Laser hair removal Basic facts
Some consumers have experienced permanent
hair reduction, but there is limited data on how long hair reduction
usually lasts, how much hair reduction is typical, and how often
permanent hair reduction occurs.
Description
 Light at a specified
wavelength is delivered from a handpiece into the
skin, where it targets dark material (usually the pigment in
hair).
This is
intended to cause thermal and/or mechanical damage to a hair
follicle while sparing surrounding
tissues.
Advantages
Some consumers
have experienced long-lasting hair removal or permanent
hair reduction.
Considered safe
if performed properly.
Useful for
large areas such as backs or legs.
Regrowth can
come back lighter in color or finer in texture.
Light-skinned
consumers with dark hair have the best results.
Disadvantages
Long-term data
on safety and effectiveness have not been accurately
established.
Response rates
have not been established.
Regrowth rates have not been accurately
established and cannot be predicted due to numerous variables.
Generally not
as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs and red or blonde
hair.
Must be used
very cautiously (if at all) on darker
skin tones or on consumers who tan themselves.
Improper treatment
can cause burns, lesions, skin
discoloration lasting several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth.
Recent data suggest other skin structures
are often affected by laser irradiation, and long term effects
of this constitute an unknown risk.
Requires eye
protection.
Can be expensive.
Some find treatment
painful.
Regulation varies
by state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent
practitioners.
Some consumers,
even ideal candidates, do not respond to treatment.
Quack claims
"Painless" or "virtually
painless"
While many clients tolerate laser without requiring pain
relief, it's overpromise to state that treatment will be painless
for all consumers.
"Permanent hair removal"
or "100% permanent" or "permanent"
Some consumers experience permanent reduction of treated
hair over the course of treatment, but published studies have
observed that many consumers are not good candidates, and
even ideal candidates with light skin and dark hair do not
always respond to treatment. See the page on permanent hair
reduction below.
"Guaranteed 0% regrowth"
There is no published clinical data to substantiate this
sort of overpromise.
"Laser electrolysis" or "lasertrolysis"
These quack marketing terms are used to blur important distinctions
between laser and electrolysis effectiveness. Laser has several
advantages over electrolysis, and vice versa. Terms like these
only confuse consumers.
"Light years ahead of electrolysis"
This quack marketing term suggests that laser is better than
electrolysis for consumers, but this is not always the case.
Other laser pages in this section
Due to the complicated issues surrounding
this hair removal method, I have divided this into several sections.
If you're researching a specific laser type or issue, you can
go right to that topic. For a more thorough review, I recommend
reading the pages in order.
Background: terms and concepts
History and current issues
Lasers organized by type,
manufacturer, and model
"Permanent hair reduction":
what it means
Clinical data overview
Nd:YAG
Ruby
Alexandrite
Diode
How to choose a laser practitioner
Pain management tips
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