Like all of our laser hair removers, the Rio Scanning Laser x60 hair remover works by sending a laser beam to the hair follicle with enough energy to destroy the root, without it affecting the surrounding area. This process is known as photothermolysis. Unlike home use IPL (Intense Pulse Light), or heat based hair removal technology, the results of laser hair removal are permanent.

Home use IPL (Intense Pulse Light) often recommends continued, on going treatment of the area every two weeks to prevent hair regrowth. This is because IPL doesn't destroy the hair root, so regrowth will occur if the treatment is not repeated every two weeks (this is also true for heat based hair removal). Laser Hair Removal technology actually destroys the hair root giving permanent hair reduction.

Lasers deliver an intense beam of light which are made up of a single wavelength or colour. Skin is essentially transparent to light with a wavelength of 808nm (nano meters), while melanin containing structures will absorb laser energy of this wavelength. It is therefore possible to target the hair follicle that has a concentration of melanin without affecting the surrounding area.

The light energy absorbed by the melanin pigment results in the rapid heating up of the hair follicle. This heat destroys the cells (papilla) responsible for hair growth. If adequate heating is achieved, then the follicle is permanently disabled resulting in a permanent reduction in hair growth. Note: This is different from home IPL (Intense Pulse Light) which often requires continued treatments every two weeks to prevent hair regrowth.

Read more about Laser Hair Removal questions.

Obviously read and understand the Information Guide provided before you get started and watch the step-by-step DVD for great tips and techniques. For best results we recommended that you use the SCAN mode on hairs that have been trimmed to 1mm-2mm in length.

24 hours before treatment it is very important to do a patch test. The patch test will confirm the maximum power level for your skin type. Each area to be treated must be checked as skin colour can vary.

By using the +/- buttons to select the correct power level for your skin type you're ready to go. Press the SCAN button once and place the wand on your skin then press and hold the button on the wand to zap the hairs. After that you can move onto the next area of hairs to be treated until you are done.

Treated hairs don't always fall out immediately as they are shed over time as they are released from the hair follicle so be patient. Laser hair removal is generally considered to be effective after 6 treatments over a 6-month period. IPL (Intense Pulse Light) home approved products generally require ongoing treatments every two weeks to prevent hair regrowth.

Melanin in the epidermis also absorbs the energy and limits the depth of penetration of the laser light into the skin. Using a light wavelength of 808nm enables treatment of relatively dark skin as well as fair-skin types. However, laser hair treatment is not suitable for Afro-Caribbean or black skin complexions. Laser treatment is also ineffective in removal of white or grey hair. Electrolysis should be considered as an alternative treatment.