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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