Nor does it produce scarring. However, depilatories can cause skin irritation, particularly with prolonged contact. They should never be applied to abraded, irritated or inflamed skin, or used by those with skin problems. Allergic reactions are not common, but do occur, and may be caused by fragrances, lanolin derivatives, or other additives. Hair that is dark or coarse appears to be more resistant to the effects of chemical depilation than lighter or thinner hair.
Lasers direct concentrated light energy toward a specific target.
The absorbed light energy is converted to heat, which damages or destroys the hair follicle. However, there are a number of practical problems with this technique, the most important being the conspicuous lack of regulation of practitioners in many states. As a consequence, there are wide variations in both the quality of this procedure, and standards under which it is performed. Complications from electrolysis include scarring and infection. All of these techniques involve the insertion of needles into hair follicles, and the subsequent destruction of their deep portions.