Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a beam of light to destroy the hair follicles and prevent hair growth. It is a noninvasive method that can be applied to any part of the body, such as the face, underarms, bikini area, back or legs. It is not a permanent solution, but it can reduce the amount of hair and the frequency of shaving or waxing.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal in Mississauga works by a process called selective photothermolysis, which means using heat to target specific cells that have a lot of pigment (color). The laser emits a wavelength of light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair, but not by the surrounding skin. The heat from the laser damages the hair follicle, which is the part of the skin that produces hair. This prevents the hair from growing back, or makes it thinner and lighter.
However, not all hair follicles are active at the same time. There are three phases of hair growth: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting). Only the hair follicles in the anagen phase are affected by the laser, because they have the most pigment and are closest to the surface of the skin. The other follicles are dormant and will produce new hair later.
Therefore, multiple sessions of laser hair removal in Mississauga are needed to target all the hair follicles in a given area. The number of sessions depends on the size, density and color of the hair, as well as the skin type and the type of laser used.
What are the different types of lasers used for laser hair removal in Mississauga?
There are four main types of lasers that are commonly used for laser hair removal in Mississauga, each with different wavelengths and advantages. They are:
1. Ruby laser: This is one of the oldest types of lasers, and it has a short wavelength of 694 nm. It is best suited for people with light skin and fine, dark hair. It can cause skin discoloration or burns on darker skin tones. It is also slower and less powerful than newer lasers.
2. Alexandrite laser: At a medium wavelength of 755 nm, this is the most often utilized type of laser. Those with medium-to-dark hair and light-to-medium skin can benefit from it. It has a high repetition rate and is fast enough to cover huge areas of skin. For those with darker skin tones, it may also result in burns or skin discoloration.
3. Diode laser: At 800-810 nm, this is one of the longest wavelength laser kinds available. It is also one of the most widely used types. People with light to dark complexion tones and dark hair can wear it. It may pierce deeper into the skin and has a strong power. Compared to shorter wavelengths, it is less likely to injure skin, although it can still hurt or cause discomfort.
4. Nd: YAG laser: This is the only type of laser that can be used safely on all skin types, including dark skin. It has the longest wavelength of 1064 nm, which means it has the least amount of pigment absorption. It can reach the deepest hair follicles, but it is also the least effective for hair removal. It requires more sessions and higher energy levels to achieve the desired results.
Every kind of laser has advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal one will rely on the patient’s preferences, the provider’s experience, and the features of their skin and hair. It is advised to have a consultation with a licensed dermatologist or laser technician prior to having laser hair removal. They can determine whether the process is appropriate, go over the advantages and disadvantages, and suggest the best kind of laser and the number of sessions that will be required.
