Effective epilation of white and blond hair using combined radiofrequency and optical energy.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examined the long-term photoepilatory effect on blond and white hair of a combined intense pulsed light (680-980 nm) device with a bipolar radiofrequency component producing electrical current at a depth of 4 mm.


METHODS
Thirty-six adult women with white and blond hair (skin phenotypes I-V) were included in the study. The chin and upper lip were treated with four treatment sessions over 9-12 months with long-term follow-up performed at month 18 (6 months after the last treatment). The level of RF energy was 20 J/cm3, while optical fluences varied from 24 to 30 J/cm2. Hair counts and photographic evaluation of some sites were obtained at baseline, months 1, 3 and 5 and the final treatment session.


RESULTS
An average hair removal of 48% was observed at month 18 (6 months following the final treatment session). A slightly higher photoepilatory efficiency was noted for blond hair (52%) versus white hair (44%) treatment sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined radiofrequency and optical energy technology may produce effective photoepilation of blond and white hair phenotypes.
Sadick
Neil S
NS
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA. nssderm@sadickdermatology.com
Laughlin
Sharyn A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair; D006200:Hair Color; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010641:Phenotype