Laser Hair Removal -
Why Is It So Popular?

You've heard all the talk but still wonder how laser hair removal works?   The laser procedure is one of the most effective treatments for permanently removing unwanted body and facial hair.   The many advantages of laser hair removal far outweigh any risks that are involved with the procedure.  However, one of the more interesting aspects of laser hair removal is that the results cannot be generalized.  Every individual will respond differently to the laser hair removal process.

So what makes an ideal candidate for laser hair removal?   Many people incorrectly assume that a person need only be financially capable of paying for the multiple treatments that are necessary. On average, laser hair removal sessions cost approximately $430 each on a national basis.  Multiple sessions are generally required to attain a more permanent hair removal result.

While ability to pay is an important consideration, what is more important is what type of pigment does a laser hair removal candidate possess. Pigment is what gives color to skin and also to hair. Generally speaking, the darker the color of a person's hair compared to the skin tone, the better the candidate for laser hair removal.  This is why candidates with dark, coarse body hair and light skin have a greater success rate than light or red-haired individuals or individuals with dark or tanned skin.

Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color. To be effective as a hair removal process, the melanin must be able to absorb the energy that is produced by the laser, which will generate a considerable amount of heat. Inside the hair follicle, the melanin surrounds the structure that is responsible for germinating hair. Once the absorbed laser energy destroys the melanin, this structure is no longer protected. The excessive amount of heat that is generated will damage the hair germination structure which is what actually ceases future hair growth in that follicle. 

It is this process that makes laser one of the most successful hair removal methods on the market today for long lasting results.  When compared to all of the other permanent hair removal options, laser wins hands down!

However, because tanned or dark skin contains a significant amount melanin, it may lessen the effectiveness of the laser treatments.  This darker skin can absorb a greater portion of the laser light and energy, making less available to penetrate the hair follicle. This may require more sessions for the permanent result that is desired. 

The fact is that skin absorption must be kept to a minimum for laser hair removal to be effective.  Keeping the skin cool during the procedure is an important factor in inhibiting the skin's absorption of laser energy.  Applying cold compresses to the affected area during the laser procedure allows the laser to bypass the colder skin and reach the melanin within the hair follicle.  TIP: Understanding the various capabilities of the different types of hair removal lasers will help make your selection of a laser hair removal clinic that much easier! 

Another option in keeping the skin temperature cool is to use the latest 'multi pulsing' laser technology.  As the name implies, laser energy is pulsed or interrupted, rather than streamed.   Due to this pulsing effect, less heat is delivered which helps to cool and protect the skin. Other laser removal devices include: Alexandrite, a long pulse laser; Diode, which generally is used on darker skin; Q-Switched Nd:YAG, which delivers two wavelengths that work on both deep and near-surface follicles; and Ruby, which consists of red laser beams capable of targeting melanin.

If you read all the articles (follow the blue links) you will have a good understanding of the basics of laser hair removal.  If you want to know even more about the biology of hair growth and hair growth disorders, visit understanding hair growth to learn the stages of hair growth, how these stages affect the timing for laser treatments, and how hair growth disorders, like Hypertrichosis and Hirsutism, can be helped through laser hair removal treatments.