted by Leading Salons

July 16, 2026
For years, aesthetic treatments have focused on improving the skin's current condition, addressing concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation and loss of firmness.

The Future of Laser Hair Removal: Faster Treatments, Better Experiences, Smarter Technology

By Dee Malan • June 25, 2026
The aesthetics industry has spent years talking about laser hair removal in terms of technology. More power. Faster treatment times. Better cooling. Larger spot sizes. While these innovations have undoubtedly improved clinical outcomes, they've also distracted attention from a far more important question: What actually drives growth for a clinic? The answer isn't simply owning a better laser. In today's market, where many clinics have access to excellent technology, competitive advantage is shifting away from the device itself and towards how that technology is used to improve profitability, efficiency and client retention. That's a significant change in thinking, and it's one that many businesses are still overlooking. Laser Hair Removal Has Become a Business Strategy For many clinics, laser hair removal is the treatment that introduces a client to the business. A course typically involves six to eight appointments, creating months of regular contact rather than a single transactional visit. That's a commercial opportunity that shouldn't be underestimated. Every appointment allows practitioners to strengthen relationships, educate clients and identify other concerns they may not have originally booked to address. The clinics generating the greatest long-term value are no longer viewing laser as a standalone treatment; they're using it as the beginning of a wider patient journey. As client acquisition costs continue to rise and competition becomes increasingly local, maximising the lifetime value of existing clients is often more profitable than continually chasing new enquiries. Faster Treatments Don't Just Benefit Patients When manufacturers talk about speed, the conversation usually centres around patient convenience. While shorter appointments are undoubtedly attractive, the commercial impact for clinics is arguably far more significant. Reducing treatment times creates additional capacity without increasing staffing levels or extending clinic hours. Over the course of a year, those seemingly small efficiencies can translate into hundreds of additional appointment slots, improved utilisation of expensive equipment and greater revenue potential from the same physical space. Technology should therefore be assessed not only by how quickly it treats a patient, but by how effectively it improves the productivity of the business behind it. Stop Buying Technology. Start Solving Problems. One of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics is that growth comes from continually investing in the latest device. In reality, successful clinics rarely buy equipment simply because it's new. They invest because it solves a commercial challenge, whether that's increasing capacity, improving patient satisfaction, reducing treatment times or opening opportunities for complementary treatments. The question isn't "Is this better technology?" It's "Will this make our business stronger?" That shift in thinking often separates clinics that consistently grow from those that continually compete on price. Looking Ahead Laser hair removal will continue to evolve, and advancements in speed, comfort and technology will remain important. However, the clinics that lead the next phase of the industry are unlikely to be those with the longest list of devices. They'll be the businesses that understand technology is only valuable when it delivers measurable commercial outcomes.  The future of laser hair removal isn't simply faster treatments, better experiences and smarter technology. It's using those advancements to build a more profitable, efficient and resilient clinic.

You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next?

By Dee Malan • June 22, 2026
You’ve Built a Successful Laser Business… What Comes Next? For many salon owners, laser hair removal has been a game-changing addition to their business. It attracts committed clients, creates opportunities for treatment programmes, and generates reliable recurring revenue. But once your laser offering is established and performing well, an important question often follows: What comes next? As the aesthetics industry continues to evolve, many successful laser businesses are looking for ways to expand their treatment menu, increase client spend, and strengthen client retention. For some, the answer lies in a natural next step: skin. Is Skin Your Thing? If you've already built a loyal client base through laser hair removal, chances are many of those clients are interested in more than just hair reduction. They're also concerned about skin health, ageing, pigmentation, acne scarring, texture, redness, and overall skin quality. By introducing advanced skin treatments, salons can begin serving a wider range of client concerns while building on the trust they've already established. The beauty of adding skin treatments is that you're often speaking to the same client. Instead of constantly searching for new customers, you're expanding the services available to the people who already know and trust your business. Increase Client Spend Without Increasing Footfall Growing a business doesn't always mean attracting more clients. Sometimes the biggest opportunity comes from increasing the value of each client journey. Advanced skin treatments can help create treatment plans that span multiple appointments, support ongoing maintenance programmes, and introduce complementary retail opportunities. This allows salons to increase revenue per client while delivering a more comprehensive treatment experience. Rather than being known for one service, you become a destination for results-driven aesthetic treatments. Strengthen Client Retention The most successful aesthetic businesses understand that retention is often more valuable than acquisition. While laser hair removal naturally creates repeat visits, advanced skin treatments can provide even more opportunities for long-term client relationships. Many skin concerns require ongoing treatment plans, seasonal maintenance, or progressive treatment journeys. This creates regular touchpoints with clients and helps keep your business front of mind long after their laser course has finished. When clients can achieve multiple goals under one roof, they're less likely to look elsewhere. Become a Destination Salon Today's clients are increasingly looking for clinics and salons that offer expertise rather than individual treatments. They want personalised recommendations, treatment plans tailored to their concerns, and a trusted professional who can guide them through their aesthetic journey. Expanding into skin allows your salon to position itself as a destination for advanced aesthetic treatments rather than simply a laser provider. This not only enhances your reputation but can also help differentiate your business in an increasingly competitive market. Why Advanced Skin Treatments? For salons considering their next move, advanced skin technologies can offer several advantages: High-value treatment programmes Strong profit margins Growing consumer demand Opportunities to treat multiple skin concerns Increased client retention Enhanced business positioning  Treatments such as RF microneedling, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, collagen stimulation, and advanced facial treatments are becoming increasingly popular as clients seek visible, long-term results. Building on Your Success The skills, consultation process, and client relationships you've developed through laser hair removal have already laid the foundation for growth. Adding advanced skin treatments isn't about starting again—it's about building on what's already working. For many salon owners, expanding into skin has become the natural next chapter in their business journey. It's an opportunity to increase revenue, strengthen client loyalty, and position your salon as a leader in advanced aesthetic treatments. So if your laser business is thriving and you're thinking about the future, perhaps it's time to ask yourself: Is skin your thing?
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