Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Types: Why Wavelength Matters

Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle: the laser's energy is absorbed by pigment, heating and disabling the follicle. The challenge is that skin also contains melanin — so the wavelength, pulse duration, and cooling a device uses determine both how effective and how safe treatment is across different skin types.

Why one wavelength isn't enough

Skin type (often described on the Fitzpatrick scale) changes how much melanin sits in the epidermis. A wavelength that works beautifully on lighter skin can be less suitable for darker skin, where more epidermal melanin competes for the energy. That is why the wavelength has to be matched to the patient.

Alexandrite (755 nm)

The 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength is strongly absorbed by melanin, which makes it efficient for hair reduction on lighter skin types. Its high absorption is an advantage on lighter skin and a reason to use a different wavelength as skin tone deepens.

Nd:YAG (1064 nm)

The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates more deeply and is absorbed less by epidermal melanin, which makes it a common choice for darker skin types. Its depth also suits coarser, deeper hair.

The case for dual-wavelength platforms

A dual-wavelength system lets a single platform treat the full range of skin types by selecting — or combining — 755 nm and 1064 nm. WONTECH's SANDRO DUAL pairs both wavelengths with long-pulsed delivery and cooling, so a practice can tailor treatment to the patient in front of them rather than being limited to one skin-type range.

• Wavelength: 755 nm for lighter skin, 1064 nm for darker skin and deeper hair.
• Pulse duration: long-pulsed delivery for controlled follicular heating.
• Cooling: protects the epidermis and improves comfort.
• Versatility: dual-wavelength platforms also address vascular targets.

These systems are intended for licensed medical professionals, and individual results and suitability vary by patient. A demo is the best way to evaluate a platform across the skin types you treat.