The principle of laser hair removal
The main principle behind laser hair removal is selective photothermolysis. The laser is used to damage the local area of hair growth without affecting or heating the other areas of skin. Thus the dark area on the skin which is melanin gets most of the concentrated light or heat. This produces an intense heat that damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth within that follicle, without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal treatment. Melanin occurs naturally and it gives us our skin & hair color.

There are 2 types of melanin:
Eumelanin which gives hair a brown or black color
Pheomelanin which gives hair a blond or red color

Because of the absorption of the photons and laser light, hairs with black or brown color are preferred over blond or redheads.

Lasers are attracted to dark pigment and work better on pale skin and dark coarse hair. If this combination fits you – you are the best candidate for this treatment. This is similar to wearing a black tee shirt on a hot day.

Areas where laser hair removal is done

Hair removal is commonly done on lip, chin, ear lobe, shoulders, back, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, pubic area, bikini lines, thighs, face, neck, chest, arms, legs, hands, and toes.

Types of lasers, methodology & pros and cons of using laser hair remover

Laser hair removal treatment is growing in popularity. There are so many lasers widely used – Alexandrite, Diode and the Nd: YAG lasers. Alexandrite being popular on light skin and dark hair and the Nd: YAG being widely used for patients with dark or black skin.

Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the ideal width of the beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Hair removal lasers have a round spot about the size of your finger (8-18 mm). Larger spot sizes help make treatments faster and more effective.

Fluence (an energy level measured in joules/sq. cm is another important consideration for laser. Higher settings will cause a permanent damage to the hair follicles.

It’s recommended that you chose your laser technician carefully, one who is well trained and experienced.

Spot size, or the width of the laser beam, affects treatment. Theoretically, the ideal width of the beam is about four times as wide as the target is deep. Hair removal lasers have a round spot about the size of your finger (8-18 mm). Larger spot sizes help make treatments faster and more effective.

Fluence (an energy level measured in joules/sq. cm is another important consideration for laser. Higher settings will cause a permanent damage to the hair follicles.
It’s recommended that you chose your laser technician carefully, one who is well trained and experienced.

A conclusive note:

Whatever you chose to do, whether you want hair removal for your face, hands, legs…make sure you visit a professional center and get advice from a renowned professional. Here at Yonge Eglinton Laser we are trained professionals who specialize in these areas. Come in for your consultation today!