A depilation laser is used to remove hair permanently. Different types of lasers are used for this purpose.
What is a depilation laser?
Depilation lasers are laser and light treatment systems that are suitable for slowing down hair growth or removing hair permanently. So-called depilation lasers are laser and light treatment systems suitable for slowing hair growth or permanently removing hair. This procedure is also known as laser epilation. Primarily diode lasers or longer pulsed solid-state lasers are used. The devices work according to the photothermal principle. Thus, only light of a constant wavelength hits the hair. The use of a depilation laser may only be carried out by trained professionals, because improper use can lead to unsightly pigment shifts or even burns.
Shapes, types and types
With depilation lasers, it is important to distinguish between different types of lasers. These are diode lasers or longer pulsed solid-state lasers. These include the ruby laser, the alexandrite laser, and the Nd:YAG laser. Diode lasers are used in particular in the super hair removal (SHR) procedure. Each individual laser type has a wavelength that is fixed. For a ruby laser, the wavelength is 694 nm, for an alexandrite laser 755 nm. A diode laser has a wavelength of 808 nm, while a Nd:YAG laser has a wavelength of 1964 nm. In order to be able to perform an optimal laser treatment, it also requires a bit of luck that the appropriate wavelength is available. An important criterion, in addition to skin and hair color, is the hair type of the person being treated. If the skin type is darker, for example, it is recommended to be cautious when using a depilation laser. Most laser systems are able to at least slow down the growth of hair. The devices are used for permanent removal of hair from all desired parts of the body, for removal of telangiectasia or spider veins on the face, as well as for rejuvenation of the skin.
Structure and mode of operation
In most cases nowadays, an alexandrite or diode laser is used for hair epilation. These devices emit laser pulses in wavelengths whose absorption is exclusively by melanin. This procedure can reduce any side effects, such as injury to veins. Newer models even have the option of adjusting individually to the particular hair and skin type of the person being treated. In doing so, the device estimates how much pigment is in the skin and hair by measuring processes. It then makes an individual recommendation for the treatment setting. The skin and hair pigment melanin plays a crucial role in hair epilation. Since melanin is particularly present in dark hair, it is also easier to remove with a laser than light hair. Thus, hair with a lot of melanin has a significantly higher absorption capacity. In contrast to earlier years, however, it is now possible to remove reddish or blond hair with the help of a laser. However, laser epilation is still not feasible for white hair, as this no longer has any dye. In principle, the depilation process is the same for all laser types. The laser emits light at a specific wavelength. During the treatment, a laser handpiece is placed on the skin. Then the laser gradually emits a pulse. A collision between the laser beam and the germ cells of the hair roots results in their destruction. In this way, hair regrowth can also be prevented. As a rule, about eight treatments with a depilatory laser are required, which also depends on the particular treatment site. Usually, the laser treatments are repeated after a break of about four weeks. This procedure is done until the desired result is achieved. However, delays in laser hair removal are quite possible, because this procedure is only suitable for removing full-grown hairs. On the other hand, the laser cannot capture small hairs that have not grown out.
Medical and health benefits
Depilation lasers have no medical benefit, but are of cosmetic importance.This is culturally determined and derived from societal beauty ideals. Thus, depilation lasers are particularly common in Western countries. The health advantage of treatment with a depilation laser is that the method is painless. In order to avoid redness or swelling, cooling takes place during the procedure. However, unlike other hair removal methods, there is no pain. Only a short, stinging and warm feeling can be heard, which, however, quickly subsides. Nevertheless, side effects are sometimes possible. For example, permanent disturbances of the skin pigmentation or even burns can occur, but this is rarely the case. It is important to have the treatment performed exclusively by an expert, who will also perform a test treatment with the laser. People whose skin is overly sensitive or who have skin problems should not use a depilation laser. In the run-up to laser depilation, no intensive sunbathing or solarium visits should be made. This applies for a period of several weeks. This requirement should be strictly adhered to, otherwise dark or light spots may appear on the treated areas of the body. It is also important to avoid the sun for several weeks after the laser treatment. It is still unclear whether the use of a depilation laser actually results in the permanent removal of hair in every case, as no concrete long-term studies are available on this. However, the success rate of laser treatment is considered high. Occasionally, however, individual hairs may grow back, which makes follow-up treatment necessary.
