A widely used technique, laser hair removal includes several wavelengths of laser energy from visible light to near-infrared radiation for hair removal. These lasers are usually defined by the lasing medium used to create the wavelength (measured in nanometers (nm) :
- Alexandrite: 755 nm (most effective, but safest on light skin)
- Pulsed diode array: 810 nm (for light to medium type skin)
- Nd: YAG: 1064 nm (for darker skin; YAG is capable of treating all six skin colors. However, there is not sufficient evidence that this laser can produce effective long-term hair removal)
Width of a pulse is an important consideration in laser hair removal technique. It has been observed in some published studies that longer pulse widths may be safer for darker skin. However, shorter wavelengths may be more effective in removing hair.
Number of sessions
The number of sessions depends on various parameters including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, and gender. In addition, since hair grows in several phases, (anagen, telogen, catagen), and laser can only affect the currently actively growing follicles, (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
In general, it is necessary to foresee between 6 - 8 treatment sessions. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Finer hair and hair on darker skin is harder to treat and may require more treatments. Certain areas (notably men's and women's faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results.
Intervals between sessions
Usually, treatments are spaced 3-12 weeks apart to start, although the spacing depends upon individual response to treatment. Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, you should wait until you have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3.5 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment. Treatment spacing also depends on area treated as hair cycles vary based on the body part. For example, women’s faces usually require more frequent treatments, whereas backs and legs require less frequent treatments.
There are many hair removal London clinics that specialize in providing quality surgical treatments in comfortable environments. If you are looking to get a laser hair removal treatment make sure you are in experienced hands to do so.
Article source: Wikipedia
