Evidence map›Paper›PMID 37235570›Full record

ArticlePloS one2023

Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a Diode laser.

Kelly Hendricks, Celenkosini Thembelenkosini Nxumalo, Mokgadi U Makgobole, Shanaz Ghuman, Diana Jacobs, Nomakhosi Mpofana

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
0.6field-weighted citation impact, top 30% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed, 2 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Management of women with hirsutism in Kosovo.Postepy dermatologii i alergologii · 2025
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.

Kelly HendricksDepartment of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Celenkosini Thembelenkosini NxumaloAcademic Development Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Mokgadi U MakgoboleDepartment of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Shanaz GhumanDepartment of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0002-6707-9871
Diana JacobsSomatology Department, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
Nomakhosi MpofanaDepartment of Somatology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0002-3007-1147
Durban University of Technology · ZACape Peninsula University of Technology · ZA

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLasers of different wavelengths have been developed for use in permanent hair reduction. An increase in the manufacturing of home-use laser hair removal devices allows for these treatments to be performed in the comfort of your own home at an affordable cost.

objectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of permanent hair reduction using a Diode laser in comparison to the Silk'n™ Flash and Go Lux (475-1200 nm) home-use laser.

methodsFifteen females received six axillae laser hair removal treatments at two to four-week intervals using either a professional laser or home-use laser device. Photographs and hair counts were taken before each treatment and at a three week follow up. A T-test was used to evaluate statistical significance, and regression analysis to determine a difference in the effects. Pain scores and side effects were recorded by a visual analogue scale in a satisfaction questionnaire.

resultsThe professional laser showed an overall hair reduction of 85% on the right axilla and 88% on the left axilla. The home-use laser showed an overall reduction of 52% on the right axilla and 46,3% on the left axilla. Mild side effects were experienced for both laser devices. There were no serious adverse effects reported, safety features are effective to a certain extent.

conclusionThe Flash & Go Lux home-use laser can effectively reduce hair at a slower rate than the Diode laser. The home-use laser device offers protection against accidental exposure to light and use on darker skin types. Risks of retinal damage due to long-term exposure to home-use laser light are still cause for concern.

Indexed as

Hair RemovalIntense Pulsed Light TherapyAxillaFemaleHairHumansLasers, SemiconductorTreatment Outcome

Identifiers

PMID37235570
PMCPMC10218747
OpenAlexW4378473168

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.