Laser Hair Reduction

1 What is the problem?

Unwanted or excess hair (hirsutism, ingrown hairs, razor bumps). Hair grows from a follicle deep in the dermis; the dark melanin inside the hair shaft and bulb is what the laser “sees”.

2 The science

Light is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, turns into heat and spreads to the stem cells around the follicle, damaging its ability to regrow. Because only hairs in the active growth phase (anagen) have enough melanin connected to the bulb, several sessions are needed to catch every hair in that phase.

3 Key points to remember

• Works best on dark hair — white, grey and red hair have little melanin
• Longer wavelengths (1064 nm) are safer for darker skin
• Skin cooling protects the epidermis from heat
• Results are “permanent reduction”, not total removal

4 What happens during treatment

1. 01

   Hair is shaved so energy goes into the follicle, not surface hair

2. 02

   Cooling gel or a chilled tip is applied

3. 03

   Laser pulses are passed over the area

4. 04

   Soothing cream and sun protection afterwards

5 Possible risks