Before you decide to use any kind of laser hair removal system, it is important to understand some aspects of laser. A laser is a device which produces light of a single wavelength or color. These are high energy lights absorbed by the hair shaft. Inside the hair shaft is melanin, which is destroyed by this heat thus inhibiting any further growth of hair. It is very important to understand the procedure of balancing the use of light while removing the hair. It should be high enough to be absorbed by the melanin and send it into dormant phase but at the same time should not be too long to spread to the surrounding skin and causing the damage to it. Usually multiple treatments provide the best results.

Different Laser hair removal systems can be used based on the following factors:-

1. Type of hair
2. Body part from where hair needs to be removed
3. Skin color
4. Skin sensitivity
5. Hair color

Various Systems of hair removal are

Ultimate Light™ or Pulsed Light (IPL) - It can effectively treat all skin types. These systems deliver the widest range of light, 515 nm to 1200 nm (including yellow, green, red, and infrared light).

Nd: Yag Laser (1064 nm wavelength) - It can be used for almost all skin types. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding its effectiveness as a long term hair remover.

Diode Laser (800nm or 810 nm wavelength) - It has longer wavelength, hence penetrates the hair follicle without causing much damage to the skin. It is mainly suitable for light to medium skin tone.

Alexandrite Laser (755nm wavelength) - It has a shorter wavelength. Mainly used for treating darker skin types

Ruby (694 nm wavelength) - It is only suitable for people with white skin. It uses laser of shorter wavelength. It is no longer used as a means of hair removal as it causes pigment changes i.e. darkening or lightening of skin. It’s worse for the people having darker skin tone.

Some Laser hair removal systems are designed to be used at home. Most commonly used are the following ones:-

1. Viatek Hair Pro Laser Hair Brush at Home
2. Epila Laser Hair Remover at Home
3. Rio Laser Hair Removal at Home
4. Rio Salon Laser Scanning Hair Remover at Home
5. Economy Diode Laser System at Home
6. LD2K Economy Diode Laser System at Home

These products offer the permanent hair reduction and there are no expensive consumables involved.

Various studies conducted at Harvard medical school, Laser center of New York, Jinnah Medical College, and Japanese Society of Aesthetic surgery regarding these products indicate the following -

1. 89% of the patients achieved permanent hair reduction.
2. Most of the patients had nearly complete and permanent hair reduction just after two treatments.
3. The hair that grew again was thinner and finer and also lighter in color. This made the further treatments simpler and easier.
4. 80-95% of the females achieved satisfactory results within 4 or 5 treatments

These Laser hair removing systems have following features

1. They are easy to be used at home.
2. Can be used on all the body parts.
3. No pain is involved.
4. The hair reduction or removal is permanent.
5. They have security key to avoid any kind of misuse.
6. The laser being used is safe and diverging.
7. Light being used targets only hair and thus avoids damage to the surrounding skin

So, whether one decides to use the laser hair removal technique at home, or get it done professionally, one must be aware of all the side effects it may have. Have a realistic approach and expectations. While using laser hair removal system at home, it’s very important to follow all the written instructions very carefully to get the desired results.