Summary
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle, converting light to heat to disable growth. The wavelength matters for safety and results, especially in Dubai where sun exposure and darker skin phototypes are common. If you are comparing options, start with our Laser Hair Removal in Dubai overview, then check the quick explainer on our laser hair removal Dubai page for what to expect at your first visit.
Key takeaways
Alexandrite 755 nm is efficient on lighter skin with dark hair, but carries higher pigment-related risk on darker skin. (NBT.NHS.UK )
Diode 800–810 nm is versatile across many skin types and can outperform Alexandrite on medium to darker skin in some data. (PubMed Central )
Nd:YAG 1064 nm is generally the safest for darker skin phototypes IV–VI due to deeper penetration and lower epidermal melanin absorption. (PubMed Central)
Laser will not work on white, gray, most blonde, or red hair. Consider alternatives. ( aslms.org )
How laser hair removal works
A laser beam is absorbed by the pigment in hair, heat damages the follicle, and growth is delayed or stopped. Multiple sessions are needed because follicles cycle. Clinic devices deliver controlled fluence and pulse duration to maximize follicle damage while protecting skin. Full process and candidacy are outlined on our Laser Hair Removal in Dubai service page.
Action points
Expect a course of treatments, spaced by hair-cycle timing.
Book a patch test before committing.
Share sun, skincare, and medication history at consult.
| Laser | Wavelength (nm) | Best for (sweet spot) | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alexandrite
|
755
|
Light skin, dark coarse hair
|
Fast, efficient on fair skin
|
Higher PIH/burn risk on darker or tanned skin
|
|
Diode
|
800-810
|
Wide range of skin tones
|
Good depth, strong all-rounder
|
Parameter selection and cooling matter on medium to dark or tanned skin
|
|
Nd:YAG
|
1064
|
Darker skin, coarse hair (Fitz IV–VI)
|
Safest on IV–VI, deeper penetration
|
Less effective on fine hair, may need more passes
|
Bring your Fitzpatrick type and recent sun history to consult.
Ask which handpiece and cooling your clinician uses.
Align expectations if you have fine hair.
Dubai sun, Fitzpatrick types, and safety
In sun-intense environments, recent tanning raises risk with melanin-targeting lasers. For darker phototypes, long-pulsed Nd:YAG is widely considered safest when used by trained operators, with adequate epidermal cooling and conservative parameters. Review our safety-first workflow and cooling protocols for Laser Hair Removal in Dubai, and use the page to plan sessions around holidays and outdoor activities.
Action points
Delay treatment after tanning or holidays.
Demand proper cooling and test patches.
Schedule sessions when sun exposure can be minimized.
Which should you choose, by scenario
Fair skin, dark coarse hair: Alexandrite or diode.
Medium skin, dark hair: Diode often balances efficacy and safety.
Darker skin IV–VI, coarse hair: Long-pulsed Nd:YAG first choice.
Fine hair: All lasers struggle, discuss realistic outcomes and alternatives.
Action points
Match device to phototype, not clinic convenience.
Confirm parameter ranges before starting.
Reassess plan after session 2–3 based on response.
Devices and protocols at Genomed
We run dual-wavelength platforms, for example, Cynosure Elite+ 755/1064, so we can switch between Alexandrite and Nd:YAG based on your skin, hair, and sun history. Device choice, cooling, patch testing, and operator parameters are detailed on Laser Hair Removal in Dubai and our concise laser hair removal Dubai page. We talk about realistic outcomes as reduction, not permanence, here: laser hair reduction in Dubai.
Action points
Book a patch test, 48–72 hours before first full session.
Share any photosensitizing meds, for example doxycycline, isotretinoin history.
Plan sessions around sun and gym routines.
Sessions, intervals, and expectations
Most patients need a series of treatments. Dermatology guidance typically references around 6 sessions to significantly reduce growth, with maintenance as needed. Intervals are area dependent. You can see interval ranges and area notes on our laser hair removal Dubai page, which we update as protocols evolve.
Action points
Stick to the interval plan, do not compress schedules.
Shave, do not wax, between sessions.
Track progress with the same lighting and angle.
Risks and rare effects
Common, short-lived effects include redness and perifollicular edema. Pigment changes can occur, especially with recent sun. A rare side effect, paradoxical hypertrichosis (stimulated growth), occurs in a small percentage of patients, more often on the face and hormonal areas, and is typically managed by continuing or adjusting treatment.
Action points
Tell us immediately about unusual growth or discoloration.
Avoid sun and irritating actives post-treatment.
Follow aftercare to the letter.
Who should, who should not
Good candidates: Healthy adults with dark hair on light to dark skin, able to avoid sun pre/post sessions.
Not right now: Recent isotretinoin use, active infection, pregnancy, recent tanning, or strong photosensitizers.
Action points
Bring a medication list.
Reschedule if recently tanned.
Consider alternatives for white, gray, red, or very light hair.
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