Shaving, waxing, tweezing- the never-ending battle!
Body hair has been the bane of most women in modern times. Pain-free hair removal was once just a dream—until the introduction of laser treatment for hair removal made it a reality. Unlike shaving, waxing, and tweezing, laser treatment for hair removal is relatively painless. Traditional hair removal methods are short-term fixes. Laser technology gives you a long-term grooming solution.
Laser treatment for hair removal is gaining popularity nowadays for its effectiveness, convenience, and cost-effectiveness in the long term. There are many benefits of laser hair removal. It is convenient for people with busy lifestyles. The benefits are for life. New advances in laser treatment for hair removal make the procedure painless and more effective on wider skin tones and hair types.
Smooth, hairless skin is promoted in beauty trends on social media and in pop culture. The popularity of this procedure has led to its increased accessibility. It is now offered not only in dermatology clinics but also in medspas, salons, and even at home with portable devices.
What is the science behind this technology? Understanding the science behind laser hair removal may be the impetus you need to just go for it.
What is Laser Treatment for Hair Removal?
Laser treatment for hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair by targeting and damaging the hair follicles. Shaving, waxing, or tweezing are the traditional methods women have embraced for hair removal.
Shaving requires daily or bi-weekly redos. Ingrown hairs occur when hair regrows and the skin can feel itchy and bumpy after shaving. The results are short-term.
Waxing is painful and can lead to skin irritation. Waxing can also lead to the development of ingrown hairs. Hair must be a certain length to be waxed. Waxing at a salon can be expensive, and home kits can be messy.
Tweezing is often impractical for larger areas and can be quite painful as well. It can also lead to skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Compared to the traditional methods, laser treatment for hair removal is relatively less painful. It is precise and can be done on specific areas. Laser technology significantly reduces the likelihood of ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
The Science Behind Laser Hair Removal
How Lasers Work
The laser emits a focused light beam that is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair. Melanin converts light energy to heat. This heat damages the hair follicles, preventing them from producing hair in the future.
Lasers are designed to emit light wavelengths that are specifically absorbed by melanin. The wavelengths that are typically used for laser hair reduction are 755 nm, 810 nm, and 1064 nm. Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color.
The heat damage to the hair follicle disrupts the cells responsible for hair growth. This reduces or delays future hair growth.
Since hair grows in cycles, not all hairs are in the active growth phase at the same time. Multiple laser treatments for hair removal will be necessary to remove all hair growth.
Selective Photothermolysis
Selective photothermolysis is the scientific principle used in laser treatment for hair removal. It involves using specific wavelengths of light to selectively target and destroy a particular tissue, like a hair follicle, without damaging the surrounding skin. The laser treatment does not damage the surrounding skin and only impacts the hair follicles.
Hair Growth Cycles
The three phases of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the growth phase, catagen is the transition phase, and telogen is the resting phase. Lasers affect hairs in the anagen phase only. The hairs in an area will be in different phases of growth at a given time. This is why laser treatment for hair removal needs multiple sessions for proper hair removal.
Types of Lasers Used in Hair Removal
There are three main types of lasers used in hair removal.
| Laser type | Frequency | Skin |
| Alexandrite laser | 755 nm | For lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV) |
| Diode laser | 800-810 nm | Versatile and effective for a range of skin types, particularly Indian and Filipino skin |
| Nd:YAG Laser | 1064 nm | Safer for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI) |
Treatment process
Pre-treatment
Exposure to sunlight, waxing, or plucking hair before laser treatment for hair removal must be avoided. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation. Refrain from hair removal 4-6 weeks before laser treatment. The laser targets the pigment in the hair root, so it needs to be present. Shaving 24-48 hours before treatment is mandatory. This preserves the hair root while preventing surface burns from longer hairs.
During Treatment
Cooling gels or devices are used to protect the skin during laser treatment. The treatment mimics the feel of quick stings or snapping rubber bands on the skin.
Post-Treatment care
You can expect redness, swelling, or mild discomfort after treatment. Precautions should be taken to keep away from saunas or hot showers, exposure to the sun, and certain skin products.
Efficacy and Limitations
Laser treatment for hair removal is beneficial for a range of skin tones. However, the best results for laser treatment are seen on light skin with dark hair. The contrast between the skin color and hair makes it easier to target the melanin pigment of the hair follicles. Alexandrite lasers and diode lasers are not as effective on darker skin tones as on lighter and medium skin tones. Modern advancements for darker skin tones, like the Nd: YAG laser, are best suited for darker skin tones. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist before proceeding with the treatment.
Always do a patch test beforehand.
One of the limitations of laser treatment for hair removal is that it may not produce efficient results for blonde, gray, or red hair.
Sometimes, temporary side effects may occur, like skin irritation. Rarely can the treatment cause burns or hyperpigmentation.
Future of Laser Treatment for Hair Removal
Advances in technology will change the canvas of laser treatment. Cooling systems to prevent the heating up of the skin and mitigate pain are new advancements.
Lasers with AI-driven settings are also on the anvil.
There are at-home lasers that are available in the market today, and they can change the game.
Advancements in technology will be made to make laser treatment for hair removal safe for all skin types.
Conclusion
Laser treatment for hair removal has been a boon to women. The days of struggling with shaving, waxing, and tweezing are long gone. Laser treatment has liberated women to an extent.
Laser treatment uses a focused light beam to target the melanin pigment in the hair follicle. Melanin converts light to heat, and this heat disrupts the hair follicle. However, this affects only hair in the anaphase, so multiple sessions will be required to see efficient results.
Make sure the treatment is performed by a qualified and certified professional. Make sure the space is safe and hygienic.
Always consult a dermatologist before starting laser treatment for hair removal. It is better to get a professional opinion on the suitability of your skin type for laser hair removal. This will help you better manage potential side effects.
If you’re looking for a good place for laser hair removal, Colibri Laser and Beauty is worth checking out.