Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (Laser) to remove unwanted hair. The light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the pigment (Melanin) in the hair, which then turns into heat and damages the hair follicles. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth.
Pronunciation
Laser Hair Removal: /ˈleɪzər hɛər rɪˈmuːvəl/
Etymology
The term "Laser" is an acronym for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". "Hair Removal" is a combination of the words "hair" (from Old English hǣr) and "removal" (from Latin removere meaning 'move back or away').
Procedure
During a Laser Hair Removal procedure, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles in the skin that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or delays future hair growth. Although laser hair removal effectively slows hair growth, it doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. It typically takes multiple laser hair removal treatments to provide an extended hair-free period.
Related Terms
- Laser: A device that stimulates atoms or molecules to emit light at particular wavelengths and amplifies that light, typically producing a very narrow beam of radiation.
- Melanin: The pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color.
- Hair Follicle: A part of the skin, which grows a hair by packing old cells together.
- Dermatology: The branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases.
See Also
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