A Clinical Overview of Hair Removal Using Lasers and Light Sources

April 1999 in “ Dermatologic Clinics ”

Christine Dierickx, Maria Beatrice T. Alora, Jeffrey S. Dover

laser hair removal selective photothermolysis ruby laser alexandrite laser diode laser Nd:YAG laser intense pulsed light melanin hair follicles cooling methods exogenous chromophores pigmentary changes IPL Nd:YAG hair removal lasers

TLDR Lasers and light sources can effectively remove hair, work best on fair skin with dark hair, and usually need multiple treatments.

The 1999 document provides an overview of hair removal technologies, highlighting the advancements in laser and light sources as alternatives to electrolysis. It explains the principle of selective photothermolysis used by various lasers, including ruby, alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG, as well as intense pulsed light sources, which target melanin in hair follicles while protecting the skin with cooling methods. The document details the technical specifications of these technologies and discusses the use of exogenous chromophores for hair lacking melanin. It notes that fair-skinned individuals with dark hair are ideal candidates for laser hair removal, which requires multiple treatments for effectiveness, with an average of 20% hair loss per treatment. Side effects such as discomfort and pigmentary changes are mentioned, and the necessity for long-term safety and efficacy data is emphasized, indicating that the field was still emerging at the time.

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