Abstract

It has been shown that using normal mode ruby laser pulses (694 nm) is an effective method of selectively destroying brown or black pigmented hair follicles in adult Caucasians (Grossman et al, 1996). The pigment, melanin, contained within the dark hair follicles acts as a target for light absorption when exposed to a well characterized range of wavelengths (Anderson and Parrish, 1981). Based on principles of selective photothermolysis, exposure to carefully chosen wavelength and pulse duration characteristics result in preferential absorption by the target pigment and sufficient heating to cause localized cellular destruction (Anderson and Parrish, 1983).

© 1997 Optical Society of America