What type of laser is most commonly used for hair removal?

The diode laser is the most commonly used device for hair removal due to its effectiveness at targeting the melanin in hair follicles while minimizing damage to surrounding skin. This type of laser emits light at a wavelength that is particularly well absorbed by the pigment in hair, making it highly efficient for this purpose. The diode laser can penetrate deeper layers of the skin compared to other laser types, allowing it to effectively target both fine and coarse hair across a variety of skin types. Additionally, it is appreciated for its quick treatment times and the ability to treat larger areas effectively.

Other lasers, such as the CO2 laser, primarily focus on skin resurfacing and not specifically hair removal, making them less suitable for this purpose. The pulsed dye laser is primarily used for vascular lesions and can sometimes be used for hair removal, but it is not as effective as the diode laser at selectively destroying hair follicles. The argon laser, while useful for some dermatological procedures, is less commonly employed in hair removal practices due to its less favorable absorption characteristics compared to the diode laser. Thus, the diode laser remains the go-to option for effective hair removal treatments in medical aesthetics.