Hair removal using a 5-msec long-pulsed ruby laser.

Background: Unwanted hair is a widespread cosmetic problem. Many temporary methods of hair removal exist, with laser hair removal rapidly becoming the most widely used modality.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of a long-pulsed ruby laser for epilation in patients with varying skin types and hair color 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment.

Methods: Seventy-four patients received one to four treatments with a long-pulsed ruby laser (694 nm, 5-msec pulse length, 6 mm spot size, 17.5-32 J/cm2) in different body areas.

Results: After a mean number of treatments of 1.98 (range 1-4) the mean clearance was 51-75% after 6 weeks and less than 25% after 6 months. A lower percentage of hair regrowth was observed in the facial region than on the trunk or legs and in dark hair compared to blond hair.

Conclusions: Laser epilation provides a quick and relatively comfortable, but nonpermanent modality for hair removal with few side effects.