Laser hair removal uses various laser energies to destroy via heating the stem cell/growing part of the hair follicle. There are many different types of hair removal lasers: diode, Nd-Yag, alexandrite, and then intense pulsed light (not a true laser). The FDA has approved hair laser devices to claim “permanent hair reduction” and NOT permanent hair removal. Don’t let anyone fool you to think that laser hair removal is a one time thing and that your hair won’t come back. For many people laser hair treatment does result in hair removal which can last 8-10 years after a series of sessions with touch ups from time to time. Why is that the case? Well, when we target the stem cell area of hair follicles, it stops those cells from multiplying for some time (like winter does to perennials), but we have not destroyed the whole hair follicle with the seed.
Are you a good candidate for laser hair removal?
Most likely yes. Laser hair removal when done by a medical professional is safe on all skin types as long as they have devices safe for light and dark skin. The ideal candidate for hair removal is someone with dark hair and light skin because the laser targets pigment in the hair follicle for destruction. Patients with white, or gray hair will not do well with laser hair removal because there is not enough pigment in the hair for destruction. What does this mean for you? If you want laser hair treatment, get it before you turn white/gray! Blonde and red haired patients often require more treatments for the same reason-they have less pigment.
