How Hair Removal by Laser Actually Works

This page provides laser hair removal information and facts. It explains the method of permanent removal and how it destroys hair permanently. The information in this guide is based on various reports and articles that have been written.

Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root, but not enough power to harm the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photothermolysis. It is selective because it targets only the hair and not the skin. Photo means light and thermolysis means destroying with heat. The surrounding skin is usually cooled. Some methods include a gel, a spray, or a cooling tip.

The Laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting the substance that gives skin and hair dark color - melanin. Therefore, the ideal candidate for laser has dark hair and light skin. The laser will not work on people with red, white, gray or true blond hair. The hot laser light will also be attracted to the melanin in the skin, so people with suntans, or dark skin types are at more of a risk for discoloration of pigment and other side effects.

Hair Removal by Laser is NOT ELECTROLYSIS. Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs one-at-a-time by directing an electric current into each hair follicle. This is the high tech/modern day method of destroying massive amounts of hair follicles with a simple trigger pull.

Laser only destroys hair in its active growth phase, the anagen phase. This phase lasts several years, and up to 85% of our hair is in that phase at any given time. The good thing is that during this phase, the hair has an abundance of melanin and the hair follicle is easily targeted.

Types of lasers

There are four different kinds of laser light that are commonly used for hair removal:

• Alexandrite- such as the Candela GentleLase Plus.
• Ruby- such as the EpiTouch or the Epilaser.
• Diode- such as the Coherent Light Sheer.
• ND, and LP ND Yag- such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide.

These are all effective, fast, comfortable and safe for permanent hair removal.

There are several factors that a laser technician can often control to customize a treatment for efficacy, safety and comfort:

• Pulse length- long pulsed lasers are considered safest.
• Fluence- Selection of energy levels can be varied for skin type.
• Delay- The time in between pulses of light affects how much the skin and hair follicle are allowed to cool off
• Spot Size – Affects the speed and penetration of the laser. A larger spot penetrates deeper. A good selection of spot sizes helps the technician reach the hair at the depth at which it grows.
• Cooling- The surrounding skin may be protected by a gel, spray or cooled tip pressed against the skin.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is the best available method for hair
removal because of the several advantages offered by this
method. Laser hair removal method scores over other methods
of hair removal for its ease of use, less time-consuming,
little or no side effects and a long lasting treatment for
removing unwanted hair from the face and the rest of the
body.

A scientist who accidentally exposed his arm to 692 diode
pumped YAG for a few seconds discovered laser hair removal
treatment in late 1970's. The exposure burned off the hair
but did not damage the skin. After few weeks, the scientist
noticed a bald patch on his arm. Further research and
development resulted in the birth of a revolutionary new
method to get rid off unwanted hair. Since then, Laser Hair
removal has become popular with both men and women of all
age.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The relief from the age-old hair removal methods like
plucking, waxing, shaving is temporary. In the new hair
removal method of electrolysis, each hair is treated
separately. This makes the process time consuming and
restricted to small areas. The inconvenience faced in the
old methods has made the Laser Hair Removal the most
popular hair removal technique. Most of the cosmetologists
prefer laser hair removal to other methods of hair removal.
Here are some advantages of Laser Hair Removal:

1. Ease of Use - Laser treatment uses the principle of
light energy absorbed by dark matter such as hair. An
experienced laser technician directs and fires a laser beam
at the area of hair growth thereby burning off the unwanted
hair. Laser hair removal method is not painful like waxing.
Users have compared it to a tingling sensation like a small
pinch.

2. Less time - Unlike electrolysis that is painful and
takes a lot of time, laser hair removal is faster. With
laser hair removal process, facial hair can be removed in
about 45 minutes. Larger body parts take a longer time.

3. Few side effects - Unlike waxing or hair removing
creams, laser hair removal treatment does not cause skin
irritation or any other side effects.

4. Long Lasting - Laser hair removal treatment is long
lasting than waxing, shaving or hair removal creams which
have to be repeated every few weeks.

The wavelength required by laser to achieve efficient
treatment is in the range of 670 to 890 nanometers. The
treatment includes wearing protective eyewear. Usually,
more than a single treatment is required since hair is best
removed when it is in the active growth phase.