Laser hair removal is based on technology that is simple in concept but can be very powerful in terms of outcomes. The enduring reduction of hair on substantial body parts (as opposed to removing single hairs) is a breakthrough treatment for many suffering from excess body and facial hair.
How it Works
Light-based and laser hair removal is carried out by applying a very concentrated beam of light with a particular wavelength to the skin. In an ideal situation the beam passes harmlessly through the skin without causing burns, and the laser energy is taken in by the roots (or “follicles” as they are properly called), which are then destroyed or disabled.
Because the laser energy is taken in by the dark pigment called melanin, these technologies work most successfully on patients with light skin and dark hairs. However, new technology has now enabled the creation of laser hair removal machines which can be deployed safely on patients with darker skin, or patients who have tanned skin. There is no one “best” laser machine – the best one for you will vary according to the skin type and other personal factors.
Commercial Lasers and Home Devices
Some home laser hair removal systems continue to be marketed but the vast majority of these are simply not strong enough to give you the desired long-term reduction of hairs that can be successfully attained using medical or professional cosmetic lasers for removal of hair.
Mostly, these laser machines are designed for medical or professional cosmetic use only. There are extremely good reasons for this – lasers are powerful tools that can cause serious damage to sensitive human organs and skin – the eyes in particular. So obeying sensible safety procedures is essential, and the correct training is required in order to carry out laser hair removal properly and safely.
Lasers in Use Today
The most commonly used kinds of laser machines are Diode lasers, Nd:YAG lasers (Neodymium YAG), Alexandrite lasers and finally the IPL or “Intense Pulsed Light” systems which are not lasers in the strictest sense of the word.
Many of the laser hair removal clinics treat their patients with one particular laser. This is understandable as these are costly technological tools. And on the plus side there exist in the marketplace a number of machines which are extremely versatile. However, for your own particular skin and hair type a particular machine may be the most suitable. So please learn a little about the kinds of hair laser removal machines before selecting a clinic.
Ingrid Preube