Blended Wavelength Laser Hair Removal Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy Across Skin Tones

New data demonstrates how dual-wavelength laser devices may offer a safer, more inclusive approach to hair removal for all skin tones.

At the recent American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) annual meeting, Nkemjika Ugonabo, MD, MPH, FAAD, Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, presented 12-month clinical findings on a novel laser device (Lumenis’ SPLENDOR X) that uses blended technology that simultaneously delivers Alexandrite (755 nm) and Nd:YAG (1064 nm) wavelengths. The study researchers investigated safety, efficacy, and patient experience with the device across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI).

Simultaneous Dual-Wavelength Tech

The device differentiates itself from conventional single-wavelength systems by emitting Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths concurrently. Dr Ugonabo explained that each wavelength offers unique advantages: Alexandrite is typically more effective for lighter skin types, while Nd:YAG is better tolerated in melanin-rich skin. The delivery of both in tandem aims to achieve effective follicular targeting while maintaining epidermal safety.

Her ASLMS presentation reported results from a 12-month multicenter prospective study of 53 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI. Treatment was delivered using either single or simultaneous dual wavelengths over five sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart, with follow-up at 12 months. Dr. Ugonabo reported that for all treated areas, the blended mode (equal parts 755 nm and 1064 nm) yielded the highest mean reduction in hair count (84.6% ±18.8%), followed by Alexandrite alone (73.4% ±25.3%) and Nd:YAG alone (63.9% ±31.2%). The settings performed best on the legs and bikini area vs. axillae, and device-treated hair became significantly thinner and lighter over time.  The clinical data she presented, she noted, confirms that the blended technology was both effective and well tolerated across the full spectrum of Fitzpatrick skin types.

“We saw greater efficacy in targeted hair removal without compromising safety,” she noted in an interview with Practical Dermatology.

Inclusive Treatment

The study population included individuals across all skin tones and genders. According to Dr. Ugonabo, “we were able to treat all comers—men and women, light and dark skin tones—safely and effectively.”

This inclusivity, she added, is notable given the persistent challenges dermatologists face when treating higher Fitzpatrick skin types.

“I’ve seen patients in the past who experienced burns or irritation when the incorrect wavelength was used,” she said.

Beyond its inclusive treatment capabilities, Dr. Ugonabo also noted that the use of the system had a noticeable positive improvement on the overall patient experience, with some patients expressing greater levels of satisfaction compared to treatments they had previously received.

“What surprised us most was the level of comfort patients reported,” Dr. Ugonabo added, noting positive feedback from patients describing the procedure as less painful than other treatments. Dr. Ugonabo also said that results with the system tended to be faster, contributing to overall patient satisfaction.

Applications in Aesthetic and Medical Derm

Dr. Ugonabo emphasized that laser hair removal is not solely for cosmetic improvements. Conditions such as pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), a common inflammatory reaction in beard areas, also respond well to laser treatment.

“We are still seeing quite a big boom in terms of patients seeking it, whether it's for aesthetic purposes or even medical conditions,” Dr. Ugonabo said. “The demand is there from a physician office perspective and it's great to be able to offer treatments that maximize the technology so that people can get a good result out of these treatment sessions.”

Reference

Ugonabo N. Use of simultaneous emission of ND:YAG and Alexandrite lasers in blend mode for hair removal and permanent hair reduction. Session: Clinical Applications. Presented at: American Academy for Laser Medicine and Surgery; April 24-26, 2025; Orlando.

Interview with Dr. Ugonabo, May 6, 2025.