Unwanted hair, as the name suggests, is a problem for both men and women. A permanent solution cannot be obtained with wax, razor, thread, tweezers, and chemical hair removers used today to get rid of unwanted hair. One of the methods used to get rid of this problem is laser hair removal.

The working method of laser epilation is simple, it aims to disrupt the function of the stem cells that produce hair. The sudden high heat energy generated by the absorption of the laser beam by the black dye substance in the structure of the hair, called melanin, damages the stem cells that produce the hair.

While black hairs, that is, hairs containing a lot of melanin, are more affected by epilation, while the effectiveness of gray and white hairs is almost negligible.

In this article, we will list the key points you need to know about laser hair removal and try to explain some of the misconceptions about the application.

1. Types Of Laser Hair Removal

Laser epilation types that allow you to get rid of unwanted hair to have smooth skin can give permanent results. Laser hair removal is of 3 types. Choosing the one that is suitable for features such as skin color, hair type, and hair color increase the success rate and reduces the risk of complications that may occur.

1.  Diode Laser Hair Removal

Diode laser is a laser treatment method that aims to reduce unwanted hair. Since the wavelength of the diode laser is longer than other laser methods, effective results are obtained even in dark skins, depending on the treatment time.

The diode laser has a wavelength of 810 nm. This wavelength goes deeper into the skin than the Alexandrite laser. It is more effective in areas with deep hair, as it can go deep into the skin comfortably. Since the diode laser has a long wavelength, it can be applied comfortably even on dark skin.

• It can affect light-colored hairs that other laser types cannot see.
• It is effective on deep hairs.
• It provides less pain when used together with the ice cap.

2.  Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal

Alexandrite laser, which is a practical and effective method, can only be used on light skin types due to its technical features. The fact that the hairs move away from the surface immediately after the treatment increases satisfaction after the application.

Alexandrite laser is well-held by melanin. Therefore, it can only be used on light skin types. This laser system gives very good results in correctly selected people. However, it can cause hair growth instead of hair reduction in risky areas such as the face. The back, shoulder, and arm regions are among the regions where the effectiveness of this laser is low.

• Its wavelength is 755 nm.
• Because it is well held by melanin, it can cause side effects such as burns in dark-skinned people.
• Since it is effective in dark hair color, it is less effective than other laser types in areas with light and weak hair such as the face, back and shoulders.
• The persistence and success rate are high.

3.  Nd:Yag Laser Hair Removal

It is a laser removal type for very dark skin types. The fact that it is quite painful and compared to the other two lasers limits the use of this laser. It is a laser that is rarely used in very carefully selected situations.

2. Common Misconceptions About Laser Hair Removal

Although laser hair removal is being used more and more every day, some issues lack knowledge among people. We can answer some of the misconceptions about laser hair removal as follows:

• There is no scientific study showing that laser epilation applied to the armpits can cause breast cancer.
• It is not possible for laser epilation applied to the genital area to cause infertility, and there is no scientific data that it causes infertility.
• The recommended shaving method during laser epilation sessions does not cause the hairs to grow thicker, blacker and faster. The reason for the shaving recommendation is that the presence of hair is needed during the growth phase so that the laser beams can effectively render the root part of the hair unable to produce hair. Wax-like applications, on the other hand, tear the hair from its root.

3. Some Important Points In Laser Hair Removal

Here are some things you should know about laser hair removal:

• If there is an open wound or infection in the area to be treated, laser epilation is not performed. Laser hair removal is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. Laser epilation is not applied to people with chronic skin diseases, epilepsy, or any light-triggered disease.
• Those with permanent make-up and tattoos should avoid laser epilation in tattoo areas.
• If the correct application is made and necessary sensitivity is shown after the application, there is no stain remaining after laser epilation.