Removal of body hair using a special light is more commonly known as laser hair removal. This technical procedure is not really new. So many women and men have been using this procedure to get rid of unsightly hair on the face, chest, armpits and just about everywhere. Certain types of laser hair removal may safely be used to reduce instead of eliminate all the hair in one spot.

Nowadays, most techniques focus on dealing with naturally occurring chromophores, such as melanin. Melanin is a body pigment that is responsible for the color of both hair and skin. There are two types of melanin pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is responsible for the brown or black colour. Pheomelanin is responsible for lighter colors such as yellow or red. Laser hair removal targets the melanin in the hair follicles.

The technology behind laser hair removal has been used for over a decade, and improvements have been made on the procedure since then. Now, this procedure can be used to get rid of dark spots, acne scars and other blemishes. Laser is also used to remove tattoos.

Laser hair removal is not a permanent way of removing hair. The FDA bans those companies that try to advertise a procedure that leads to permanent removal. Therefore, companies use the term ‘permanent reduction’, which is more appropriate.

Several sessions of laser treatment are needed to reduce the amount of body hair to a certain extent. Reduction means not all hair follicles will be removed, as true removal would mean scarring in various places, in patches.

If you are thinking of laser hair removal treatment, you should first ask a dermatologist about which treatment would suit your skin type. In fact, no type of laser treatment should be done on your skin without a doctor’s go signal. Suitability of the procedure varies from person to person. Obviously, if you are light skinned, you will have a much greater chance of genuine hair follicle reduction than a person with more melanin.

Be careful of shady enterprises that promise permanent removal. False claims that feed on the genuine need of the public are rampant. Laser hair removal treatment is a painless procedure, but only if you understand that what is being done to you is reduction rather than permanent removal. You should also be aware that there is always the possibility of hair regrowth. Also, take note that a procedure called “laser electrolysis” or “lasertrolysis” uses the procedure of electrolysis, which is different from the use of laser.