Which statement about the 1064 nm wavelength is accurate?

• A. Long wavelength associated with low frequency, low intensity, dark skin
• B. Short wavelength associated with high frequency, light skin
• C. Long wavelength associated with high intensity
• D. Not used for hair removal

Answer: (A)

1064 nm is a long-wavelength option that penetrates deeper into the skin and is less absorbed by melanin in the epidermis. This deeper reach lets the laser target the hair follicle more effectively while minimizing damage to pigmented skin, which is why it’s a preferred choice for darker skin types. The key idea isn’t about frequency or inherently low intensity; it’s about how the wavelength interacts with tissue—longer wavelengths like 1064 nm travel farther and spare surface pigment, enabling safe, effective hair removal across a range of skin tones. It is indeed used for hair removal, unlike the notion that it isn’t. The other statements conflict with how this wavelength behaves: shorter wavelengths are absorbed more by melanin and pose higher epidermal risk, and saying it isn’t used for hair removal is simply incorrect.