How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

For those looking for a safe and sucessful form of hair removal, laser therapy offers the best option. Laser hair removal involves the use of laser beams that are sent beneath the surface of the skin by the treating practitioner. Once under the surface, these beams turn into heat sources that target the follicle and immediately deactivate the hair at the base. The beams used feel like a piece of rubber popping up against the dermis and, if newer types of lasers are utilized, each beat of the laser is able to treat an area about the diameter of a coin.

Because hair follows a cyclical growth pattern, only about half of the follicles contained in any treated areas will be properly deactivated during a single appointment. It is for this reason that a second session is recommended approximately 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment. The hair that is not in the growth stage during the first visit will be targeted and made dormant during the second appointment. This schedule usually results in long-term hair removal but, in the rare case that there is future regrowth, follow up sessions can solve this problem.

Before the attending doctor begins the hair removal process he or she will apply a mild cooling gel to the skin's surface. This gel acts as a barrier to any harmful or painful effects the laser could cause. Although you aren't able to feel the beam on your skin, the laser is still able to safely target the melanin in the hair follicle.

Dark brown or black hairs get their color from a compound called melanin. The more melanin a hair follicle possesses, the darker the color. Traditionally people with a darker tone to their hair get the best results from laser hair removal as melanin is the actual target of the beam during the procedure. Recently, however, people with lighter hair are experiencing excellent results as well through the use of newly improved laser technology.

Lighter skinned people aren't the only ones that may not achieve the best laser hair removal results. Those with lighter skin may also find that they aren't able to get the best results with this form of treatment. Because melanin is also the element that gives skin its color, skin with fairer tones has less of the melanin to target during the procedure. There is hope, however, for those lighter skinned individuals who wish to use laser removal. Recent strides in this science are allowing for all potential patients to get favorable results.

It is innovations in laser technology that have allowed a greater number of people to experience positive results from this removal procedure. Newly created beams target different types of follicles and act in various ways to get optimal results. Lighter haired and fairer skinned individuals, once unable to enjoy long-lasting removal, can now part take in this cosmetic treatment thanks to these recent strides in laser science. Even though the treatment may differ from person to person, each recipient, with repeat visits, is able to experience the same happy outcome of permanent hair removal.