title: Hair reduction using a scanning 800 nm diode laser.
abstract: 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/cm2 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/cm2, 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.
authors: Dermatology Department, Naval Medical Center-San Diego, San Diego, CA 34520, USA.
authors: W P
authors: WP
authors: Baugh
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Trafeli
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Barnette
authors: E V
authors: EV
authors: Ross
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D018859:Hair Follicle; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male