1064 nm Nd:YAG Laser: Wavelength Properties, Indications and Devices

1064 nm is the near-infrared wavelength emitted by neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) crystals, and one of the most widely used long wavelengths in aesthetic medicine. Because melanin absorbs far less at 1064 nm than at visible wavelengths, epidermal melanin poses less competition and risk, making it relatively safe for darker skin types while penetrating several millimeters to reach deep dermis and hair bulbs.

1064 nm is absorbed by melanin, hemoglobin (moderately) and water, making it a versatile wavelength: long-pulse mode heats follicles and dermis photothermally; Q-switched mode fractures deep pigment photomechanically; specialized handpieces add pore and skin-quality applications.

• Hair removal: particularly suitable for darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) and coarse hair, with contact cooling to protect the epidermis.
• Vascular lesions: deeper, larger vessels and leg veins as an adjunct.
• Dermal pigment: Q-switched treatment of nevus of Ota and acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules.
• Skin tightening: non-ablative dermal heating stimulates collagen remodeling.
• Tattoo removal: the mainstream wavelength for black and blue tattoos.

Hair removal typically uses long pulses (tens of milliseconds) with low-to-moderate fluence and synchronized cooling; dermal pigment uses Q-switched nanosecond pulses at higher fluence. Parameters must be individualized by skin type, target depth and cooling capacity, always starting with test spots.

LEIJEX’s pigment laser platform and DPL+Nd:YAG combo platform both include 1064 nm Nd:YAG modules for pigment and multi-application scenarios.

1064 nm vs 755 nm for hair removal — which to choose?

755 nm is more efficient for fine hair on lighter skin; 1064 nm is safer for darker skin, coarse hair or tanned skin. Many platforms integrate both wavelengths on one device to cover a wider population.

Is 1064 nm hair removal painful?

Near-infrared wavelengths with contact or air cooling are generally better tolerated than shorter wavelengths, though individual pain thresholds vary. A test spot before full treatment is recommended.

• 755 nm Alexandrite Laser
• 808 nm Diode Laser
• Q-Switched Laser
• Laser Hair Removal