Efficacy of the intense pulsed light source on unwanted hairs

The need for a rapid, non-invasive method for unwanted hair removal has led to the development of various light sources for this purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Source (IPLS) on unwanted hairs. Patients and In this open, uncontrolled clinical trial, 77 different anatomical areas in 34 referred patients to “Novin Didegan Clinic” in Tehran in 1380-1381, were treated by IPLS at fluences ranging from 22 to 34 J/cm² after their demographic data and the number of hairs were recorded. The 3 to 7 treatment sessions were accomplished 4 to 6 weeks apart. All of the patients were followed 6 months after the last therapy. The quantitative data were analyzed by paired t test. Six months after the last therapy, more than 50% reduction in number of hairs were noted in 80% of the treated areas; with mean reduction of 72±23 percent. Side effects were mild and reversible and occurred in ten patients. The IPLS appears to provide an effective and safe method for long-term excess hair removal in various skin types.