Technology
Alexandrite laser: strengths and weaknesses
In short
What are the strengths and weaknesses of an alexandrite laser?
The strength of an alexandrite laser is its 755 nm wavelength: melanin absorbs it more strongly than 808 or 1064 nm. That is why alexandrite is often chosen for fine, light but pigmented hair. Grey, white and red hair responds poorly to any light-based hair removal, and alexandrite is no exception. In a 2020 meta-analysis of skin types III–VI, alexandrite reduced hair more than IPL did. The weakness comes from the same physics. The stronger the absorption by melanin, the more care is needed with dark and tanned skin. One manufacturer of alexandrite systems describes skin types I–IV as optimal and I–III as ideal. For skin types V–VI, a 1064 nm laser is usually chosen. Alexandrite penetrates less deeply than 1064 nm, so it is weaker on deep follicles. For a mixed client flow it is often combined with a 1064 nm laser on one platform. The third feature is maintenance. The crystal is pumped by a lamp, lamps are replaced according to the service schedule, and some systems use up cryogen for cooling the skin. Below is how this affects the choice and the cost of ownership.
What does a 755 nm wavelength give alexandrite?
| Property | Advantage | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| High absorption by melanin | Suitable for fine, light but pigmented hair | Care needed on dark and tanned skin |
| Less depth of penetration | Energy is concentrated nearer the surface | Weaker on deep follicles |
| Lamp pumping of the crystal | High energy per pulse | Lamps and optics are replaced according to the service schedule; in some systems cryogen is used up |
One physical property gives both the main advantage and the main limitation.
Who is the alexandrite laser suitable for?
- Salons where the client flow has many light skin types and fine hair.
- For those ready to plan lamp and consumable replacements in order to work with fine hair.
- As part of a set of wavelengths, rather than the only wavelength.
Where are the limitations of alexandrite?
One manufacturer of alexandrite systems describes skin types I–IV as optimal and I–III as ideal. Skin type IV calls for care. For V–VI, a 1064 nm laser is usually chosen, as it heats the skin's melanin less. The specialist makes the decision.
Grey, white and red hair has almost no dark pigment. Here alexandrite works as poorly as any light-based hair removal.
The practical answer is not to choose between 755 and 1064 nm, but to have both. The comparison with diode is in the article “Diode or alexandrite laser”.
What in alexandrite requires maintenance?
How to calculate the lifetime is in the review of emitter lifetime.
For comparison: the IPLASER 755 handpiece in iPRO MINI has a lifetime of 1,000,000 pulses. The warranty is 2 years or the lifetime, whichever comes first. The lifetime is renewed at the Innovatione service centre.
Where is IPLASER here?
Hair removal handpieces for iPRO MINI are not a diode laser and not an alexandrite laser, but IPLASER technology. It is IPL with narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash, and this is how Innovatione devices have worked since 2013. How the technology works and how it differs from lasers is on the IPLASER page.
Who this review is not for
- If the client flow consists of dark skin types. The logic of choice is then reversed.
- If cost of ownership is critical. Compare with a diode system: it has no pump lamps, but it does have a diode assembly lifetime.
- If you are looking for a treatment for yourself. This article is for equipment buyers.
Questions and answers
What is good about an alexandrite laser?
High absorption by melanin at 755 nm. That is why it is often chosen for fine, light but pigmented hair. Grey, white and red hair responds poorly to any light-based hair removal.
What is its main limitation?
The same high absorption calls for care on dark and tanned skin, which absorbs energy on a par with the hair.
Is alexandrite more expensive to maintain?
It depends on the model. With alexandrite, the pump lamps and optics are replaced according to the service schedule, and in some systems cryogen is used up. For a diode laser, the main component that sets the lifetime is the diode assembly. Compare the written list of replacements over three years.
Can alexandrite be used on dark skin types?
One manufacturer of alexandrite systems describes skin types I–IV as optimal. Type IV calls for care. For V–VI, a 1064 nm laser is usually used, as it heats the skin's melanin less. The specialist makes the decision.
What to do if the client flow is mixed?
Look at devices with several wavelengths or with handpieces for different tasks. Parameters for the skin type are chosen according to the protocol and after a test flash.
Is iPRO MINI 755 an alexandrite laser?
No. iPRO MINI works on IPLASER technology: it is IPL with narrow-band filtering and three pulses per flash. “755” is the name of the IPLASER 755 handpiece.
This material describes the properties of the technology and is not a medical recommendation. Verified 14 October 2026.
