Information On Laser Hair Removal

Before committing yourself to any permanent laser hair removal treatment, you should find out as much information on laser hair removal as possible. Wikipedia, for instance, has fairly comprehensive technical information on laser hair removal, which explains how lazer hair removal works. Briefly:

"The primary principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin (but with much more speed and intensity). This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced."

Hair removal lasers selectively target one of three chromophores: carbon, hemoglobin and melanin. "Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed."

A further study of available information on lasar hair removal makes it plain that the term 'permanent laser hair removal' is controversial because any laser light beam intended for topical use can only penetrate skin tissue two millimeters deep.

The Wiki's information on laser hair removal explains that "the dermal papilla is the only appropriate target of destruction, as it is the only substructure of the hair shaft which can reproduce a new root system, and therefore a new hair shaft. The dermal papilla is located at a depth of 7-8 millimeters for coarse hair, and so is beyond the reach of laser.

At most, 5% of hair in a given area can be removed, which adheres to the common usage of the word "permanent", usually because the hair root has no pigment, or is not very deep or thick in diameter and is therefore within the two millimeter range of the laser. This is why laser technicians are required by law to use the term "reduction"."

So what's the lowdown on laser hair removal?

• Laser hair removal is considered safe if performed properly.
• Lazer hair removal is useful for large areas such as backs or legs.
• Light-skinned people with dark hair have the best results.
• Some have experienced long-lasting hair removal or permanent hair reduction. Any hair re-growth is finer in texture or lighter in color.

• It is generally not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and light-colored hair such as red or blonde hair.
• Laser hair removal must be used very cautiously (if at all) on darker skin tones and people who tan themselves. To find out your skin type, try this skin typing test at www.spa-medical.com/fitzpatrick_skin_typing_test.htm.
• Improper treatment can cause burns, lesions, and/or skin discoloration lasting several months, and/or patchy/patterned re-growth.
• Recent data suggests that other skin structures are often affected by laser irradiation, and long term effects of this constitute an unknown risk.
• Laser hair removal treatment requires eye protection.
• It can be expensive.
• Laser hair removal treatment can be painful.
• Regulation varies from country to country, and state to state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent practitioners.
• Some consumers, even ideal candidates, do not respond to treatment.