Laser
Hair Removal
Effectiveness
Can be permanent but results are not guaranteed.
Notes
Hair removal targets melanin in the hair bulb by using light
set to a specific wavelength. Melanin gives hair its colour.
The theory is that Melanocyte cells which produce Melanin
pigment absorb the light from the laser converting it to heat
which is transferred down the hair shaft to the hair bulb
which is destroyed. To be most effective, the hair colour
should be darker than that of the surrounding skin. If this
is not the case, the treatment will not work as the heat is
dissipated to the surrounding skin.
Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase,
when melanin content is at its highest.
Advantages
Permanent hair removal has been achieved by some.
Hair has grown back finer.
Disadvantages
Expensive
Does not guarantee results
Some clinics are still unregulated
Unknown long term effects
Not as effective on grey, red or blonde hair
Even some of those with ideal skin and hair types do not respond
to treatment.
Those with darker skin types need to be cautious
Can leave burn marks
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