Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root, but not enough power to harm the surrounding skin. This process is called selective photothermolysis.
It is selective because it targets only the hair and not the skin. Photo means light and thermolysis means destroying with heat. The surrounding skin is usually cooled. Some methods include a gel, a spray, or a cooling tip. The laser beam finds the hair follicles by targeting the substance that gives skin and hair dark color – melanin. Therefore, the ideal candidate for laser has dark hair and light skin.
The laser will not work on people with red, white, gray or true blond hair. The hot laser will also be attracted to the melanin in the skin, so people with suntans, or dark skin types are at more of a risk for discoloration of pigment and other side effects. We can treat all skin types I-VI.