How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal works through a process known as Selective Photothermolysis, also known as SPTL. During this process, a beam of laser light is used to intentionally cause localized damage to specifically targeted regions within the skin. These regions are referred to as dark target matter and are located within the area of the skin that causes the hair to grow, known as the follicle. This dark target matter, also known as chromophore, can be either naturally-occurring or artificially introduced. Since this is a targeted procedure, the rest of the skin around the follicle, which is lighter in color, does not absorb as much heat from the laser light. By nature, light is absorbed more quickly by dark areas, so the laser light will be absorbed by the dark targeted material of the skin with much more speed and intensity than the lighter areas.

The primary chromophore for all of the hair removal lasers on the market today is known as Melanin. Melanin is the primary target for the laser. This is a naturally occurring substance within the skin and is the cause for all of the various skin tones and hair colors. There are two primary recipes of melanin that can be found within the human hair. Eumelanin is the recipe for brown or black colored hair, while Pheomelanin is the recipe for the blonde or red colors. Due to the naturally selective absorption of the photons produced by the light of the laser, only black or brown colored hair can be removed. The laser removal treatment works best with coarse, dark hair. The ideal combination is light skin and dark hair. However, the newer and more technically advanced lasers are able to also target dark black hair even in patients with dark skin.

The removal of unwanted hair is very common today in both men and women. Laser hair removal can easily be performed on the face, chin, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, cleavage, abdomen, back, underarms, buttocks, legs, arms, thighs, hands, toes, and pubic areas.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of hair removal lasers in the United States in 1997 for the purpose of permanent hair reduction. Since then, laser hair removal has become extremely popular because of its speed and efficacy, even though some of the efficacy relies upon the skill and experience of the laser hair removal operator. The choice and availability of the various laser technologies also plays a big part in this equation. In some cases, follow-up treatments are required for further touch-up, especially on larger areas. In most cases, 3-8 sessions are required for the most effectiveness. It has also been reported that certain people are considered to be non-responders, although this is not confirmed and the reasons are not known. In fact, this may be due to a lack of experience on the part of the laser operators or the type of machine and settings being used.