Hair removal with an 800-nm pulsed diode laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Laser hair removal is a relatively new procedure. Our purpose was to study the efficacy and safety of a high-power, pulsed diode laser array for removing unwanted hair.

METHODS: A total of 38 subjects were treated with a prototype of the 800-nm diode laser system. Fluences ranging from 10 to 40 J/cm(2) (mean, 33.4 J/cm(2)) were used and 1 to 4 treatments (mean, 2.7) were performed. Evaluation of hair loss was performed at least 4 months after the last treatment (mean, 8.7 months) by a blinded assessment of clinical photographs.

RESULTS: A total of 59% of the subjects had only sparse hair regrowth at the final follow-up. Higher fluences and multiple treatments produced greater long-term efficacy. Transient pigmentary changes occurred in 29% of the subjects and were more common in darker skin types IV to VI (P =. 047).

CONCLUSION: The 800-nm diode laser is an efficient and safe technique for hair reduction. Adverse pigmentary effects occur, but are transient.