A laser hair reduction machine is designed to remove unwanted hair using the principle of selective photothermolysis. It targets the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles with concentrated light, which then gets converted into heat, damaging the follicle and inhibiting future hair growth. Here’s a breakdown of how these machines typically work:
Types of Lasers Used
Alexandrite Laser: Effective for lighter skin types and can treat larger areas quickly. It’s often used for its speed and effectiveness on coarse hair.
Diode Laser: Suitable for a range of skin types, including medium to darker skin tones. It’s effective for both fine and coarse hair and has a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin.
Nd Laser: Best for darkerskin tones because it has a longer wavelength that reaches deeper into the skin while minimizing damage to the upper layers. It’s also effective for coarse hair.
Ruby Laser: One of the earliest lasers used for hair removal. It’s most effective on light skin with dark hair but is less commonly used today.
How It Works
Preparation: The area to be treated is usually cleaned and shaved. Protective eyewear is provided for both the patient and the operator.
Cooling: Many machines have built-in cooling systems to protect the skin’s surface and enhance comfort during the procedure. This may involve a cooling gel or a cryogen spray.
- Laser Application: The laser emits pulses of light that are absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles. The light is converted to heat, which damages the