People considering laser hair removal as an option are often caught up in a dilemma that whether the laser hair removal is temporary or permanent hair removal. Much has been said both far and against laser hair removal in this context. Let's look at this aspect in detail and decide by ourselves whether to vote far or against laser hair removal.

Permanent Laser hair removal

The first thing to consider is that the two terms "permanent hair removal" and "permanent hair reduction" are quite different but are being used inter changeably by most of the advertising campaigns for various products and methods. Now question arises, what is the difference between permanent hair removal and permanent hair reduction?
The meaning of permanent hair removal is exactly what we understand that is after it you are freed from hairs once and for all. Study of hair follicle anatomy and hair growth cycle clearly indicates that it's not possible for any method or device to claim that it provides permanent hair removal. This has led to the popular use of the term "Permanent hair reduction" which is accepted and defined by the FDA to be a significant loss of hair, which is quantitatively stable for a period longer than the complete hair growth cycle at a given body site.

Lasers approved by FDA

It is important to note that not all of the lasers approved by the FDA have been approved to be advertised for permanent hair reduction. Only following systems are authorized by the FDA to be advertised for permanent hair reduction.

Alexandrite Laser Apogee (models 6200 & 9300)
Long Pulse NdYAG Laser CoolGlide, Lyra Long Pulse NdYAG
Ruby Laser Epilaser & E2000 (Palomar)
Alexandrite laser (both regular & plus) GentleLASE
Diode Laser Lightsheer, SLP1000 Long Pulse Diode

Hair loss almost always occurs after a single treatment irrespective of the type of equipment used or skin or hair type of the patient. But permanent hair loss depends upon a number of factors which should be accounted for before checking the effectiveness of any procedure.

Conclusion

Recent technological advances in this field has created a great deal of public enthusiasm for this procedure. Some critics still question the efficiency of lasers keeping in mind the definition of permanent hair removal but it is to be realized that no method can provide permanent results. This can be understood only if we clearly understand the basic principle of laser hair removal. The success of lasers is in its ability to provide permanent results compared to the other methods.