There are dozens of hair removal lasers on the market. How well those devices perform depends on your skin and hair type, the experience level of your provider, and the settings they use.
Of the laser device brands recommended by doctors on RealSelf, many noted the LightSheer laser. Dr. Jennifer Reichel, a dermatologist in Seattle, Washington, says “I think the best overall laser is the LightSheer Duet Diode laser by Lumenis. It is fast, very effective, and much less painful than the other hair lasers. It uses a suction device to decrease pain. I have used about 8 different hair lasers and was super impressed by this laser—enough to buy one.”Â
While the LightSheer Duet can be used on all skin types, Dr. Reichel says that “the best laser for really dark skin is probably the long-pulsed Nd:YAG (GentleYag by Syneron/Candela).”Â
Dr. Reza Tirgari, a physician in San Diego, California, agrees. “Alexandrite lasers are typically used on fair-skinned patients whereas Nd:Yag lasers are more appropriate for darkly pigmented skin. Diode lasers can be used on most skin types, although they can be more uncomfortable for many patients, be slower, and involve topical gel, which some clients do not like.”
Dr. Neda Vanden Bosch, a physician in Atlantis, FL, says that “New diode lasers, such as the Emvera Diolux, have many advantages over older diode lasers, including shortened treatment time due to high energy and large spot size, being virtually pain free on all skin types thanks to its powerful cooling system and speed, and having various pulse modes that allow it to be safely used on all skin types.”
Related: The Best Hair Removal Products and Treatments for Every Skin Tone