h a i r r e m o v a l
377
Salon Fundamentals
TM
Esthetics
11
Laser treatment works best on hair that is in the
anagen, or growth, stage. Therefore, while one laser
treatment may have
long-lasting effects,
repeat treatments are
necessary for best
results, to catch all of
the hairs as they enter
the anagen stage.
Certain clients are not good candidates for this
type of hair removal procedure, including those
with dark skin or those with white or gray hair.
The reason for this is the following: The concept
behind laser hair removal is that different wave-
lengths (lasers produce colored lights) of laser
pinpoint the pigment (melanin) of the hair and
dark colors absorb more light. The heat from the
laser inhibits the papillary bulb. Since the laser is
drawn to areas of pigmentation, light hair lacking
pigment, or dark skin with a lot of pigment makes
it more difficult to pinpoint the individual hairs.
Photo-Epilation or Pulsed Light
Photo-epilation or pulsed light uses a similar principle
as lasers, but this type of light is not considered to be a
laser light. An intense pulsed light beam creates a burst
of energy used to destroy hair bulbs with minimal
scarring. Both lasers and pulsed light are a form of
light beam. The difference between the two is that a
laser is a constant beam of light and the pulsed is
not constant. Both methods carry the risk of scarring,
but there is much less a chance of burning or scarring
when using pulsed light since it is targeted at the skin
in quick, short intervals. The benefit of this type of
treatment is that large areas of the body such as the
back or legs can be treated rapidly.
The charts on the following pages describe the
considerations and techniques that will lead to
the waxing step-by-step procedures that begin
on page 387.
Thermolysis Method
The thermolysis or high frequency/short-wave
electrolysis method involves inserting a single
needle (probe) into the follicles. The current
travels to the papilla for less than a second,
resulting in a coagulation of the cells that
destroys the papilla. The hair is immediately
tweezed from the follicle. Because the time
and intensity of the current are controlled,
preferably by an automatic timer, the client
feels only a tiny "flash" of heat. Redness or a
slight bump in the skin are normal reactions
and disappear in two to three days. The wire
used in short-wave electrolysis is substantially
finer than the electrolysis probe, further
reducing client discomfort.
Blend Method
The blend method of electrolysis is a
combination of Galvanic and short-wave
current. A special instrument designed to
combine Galvanic Current (for best results on
resistant follicles) and High Frequency Current
(for faster results) produce the blend. This
method offers best results to clients with
excessive or resistant hair growth.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal treatments use wavelengths
of light to penetrate and diminish or destroy
hair bulbs. Depending on the local area
regulations, this can be performed by licensed
estheticians, medical professionals, or by
technicians under a doctor's supervision. Laser
hair removal systems emit a beam of light that
passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The
hair absorbs the light and transforms it into
heat energy, which destroys the hair bulb.
The benefit of laser is that it can treat hundreds
of hair follicles simultaneously, generally
making the process quicker than electrolysis.
LASER is an acronym:
Light
Amplification (by)
Simulated
Emission (of)
Radiation
