Laser hair reduction is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted hair. It can save you the time and expense of shaving, waxing and plucking.
It works by sending concentrated light into the hair follicles, where pigment in the follicles absorbs the laser’s heat and destroys the follicle. It is a popular cosmetic procedure with great results.
Precision
Unwanted hair growth is a common problem for both men and women. Unlike shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is permanent, painless and virtually burn-free. Laser hair reduction sends specific concentrated beams of light into the skin, which are absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair follicle shaft and destroy it. After a few treatments, the hair follicle is destroyed and no longer grows hair.
There are several different types of lasers used for hair reduction, but the most effective one for darker skin tones is the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Its neodymium atoms are activated by a short pulse of light and emit long-wavelength light energy that penetrates the skin deeply to target ingrained hair roots. It also has a cooling system, which can be gas, gel or cold air, which helps prevent any skin damage.
Laser treatment is safe for all skin colors, and can be used to remove unwanted facial or body hair on almost any area of the body. It can even be used to reduce vellus hair, sometimes called peach fuzz, which is fine and fuzzy to the touch, but not easily seen by the naked eye. However, while it is considered a permanent hair removal method by the FDA, it is important to note that laser treatment only permanently disables actively growing hair follicles, and multiple treatments are usually required. The only true 100% permanent hair removal technique is electrolysis, which has been around for over 130 years and can be used on all hair colors and skin types.
Speed
Many people are tired of shaving, waxing or plucking unwanted hair. Laser hair reduction offers a safe, permanent solution that removes the hair at the root. The treatment is quick, easy and very effective. You may require a few treatments for optimal results. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser treatments target the pigment in the hair and the hair follicle. The light energy is absorbed by the follicle and destroys it so that it cannot grow back.
The ruby laser uses a wavelength of 755 nm to penetrate the skin and treat hair follicles. This type of laser is safe for most skin phototypes but is not the best choice for dark-skinned patients, or for facial hair removal.
A scanning 810 nm novel diode laser is a suitable option for axillary hair removal in darker-skinned clients. The study tested the safety and efficacy of this device on 14 female patients who received three treatments four to six weeks apart. Efficacy was sustained up to six months after the last treatment.
Before a laser treatment it is important to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen. It’s also important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medication or have a medical condition that might impact the results. Some medications can cause skin pigmentation changes that could interfere with your treatment.
Convenience
For many people, the hair growth on certain areas of their body is a source of embarrassment or insecurity. Shaving and waxing can be time-consuming, painful, and only offer temporary results. But thanks to advances in laser technology, laser hair reduction has become a quick, easy, and effective way to remove unwanted hair and limit its future growth.
During a laser hair removal session, a trained laser technician will use a hand-piece that is cooled down before emitting pulses of light into the skin. This light destroys the pigment in the unwanted hair and prevents it from growing again. Some of the most popular types of lasers for hair reduction include diode and Nd:YAG. The Nd:YAG is a solid-state laser that is composed of neodymium doped with yttrium aluminium garnet crystal. When the crystal is irradiated with a laser, it ejects high-energy, short-pulse laser energy that damages the follicle and limits future hair growth.
Another option is the alexandrite laser, which reaches deeper into the skin than the diode laser and can treat phototypes darker than type IV. Its cooling system consists of gel or cold air. However, it is important to note that no laser or light based machine has clearance for permanent hair removal. This is a term that was coined by electrologists who are incompetent at treating white grey or blonde hair.
Safety
If carried out by qualified professionals, laser and IPL treatments are a very safe treatment option. They are also very effective and long lasting if regular treatments are undertaken.
If the right settings are used and suitable hair and skin types are treated there is no risk of burns, blistering or changes in pigmentation. However, these systems must be used correctly and must not be overused or applied to inappropriate skin and hair colours.
Laser hair reduction is less painful than waxing or tweezing and can feel like a light sting or pin prick. It can take several sessions to achieve the desired hair removal results and it is important that you follow the advice given by your specialist therapist.
There are many different hair removal systems on the market. Some are mainly suitable for fair hairs and others for darker or thicker hair. The Alexandrite laser, for example, is very versatile because it can be used on darker phototypes up to phototype V. It has a quartz guide and a cooling system that uses gel (at 4o C), gas or cold air to improve the distribution of the light on the skin surface.
Council health and safety officers are working with the beauty industry to ensure that salons offering laser and IPL hair removal fully comply with the law. HABIA recommends that only qualified beauty therapists who have successfully completed the National Occupational Standards in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light Hair Reduction should progress to the delivery of these non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
