Hair growth cycles-

There are different phases of hair life cycle-

Anagen Phase - Growth phase

Resting Phase - Catagen phase

Telogen - Falling out phase

At any given time, laser can only treat the hair which is in anagen phase. These are the only hairs that get affected by the laser.

The procedure – Using a hand held laser device, a light of specific wavelength is delivered into the skin. This light is absorbed by the dark material called melanin. It causes permanent thermal or mechanical damage to the hair follicle. The surrounding tissue is lighter in color and hence laser is not absorbed by it.

Shaving the area to be treated prior to the treatment is worthwhile as it will increase effectiveness.

Melanin is naturally present in the skin and hair that gives them the color. It is the main chromophore that is used in all the laser hair removal techniques.

No. of sessions required- It depends on various factors such as

Area being treated. Larger the area, more time it takes

Gender

Individual’s response to the treatment

Hair growth cycle

Advantages-

Its permanent hair removal method

Rather painless

Can be used for larger areas

Suitable to be used on most of the body parts

People with dark hair and light skin get the best results

Fast

Laser removes the unwanted hair from any part of the body without damaging the structure and pores of the skin.

Disadvantages

Not enough data is yet available to support all the claims

Not as effective on blonde or red hair.

Is expensive

Some people just do not respond to the treatment

Must be done very carefully

Some temporary side effects.

Must be used very carefully on the people with darker skins and on the tanned people

One must wear eye protection during the treatment

Laser affects the skin structure. As of now, the risks involved are unknown.

Laser Hair Removal Machines at Clinics & Home

Ultimate Light™ or Pulsed Light (IPL) at Clinics

Nd : Yag Laser (1064 nm wavelength) at Clinics

Diode Laser (800nm or 810 nm wavelength) at Clinics

Alexandrite Laser (755nm wavelength) at Clinics

Ruby (694 nm wavelength) at Clinics

Viatek Hair Pro Laser Hair Brush at Home

Epila Laser Hair Remover at Home

Rio Laser Hair Removal at Home

Rio Salon Laser Scanning Hair Remover at Home

Economy Diode Laser System at Home

LD2K Economy Diode Laser System at Home

Laser permanent hair removal is mainly used for the following areas

Face

back

Bikini area

Legs

Underarms

Arms

Chest

It is becoming a common technique for both men and women to get rid of unwanted hair using laser. In the earlier days, this procedure was suitable only for a limited set of people. It was almost impossible to treat the dark skin and light hair. It used to cause burns and blistering. New laser techniques have now come into the market which can treat light colored, red or even grey hair.

Usually, laser hair removal does not lead to any kind of complications. Whatever are the side effects are usually temporary. It is hence worthwhile to spend some time in looking for an authorized clinic which has experienced and qualified physician to carry out the procedure. It is not advisable to cut the cost and go for the cheapest available option. A great reference could be word of mouth.

It is important to keep the expectations real. Talk to your physician about your concerns and the desired results. He is the best person to tell you what is achievable and what is not. It will prepare you for the ultimate outcome of the procedure. Make an informed decision. Don’t fall prey to the false claims and marketing gimmicks. Some clinics offer huge discounts to attract the customers. It is very easy to get trapped as laser hair removal treatment is an expensive treatment. But, look at it as an investment. Over the long run, it will work out better than you might think. It is your money so spend it wisely. It is your life, take care of it.