Laser hair removal|Laser hair care treatments

Laser hair removal and there are currently two techniques being used to remove unwanted hair with laser.  The first technique utilizes a new generation of Alexandrite, and ruby lasers which have a long pulse duration.  These lasers have an affinity for pigment in the hair root and on application the productivity of the hair root is decreased.

The hair root is stunned into a prolonged sleeping phase of up to eight months or more.  When the hair root wakes up it has been weakened and may not be capable of further growth.  A single treatment with the alexandrite or Ruby lasers may be enough to eradicate fine, dark hairs.  If hairs are light in color, thick or deep they may require multiple sessions or they may not respond at all in hair care products.

Other photo optic light sources which are similar to lasers are also being used in a similar fashion to remove hair.  Although they are not lasers they are often referred to as such.

The second technique utilizes one of four lasers: the Q-switched short pulse duration ruby, the Alexandrite, the Nd:Yag or the variable pulse width (VPW) green lasers.  These lasers have an affinity for darker pigment.  To attract the laser light to the hair follicles a black carbon gel is spread over the skin then wiped off. 

Some of this gel remains in the pores of the hair follicles.  When the laser light is applied it passes harmlessly through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the dark pigment of the carbon gel. 

The energy emitted by the laser light when it is absorbed causes the carbon molecules to break into minuscule particles in hair care products. 

The heat transmitted in this process damages of destroys the adjacent hair follicles.  The hair growth in the treated area is significantly reduced or in many cases is completely eradicated.  More than one session is usually required to achieve the desired results.  The Thermolase hair removal system utilizes this technique and ahs been approved for this purpose by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States.   

Response to either method of laser removal is variable depending on the type of hair, the color of the hair and the depth of the hair root.  No assurance can be made as everyone responds differently.  For this reason a test site is recommended before proceeding with extensive therapy.

Potential complications exist with all forms of hair removal.  Failure to respond to the laser light, pigment changes in the skin, or even scar, could occur, although the risk is low.  Allergic reactions to the gel may occur if the second technique is used.  One would expect inflammation in the hair follicles for approximately then days after the procedure.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a hair removal technique where, an electrical current is passed into the hair follicle, rendering it inactive and causing the hair to fall out.  Currently, three methods of electrolysis are used: galvanic current, electrocoagulation, and radio wave.  Each differs in the amount of time the procedure takes and the number of hairs that can be removed.  The galvanic method is the slowest.  Claims have been made that radio wave electrolysis is less uncomfortable and causes fewer pigmentary problems; this, however, has not yet been adequately substantiated.

Hair care products and the galvanic current appliances have been adapted for home use (for example, Permatweez), and although it is a slow, tedious process, for many this is prefemble to going for regular, and sometimes costly, sessions at a salon.

An electrolysis program is a long-term commitment and it is often uncomfortable.  Topical anesthetic creams can help minimize the discomfort.  Possible complications include scarring, irregular pigmentation, infection, and flare-ups of acne and herpes simplex (cold sores) in the area being treated.

For these reasons it is important to be treated by a properly trained and experienced electrologist.  Some geographic locations have licensing bodies for electrologists; most, however, do not.  It is best therefore, to speak to a knowledgeable physician or to request references before starting a course of treatment with an unknown technician.

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