Alexandrite vs Nd:YAG: Which Laser Hair Removal Technology Is Best for Your Skin Type?
Jan 13, 2025
Unwanted hair can affect confidence and comfort, which is why many people turn to laser hair removal for a long-term solution. But not all lasers work the same, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type. At Écou’s Laser Boutique in New York City, we use the most advanced dual-wavelength technology to safely and effectively treat every skin tone.
Below is a clear breakdown of how laser hair removal works, the Fitzpatrick skin type scale, and which laser is best suited for your needs.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis. The laser emits a light beam that targets melanin, or pigment, in the hair. Melanin absorbs the light, converts it into heat, and damages the follicle, which slows or prevents future regrowth.
Darker hair contains more melanin, so it responds better to laser. Modern technology, however, makes it possible to treat a wide range of skin tones safely using different wavelengths.
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale
The Fitzpatrick scale helps determine your skin tone and your skin’s response to light.
• Type I: Pale white skin that always burns and never tans
• Type II: Fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly
• Type III: Light to medium skin that sometimes burns and gradually tans
• Type IV: Olive or light brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
• Type V: Dark brown skin that rarely burns and tans deeply
• Type VI: Very dark skin that never burns and tans deeply
Your skin type plays a major role in choosing the safest and most effective laser.
Alexandrite Laser (755 nm) – Best for Skin Types I to III
The Alexandrite laser uses a 755-nanometer wavelength that is highly attracted to melanin. This makes it excellent for lighter skin types with darker hair, as the higher melanin contrast allows for strong absorption and effective results.
Benefits include:
• High effectiveness for light to medium skin with dark hair
• Faster treatment times due to rapid spot size and repetition rates
• Excellent results with fewer sessions
At Écou’s Laser Boutique, our Clarity II Alexandrite delivers precise, powerful treatments with built-in cooling for safety and comfort.
Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) – Best for Skin Types IV to VI
The Nd:YAG laser uses a 1064-nanometer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin and avoids excessive melanin absorption. This makes it the safest option for deeper skin tones.
Benefits include:
• Safe treatment for skin types IV through VI
• Lower risk of burns or pigmentation issues
• Effective on coarser or darker hair
• Deeper penetration compared to shorter wavelengths
Our Clarity II Nd:YAG system allows us to safely treat darker skin tones without compromising results.
Why Dual-Wavelength Technology Matters
At Écou’s Laser Boutique in Manhattan, we use the FDA-approved Clarity II by Lutronic, which combines two wavelengths in one platform: Alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm. This dual system allows us to customize every treatment based on your unique skin tone and hair type.
This means:
• Every skin tone can be treated safely
• Settings can be adjusted for hair color, thickness, and area of the body
• You receive the most effective results with minimal risk
• A personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
Whether you have light, medium, or deep skin, dual-wavelength technology ensures you always receive the safest and most effective treatment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right laser is essential for safe and successful hair removal. Alexandrite lasers work best for lighter skin tones, while Nd:YAG is ideal for deeper skin tones. With the advanced dual-wavelength Clarity II platform at Écou’s Laser Boutique, you never have to worry about whether your laser is the right fit — we customize every session with precision and care.
If you’re ready for smooth, long-lasting results, schedule your consultation at Écou’s Laser Boutique in New York City. We’ll design the safest, most effective treatment plan for your skin type.
Learn more: How Laser Hair Removal Works: Science, Technology, and What to Expect
Unwanted hair can affect confidence and comfort, which is why many people turn to laser hair removal for a long-term solution. But not all lasers work the same, and choosing the right one depends on your skin type. At Écou’s Laser Boutique in New York City, we use the most advanced dual-wavelength technology to safely and effectively treat every skin tone.
Below is a clear breakdown of how laser hair removal works, the Fitzpatrick skin type scale, and which laser is best suited for your needs.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis. The laser emits a light beam that targets melanin, or pigment, in the hair. Melanin absorbs the light, converts it into heat, and damages the follicle, which slows or prevents future regrowth.
Darker hair contains more melanin, so it responds better to laser. Modern technology, however, makes it possible to treat a wide range of skin tones safely using different wavelengths.
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale
The Fitzpatrick scale helps determine your skin tone and your skin’s response to light.
• Type I: Pale white skin that always burns and never tans
• Type II: Fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly
• Type III: Light to medium skin that sometimes burns and gradually tans
• Type IV: Olive or light brown skin that rarely burns and tans easily
• Type V: Dark brown skin that rarely burns and tans deeply
• Type VI: Very dark skin that never burns and tans deeply
Your skin type plays a major role in choosing the safest and most effective laser.
Alexandrite Laser (755 nm) – Best for Skin Types I to III
The Alexandrite laser uses a 755-nanometer wavelength that is highly attracted to melanin. This makes it excellent for lighter skin types with darker hair, as the higher melanin contrast allows for strong absorption and effective results.
Benefits include:
• High effectiveness for light to medium skin with dark hair
• Faster treatment times due to rapid spot size and repetition rates
• Excellent results with fewer sessions
At Écou’s Laser Boutique, our Clarity II Alexandrite delivers precise, powerful treatments with built-in cooling for safety and comfort.
Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) – Best for Skin Types IV to VI
The Nd:YAG laser uses a 1064-nanometer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin and avoids excessive melanin absorption. This makes it the safest option for deeper skin tones.
Benefits include:
• Safe treatment for skin types IV through VI
• Lower risk of burns or pigmentation issues
• Effective on coarser or darker hair
• Deeper penetration compared to shorter wavelengths
Our Clarity II Nd:YAG system allows us to safely treat darker skin tones without compromising results.
Why Dual-Wavelength Technology Matters
At Écou’s Laser Boutique in Manhattan, we use the FDA-approved Clarity II by Lutronic, which combines two wavelengths in one platform: Alexandrite 755 nm and Nd:YAG 1064 nm. This dual system allows us to customize every treatment based on your unique skin tone and hair type.
This means:
• Every skin tone can be treated safely
• Settings can be adjusted for hair color, thickness, and area of the body
• You receive the most effective results with minimal risk
• A personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
Whether you have light, medium, or deep skin, dual-wavelength technology ensures you always receive the safest and most effective treatment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right laser is essential for safe and successful hair removal. Alexandrite lasers work best for lighter skin tones, while Nd:YAG is ideal for deeper skin tones. With the advanced dual-wavelength Clarity II platform at Écou’s Laser Boutique, you never have to worry about whether your laser is the right fit — we customize every session with precision and care.
If you’re ready for smooth, long-lasting results, schedule your consultation at Écou’s Laser Boutique in New York City. We’ll design the safest, most effective treatment plan for your skin type.
Learn more: How Laser Hair Removal Works: Science, Technology, and What to Expect