Laser Technology

Laser Hair Technology

Hair removal lasers have been available in the US since 1997. They use pulses of light to generate heat at the base of a hair follicle. As the melanin (pigment) in the hair absorbs light, it damages the follicle and detaches it from its root. Each light pulse takes fractions of a second.

The wavelength of light from the laser specifically targets the darker hairs while sparing the surrounding skin. Laser works best on dark and coarse hair, like that in the bikini area and underarms. It is not effective on light blond, grey, or red hair.

While the hair is being targeted, the surrounding skin is protected with a technique called contact cooling. A liquid within the laser device circulates to keep the top layer of skin cool to reduce pain and skin damage.