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• Basic principles of laser hair removal

Basic principles of laser hair removal

Today, more and more people are choosing laser hair removal. Those who have done it at least once will never return to traditional hair removal methods, and those who have not yet decided on this procedure cannot choose which laser is suitable for their skin and hair type. Therefore, this article will be useful for those who want to learn more about the principles of hair removal, what factors affect the effectiveness of the procedure, and how hair grows afterwards.

Effect of laser radiation on hair follicles

Laser hair removal works on the principle of selective photothermolysis, i.e. the laser beam is absorbed by a specific “target object”. To remove unwanted hair, this method works as follows: the laser generates a stream of light, which is converted into thermal energy upon contact with the skin surface. The light beam is absorbed only by the dark pigment melanin, which is contained in the hair shaft. This leads to a strong heating of the hair, as a result of which the nutrition of the hair follicle stops and it falls out with the root within 14-20 days after the procedure.

Only those hairs that are in the anagen or active growth phase can be removed in one treatment, which is approximately 40%. The remaining hair, which was dormant at the time of treatment, must be lasered again as soon as it enters the active growth phase.

Determining the optimal laser type for different skin and hair types

The following types of lasers are used for laser hair removal:

• Ruby. Generates light with a wavelength of 694 nm. It is mainly used to remove unwanted dark hair, as light pulses are absorbed only by melanin. The laser will be most effective for depilation of skin types 1 and 2, and on tanned skin, hair is practically not removed.
• Alexandrite. Compared to ruby, this laser is considered faster. The light wavelength reaches 755 nm. It is suitable even for work on light hair that contains little pigment.
• Neodymium. Widely used in dermatocosmetology. Also called yttrium aluminum laser (Nd:YAG). The light wavelength reaches 1064 nm. It is considered the safest, so it is suitable for all skin phototypes.
• Diode laser. This laser is considered the “gold standard” of laser cosmetology, as it combines high efficiency and safety for the body. Due to the wide range of light wavelengths - 792-1030 nm - it is used not only in cosmetology, but also in the treatment of various vascular pathologies, acne and skin rejuvenation. The device is suitable for removing dark and light hair and can be used on all phototypes thanks to the built-in cooling system.

Factors affecting the effectiveness of laser hair removal

The effect of laser hair removal depends on the characteristics of the patient's body. The most pronounced effect is achieved when removing hard dark hair, as melanin absorbs light energy to the maximum.

It is worth noting that 25-40% of hair can be removed in one visit, since the laser affects only those hairs that are in the active phase of growth at the time of treatment. They continue to fall out for three weeks after treatment. As soon as the dormant hairs enter the anagen, or active growth phase, they are treated with the laser again. To achieve the maximum effect of the treatment, it is better to make an appointment for an initial consultation with a specialist who will assess your skin type, hair density and stiffness, exclude any contraindications, and only then select the optimal number of procedures and the most suitable laser.

Effect of laser hair removal on hair growth

After a full cycle of laser hair removal and maintenance procedures 1-2 times a year, the skin becomes perfectly smooth. New hair grows back thinner and lighter, because under the influence of laser radiation, the follicle sac becomes thinner and the follicle nutrition disappears.

Understanding the basics of laser hair removal, the patient realizes how important it is to adhere to the recommended intervals between procedures, how to prepare for them, and how long it is possible to forget about unwanted hair. For more detailed information and an individual consultation, it is better to make an appointment with a specialist.