How Hair Removal Laser Works

Introduction

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, there are many treatment options available. When the basics, such as shaving or waxing, are not enough, many turn to more expensive treatments, such as laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a valid option for those who are looking for a way to permanently reduce excess hair on the face, or any other part of the body.

Process

Laser hair removal is done using a specialized laser tool that casts a wavelength of energy in the form of light at the skin. The light of the laser depends on the choice of the clinic, but can be either intense pulsed light (IPL) or a straight laser beam. Regardless of the type, the laser is designed to lock onto areas of melanin on the skin. Melanin is the substance that gives both your skin and your hair its color. Since the color of your hair is more often darker than the color of your skin, the laser is able to focus directly on each hair and its hair follicle. This also means that those with darker hair and lighter skin will have better results with laser hair removal than those with lighter hair or darker skin

Hair Loss

Once the laser focuses in on a hair follicle, it emits a wave of heat energy. This heat energy penetrates the follicle to the root of the hair (where hair growth occurs). The heat is enough to kill the hair follicle, preventing it from regrowing a new hair.

Effectiveness

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), laser hair removal can not be considered a permanent hair removal method, only a hair reduction method; However, laser hair removal significantly reduces the overall amount of hair on the treatment area. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal only slows hair regrowth, with each additional treatment lengthening the hair-free period.

Sessions

For laser hair removal to work, the hair follicle must be in its active (anagen) growing phase. Because not all hair is in an active growing phase at one time, multiple sessions must be completed before full results are obtained. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair follicles most commonly are only out of their growing phase for up to two months, and are in an active growing phase for approximately four to five years.