About Laser Hair Removal
by Keith George


Laser hair removal is a type of medical procedure which is used to remove hair from the skin and to prevent re-growth of hair. In this procedure the laser is used to target the chromophores of hair follicle with an objective to kill or damage the hair producing cells. Laser hair removal is used to remove unwanted hair from body parts like underarms, legs, face, upper lips and other areas.

The principle of operation of this procedure is fairly simple. Laser heats a darker object more than a lighter object. The melanin is the primary chromophore which is targeted by the laser. There are two types of melanin in the skin, eumelanin which results in black or brown colored hair and pheomelanin which gives blonde or red color hair. By laser process only black or brown hair can be removed. The dark chromophores get selectively heated by the laser and the follicle dies.

Another method that is used is Carbon and NdYAG laser method. In this method carbon is introduced in the hair follicle using a carbon based lotion. This lotion is rubbed after skin waxing. Using a Q switched NdYAG laser the hair follicle is heated. The carbon sends shockwaves which mechanically damages the nearby cells. However this method is nowadays not frequently used.

To prevent heating of the skin and side effects, various methods are used such as chilled clear gel, circulating water, cryogen spray and forced air cooling below subzero temperatures.

As of now laser hair removal is most suitable for people with fair skin and black or brown hair. For others the results are not sufficiently satisfactory.

In our body, the hair grows in cycles so at any time, some hair follicles are active (that is they are in anagen phase) and some are dormant. So for complete laser hair removal approximately 5-6 times repetition of the procedure is required. The number of sessions also depends on the type of skin, type of laser, the body part involved etc. the sessions are spaced between 1 to 3 months.

In the United States laser hair removal is fairly expensive costing around $450 for one sitting.

Laser hair removal is performed by surgeons, dermatologists and beauty saloon technicians. It is recommended to visit a qualified doctor for this treatment. Contrary to popular thinking, laser hair removal is not a permanent hair remover and the results vary from person to person, however the least that is achieved is stunting of hair growth and discoloration of hair.


About the Author
Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is Laser Hair Removal. Further information can be found at Home Mortgage Loans.