Laser hair removal is most effective in people with light skin and dark hair, since the contrast between the skin color and the hair color allows the laser to target the hair and zap it. But recent advances in laser technology have made it possible for people with light-colored hair, such as blond or red hair, to take advantage of laser hair removal with good or even excellent results. Unfortunately, it is not possible to remove gray or white hair with laser hair removal technology, though people with the lightest blond hair have had some success with temporary or permanent hair removal.
Most Effective Systems
Pulsed light systems tend to be the most effective at removing light-colored hair, although they cannot treat gray or white hair. They are known by the brand names EpiLight, PhotoDerm, Quantum, Aculight or Vasculight, and they emit the broadest spectrum of light of the laser hair removal systems. New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Harvey Jay notes that the densest areas of light hair respond best, and some treatment techniques reduce the hair count by half within two treatments.
Coarse Hair Removed
Coarse light hair also can be removed temporarily and in some cases permanently with the diode laser, which is the newest of the laser hair removal techniques. These lasers are known as the SLP 1000, F1 Diode, Light Sheer, MeDioStar, LaserLite, Epistar and Apex 800. The long wavelengths used in diode lasers enable the light to penetrate deeper into the skin, making it potentially safer than shorter wavelength lasers, notes to Dr. Jay. Patients with coarse or thick light hair will see a delay in their hair growth, and some patients will see the amount of hair permanently reduced. The diode laser is not effective on fine light hair.
Most Comfortable System
Nd: Yag laser systems cause the least discomfort of all the laser systems and can temporarily remove light hair. However, there is insufficient evidence that treatment using the Nd: Yag results in permanent hair removal, says Dr. Jay. Brand names of Nd: Yag laser systems include the CoolGlide, Medlite IV, Varia, Athos, Lyra and Image.
Less Effective Systems
Those with light hair should steer away from ruby laser systems such as the RubyStar and the Palomar E2000. They also should consider avoiding the Alexandrite systems, known as GentleLASE, Apogee and EpiTouch Plus. These lasers are most effective on dark hair, and while those with light hair might see some effects, dermatologists such as Dr. Jay recommend treatment with a different laser hair removal system for those with light hair.
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