Laser Hair Removal

How it works

The laser emits light that is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft and follicle. The resulting heat damages the follicle's growth structures while a cooling system protects the skin. Only hairs in their active growth phase are affected at any one time, which is why multiple sessions spaced over weeks are needed. Different wavelengths exist: shorter ones suit lighter skin, while longer ones like Nd:YAG are safer for darker skin because less energy is absorbed by skin pigment.

Who it may suit

• Dark, coarse hair in areas like underarms, legs or bikini line
• People tired of shaving and ingrown hairs
• Hair that has not responded to other methods
• Skin that is not tanned at the time of treatment

The treatment day

1. Skin and hair review. The doctor assesses hair color, skin tone, medications and tanning history to select the wavelength and settings.
2. Shaving and cleansing. The area is shaved beforehand so the energy goes to the follicle rather than the surface hair.
3. Laser pulses. The handpiece is moved across the area with cooling. Most people feel a snapping or warm sensation.
4. Soothing. A cooling gel or cream is applied and spacing for the next session is set.

Aftercare

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning for several weeks and use sunscreen
• Skip waxing, plucking or epilation between sessions; shaving is fine
• Avoid hot tubs, saunas and strong exfoliants for a day or two
• Keep the area moisturized if it feels dry
• Report blisters, crusting or marked color change

Things to know first

• Redness and small raised bumps around follicles are expected and short lived
• Burns, blisters and temporary or lasting color change can occur, more so on tanned or darker skin if settings are wrong
• White, gray, blond or red hair responds poorly because there is little pigment
• Photosensitizing medicines, recent tanning, active infection and pregnancy are reasons to wait or adjust
• Paradoxical growth of fine hair is a rare effect that can occur in some people

How laser hair removal compares with nearby options

Compared with shaving, waxing and creams, laser is the only option here that aims to reduce the number and thickness of hairs over time, which also lowers ingrown hairs for many people. The trade is that it takes a course of visits, and results are not certain to be complete.

IPL devices are broad-spectrum light sources that are sometimes used for hair too, but they are generally less precise than a dedicated laser, particularly in darker skin. On this concern map, IPL appears for redness and pigment instead.

Electrolysis treats individual hairs of any color with a fine needle and suits small areas or light hair that lasers miss. For large areas of dark hair, laser is typically the more practical match.