How Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Removal Works

When light energy is used to remove hair it employs the principle of selective photothermalysis, ("photo" - light and "therm" - heat). The hair shaft absorbs a lot of light energy which is transformed into heat at the base of the hair follicle.  That heat damages the tiny, vascular tissue that feeds and supports the hair.  When that happens the hair dies, falls out and can't re-grow.  This can be done effectively when the hair follicle is in its active growing stage - it is only in this stage of the hair cycle when the hair shaft is connected directly to the tissue that must be damaged and, therefore, serves as a good conduit for the light energy.

	The equipment is set up with parameters specific to the client's skin and hair type. This protects the skin while making the treatment as effective as possible.
	Intense light is generated with characteristics designed for maximum absorption by the hair follicles in the target area.
	The light selectively targets the melanin in the hair, elevating the temperature of the hair follicle.
	Heat builds at the base of the follicle as light is absorbed by the hair reaching a point needed to coagulate the hair bulge and hair bulb.
	This process results in the destruction of the hair follicle. The body naturally pushes the dead hair out of the skin during about a 10-day period following treatment.  Usually, between 10% and 20% of the hair in the treatment area is actively growing at the time of treatment and this is the hair that is truly removed.  Intervals between treatments are 4 to 8 weeks and coincide with the body's natural hair growth cycle.  Enough time must pass for enough of the remaining hair in the treatment area to move into an active growing phase so that it can be eliminated at the next treatment.
	The result is long-term hair removal for hair-free skin. (Frequently Asked Questions - Hair Removal)