Final answer:
The first laser for hair removal was approved in 1960, but it was not specifically developed for that purpose. The Ruby laser, approved in 1995, was the first laser system intended for hair removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first laser for hair removal was approved in 1960. However, it is important to note that the original lasers were not specifically developed for hair removal. The first working laser, created by Hughes Research Laboratories, was designed for other purposes.
The process of using lasers for hair removal began to gain popularity in the 1990s. The first laser system specifically intended for hair removal, called the Ruby laser, was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1995. This laser emits a red light at a specific wavelength that targets melanin, the pigment found in hair follicles.
Since then, there have been continuous advancements in laser technology for hair removal, with the development of different types of lasers such as the Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers. These lasers offer different wavelengths and characteristics to effectively target hair follicles and provide long-lasting hair reduction.