La Compagnie des Lasers Professional aesthetic technologies
Français English

GUIDE • HAIR REMOVAL

Permanent hair removal: how does it work?

Laser hair removal and certain professional light-based technologies rely on a physical principle: delivering light energy that is preferentially absorbed by melanin in the hair, in order to heat the follicular structures while limiting exposure of the surrounding tissues.

THE PRINCIPLE

Selective photothermolysis

Melanin in the hair absorbs light energy, which is converted into heat in the hair follicle. The aim is to thermally affect the structures responsible for regrowth while controlling the energy delivered to the surrounding skin. Wavelength, pulse duration, fluence and cooling are among the parameters that must be adapted to the treatment.

1. Target the hair

The light is selected to be absorbed by melanin in the hair. The contrast between hair and skin therefore influences parameter selection.

2. Convert light into heat

The absorbed energy heats the follicle. Selective photothermolysis aims to concentrate this thermal effect on the intended target.

3. Gradually reduce regrowth

Because hairs are not all in the same stage of the growth cycle, several sessions are generally required to successively treat follicles that are responsive to treatment.

HAIR GROWTH CYCLE

Why are several sessions necessary?

Hair follicles alternate through different growth phases. Light-based treatments depend strongly on melanin and on the stage of the hair, so not every follicle in a treatment area can be targeted with the same effectiveness during a single session. The interval and number of sessions are adapted to the area, hair type, skin phototype and technology used.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase. It is a particularly important phase for photoepilation.

Transition and resting phases

Some hairs are simultaneously in other phases of the cycle, which explains the need for successive sessions.

Individualized parameters

Skin phototype, hair colour and diameter, treatment area and equipment characteristics must all be taken into account by the professional.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

Four hair-removal technologies in our range

La Compagnie des Lasers offers several professional hair-removal approaches, including multi-wavelength diode lasers and dedicated LED technology. The choice depends on the profiles being treated, ergonomics, usage rate and the positioning of the practice or clinic.

Excelsior

LED 3.0 technology dedicated to professional hair removal, with no consumables.

Discover Excelsior →

This page provides general information about how photoepilation works. Indications, contraindications, parameters and conditions of use must be assessed according to the equipment concerned, its documentation and the applicable professional framework.