Laser hair removal has been commercially available since the mid-seventies. Before its commercial release, it was performed experimentally for around 20 years. Today, you will find that laser hair removal for men is practiced at a wide range of clinics. In fact, the FDA deems laser epilation the only permanent hair removal method.
The treatment adopts the use of selective photothermolysis. The laser gives off light of a specific wavelength. This light is targeted into melanin, a substance which is also referred to as dark target matter. The energy from the light will produce heat. This heat will cause damage to the melanin but this will only occur in the area which has been specifically targeted. In the case of laser hair removal, the light targets the melanin found in the root or follicle of individual hairs, thereby killing those specific cells.
Melanin gives the skin and hair its color. As the lasers target melanin, hair which is black or brown in color can only be eliminated. Laser hair elimination is able to lighten dark skin since melanin is the substance that makes the skin dark. The treatment is best used by those with light skin and dark, coarse hair.
It is not uncommon for both men and women to seek techniques to remove their unwanted hair. Laser hair removal for men may be sought to remove hair on the chest, hands and toes. Laser back hair removal is also not uncommon. Women often wish for the hair on their face, underarms, cleavage, hands, arms, bikini line and legs to be removed.
The total number of treatments required will depend on several different parameters. Between five and seven treatments may be required while some individuals may only achieve desired results after twelve or thirteen treatments. As a guide, seven treatments may be required by a light skinned individual who possesses coarse, dark hair and wishes to achieve complete laser back hair removal. An individual with dark skin or with lighter or finer hair may require double the amount of treatments. Three to twelve weeks should be left in between treatments.