Lasers do not treat light colored hair

Jordana S. Gilman, MD answers: Is IPL or laser best for facial hair removal?

I've been researching for three days now on how to remove little light hair on my face. The center for IPL claims the method to be more effective, using a machine called "Cutera", but the center for laser told me that only laser treatments can remover hair from the face, except that little light hair, which won't go away! I also found out that IPL treatments are half the price of laser.

Any honest and professional answers regarding the matter? Thank you.


Jordana S. Gilman, MD
2 months ago
By Jordana S. Gilman, MD - Manhattan Dermatologic surgeon

Unfortunately all light based devices only treat pigmented hairs.  The mechanism behind laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair, so if there is no pigment then there is no target for treatment.  In addition, if the hair color is close to the skin color, the treatment will not be very effective and there is a risk that there could be a loss of color in the skin. 

Both laser and intense pulsed light work to reduce hair, but I have seen better results with laser.

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More answers to “Is IPL or laser best for facial hair removal?”

A: Lasers or IPL for hair removal

Steven Wallach, MD
10 months ago
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

I usually combine IPL with different lasers under different treatment times to try to treat most hair growth. Obviously, the fine villous light-colored hair is difficult to impossible to treat with the systems available today. 

I just find that if I use solely one type, I don't get the same results as using both.

 

 

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