Although lasers for hair removal were originally discovered in the mid-1970's we did not really see the launch of them into North America until 1994. The mechanism for laser hair removal used by ALL lasers and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technologies is to use the melanin (the pigment in the hair)in the shaft to absorb the light energy of the laser and convert it to heat energy. By using the hair shaft to conduct the heat energy and as long as enough heat is transferred to the hair follicle (approximately 60-70 degrees celcius), the proteins in the hair follicle that are responsible for it’s growth will be denatured thereby destroying the follicle and its ability to generate another hair shaft. Because a laser relies on the melanin in the hair shaft to work, any hair that does not have melanin in it, the laser will NOT work. That includes blond, grey, red and white hair. This process is what is referred to as permanent hair reduction.

LET’S CLEAR THE H”AIR”

There are countless amounts of laser hair removal systems available on the market BUT in actuality there are only 6 different types of technology to perform the hair removal. ALL of the systems will perform permanent hair reduction but each type has it’s pros and cons. The ones listed below are the most commonly used today and guide you in determining which technology is best for you.

The 755nm Alexandrite Laser is very much in use today. Some common trade names are the Apogee Elite, the Gentlelase and the Epitouch. A 755nm wavelength is highly absorbed in melanin and there fore are best suited for skin types that are caucasion to light asian. Darker skinned individuals should NOT get treatment from an Alex as there is more risk of injury. It can NOT treat tanned skin at all. It is a fast technology and is very effective in treating even finer hair. There is a large degree of discomfort with this technology.

The 810nm DIODE lasers are commonly used types of lasers today. Most common trade names are the Lightsheer and the Soprano. They are relatively fast systems, effective on skin types as dark as East Indian and effective on fine hair. They are NOT able to effectively treat dark and tanned skin safely and have a large degree of discomfort for the patient.

The 1064nm Nd:YAG lasers were the last true laser technology to be introduced into the market. The unique feature of this type of laser is that it can treat ALL skin types including dark and tanned skin. Examples of these lasers today are the Coolglide and the Gentleyag. It is a relatively fast technology but has a high degree of discomfort. Because of the lower absorption levels of this type of laser, it is ONLY EFFECTIVE on DARK HAIR. Even light brown hair and/or fine hair will see minimal result.

The IPL or Intense Pulsed Light technology emerged around 1996. IPL’s are not true lasers as it does not work on a single wavelength like a laser does but is what might be referred to as smarter technology because it works at a multi-tude of wavelengths through a broadband. Examples of the IPL devices are the Palomar Medilux or Starlux and the Lumenis Quantum. BBL works similiarly to IPL and affords another technology. Like the other lasers, melanin must be present in the hair shaft for it to effectively work so it's mostly effective for dark hair. It is a slower technology and typically for skin types as dark as East Indian.

Lastly is ELOS technology. This is the technology that we proudly use and support at Jeunesse. Elos is an acronym for electro optical synergy and is the union of both light optical energy (laser or IPL) and electrical energy (radio frequency – RF). The electrical energy is similar to the kind used in electrolysis. The main advantage of this technology is the ablity to treat safely ALL skin types including tanned skin and can effectively treat dark and lighter colored hair as well as fine hair (still not recommended for blond or grey hair). Mild degree of discomfort and if using the IPL/RF form it is a slower treatment. This is the only technology that allows you to repeat pass over the same area in a given treatment due to it's built in safety mechanism that is unique to the technology. Our protocol guarantees a minimum 2 passes in a cross hatch pattern to ensure the MOST thorough coverage of the area in addition to a better quality of heat into the skin. The result is a much more effective treatment for you with less time and money being spent.

BACK TO THE QUESTION

The actual definition for permanent hair removal is that once destroyed the hair does not reappear for 18 months. Unfortunately, that is the longest study to be completed to show long term permanent hair removal and therefore that is the definition. However, many 1000’s of people have experienced long term permanent reduction well beyond 18 months. It is most successful in being permanent on body hair for both men and women. However, facial hair on women, which is primarily hormonal driven can and quite often does reappear at certain stages in life.

To learn more about whether or not laser hair removal is for you, talk to your laser technician as they are always happy to share information.