The efficacy and safety of long-pulsed Alexandrite laser and long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in hair removal - A preliminary clinical study

Excessive hair has been a common cosmetic concern for both males and females for centuries. Axillary hair is especially unsightly for women in certain cultures during the summer time. The use of long-pulsed Alexandrite laser in hair removal has been reported in the literature. In this study, we compared the efficacy and safety in hair removal by long-pulsed Alexandrite laser and Nd:YAG laser. We recruited 8 female patients and each one underwent Alexandrite laser therapy on the right axilla and Nd:YAG laser therapy on the left axilla. Every patient received 3 treatment sessions in 4 months and was subsequently followed up for 6 months. At the end of the study, there was a reduction of hair density of 76.7% on the right axilla and 55.2% on the left axilla. The difference was borderline (p value= 0.0569). However, both lasers can be used safely and effectively in the hair removal in Asians.