Ruby laser-assisted hair removal: A preliminary report of the correlation between efficacy of treatment and melanin content of hair and the growth phases of hair at a specific site

An unpredictable response, even in patients with dark hair, often undermine s successful ruby laser hair removal. A prospective clinical study was carr ied out to evaluate the roles of melanin content and growth phases of hair in treatment efficacy. Thirty-six volunteers with white skin and dark hair were recruited for the study, and were all treated using the Chromes 694 De pilation Ruby Laser. The overall efficacy of treatment was assessed at the end of 3 months. The efficacy of laser treatment is not due solely to the p roportion of hair in the growing or static phase of the hair cycle. There i s a lack of correlation between the melanin content and the overall efficac y of laser hair removal in those treated once, but patients with darker hai r responded better after repeated treatments. The proportion of hair in the growth phase and the melanin content of hair do not contribute solely to t he efficacy of ruby laser hair removal.