How Lasers Work in Laser Hair Removal



Laser hair removal works by the process of selective targeting of a specific area of the body and using a specific wavelength to absorb light into that area. It does not work on a hair by hair basis, instead it focuses a wide beam of light that treats many hairs at one time. The wavelength of light absorbed has to be sufficient enough to damage the targeted tissue area while leaving the surrounding area basically untouched. The principle behind this process is called selective photothermolysis.

Lasers are intense beams of monochromatic and coherent light. These light beams are produced by laser devices that contain either minerals or gases. The four main types of lasers are solid state, semiconductor, gas and dye.

An electric current stimulates the gas or mineral properties which excites the atoms. The atoms then emit narrow, cohesive, parallel light beams which are all the same wavelength. The light beams are focused just for a fraction of a second on the dark hair pigment at the matrix of the dermal papilla, which is the small, cone shaped indentation at the base of the hair follicle that the hair bulb fits into. The light beam is absorbed and heats the pigment which vaporizes the dermal papilla. The more intense the light beam the hotter it makes the pigment. This results in the dermal papilla being severely damaged or destroyed.

Most people believe that laser hair removal works best on hair that is in its anagen phase. This means that the hair is actively growing and is attached to the dermal papilla. The theory behind this belief is that if the dark pigment in the hair shaft extends all the way down to the dermal papilla, it will be destroyed and vaporized by the coherent light beam that is focused upon the area. This happens because the light beam will follow the dark pigment all the way down to the derma papilla.

Visible light has wavelengths that range from 390 to 770 nm, or nanometers. Lasers operating in this range allows for successful laser hair removal without causing any damage to the dermal tissue. Lasers with a light source that operates between 700 to 1000 nm targets melanin in the hair shaft effectively. For example, the wavelength of an alexandrite laser is 755 nm, which is red in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, making its target melanin. The stronger, or greater, the wavelength, the deeper it penetrates target selectively absorbing the wavelength.

Laser hair removal uses several varying wavelengths of laser energy. These wavelengths range from near infrared radiation to visible light. The three most commonly used lasers for hair removal are Alexandrite, Pulsed diode array, and NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, Also know as Nd:YAGs. The wavelengths of these lasers are 755nm, 810nm, and 1064nm respectively.

Laser hair removal utilizes a complex system of science and physics which are precisely balanced to work effectively and safely on the human body. As technology continues to advance in laser hair removal, this process continues to grow in popularity.




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal
An Overview Of Laser Hair Removal
Who Is Laser Hair Removal For?
Contraindications Of Laser Hair Removal
Areas That Can Be Treated With Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal And Female Hirsutism
Finding A Laser Hair Removal Clinic
Basic Laser Hair Removal Terminology
Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal
The History Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal Devices
How Lasers Work In Laser Hair Removal
What Areas Can You Use Laser Hair Removal On?
Safety Issues Regarding Laser Hair Removal
How Laser Hair Removal Works On Different Skin Types
The Cons Of Laser Hair Removal
The Cost Of Laser Hair Removal
Side Effects Of Laser Hair Removal
Costs Involved With Laser Hair Removal Treatment
How To Choose A Laser Hair Removal Provider
All About Laser Hair Removal
The Types Of Lasers Used For Laser Hair Removal
Necessary Care After Laser Hair Removal
The Pros Of Laser Hair Removal






My Articles


The Pros Of Laser Hair Removal Are you curious as to what the pros of laser hair removal are? If so,..


What You Should Know About Laser Hair Removal Are you considering laser hair removal? If so you should read on to..


How To Choose A Laser Hair Removal Provider Choosing the right laser hair removal provider is the second most..


Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal Are you looking into laser hair removal? Are you unsure of just what..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
No item elements found in rss feed.