Most treatments are of a temporary nature only. This includes plucking, waxing, and shaving. The use of depilatory creams is also of temporary benefit only and often irritates the skin. Plucking and waxing are especially painful and need to be repeated frequently. Why are these measures temporary? Because the hair is removed, but the follicle is left intact, ready to produce a new hair. Many women believe that shaving accelerates hair growth and causes thickening of the hair, which is an old wive’s tale (The hair follicle has no idea whether the hair it produced is shaved or not.) Shaving may cause skin irritation and folliculitis. Chemical applications may be complicated by dermatitis and burns.

An improved method of hair removal, making use of laser technology, was long overdue. In fact, permanent hair removal for large areas such as the back (in men) and legs (in women) was not done simply because it was not possible.