Laser Hair Removal - Your Options

Laser hair removal is much more effective than shaving or wax. Both shaving and wax produce short-term results that are disappointing. You'll find it growing back quickly. Both methods are also uncomfortable and sometimes painful. This is why so many people are using the relatively new method of zapping it away.

If you want to get laser hair removal, there are several different options that you can choose. All of them use heated lights. A laser is a focused beam that kills hair without damaging the skin underneath. This means that there is no pain or discomfort for you.

Ruby

Ruby lasers are the oldest type used for this purpose. They can only be used for people with fair or white skin and can't be used for those with more pigmentation. After your doctor tests the beam to choose the right setting for you, they'll focus it on the target area and it will inhibit the growth of dark follicles. This has been shown to be the easiest and most pain-free solution.

Diode

With this technique, the beam of light targets the hair follicle's pigment. This pigment absorbs the light, which becomes heat and damages the follicle. The result is that it can't grow back for some time, and sometimes this is permanent. The diode approach produces much better results for people with dark skin. It penetrates deeper into the skin layer and can be used for larger areas of follicles.

Long Pulse

This is one of the newest types being used today. It was developed to provide better results for those with darker skin pigmentation. It has longer pulse duration and studies suggest that it may produce more lasting results than other approaches. However, this is not proven yet. The only downside is that this method can be slightly painful.

Intense Pulsed Light

Intense pulsed light devices (or IPL) aren't actually lasers, but they have the same effect. They also use selective photothermolysis. They use pulses of filtered light that are closely controlled by the doctor. The follicles absorb this light as heat and are consequently damaged. The main advantage of this method is that it can be used for any skin type because the doctor sets the pulses. It is a fully customized procedure.

Which Type Is Right for You?

As laser hair removal becomes more popular, there are increasing options available for you. The main factors are your skin and hair pigmentation. Your growth cycle and other factors like sun exposure, skin problems, and scarring can also make a difference.

The best way to find the right laser hair removal method for you is to talk to an experienced physician. They'll be able to look at your condition and choose the method that will be most effective in producing results.