Laser Hair Removal Information

A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light that is directed over the area being treated. There are a variety of lasers and each is unique based on the color of light it emits. Each color is used based on the skin type and hair type being treated. The light's color is the key to its effectiveness on the hair follicles.

The pigment located in hair follicles absorbs the light emitted by the Laser. The laser produces precisely controlled pulses of energy that are concentrated in the follicles under the skin. The energy pulse plus the absorption of light causes vaporization of the pigment and the disabling of the follicles in order to eliminate or significantly impede the hair's re-growth.

The key to the effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal is the principle of Selective Photothermolysis. By properly adjusting the pulsewidth (the amount of time the laser is on) the laser light is able to pass, unaffected, through the thin layer of skin pigment in order to reach the deeper hair follicles below. At the follicle level, the laser energy is absorbed and transformed into heat which ultimately disables the follicle. As a result, hair growth is impaired without affecting the surrounding tissue.

How Long Does It Take?

The amount of time a procedure takes depends on the area being treated. An entire back can be done in 1 to 1 1/2 hours, underarms in 1-2 minutes, and an upper lip in less than 10 seconds. These are just a few examples. Here is a comparison of time between laser and electrolysis for a single hair removal procedure:

Does It Hurt?

During the laser hair removal procedure, most lasers emit either a cooling gel or a cooling spray a split second before the laser pulse in order to ensure maximum protection. While this protects the skin, some patients still describe feeling slight discomfort during the procedure. Most describe the procedure as a rubber band snap against the skin.

Although the cooling devices are in place to help protect the skin and minimize redness, the skin will sometimes become slightly red afterwards. If any redness does occur, it usually goes away within a few hours. Most patients will not experience any redness at all.

What Results Can I Expect?

Results for this procedure will not be immediate. Individuals will need to receive multiple treatments in order to completely disable the hair follicles. Most need anywhere from three to six treatments, but some might need up to eight. Skin type, coarseness of hair as well as hair coloring all contribute to the amount of treatments needed. Once the treatments are completed, the hair will most likely cease to grow back but if it does, the thickness, coarseness, and amount of hair in the desired area will be significantly reduced.

What Will This Cost?

Finding an affordable laser hair removal clinic is easier than you would think. The competition from laser hair removal centers have driven the prices down from what they once were. While pricing does depend on the area in which you live, the clinic that you go to, and the area you are having treated, consumers today can find thousands of affordable laser hair removal clinics throughout the U.S.A. and Canada.

Am I A Good Candidate?

The laser hair removal industry has continued to grow with the advent of laser devices that are able to treat dark and deeply tanned skin. At first, the industry was confined to working only with patients that had dark hair and light skin. As new technology has been created, more options have become available. Newly manufactured lasers that utilize the nd: YAG laser are as efficient on dark skin (skin types IV, V, VI) as the alexandrite and ruby lasers are on white skin (skin types I, II, III). Laser Hair Removal Clinics that offer this new technology to their clients are now able to fulfill most consumer needs.   Today individuals with skin tones ranging from light to dark/tan can successfully remove unwanted hair!

You can find more information on affordable laser hair removal at www.laserhairremoval.com and www.hairremoval.com. These sites also have an extensive directory list of affordable laser hair removal clinics throughout the U.S.A. and Canada.