Why Laser Hair Removal is the best option for you (and the planet)

History lesson anyone?

Laser Hair Removal was first invented in 1960 by Theodore M. Maiman.

But lets go farther back, where hair removal REALLY all began.

As far back as Ancient Egypt, hair removal was commonly practiced. This is because being hair free signified a high social status and wealth. They did this by using tweezers made out of seashells. How inventive.

In regards to using lasers, in 1960’s Theodore M. Maiman used a “Ruby Laser” (A flashlamp-pumped, laser now only used for removal of tattoos and pigmented skin lesions) For removing hair, it was very inefficient and slow. It minimized hair growth but also caused severe damage and burns to the surrounding skin.

A decade later, the first Alexandrite Laser (A Laser using Alexandrite Crystals as a ‘source’ or ‘medium’. It does this by providing a specific wavelength of light in the infrared spectrum) Although much safer, it did not cause enough heat to destroy the hair follicle. It would literally take years to achieve the desired results.

The YAG Laser was the first laser approved by the FDA in 1964. It was not able to remove hair permanently, but it did reduce hair growth. (Yag stands for Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, a crystal located inside the laser) YAG is what is used here, at Complete Laser & Esthetics.

Interesting, right?

In 1975, a Harvard Dermatologist named Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick created “Phototyping”. This is a scale which offers a way to determine a persons skin color.

This is still used today to determine whether a person is a suitable fit for Laser Hair Removal.

Wait what, not everyone can get Laser Hair Removal? Sadly, no. Let me explain:

Melanin is the chromosphore (A chromophore is the part of a molecule responsible for its color) for laser hair removal lasers. There are two types of Melanin in hair: Eumelain (gives hair brown or black color) and Phleomelanin (gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons from the laser light, only hair with black, brown, reddish-brown, or dirty blonde can be removed. White hair, light blonde may not respond well. Laser works best with dark and course hair. The ideal combination is light skin and dark hair.

In 1983 scientists were able to develop a laser that had a pulse that lasted long enough to target the hair follicle. This avoided damaging the skin.

It took nearly 40 years for scientists to develop the Laser Hair Removal machine we use today.

Hair removal lasers have been approved for “permanent hair reduction” in the United States by the FDA. Under the FDA’s definition, “permanent” hair reduction is the long-term, stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in a permanent removal of all hair.

Depending on the client, we suggest 6 to 8 sessions with a 4 week wait (for the face) and 6 weeks (for everywhere else). Touch ups are suggested seasonally. Why? Horomones and the different stages hair growth goes through.

How does it work?

The laser machine uses what is called Selective Photothermolysis (SPTL). The trained technician match a specific wavelength of light and pulse duration to obtain optimal effect on the client.

The laser uses pulses of highly concentrated light are emitted into the hair follicles. The pigment in the follicles absorbs the light and that destroys the hair.

So why is it the best option?

When it comes to hair removal, there are a lot of options. Laser Hair Removal IS the best and only option for actual hair reduction and removal.

If that’s not enough for you, here’s some more reasons to switch.

Over 2 billion razors and refill blades get tossed out in the US each year. I don’t even want to think of how much makes its way to our oceans.

Depilatory creams smell bad, don’t always work and can seriously harm you.

Why not just use the at home laser hair removal devices?

Board-certified dermatologist Jessica Weiser, M.D., is quoted saying “I advise caution because they’re supposed to be much less intense than in office lasers but in the wrong hands you can probably do some serious damage if you’re double- or- triple pulsing areas that you shouldn’t be. Typically people at home tend to be aggressive with themselves because they think that they can get a faster, better result without realizing potential consequences.” – Excerpt from the article on Laser Hair Removal by Vogue

Why do we use the YAG Laser Hair Removal Machine here at Complete Laser & Esthetics?

The YAG laser is THE Gold Star Standard for Laser Hair Removal with the longest wavelength at 1064nm.

The recovery time is minimal and doesn’t interfere with dermal fillers. The YAG laser is considered to be the best option for laser hair removal for all skin and hair types, including those with darker skin tones.

YAG has a patented Dynamic Cooling Device. This fires a quick burst of liquid cryogen before and after every laser pulse to minimize discomfort.

Conclusion

If you made is this far, congratulations, you deserve a gold star.

Getting rid of hair sucks, I keep asking evolution why it has yet to make us as smooth as we where out of the womb. Well, keep the eyebrows, lashes and head hair, please. When something sucks, we search for a way to make it easier and less, well, sucky. The Laser Hair Removal machine was created to make our lives a little bit less inconvenient.

So why not give us a call and make an appointment for a free consultation? You’ll thank us later, we promise.

References: Wikipedia, Curious History, Vogue & my brain!

Categorised in: Laser Hair Removal

This post was written by amanda