At Home “Laser” Hair Removal vs. Traditional Laser Hair Removal

What is Laser Hair removal?

Laser hair removal uses wavelengths of light to create heat and damage parts of the hair follicle. Light penetrates the outer layer of the skin and typically causes no damage to surrounding tissues. For either treatment to be effective, you need multiple treatments to fully get rid of the hair. It is important to note that not all laser hair removal devices work with all skin Fitzpatrick types and hair color, so the type of hair and skin tone you have affect which laser device can be most effective for you.

How at home “laser” hair removal works

Most at home laser hair removal products are IPL based. IPL is NOT a laser. It stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a process called photothermolysis which basically uses light to create heat and damage parts of the hair follicle. IPL emits light in multiple wavelengths across the skin and does not penetrate deep enough to target the hair follicle specifically. It is not precise. Also, the light used is a much lower energy output to make it safer to use at home. Even after many treatments, it is unlikely that hair follicles will be completely destroyed. Another concern about home treatments is burning which potentially leads to scarring of the skin. So, when thinking about laser hair removal, we encourage you to consult Tara, one of the laser professionals at Rinnova Skin & Body.

How traditional laser hair removal works

There are many different laser hair removal devices out there; however, here at Rinnova Skin & Body, we use the GentleMax Pro made by Candela. This laser uses a specific wavelength to target melanin, which is why it is important for the hair being treated to be darker than your skin. Sorry to those of you with blond leg hair Professional grade laser hair removal devices use true laser technology which is precise and uses a single wavelength to target the hair follicle and essentially damage the root so it no longer grows. 

Did you know that the hair on your body grows in 3 different cycles! (Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen)

1. The growing phase (Anagen)- the cells in the root of the hair divide quickly, so the hair is growing and extending to the hair shaft. Laser hair removal is most effective during this phase since it is abundant in melanin and the laser works by targeting melanin in the hair.
2. The transition phase (Catagen)- at the completion of the growth phase, the hair enters the transition phase where it stops growing. This phase lasts about 2-3 weeks
3. The resting phase (Telogen)-this final stage involves both resting and shedding before it continues back to an early growing phase.

Since only 30% of your hairs are in the active growing phase at any given time, we prefer to schedule your appointments about 4-6 weeks apart in order to treat all the hair over time. It’s always important to stay on top of your treatments to get optimal results! 

If this is treatment is something that interests you, give us a call at 303-444-0664 or send us an email at info@rinnovaskinandbody.com. We will be happy to schedule you in for a consultation with Tara.