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The answer to your question is a little complicated. Laser hair removal picks up on the melanin in hair, so it's more effective on darker hair. IPL will target both melanin and pigments in hair dye. But dying blonde or gray hair darker does not make IPL more effective. This is because the dye does not get all the way down to the root of the hair; damaging the root of the hair is what causes the permanent hair reduction. In dyed hair, the dyed portion of the hair will burn off, but the actual root of the hair is not affected. Electrolysis is more effective on light-colored hair, but is very time consuming.
IPL can be used for hair removal. In our office, we prefer the Yag laser for hair removal. Coloring the hair shaft will cause the IPL to pick up the pigment, but the color will not penetrate into the hair follicle, the ultimate target of laser hair removal. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles
You have posed in excellent question. Unfortunately light hair is very difficult to remove with lasers or other light sources. Applying dye to the skin's surface does not allow for presence of dye in the hair follicle and therefore does not improve the effectiveness of laser or IPL treatment with regard to hair removal.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns. If all is normal, I would recommend a ceramide cream such as Elevase Moisture Booster to help strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier function. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles
Before jumping the gun, I would speak to a dedicated laser specialist about the causes of the premature hair growth. Our office specializes in hair removal and we take a more conservative approach. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles
You may be an excellent candidate for daily sunscreen, light chemical peels, and IPL photofacials. In our office, we use the Limelight IPL with excellent results. Parental consent is required under age 18.Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles
Thank you for your question. Wait 72 hours, and then go in for a follow up visit. Perhaps they were just a bit conservative with the treatmennt. They just may need to retreat you if there is no response. I hope this helps!
IPL is not the gold standard for keloid treatment as there is risk of ancillary damage. I would use the PDL laser on the keloid in addition to IIT, topical therapy with Plato's Scar Serum, and topical massage. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian
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