About Laser Hair Removal | Articles | Resources | Glossary | FAQ's

Why Laser Hair Removal?

Are you interested in learning about laser hair removal so that you can consider undergoing the process for yourself? Learning how laser hair removal works is important before you undergo the procedure. Laser hair removal technology involves using an invisible light and a source of heat that penetrates the follicle of the hair, first disabling and then destroying the hair at the root while still preserving the skin surrounding the hair follicles.

The procedure of unwanted hair removal simply involves targeting the hair follicle, and then carefully directing the laser's beam at the root of that hair. This process begins as soon as the laser beam has found the hair follicle at the point where the melanin or the color is.

Who Benefits from Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal tends to work best on people who have fair skin and darker hair. Melanin is found both in the hair and in the skin, so people who have darker skin are not ideal candidates for a treatment of this type. Red headed or light blond haired people will also not be ideal candidates for a laser hair removal treatment. The laser is attracted to the darkness in the hair, so if there is no darkness, the treatment will not work.

What Problems are Associated with Laser Hair Removal?

Unlike the other hair removal methods out there, like shaving, waxing and electrolysis, laser hair removal makes use of state of the art and high tech technology which can remove hair for much longer than the other methods in existence. Laser hair removal is the only type of hair removal that has been proven for use removing hair from large areas of the body, including the back, the legs, the face and the chest. Laser hair removal is cost efficient, precise and effective.

The laser is simple and direct in pinpointing the hairs root and then removing it completely from the body. The process is both beneficial and precise, but it can also be irritating to the skin at the application zone. It is important that a gel, a spray or a cooling device be used to cool the surrounding skin to prevent the laser beam from causing any damage or discomfort to the skin surrounding the treatment area.

Types of Lasers Available

There are four different types of lasers that are most commonly used to treat hair removal, Alexandrite, Ruby, Diode and ND and LP ND Yag lasers. Candela GentleLase Plus is an example of an Alexandrite laser. EpiTouch and Epilaser are examples of Ruby lasers. The Coherent Light Sheer is an example of a Diode laser, and the Candela GentleYag and Altus Cool Glide are examples of ND and LP ND Yag lasers.

Each of these laser techniques has been approved by the FDA, and proven to be effective, safe and fast for successfully removing and reducing the growth of hair. Each laser provides a different type of experience for the patient, and it is best to discuss your options with the practitioner handling your treatment.

Laser hair removal is not by any means a single time procedure. In only a couple of short sessions, you can begin to feel like a completely new person. The power created by the laser is completely unchallenged by any other available method for hair removal in existence.