In this week's episode, Mike and Lisa look into the intriguing relationship between waxing and laser hair removal treatments. They explore the traditional belief that waxing should be avoided before laser treatments due to the risk of removing the hair target, but Mike presents a compelling argument based on the biology of hair growth phases. They discuss the importance of melanin in targeting hair follicles and suggest that waxing may actually enhance the effectiveness of laser treatments by reducing pain and minimizing harmful plume exposure for operators.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Traditionally, it has been advised not to wax before laser treatments because waxing removes the hair, which is the target for laser energy. However, recent discussions suggest that waxing may not be as detrimental as previously thought, and could potentially be beneficial.

• The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). Only hairs in the anagen phase can be effectively targeted by laser treatments, as they contain melanin, which is necessary for the laser to work.

• Melanin is the target chromophore for laser hair removal. While it is typically found in the hair shaft, significant amounts of melanin are also present at the base of the hair follicle, which can be targeted even if the visible hair is not dark or fully developed.

• Waxing can reduce pain during laser treatments by removing visible hair that could generate heat and discomfort. Additionally, it minimizes the amount of plume (burnt tissue) released into the air, which can be harmful to both clients and operators.

• There is speculation that waxing may help synchronize hair growth cycles, leading to more effective laser treatments. However, more research and real-life examples are needed to confirm this theory and determine the best protocols for combining waxing and laser treatments.

BEST MOMENTS

"So the interesting thing that I realised while studying all this was that the new hair shaft is growing or starts to grow in anagen 3. It's not fully melanised until late in anagen 3."

"So, any hair we can see that's not in catagen or telogen must be in late anagen. And that's good for us."

"If you hit those with laser IPL light, it makes no difference. If it's an anagen, it means the follicle is already in the subcutis, in the fatty tissue."

"If you wax them before you do the treatment, then immediately after the treatment, there's no visible hairs at all."

"So I suspect that if you were to wax and then treat with laser IPL, you'd probably have a hair-free environment for quite some time."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com

In this episode, Mike and Lisa discuss the exciting news of Mike's recent election as chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals (LPA). They talk through the organisation's mission to promote laser safety across various sectors, including clinics and industrial settings. Mike shares insights about the role of Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) and the new online course he's developing to train them, emphasising the importance of safety in laser use.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mike Murphy has been elected as the chairman of the Association of Laser Safety Professionals, which aims to raise awareness of laser safety across various sectors, including clinics, scientific establishments, and industrial settings.

• The organisation is looking to modernise its approach by utilising social media and enhancing its online presence, with plans to offer a new course for Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) that will be available on an online teaching platform.

• The new course for LSOs consists of four modules and includes a multiple-choice exam with 50 questions and a 90% pass mark. It is designed to be an open book exam, allowing participants to reference course materials.

• There is a distinction between Laser Protection Advisors (LPAs) and Laser Safety Officers (LSOs), with LPAs providing support and conducting assessments, while LSOs are responsible for ensuring safety on the ground in facilities using lasers.

• The chairman aims to engage insurance companies to recognise the value of accredited LSOs, potentially providing benefits to clinics that employ them, thereby enhancing safety standards in the industry.

BEST MOMENTS

"I was elected as chairman of the association of laser safety professionals, which is a small organization of laser protection advisors based in the UK."

"We're going to start using this new thing that we just heard about. It's called social media."

"Laser Protection Advisors are there to support Laser Safety Officers."

"If you get the passport, then you've got a certificate. But we're always here behind that to support you."

"It's important to have even more strings to your bow to help with that."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com

In this episode, Mike and Lisa welcome their first online guest, Natasha, a laser technician from Northern Ireland. Natasha shares her journey through the challenges she faced early in her career, including a distressing experience with a potential lawsuit. She discusses how she overcame her initial lack of confidence and offers valuable tips for new and aspiring laser techs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Having proper insurance is crucial for laser technicians. In the event of a legal issue, it's essential to pass all correspondence to the insurance company, allowing them to handle the situation.

• Technicians should not settle for basic training provided by equipment manufacturers. Seeking additional education and training from reputable sources can significantly enhance skills and confidence in performing treatments.

• Clear communication with clients is vital. Setting expectations regarding treatment sensations and results helps build trust and ensures clients understand the process and potential discomfort.

• Building a network of fellow technicians and industry professionals provides ongoing support and learning opportunities. Engaging with peers can help boost confidence and provide valuable insights.

• Technicians should trust their knowledge and capabilities while remaining open to learning from others. Balancing confidence with humility allows for personal and professional growth in the field.

BEST MOMENTS

"Take a deep breath and realise that this will be temporary. It is not defining of you or your treatment or your career. It will pass. Your insurance is there for a reason."

"Do not settle for that training. Educate yourself. Do your research with regards to who you're going to go to for education."

"You're more capable than what you probably give yourself credit for. But also, if you think you know way more than you think you do, there's a wee bit of humility there as well."

"These letters are designed to scare you. They're threatening bully boy letters, but the last thing you do is respond. You pass it to your insurance company."

"The ongoing support after your training is the most valuable part of the whole thing."

ABOUT THE HOSTS

Mike began his career in medical lasers in 1986 with a physics degree and a post-grad in bioengineering. He helped develop the scar-free removal of tattoos using a Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Glasgow, and the world's first IPL system. Known well in the industry for his hard truths, no BS attitude and logical answers. As the author of three books, articles for medical journals, a well read blog, a Laser Protection Advisor and contributor to the BMLA, Mike is the Laser Guru.

Lisa's claim to laser fame is being Mike's daughter. Growing up with lasers and never avoiding a physics lesson from her Dad, it was natural to enter the industry. Leaving a corporate career with a baby to jump into self employed life came with challenges. Despite that Lisa has been well recognised for her teaching style, practical tips, bringing the compassion to the science, and laser mentoring.

Instagram: @dermalase_lasertraining

https://mikemurphyblog.com

https://www.dermalasetraining.com