Laser Hair Removal
Treatment Summary
Laser hair removal is a medical–cosmetic procedure that uses focused beams of light (laser technology) to remove or significantly reduce unwanted body hair. The treatment works by targeting hair follicles beneath the skin and damaging them so they can no longer produce hair effectively. Over a series of treatments, this results in long-term hair reduction.
How laser hair removal works
Hair grows from structures in the skin called hair follicles. These follicles contain pigment called melanin, which gives hair its colour. During laser hair removal:
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A handheld device emits a concentrated beam of light.
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The melanin in the hair absorbs the light energy.
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The light energy converts to heat.
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The heat damages the hair follicle, particularly the parts responsible for hair growth.
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Damaged follicles grow hair more slowly or stop producing hair altogether.
The laser specifically targets the pigment in the hair rather than the surrounding skin, which is why the treatment can remove hair while leaving most of the skin unaffected.
