Permanent Hair Removal | How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser (which stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiance) first became popular in the 1990s. Up until then, the highly regarded permanent hair removal solutions such as electrolysis were time consuming and expensive. Laser became an alternative. And if you’re wondering how does laser hair removal work or under what circumstances does laser hair removal work effectively, read on.

The laser hair removal technology makes uses of an invisible light beam and the constant heat generated to penetrate the skin and removes the hair follicle from its root without harming the skin surface. The laser beam first sources for the hair follicle by detecting its melanin. Melanin is the dark pigmentation in the hair. Then it directs the laser beam at its root to destroy it.

Although the laser process is swift and precise, there are chances that it can be irritating to the skin. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for practitioners to apply the affected skin with a cooling gel, spray throughout the process. These substances further prevent the laser beam from causing distress on the skin.

4 Different Methods Used In Laser Hair Removal

There are currently four types of FDA approved lasers used for permanent hair reduction (instead of the commonly confused as a permanent hair removal solution):

1. Ruby Lasers such as those used in the the EpiTouch or Epilaser laser hair removal system uses infrared, a shorter wavelength form of light ray and hence uses more energy in its process. It’s the oldest technology, can’t be used on darker and tanned skins and functions best for light and fine hair. With the advent of newer laser technologies that can handle darker skin tones with a much larger coverage, Ruby lasers have gradually lost its popularity in the market.
2. Alexandrite. The laser hair removal system, Candela GentleLase Plus uses this. Fastest of all laser methods, Alexandrite uses a slightly longer wavelength as compared to the Ruby. Because of that, it’s able to touch on a larger body area. People with light to olive complexions has reported favourable results with it, although it’s still restricted to treating light skin tones with dark hair. This is one of the most widely deployed laser method for hair removal.
3. Diode (used in the Coherent Light Sheer system). Because its wavelength is much longer than both Alexandrite and Ruby lasers, Diode are able to penetrate much deeper and is great for darker skin tones but still less effective when it comes to finer, lighter hair. It can treat large areas at fast repetition speed.
4. ND and LP ND Yag such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide. It can be used safely in different skin types, even dark and tanned people. It’s also used for pigmented lesion treatment and tattoo removal. Large areas can be covered at fast repetition speed. However, it’s not as good when it comes to treating lighter, finer hair as compared to other lasers. More discomfort during the process are also experienced by patients who’ve used this laser.

So, Does Laser Hair Removal Work? What’s It’s Effectiveness?

Since melanin is also found in the skin, people with darker or tanned skins tend to be less suitable for laser hair removal. Blond or red haired people also have less favourable results since the laser is only attracted to the hair’s dark pigmentation. However, newer technologies such as the ND Yag lasers have more or less mitigated that. It’s also noticed that laser hair removal is most effective on hair follicles that are relatively active, a phase that experts call the anagen phase. During that phase. an estimated 85% of our hair are active at any point of time and are hence easier to destroy comparatively.

Things to Consider Before Opting for Laser Hair Removal

1. The Skill & Knowledge Of The Technician. Even though it’s the laser that actually destructs the hair follicle, the success of an good laser hair removal process is also dependent on the practitioner. The better skilled the technician is, the likelihood of good results is also much higher. Although there are laser hair removal clinics that charges lower rates, it’s also important for you to assess their expertise to ensure you’re getting true value for what you’re paying for!
2. The Colour Of Your Skin Tones & Nature Of Hair Texture. As reiterated earlier, the colour of your skin tone will determine the type of laser to go for as well as your expectation of the results. Frequency and energy levels of the laser can differ based on your skin type. Longer pulsed laser are hence safer since you allow more time between light pulses for both the follicle and skin to cool down. This also makes your experience much more manageable and pleasant.
3. The Size of Your Treatment Zone. Since this impacts the penetration and speed levels of the laser, the technician is able to work deeper into the follicle’s root easier with a larger treatment area. That may in turn give you higher satisfaction per session.
4. Your Budget. Like the electrolysis, laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure. You may require a few sessions which can cost you as much as $400 each. The perceived value then comes from the savings of time from waxing, shaving and the money that goes towards buying such related products. And not to forget the personal gratification that comes from a renewed interpretation of your self image. A tradeoff between such perceived value versus the actual cost is necessary before opting for the laser treatments or a different