HAIR FACTS
The principle of lasers is based on light absorption. In the same way that a black car will become hotter than a white car because it is absorbing more of the suns rays, darker hair will absorb certain wavelengths more effectively than lighter (white, blonde, grey) hair. This process is called photothermolysis.

In laser hair removal the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair and transmitted down the hair shaft, disrupting the hair growth mechanism when it reaches the root. The light energy is transformed to heat energy and the hair follicle is heated to a critical temperature at which point it is cauterised. The laser disrupts hairs that are principally in the active growth (anagen) phase at the time of treatment. The laser is pulsed, or switched on, for a fraction of a second. The length of each pulse is just long enough for the hair follicle to be disrupted. The lasers each have a specially designed cooling system to help protect the skin.

Patient selection is a key aspect of laser treatment. Hair colour and skin type are the two most important factors. Temporary hair loss almost always occurs but for long term hair loss, the colour of hair is a significant factor. Black or brown hair indicates a high concentration of melanin in the follicle and is ideal for laser treatment. Blonde and red hair is treated less successfully and white and grey hair is unaffected.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The length of a laser session may be a few minutes up to an hour or more, depending upon the size of the area being treated.

A course of treatments is required for optimal results. An average course of treatment is usually four to eight sessions, however this all depends upon a number of factors and the hairs ability to absorb the laser light. Also, hair grows in three different phases and treatment tends to be more successful in the anagen phase of the hair cycle.

The laser treatment itself can cause some discomfort. Most clients tolerate the procedure with minimal discomfort, but for those with a low pain threshold, a topical anesthetic is always available.