Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a long-pulsed ruby laser system in the removal of unwanted hair

Abstract

Background: Unwanted hair growth is a common, usually physiologic phenomenon.

Objective: In this study the efficacy and tolerability of a long-pulsed ruby laser system was compared with needle electrolysis and hot wax on three parts of the body.

Methods: Thirty volunteers were treated three times on the forearm (n = 10), on the face (n = 10), or in the pubic area (n = 10) with 25 J/cm2 laser, 40 J/cm2 laser, needle electrolysis, and hot wax therapy.

Results: The 25 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2 laser treated sites showed a statistically significant decrease (38% and 49%, respectively) in the number of hairs at the first visit after the last treatment compared to the pretreatment hair counts. No significant decrease was observed in the needle electrolysis and hot wax treated sites. Laser therapy yielded better results on the forearm than on the face or pubic area and was scored as the least painful.

Conclusion: The long-pulsed ruby laser is a promising, well-tolerated method of epilation.