Since ancient times, men and women alike have attempted various painful methods of hair removal such as waxing, shaving with flint razors and using shell tweezers made of plastic to get rid of unwanted body hair. Nowadays however, laser hair removal has become an extremely popular cosmetic service option.
A beam of concentrated light penetrates the skin, disabling basal stem cells responsible for hair growth. This simple concept has made a remarkable impact in the beauty industry.
History
Hair removal has long been one of the go-to beauty treatments. Women have relied on shaving, waxing and plucking for unwanted hair removal; now laser hair removal makes this accessible and more efficient than ever before. Laser light waves penetrate deep into skin layers to penetrate follicles deep below, dismantling pigment that creates hair follicles to effectively prevent future growth of unwanted strands.
The first working laser was created by physicist Theodore Harold Maiman in 1960; however, it wasn’t used for hair removal until the 1990s. Prior to that point, electrolysis was the only permanent method available and each hair had to be individually treated by electrolysis – this tedious and time-consuming method left many behind while lasers target multiple hairs simultaneously and are far more efficient.
Dr. Rox Anderson of MIT and dermatologist Melanie Grossman were the pioneers of laser hair removal when they published the inaugural paper in 1994. Together, they tested various wavelengths of light for hair reduction using lasers, discovering that certain ones proved more successful. Furthermore, certain skin colors reacted differently; dark skinned people tend to absorb more of the light energy targeting follicles from laser light than lighter-skinned people due to more melanin in their skin and hair than lighter-skinned people due to melanin levels found within them both; thus necessitating more treatments than lighter skinned patients would need.
Discoveries such as these led to more effective and less painful laser hair removal, but it took another decade before FDA approval of an alexandrite laser specifically tailored for this use – misleadingly advertised as being effective after only years of treatments were completed.
Modern laser hair removal technology is much safer and more effective than the alexandrite laser that was first developed. Modern lasers feature dual wavelengths to treat more types of skin and hair; one such multi-wavelength device from Candela called GentleMax Pro series contains both 755nm alexandrite laser and 1064nm Nd:YAG lasers on one platform.
Technology
Laser hair removal is an advanced light-based treatment that uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy hair follicles to eliminate unwanted hair permanently. It has become an extremely popular solution among both women and men worldwide.
Engineers strive to create products and systems that benefit society, while it’s equally important that they keep in mind any unintended side-effects of their projects. K. C. Gillette’s invention of modern razor led to an enormous global shaving industry while corn-based ethanol’s disastrous failure remains a burden in alternative energy sectors worldwide.
Laser hair removal technology can be complex. “Laser” refers to Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; here, monochromatic coherent light from a laser device emits monochromatic coherent light that targets melanin in hair follicles without harming surrounding skin or surrounding melanin-rich areas of melanin pigmentation follicles – without damaging surrounding melanin pigment. While wavelength selection plays a key role, many other factors impact its effectiveness as well such as skin color or hair type.
Lighter skin tones often need multiple sessions while those with dark hair require less. Melanin absorbs laser light at a different rate than skin pigment; therefore it is essential that any laser used on hair follicles be capable of differentiating between melanin absorption and skin pigment absorption – something early laser devices were unable to do successfully, leaving many cosmetic users dissatisfied.
Due to advances in technology, laser hair removal devices have become more accessible than ever for consumers of all skin types. Not only do many newer devices feature wavelength selection but some even come equipped with air cooling options and even come equipped with contact lenses designed to shield eyes from light radiation, making treatments more comfortable than ever for customers – which can especially come in handy for those wearing glasses!
As an aesthetic clinic owner, keeping up with the latest trends in laser hair removal technology is vital in order to attract potential clients. You should gain an understanding of its scientific process while evaluating its safety and efficacy on an individual basis as well as finding an experienced technician capable of administering it safely.
Safety
Lasers have long captivated humanity’s imagination since their invention. While initial laser uses included dissolving water molecules to make ethanol or injecting skin with hydrogen spectra for cosmetic effects, scientists and dermatologists eventually created an efficient hair removal device in the late 70s.
Laser hair removal works by subjecting skin to extremely focused light beams that target and destroy melanin pigment in hair follicles, creating safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment that offers minimal side effects compared to more invasive procedures like electrolysis or tweezing. It has become an increasingly popular beauty solution.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily diminished demand for laser hair removal services, aesthetic markets remain strong due to patients becoming more confident that COVID-19 can be contained quickly and their lives can return to normal. With new, advanced lasers capable of safely treating darker skin tones as driving factors for market growth, more consumers are eager to seek this cosmetic service out.
Diode lasers dominated the overall market at over 35.0% in 2021 due to their ability to precisely target an area on the body where hair growth occurs and remove it without harming surrounding skin – this characteristic makes diode lasers particularly suitable for hair removal as well as facial rejuvenation procedures.
The market has been divided based on end-users, with hospitals and medical spas/specialty clinics expected to experience the fastest rate of growth over time due to infrastructural advancements at these establishments.
No matter the type of laser being utilized, it is imperative that all policies and safety rules relating to its usage be clearly documented and enforced at its location of operation. Documentation could include written laser policy books, procedure log sheets, safety setup checklists, credential rosters, training records, audit reports, repair and maintenance records and equipment inventory lists as evidence that an establishment has implemented an appropriate laser safety program. Such documents will help establish medical-legal proof that such programs exist.
Results
Laser hair removal has quickly become a staple in the beauty industry, providing consumers with permanent and long-lasting results while being safe, quick, and relatively painless. Compared to traditional waxing, shaving or plucking methods that may cause skin irritation or damage – laser treatment is noninvasive; some individuals might experience red or swollen skin that resembles sunburn as temporary side effects; additionally it can even be done at home by using FDA approved laser devices like Real Genie.
The global laser hair removal market is poised for significant expansion due to the surge in beauty clinics that are adopting cutting-edge technologies for aesthetic treatments, and rising demand for painless hair removal, fueling segment growth. Furthermore, FDA-approved devices like Veet Infini’Silk Pro and Remington IPL6000 I-Light Pro have seen huge surges in product demand.
Another factor driving the global laser hair removal market is its wide array of applications in beauty and cosmetic products. For instance, this technology can be utilized to treat wrinkles with Botox injections or remove unwanted hair or reduce acne scars; additionally it may even be employed in skin whitening and photorejuvenation treatments.
After being hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global laser hair removal market is rebounding quickly and has already returned to pre-pandemic demand levels. It is expected to maintain strong growth over the forecast period.
Laser hair removal’s success depends on various factors, including its effectiveness against unwanted hair and its safety for use on all skin types. To get optimal results from treatment, it’s best to seek advice from a specialist and choose a suitable device tailored to your particular skin type – as well as applying topical numbing cream prior to each session if needed for comfort during sessions. A specialist can also offer tailored advice about hair removal plans tailored specifically to you – and Candela experts offer their knowledge for more information regarding laser technology’s inclusion into beauty practices worldwide – contact them now!
