Laser Hair Removal Technology: An In-Depth Look

If removing unwanted body hair looks like a never-ending task, opting for laser hair removal will help achieve a permanent solution. Though not an instant cure, employing laser hair removal technology repeatedly will make your body hair lighter and scantier [1]. Laser hair removal treatments are an apt solution if you wish to have a beach-ready bikini line, smooth face or silky legs forever. To get the desired results after every laser session, it is imperative to consult a reputed skin clinic with licensed dermatologists.

About Laser Hair Removal Technology

The hair removal process backed by laser technology employs specialized laser beams focusing on the treatment area to vaporize unwanted body hair through repeated sessions. Laser light is used to remove the hair permanently by focusing on the hair follicle and the shaft to inhibit its growth and lower melanin production [2]. Laser light works by targeting the pigment called melanin present in the follicles of your body hair to burn it to the root [3]. So, there are no chances of hair regrowth in future. As laser hair removal procedure targets the melanin pigment, specific types of lasers might not be suitable for some hair types or skin tones [4].

Types of Lasers Used and Their Effectiveness

There are five types of lasers used for hair removal, which are safe and effective. Though each laser type is unique, all rely on a single principle, which is the conversion of light energy into heat to get the desired effect [5]. These lasers are designed to target unwanted body hairs with varying textures and skin colour without damaging the surrounding skin. Irrespective of the laser type used for hair removal, no recovery period or painful process is involved.

Type 1: Intense Pulsed Light or IPL for Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light hair removal treatment involves eliminating unwanted hair using an infrared device targeting the treatment spot with a single-spectrum light. This broad laser type with different wavelengths offers more coverage and removes scattered hairs. So, IPL is useful for removing thick and dark hair [6]. You will feel the sensation of an elastic band snap during IPL sessions when the broad spectrum light passes through the skin to lock your hair’s melanin while its heat energy destroys the follicles. As the IPL initiates pulsating thermal energy during photothermolysis, melanin absorbs it quickly. The advantage of using Intense Pulsed Light hair removal treatment is that it comes with customizable pulse duration, energy levels, and wavelength [7]. When compared to other laser treatments for hair removal, IPL might require you to attend several sessions, as the light beam is not focused. This laser type is ideal for removing hair in large skin areas without concerns about damaged tissues, as it doesn’t penetrate deeper.

Type 2: Ruby Laser for Hair Removal

It is one of the first types of laser used for cosmetic hair removal that is performed by emitting a ruby-coloured laser light with a short wavelength. This hair removal procedure utilizes 694 nm of short wavelength to focus on the follicles of facial and body hair. It ensures that the surrounding skin structure and tissue are intact. It is a painless and low-risk option that can get rid of unwanted hair permanently [8]. Ruby laser type is not a good choice for people with tanned skin, pale skin, or dark-toned skin, as it might cause hyperpigmentation. It has a built-in cooling-off feature to keep the skin under treatment cool, making it a pain-free procedure than other laser types.

Type 3: Nd: YAG Laser for Hair Removal

This type of laser is one of the renowned hair removal procedures that utilize dual frequency mode with a stunning wavelength maintained at 1064 nm along with a green laser light featuring a wavelength of 532 nm [9]. Whether you have dark African skin or pale Asian skin, Nd: YAG laser hair removal type is very effective [10]. This hair removal process has a swift repetition rate and is useful for removing unsightly hair from large skin areas. This laser works by heating your tissue’s pigmented part called chromophores and doesn’t affect the surrounding tissues [11]. The high-precision laser beam targets the follicle to cut down regeneration.

Type 4: Diode Laser for Hair Removal

This type of hair removal relies on using semiconductors or diodes that work with a wavelength range between 800 and 810 nm. The laser’s longer wavelength allows it to penetrate deeply into the skin and is perfect for treating large skin areas. The diode laser hair removal procedure is pain-free and needs just a few sessions to flaunt a hairless look. Right from the first session of diode laser therapy, you might observe about 20 to 25% of hair reduction.

Type 5: Alexandrite Laser for Hair Removal

Also known as the red light laser, the Alexandrite laser utilizes an infrared beam with a red spectrum having a wavelength measuring 755 nm [12]. The laser process is based on converting light with high energy into heat to target the treatment area. It also employs a photothermolysis process to induce tissue damage without causing harm to surrounding cell structures [13]. Developed during the 1990s, this laser type is considered to have an edge over the rest, as it has deep penetration ability and uproots the hair follicles from their roots. This laser type causes less discomfort or irritation than diode laser and is a perfect choice for permanent hair removal. The Alexandrite laser type is useful for removing hair on your bikini area, upper lip, back, and leg [14].

How Different Lasers Suit Different Hair and Skin Types

Laser hair removal technology has evolved quickly to help you achieve visibly smooth and hair-free skin within a short time. But, you must also understand that not all hair types and skin tones are the same, and their distinct traits can influence the choice of your laser treatments [15]. It is essential to understand the relationship between the hair and skin types and variants in laser procedures to make a well-informed decision for a better outcome.

Fitzpatrick scale

The Fitzpatrick scale [16] is considered a significant tool in the arena of laser hair removal, as it offers a clear-cut idea of how a specific skin tone will respond to a particular laser type. According to this scale, skin types I and II contain low melanin levels, and skin types III and IV contain high melanin content. Based on this scale, dermatologists determine the right kind of laser treatment with appropriate energy settings to provide you with the best and safest outcome [17]. The following are the skin types categorized by the Fitzpatrick scale.

• Type I skin: Very fair skin tone that is prone to burns but doesn’t get tanned
• Type II skin: Fair skin tone that gets minimum tan
• Type III skin: Skin having medium fairness that will tan till light brown and might burn
• Type IV skin: Olive-toned skin that turns to a mid-brown shade while tanning but burns very rarely
• Type V skin: Skin with a brown skin tone that turns deep brown when tanned but doesn’t burn
• Type VI skin: Skin with brownish to black tone, prone to deep tan but does not burn
• Type VI skin: Dark brown to black skin that never burns but tans deeply

Laser Hair Removal Based On Skin Types

The safety aspect and effectiveness of laser hair removal technology are based on a person’s skin type based on the Fitzpatrick scale. A laser type interacts based on the extent of melanin in the skin and hair follicles.

Skin Types from I to III

This category has lighter-skinned people with very low amounts of melanin pigment, making them a suitable choice for laser hair removal. The contrasting shade of their hair and skin colour lets the laser light pass through the hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissues. Ruby laser is a popular choice for high precision operation, fast results, and best hair-removing ability, making them an apt choice for people having olive or fair skin tones [18].

Skin Types from IV to VI

Dark-skinned people have high levels of melanin in their skin, making it a challenge for the laser to identify between the skin and the hair growth [19]. These people are at a higher risk of experiencing hyperpigmentation and burns. The latest laser hair removal technology, such as Nd: YAG laser type will be a perfect choice for people with this skin type [20]. Alexandrite laser is an apt choice for light-skinned people, as it works with a specific wavelength to target the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding tissues [21].

Laser Hair Removal Based On Hair Types

Thick and Coarse Dark Hair

The thickness and colour of your hair are pivotal in laser absorption. People with dark hair with coarse texture will get the best outcome, as laser energy targets the hair follicles with rich pigment, assuring hair removal that lasts long. Diode laser is effective for dark-skinned people having coarse hair and men with thick hair on their chest or back [22].

Fine and Light-coloured Hair

If you have a light-coloured mane like grey, blonde, or red, the melanin content will be low and might not respond well to laser energy, as it has low absorption. Alexandrite laser is an apt choice for removing unwanted body hair in light colour [23].

Safety and Risk Factors of Laser Hair Removal Technology

As with any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal technology has some safety risks and side effects. Adhering to safety measures, pre-treatment and post-treatment care suggested by your dermatologist will help you avoid these risks and side effects. Some common side effects and risk factors of laser hair removal procedures are:

• Temporary skin irritation, discomfort, inflammation, and redness that will wear off after a few hours
• Light or dark pigmented look on the treatment area after a few hours of laser treatment
• Rarely, some might have crusting, blistering, burning or texture changes in the skin as temporary risks

The effectiveness of laser hair removal technology solely depends on the skin clinic you choose. Make an appointment with the experts at Kolors Hair and Skin to discuss the most suitable laser type based on your skin tone and hair texture. Consult their skin specialists today to learn more about laser hair removal procedures, pre-treatment, and post-treatment instructions.

Reference Links:

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