Hair Removal:

There are three principal advantages to laser hair removal technology over electrolysis, however electrolysis is still needed in some instances. When the hair is white, red or very blonde.

Laser will not work unless the bulb of the hair has some pigment to attract the light (chromophore) In the example of white, red or very blond hair, electrolysis must be then utilized.

The tree advantages are:

—   comfort    

—   speed       

—   accuracy

The (8) eight different types of lasers used for permanent hair reduction at the Rocky Mountain Laser College (RMLC) includes the following lasers:

— ruby (for very light skin), now an outdated modality

— alexandrite (for light skin)

— diode (for light skin, finer hair)

— Nd:YAG (for dark or tanned skin)

— IPL - Intense Pulsed Light (not recommended for hair removal)

— FOR BEST RESULTS utilize the laser that fits your skin type.

AGAIN...

"all lasers are not created equal"™ - Lorenzo Kunze, ME

Remember, all lasers used for hair removal must be "long pulsed" not "q-switched". Q-switch lasers are used for tattoo removal. IPL's (Intense Pulsed Light) are not recommended for permanent hair solutions. They work more directly on the top layers of the skin and do not penetrate deep enough to damage hair germ cells, without potential damage to the epidermis.

After years of testing, most the laser units currently available, RMLC has found that each of the above lasers have their place in regards to permanent hair reduction and removal. However, all lasers are not created equal.

Things to consider when finding a laser hair removal center are:

The laser technician. Make sure that  the person treating you has graduated from a school or college of laser. Are they a CLS (Certified Laser Specialist) who has graduated from an accredited school for laser. Some individuals get a few hours or just a day of training...which is not enough to properly know how to treat all skin types. Make sure the school that they attended offered at least 40 college credit hours.

The laser. Make sure that  the laser being used FDA approved for "permanent hair reduction" and that it is the proper laser (Alexandrite or Nd:YAG) for your skin type and hair color.

The clinic. Make sure that you take advantage of their "FREE" consultation to see if you are happy with the way the clinic looks and feels (clean, up to date and informative). Also, the chemistry between the CLS and yourself must be there. Did they show more interest  in how the treatment will work for you or are were they more interested in how much you will be paying.

Alexandrite long pulse lasers are very effective when the skin type is light (skin types I, II and III) and the hair is dark enough to attract the laser within the follicle. Again, just because it is an Alexandrite does not make it the best on the market. Precision cooling of the skin prior to laser application, exact delivery of an effective energy beam deep into the tissue and proper training can make all the difference between maintenance and/or permanence.

Nd:YAG (Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) long pulse lasers work on darker skin types and are the superior laser when it comes to treating darker or tanned (skin types III, IV, V and VI). Patients of color such as: African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean, European and Middle Eastern use the Nd:YAG laser. If an Alexandrite laser hair removal device is used on darker skin types, it can result in serious burning or loss of skin pigment (hypo-pigmentation). However, by utilizing a long pulse Nd:YAG, dark skinned and tanned patients will have no problem.

One must be careful, because there is a great deal of misleading information and claims about laser hair removal, leading to unrealistic expectations by patients and, in some cases, severe skin damage. The problem lies in that some medical professionals may have purchased their laser years ago and have not updated them as technology has changed drastically.

- Multi-WAVE LASERS - (long pulse)

for all skin types (light, olive, tanned, dark and black)

The newest types of lasers on the market today that can treat ALL skin types and most of the hair colors. This laser can treat from the lightest skin type which includes the following skin types:

Fair skinned Caucasians / Darker Caucasians, European, Mediterranean, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, African-American, Middle Eastern, African and Blue Black Skin.

This year's RMLC laser pick of the year (selected by the 2007 CLS Graduates) is the Apogee Elite™ manufactured in Massachusetts by Cynosure. (pictured)

The reason being that this type of laser utilizes both the Alexandrite and the Nd:YAG in the same box. Remember, NO LASER can permanently remove white, light reds and very blonde hair colors.

This same laser can treat sun/age spots, wrinkles, enlarged pores, spider veins and hair removal on ALL skin types without fear of hypo-pigmentation (lightening) of the skin or hyper-pigmentation (darkening) of the skin.

Other lasers that provide both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG capabilities in the same box are the UltraWAVE II™ by Adept Medical Concepts in California and the MultiWAVE™ by Kool Blast Gas also in California. No other lasers can provide the technology that these lasers have proven to possess. The RMLC is very excited to be able to utilize such an accomplishment in laser technology.

- ALEXANDRITE LASERS - (long pulse)

for lighter skin types

The GentleLASE™ by Candela is precise and can be computer-adjusted to the exact parameters that will disable the hair germ cells in the follicle, minimally affecting the surrounding skin, and considerably increasing the efficiency of the hair removal process. By delivering an effective energy beam deep into the tissue, the Alexandrite laser ensures predictable results, patient comfort, and a high degree of safety.

Because GentleLASE™ has pre and post cooling devices...they have become the leaders among long pulse, Alexandrite lasers.

- Nd:YAG LASERS - (long pulse)

for tanned and darker skin types

Nd:YAG (Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is the correct laser for tanned or darker skin types. The Nd:YAG is designed to avoid the top layers of the skin and attract mainly to the lower part of the hair follicle. However if there is no pigment or melanin for the laser to be attracted to this laser will reflect its' energy and can be painful to lighter skin types.

Patients of color such as: African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Mediterranean, European and Middle Eastern use the Nd:YAG laser. If an Alexandrite laser hair removal device is used on darker skin types, it can result in serious burning or loss of skin pigment (hypo-pigmentation).

In addition to an innovative system design, the Nd:YAG laser features a variable spot hand pieces. The new hand piece incorporates different spot sizes in a single delivery system. With the simple twist of the hand piece dial, the practitioner can select the appropriate spot size for the desired treatment.

Pseudo-folliculitis Barbae, commonly known as shaving bumps, is a widespread problem among individuals with curly hair and dark skin. As the hair follicle grows out of the skin, it immediately curls and re-enters the skin. The skin reacts to it as a foreign body and becomes inflamed and irritated, creating bumps. The Nd:YAG laser  can provide a long-lasting effective relief for PFB by removing the hair follicles and is also FDA cleared for all skin types, so it can also be safely and effectively used on tanned or dark patients.

Other Nd:YAG lasers that are recommended are:

GentleYAG™ by Candela

Lyra™ by LaserScope

CoolGlide Excel®  bv Cutera

- Diode LASERS - (long pulse)

for lighter skin types

The Light Sheer™ laser, made by Lumenis, the one of the leaders in the laser hair removal  industry. It is also safe, non-invasive and FDA- approved for permanent hair reduction. This laser does have its' limited use however. With the small spot size and high intense peak power it should be used on lighter skin types and shallower, finer hair.

Backed by long-term clinical data, the Light Sheer™ system has the ability to permanently reduce hair growth and treat lighter skin types and finer hairs.

The Light Sheer™ laser utilizes the patented ChillTip™ technology with a square sapphire tip that actively cools your skin before, during and after treatment pulses. This technology protects the epidermis, minimizes discomfort and allows for the use of a very powerful and effective laser treatment.

The benefit of all of this advanced technology is that your skin receives an effective treatment available with the minimum amount of discomfort no matter what skin type you may be.

People today care about their personal appearance and want to eliminate unwanted hair so that they will look better to others and feel better about themselves. These newer technologies make it considerably easier to achieve permanence than it used to be.

- IPL™ - Intense Pulsed Light

not the best for hair removal - designed for Foto-Facial^TM

Quantum SR - IPL™ by Lumenis is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and rid your skin of various complaints. Remember the word 'intense' means intense.

Employing a broad spectrum of light energy in a range of wavelengths, IPL supplies high levels of light power in millisecond bursts. IPL devices also offer sophisticated, computer-driven precision and tremendous versatility.

Due to the nature of treatment, intense pulsed light energy can be applied to the sub-surface skin layers for gradual results with reduced side effects and patient downtime. For certain aesthetic challenges, IPL™ technology provides a refining touch to laser procedures.

However there are many disadvantages of using IPL™ for permanent hair removal- see below

 

Disadvantages Long-term data on safety have not been established. Long-term data on effectiveness have not been established. Response rates have not been established. Not effective on un-pigmented hairs and red or blonde hair. Must be used very cautiously on darker skin tones. Must be used very cautiously on tanned or bronzer applied skin. Improper treatment can cause burns, skin discoloration. Requires eye protection. Some find treatment painful.   Some consumers do not respond to treatment.

 - Hair Growth Cycle - (photos courtesy of Keratin.com)

Under normal circumstances hair growth in each hair follicle occurs in a cycle. There are three main phases of the hair growth cycle; anagen, catagen and telogen.

Anagen (active) is the growing phase or when the hair fiber is produced. During anagen, the hair contains an abundance of melanin, the pigment which gives your hair its color. This is the phase during which laser hair removal treatment is most effective.

Catagen (club hair) is the period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. This phase is when the lower part of the hair stops growing, but does not shed, and the follicle is reabsorbed. It will be difficult for permanence to be achieved when the hair is in the catagen growth cycle.

Telogen (tired) is the last of the hair growth cycle. In this resting phase, the old hair falls out in preparation for the development of a new anagen hair. Permanence cannot be achieved when the hair are in the telogen growth cycle.

Remember, Anagen is followed by catagen, a period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. Ultimately the hair follicle enters telogen, when the follicle is in a so-called resting state.

Diagram showing regression of an anagen hair follicle. On entering catagen the dermal papilla condenses as the cells become inactive. With the lack of dermal papilla cell stimulation, the hair fiber and root sheaths stop growing. In telogen the dermal papilla can become isolated in the dermis and sit dormant for a long period of time.

Remember, Anagen is followed by catagen, a period of controlled regression of the hair follicle. Ultimately the hair follicle enters telogen, when the follicle is in a so-called resting state.

Diagram to the left shows regression of an anagen hair follicle. On entering catagen the dermal papilla condenses as the cells become inactive. With the lack of dermal papilla cell stimulation, the hair fiber and root sheaths stop growing. In telogen the dermal papilla can become isolated in the dermis and sit dormant for a long period of time.

Normally this cycle of hair production will continue for the duration of the individual's life, however other factors can influence, promote and inhibit hair production. How well the laser can eliminate the hairs will depend on the skin type/color, hair type/color and what initially caused the hair to grow.

- Fitzpatrick Skin Types I - VI -

 

In 1975, Thomas B Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, developed a classification system for skin typing.  This system was based on a person's response to sun exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning the individual experienced.  Today, this classification is also used to aid your CLS in the care of their patients.  For successful removal of hair, wrinkles, veins, sun spots, and scars using LASER technology, it is necessary determine your correct skin type.

TYPE I: Highly sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Red hair with freckles or Albino

 - ALEXANDRITE LASER

TYPE II: Very sun sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair skinned, fair haired Caucasians

- ALEXANDRITE LASER

TYPE III: Sun sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
Example: Darker Caucasians, European mix

 - ALEXANDRITE LASER or Nd:YAG LASER

TYPE IV: Minimally sun sensitive, burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown.
Example: Mediterranean, European, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian

- Nd:YAG LASER

TYPE V: Sun insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Hispanics, African-American, Middle Eastern

- Nd:YAG LASER

TYPE VI: Sun insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Example: Darker African-American, African, Middle Eastern, Blue Black

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