Hair reduction using a scanning 800 nm diode laser

BACKGROUND. Numerous lasers are currently available for hair removal, yet there are still few studies that have examined the role of fluence, light dose, hair color, and treatment number in laser hair reduction. OBJECTIVE. TO demonstrate the efficacy and safety of a scanning 800 nm diode laser for hair reduction. METHODS. An 800 nm scanning diode laser was used to deliver 24, 38, or 48 J/cm(2) to a 3 cm x 3 cm area of skin located on the back, groin/bikini area, or thigh in 36 adult patients with varying shades of brown or black hair. Patients received one to four treatments during the course of the study. Hair loss was evaluated at both 30 and 90 days after final treatment. Biopsies were obtained from 20 consenting patients. RESULTS. Significant fluence-dependent hair reduction was demonstrated between treatment and control groups. At 48 J/cm(2), the highest dose, a mean hair reduction of 43% was achieved 30 days after the final treatment, and 34% was achieved 90 days after the final treatment. Darker hairs were more effectively treated than lighter hairs. CONCLUSIONS. Hair reduction can be safely and effectively achieved using a scanning 800 nm diode laser.