Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is the safest, most effective method used to permanently remove unwanted hair. As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, laser hair removal is the process of a laser beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigments in the follicles absorb the light and heat up to the point of singeing which then destroys the hair and the surrounding root disabling it from future hair growth.
Lasers have been in use for laser hair removal since 1997. Treatments are quick and easy, and lasers are safe. The heat energy from each laser pulse is optimized and specific so that the skin does not absorb it. Due to the fact that human hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments are required at intervals of a minimum of 8 weeks apart.
How does laser hair removal work?
Have you ever wondered how does laser hair removal work? Laser stands for Light Amplification through the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. True Lasers, or any class IV FDA approved lasers designed for permanent hair reduction emit wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigment of the hair also known as the melanin. Lasers can effectively destroy hair without damaging the surrounding skin because the hair shaft (hair itself) absorbs all of the laser energy. This is why treatments are most effective on coarse hair, coarse hair has a lot of pigment for the laser to target and can absorb a substantial amount of laser energy. Fine hair such as peach fuzz cannot absorb much heat and has less pigment. All Body Details True Laser devices release a cryogenic coolant spray during each pulse of the laser to minimize any discomfort from the heated hair.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) machines are NOT lasers. These machines do not use a set wavelength of light and are not optimized for either skin type or any particular service. IPL devices lack a True Laser’s ability to produce a set, focused wavelength of light that will only affect the hair shaft known as selective photothermolysis. IPL devices produce a wide bandwidth of light that can heat up all of the surrounding tissue, making it less effective in disabling hair and putting the patient at a higher risk for burns, especially on darker skin.
IPL devices are generally cheaper than True Laser devices, which is why many clinics choose to use them. True Lasers achieve better and faster results than IPL devices.
Am I a candidate for laser hair removal?
For the vast majority of people the answer is YES! At Body Details we can treat women and men of all ethnicities and skin types. Lasers are attracted to pigment of the hair, so if you have white hair or very light blonde hair, that hair may not be treatable. However, it is best to schedule a free consultation to determine whether or not your hair is treatable. As a general rule; best results are seen by those with thick dark hair and light skin but True Laser technology is optimized for each individual’s unique skin type, and thereby offers safe and permanent results for virtually all skin tones and hair thicknesses with the exception of fine vellus hairs, aka Peach Fuzz.
Laser hair removal is most commonly performed on the underarms, legs, bikini area, upper lip, chin, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, neck, chest, and arms
