Laser emission from neodymium-doped glass was first produced nearly 40 years ago. Later, a crystal of yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (YAG) was discovered to be a better lasing host for neodymium. The Nd:YAG laser has since been used for a variety of medical applications, more recently, this instrument has been used for the purpose of damaging hair follicles to epilate unwanted hair. This article reviews the background of the Nd:YAG laser with particular application to hair removal, summarizing the clinical and histologic studies presently available. Its current clinical use and possible future modification for elimination of excess hair are discussed.