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The basic facts for laser hair removal
Some consumers have experienced permanent hair reduction, but there is limited data on how long hair reduction usually lasts, how much hair reduction is typical, and how often permanent hair reduction occurs.
Description
Light
at a specified wavelength is delivered from a handpiece into the
skin, where it targets dark material
(usually the pigment in hair).
This
is intended to cause thermal and mechanical damage to a hair
follicle while sparing surrounding tissues.
Advantages
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Some
consumers have experienced long-lasting hair removal or permanent
hair reduction.
Considered
safe if performed properly.
Useful
for large areas such as backs or legs.
Regrowth
can come back lighter in color or finer in texture.
Light-skinned
consumers with dark hair have the best results.
Disadvantages
Long-term
data on safety effectiveness havn't been accurately established
Response
rates have not been established.
Regrowth
rates have not been accurately established and cannot be
predicted
due to numerous variables.
Generally
not as effective on unpigmented (gray) hairs, red or blonde hair.
Must
be used very cautiously (if at all) on darker skin tones or on
consumers who tan themselves.
Improper
treatment can cause burns, lesions, skin discoloration lasting
several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth.
Recent
data suggest other skin structures are often affected by laser
irradiation, long term effects of this constitute an unknown risk.
Requires
eye protection.
Can
be expensive.
Some
find treatment painful.
Regulation
varies by state, so inadequate controls exist to ensure competent
practitioners.
Some
consumers, even ideal candidates, do not respond to treatment.
Quack claims
"Painless"
or "virtually painless"
While many clients tolerate laser without requiring pain relief,
it's overpromise to state that treatment will be painless all
consumers.
"Permanent
hair removal" or "100% permanent" or "permanent"
Some consumers experience permanent reduction of treated hair over
the course of treatment, but published studies have observed
that
many consumers are not good candidates, and even ideal candidates
with light skin and dark hair do not always respond to
treatment.
See the page on permanent hair reduction below.
"Guaranteed
0% regrowth" -- There is no published clinical data to substantiate
this sort of overpromise.
"Laser
electrolysis" or "lasertrolysis"
These quack marketing terms are used to blur important distinctions
between laser and electrolysis effectiveness. Laser has several
advantages over electrolysis, and vice versa. Terms like these only
confuse consumers.
"Light
years ahead of electrolysis"
This quack marketing term suggests that laser is better than
electrolysis for consumers, but this is not always the case.
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