Laser hair removal hasn’t been around all that long but it has recently come under fire because of rumors that the use of laser hair removal has been linked to cancer. There are five different types of lasers used for laser hair removal, and all of them use non-ionizing radiation to do the job – a safe option that does not penetrate far into the skin and does not cause cell mutation.

1. Alexandrite laser. Cleared by the FDA in 1997 for laser hair removal, the alexandrite laser is most effective on patient with light-to-olive complexion. It’s the fastest of the laser types and is good for treating large body areas. It is one of the most widely used lasers for hair removal now.
2. Ruby laser. The ruby laser was the first type of laser invented and works best with patients with fair, untanned skin and dark hair. Darker skin types with dark hair also respond well but with a higher incidence of side effects. The ruby laser does not work well on individuals with light-colored hair and dark skin. Ruby lasers are good for treating small areas.
3. Diode laser. The diode laser has a longer wavelength the previously mentioned lasers. This quality allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, which is perfect for treating darker skin types. The diode laser is particularly effective over large areas of the body with fast repetition rates.
4. Nd:YAG laser. The Nd:YAG laser is long-pulsed and one of the most common types of lasers. It is effective on all skin types. Large areas of the body can be treated quickly and effectively. The tradeoff is that there is slightly more discomfort than with other lasers.
5. IPL device. Technically not a laser, it is a flashlamp that is also effective in removing hair. They remove hair quickly and virtually painlessly with few side effects. IPL devices are more difficult to use and require more skilled technicians.

All of these methods are safe, effective and not linked to cell mutation or cancer.