Flashlamp FAQs

Here are some of your frequently asked questions that relate to flashlamps, permanent hair removal products for both men and women:

Like any form of light treatment in hair removal, people with dark hair and pale skin will benefit the most from using a flashlamp. This is because light targets the melanin which is most abundant in dark hairs. People with pale hair and dark skin have more melanin in the skin, which results in the skin absorbing most of the light energy and a less effective removal treatment.

Flash lamps can be used to remove hairs from their face, chin, upper lip, neck, chest, nipples, armpits, stomach, back, bikini line, and legs. This product is not recommended for the use around the eyes due to the potential to damage the retina.

Although flashlamps work in a similar manner to laser products, and both can give permananet results, there are some important differences. Flash lamps use a number of specific wavelengths of light that are set at the optimum for their absorption by the melanin pigmentation in the hair, yet at the same time minimising the trauma to the skin. Flash lamp products use a set of filters to ensure the correct types of light (or wavelengths) are used in the treatment. As there are more variables to adjust using a flashlamp than with a laser, its effectiveness is more dependant on the experience of the operator.

Some people have reported that the sensation of having flash lamp treatment is like having a rubbed band snapped against the skin. The light energy is emitted in short bursts (fractions of a second) and each burst results in this mild to moderate stinging sensation. Those that have had laser treatment have reported a similar sensation. It is always worth speaking to patients who have had the treatment to understand their experiences.

The worst side effect that most patients experience is a reddening of the area that has been treated. A very few patients experience small blisters but this is very rare and these effects usually disappear within a few hours to a few days. Most people do not experience any side effects from this permanent hair removal product, as long as they wear protective glasses during treatment.

Xenon is the most commonly used light source because of the brilliant, full spectrum illumination it provides when exposed to energy. It is used in many other applications such as the flashes in photographic equipment, surgical lighting equipment and paint stripping.

The xenon flashlamp was first developed as an energy source for laser beams. It wasn't long after its development that it was being used therapeutically with direct product applications of its energy. Flash lamps began to be used for medical purposes in the early 1960's. The latter half of the 1960's saw the emergence of published data on using flashlamps to treat eye and skin disorders.

Early attempts in using flash lamp in the 1970's did not result in permanent hair removal. These early devices delivered xenon light energy delivered via fiberoptic filament. Some of these devices are still in use but they are are not as effective as the more recent flashlamp products.