Patent Publication Number: US-9839475-B2

Title: Heated element based shaver with hair regrowth suppression

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of International Application PCT/IL2012/050216 filed Jun. 21, 2012 published as WO 2013/011505, entitled “Hair Removal and Re-Growth Suppression Apparatus, which claims priority from: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/499,714 filed Jun. 22, 2011 entitled “MODIFIED HOME USE HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/499,713 filed Jun. 22, 2011 entitled “HAIR TREATMENT AND REMOVAL APPARATUS”. The entire contents of each of the above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of hair removal and more particularly to a hair shaving apparatus with a heating element supplemented with an irradiation source for hair regrowth suppression. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The removal of unwanted hair growth from the body can be accomplished with mechanized means, for example razors, tweezers or wax, all of which are uncomfortable to use, irritate the skin and/or cause damage to the skin. Another form of hair removal is by heating the hair growth to a temperature sufficient to cut the hair, however a concern of devices for hair removal involving heat is the danger of skin damage from excess heat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,445, issued Nov. 30, 2004 to Shalev et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to an electric shaver comprising a heat generator and one or more heat elements heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, the heat generator arranged to prevent heat from being applied continuously in a single area for sufficient time to cause skin damage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,170,034, issued Jan. 30, 2007 to Shalev et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to an electric shaver comprising a heat element heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, the heating of the heat element being pulsed to prevent heat from being applied continuously in a single area for sufficient time to cause skin damage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,202,446, issued Apr. 10, 2007 to Shalev et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to an electric shaver comprising an elongated element heated to a temperature capable of cutting hair and a vibrating structure on which the elongated element is mounted, the vibrating structure arranged to prevent skin damage. 
     U.S. published patent application Ser. No. 2009/0205208 published Aug. 20, 2009 to Shalev, et al, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to a hair cutting device comprising a detector adapted to detect motion of the shaver heated wire arranged to cut hair, a hair cutting removal and suppression head having a heated wire suitable for heating hair growing from the skin and cutting the hair, and a controller arranged to move the hair cutting removal and suppression head between a hair cutting position and a retracted position responsive to the presence of, or absence of, detected motion. 
     It is known that heating hair follicles affects hair growth rate. Experience has shown that repeated use of heat based hair removal devices, such as certain products available commercially from Radiancy, Inc. of Orangeburg, New York, reduces hair growth rate. Although hair growth rate is reduced by the above mentioned products, hair growth rate reduction is achieved as a byproduct, and is thus not optimal. 
     Follicular epithelial stem cells (FESC) are present within 0.5 mm of the skin surface in non-scalp skin. There is evidence that permanent thermal damage to FESCs are not specifically necessary to change the cell signaling between the FESC and the associated papilla, or that FESC are even involved in the induction of a catagen-like state that shuts down hair growth after injury to follicles. However, it is well known in medicine that subtle damage and stimuli can induce long-lasting biological inhibition in hair growth. These stimuli include mild hyperthermia; for example, fever can induce telogen effluvium, the loss of hair due to induction of catagen phase (the transitional phase between anagen and telogen lasting about 3 to 6 weeks). Other stimuli include hypoxia, oxidative stress, toxic chemical exposure, antimetabolites and radiation. The anagen (actively growing) hair follicle is ready to undergo apoptosis and its transition to telogen (resting) upon a number of triggers. This transition would not cause permanent hair loss, but would lead to long-lasting hair growth suppression, especially if the injury or stimuli were repeated frequently. 
     It would be desirable therefore to provide the benefits of such a long lasting hair growth suppression in cooperation with a shaver. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art. This is accomplished in certain embodiments by providing an integrated device comprising a shaver utilizing a cutting element and an irradiating element arranged to irradiate a skin portion with light sufficient to provide hair growth suppression. Preferably such light is arranged to provide thermal stimuli to a depth of 0.5 to about 1 mm below the skin inducing a catagen-like state of the hair follicles. In one embodiment, the cutting element is a heated element and in another embodiment the cutting element and irradiating element are provided as a unitary element. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source is arranged to provide a fluence of 0.5 to 2 Joules/cm 2  to the skin portion. 
     In one embodiment, the light source is a broadband halogen lamp arranged to emit light in wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 1100 nanometers. In one further embodiment, the lamp is arranged to emit light predominantly in wavelengths between 500 nanometers and 900 nanometers. 
     In one embodiment the light source is arranged to provide the light in a round spot on the skin portion. 
     In one embodiment, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED) arranged to emit light in wavelengths between 430 nanometers and 1070 nanometers. In one further embodiment, the light source is an array of LEDs, optionally arranged to produce an elongated illumination zone of the skin portion. 
     In one embodiment, the light source is a laser diode arranged to emit light in a wavelength between 430 nanometers and 1070 nanometers. In one further embodiment, the light source is an array of laser diodes, optionally arranged to produce an elongated illumination zone of the skin portion. In yet another embodiment, a scanning optical element is provided in optical communication with the light source, the scanning optical element arranged to form a predetermined shaped illumination zone shaped on the skin portion. 
     In one embodiment, a motion sensor and a control circuit are provided, the control circuit arranged to adjust the intensity of light impinging on the skin portion responsive to the amount of detected motion by the motion sensor. 
     Additional features and advantages will become apparent from the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. 
       With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIGS. 1A-1G  illustrate a plurality of views of various components of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising an irradiating element and a cutting element, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a high level side cut view of the hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1G , further comprising a regular translation mechanism, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a graph showing the effect of the hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus of  FIG. 2A  on the temperature of the epidermis; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate various high level side cut views of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising a translating reflector, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate various high level side cut views of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus with a fixed reflector, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate various high level side cut views of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising an irradiating element and a cutting element and further comprising a separate translation mechanism for each element, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising a fixed irradiating element, a cutting element and a translation mechanism arranged to translate the cutting element between a first and a second position, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various high level side cut views of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising a plurality of irradiating and cutting elements and a plurality of translation mechanisms; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising a plurality of irradiating and cutting elements, a plurality of translation mechanisms and a heat vent; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a graph describing the operation of the hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising a plurality of irradiating and cutting elements, a plurality of translation mechanisms and a single removal and suppression head; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a high level flow chart of a first method of operation of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising an irradiating element, a reflector and a cutting element, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a high level flow chart of a second method of operation of the hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus, incorporating certain stages of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of hair removal and re-growth suppression comprising irradiating a portion of a skin surface and cutting hairs protruding there from, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of hair removal and re-growth suppression comprising regularly heating and cooling a portion of a skin surface, according to certain embodiments; 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus with a cutting element in close proximity to a skin surface so as to shave hair, having an irradiation element; 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus of  FIG. 14A  with the cutting element removed from close proximity to the skin surface; and 
         FIG. 14C  illustrates certain stages in the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus of  FIGS. 14A-14B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1A-1G  illustrate a plurality of views of various components of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10 . Specifically,  FIGS. 1A-1C  each illustrate an isometric view of a removal and suppression head  20  of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10 ;  FIGS. 1D-1F  each illustrate a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10 ; and  FIG. 1G  illustrates an isometric view of an irradiating element  40  and a reflector  90 , according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 1D  further illustrates a high level schematic drawing of certain electrical components of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10 .  FIGS. 1A-1G  will be described together. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10  comprises: a housing  15 , exhibiting an opening  17 ; a user input device  18 ; a user alarm  19 ; a removal and suppression head  20  exhibiting a wall  22 ; an extender assembly  23 , constituted of a pair of arms  25 , extender assembly  23  exhibiting a first end  27 , a second end  29  and a longitudinal end  28 ; a power source  30 ; an irradiating element  40 ; a pair of first connectors  50 ; a driver  60 ; a control circuitry  70 ; a motion sensor  80 ; a reflector  90 ; a pair of second connectors  100 ; a cutting element  110 ; and a driver  120 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, user input device  18  comprises one of a push button, a touch screen and a switch. In one non-limiting embodiment, user alarm  19  comprises one of an LED, an audible alarm and a screen display. In one embodiment, extender assembly  23  exhibits low thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, extender assembly  23  is composed of a ceramic material. In one embodiment, longitudinal end  28  of extender assembly  23  comprises a plurality of teeth, thereby providing minimal surface area. In one embodiment, an inner face  24  of extender assembly  23  is constituted of reflective material arranged to substantially reflect EMR exhibiting wavelengths of 500-5000 nm. In one embodiment, each face  24  is constituted of aluminum oxide, in one further embodiment the purity of the aluminum oxide being between 90-99.5%. In one embodiment, the reflectivity of each face  24  is at least 96% at 500 nm and 98% at 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the reflective surface of each face  24  is substantially smooth. In one embodiment, power source  30  is arranged to be connected via a power cord to a power mains. In one embodiment, power source  30  is a rechargeable power source. 
     In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a wire. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a ribbon. In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a Nickel Chromium alloy. In one further embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises Nichrome. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a Molybdenum disilicide alloy. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  is arranged to output EMR exhibiting about 95% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment the EMR exhibiting less than 10% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  is arranged to be heated up to a temperature of 400°-1900° C. responsive to an appropriate current flowing there through. In one particular embodiment, irradiating element is arranged to be heated up to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C. and in one further embodiment to a temperature of about 1900° C., responsive to an appropriate current flowing there through. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  is arranged to be heated to a temperature of greater than 1900° C. In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  is elongated square cuboid shaped. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  is elongated rectangular cuboid shaped. In one embodiment, the length of irradiating element  40  is between 1-100 times longer than the width thereof. In one particular embodiment, the length of irradiating element  40  is 5 times longer than the width thereof. In another embodiment, the length of irradiating element  40  is more than 100 times longer than the width thereof. In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , irradiating element  40  is cylindrically shaped. 
     In one embodiment, a first connector of first connector pair  50  and a first connector of second connector pair  100  are constituted of a single unified connector and a second connector of first connector pair  50  and a second connector of second connector pair  100  are constituted of a single unified connector. 
     In one embodiment, driver  60  and driver  120  are provided as a single driver. In one embodiment, driver  60  is a current driver and in another embodiment driver  60  is a voltage driver. In one embodiment, driver  120  is a current driver and in another embodiment driver  120  is a voltage driver. In one embodiment, motion sensor  80  comprises any of a plurality of standard motion sensors including, but not limited to: an optical sensor; a magnetic sensor; a mechanical sensor; and an ultrasonic sensor. In one particular embodiment, motion sensor  80  comprises a roller arranged to come in contact with a skin surface. Control circuitry  70  is arranged to calculate the rate of relative motion of housing  15  along a skin surface  140  responsive to motion sensor  80 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1D , reflector  90  is elongated concave shaped. In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1E , reflector  90  is elongated v-shaped. In another embodiment, reflector  90  is elongated open trapezoid shaped. In another embodiment, reflector  90  is elongated paraboloid shaped. 
     In one embodiment, reflector  90  is constituted of reflective material arranged to substantially reflect EMR exhibiting wavelengths of 500-5000 nm. In one embodiment, reflector  90  is constituted of aluminum oxide, in one further embodiment the purity of the aluminum oxide being between 90-99.5%. In one embodiment, the reflectivity of reflector  90  is at least 96% at 500 nm and 98% at 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the reflective surface of reflector  90  is substantially smooth. In one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of reflector  90  is about 35 W/mK°, thus providing for superior heat transfer characteristics. 
     In one embodiment, cutting element  110  comprises an elongate shaped wire. In another embodiment, cutting element  110  comprises a ribbon. In one further embodiment, cutting element  110  comprises a Nickel Chromium alloy. In one further embodiment, cutting element  110  comprises Nichrome. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a Molybdenum disilicide alloy. In another embodiment, irradiating element  40  comprises a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, cutting element  110  is arranged to be heated to a temperature of 400°-1900° C., responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough. In one particular embodiment, cutting element  110  is arranged to be heated to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C., responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough. Optionally, a thermal sensor is provided (not shown) in communication with cutting element  110 , the output of the thermal sensor provided as a feedback to control circuitry  70 . In such an embodiment, control circuitry  70  is arranged to maintain supervisory control of the temperature of cutting element  110  and prevent the temperature of cutting element  110  from exceeding a predetermined maximum, and optionally further ensure that the temperature of cutting element  110  does not fall below a predetermined minimum during operation. 
     Extender assembly  23  extends outward from a particular location on wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20  towards longitudinal end  28 , and is arranged to meet a portion  130  of skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, extender assembly  23  is constituted of a pair of parallel arms  25 , displaced one from the other, with inner faces  24  facing each other. Parallel arms  25  form an opening  26  between longitudinal ends  28 . In one embodiment (not shown), extender assembly  23  comprises opposing walls of an enclosure extending outward from wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20  towards longitudinal end  28 . 
     One of first connectors  50  extends outward from wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , facing the opening between parallel arms  25  at first ends  27 . Another of first connectors  50  extends outward from wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , facing the opening between parallel arms  25  at second ends  29 . One of second connectors  100  extends outward from wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , facing the opening between parallel arms  25  at first ends  27 . Another of second connectors  100  extends outward from removal and suppression head  20  facing the opening between parallel arms  25  at second ends  29 . 
     Each end of irradiating element  40  is connected to a particular first connector  50 . In one embodiment, where irradiating element  40  is elongated rectangular cuboid shaped, the edge of irradiating element  40  facing wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , and the edge parallel thereto, are narrower than the edges parallel to parallel arms  25 . In another embodiment (not shown), where irradiating element  40  is elongated rectangular cuboid shaped, the edge of irradiating element  40  facing wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , and the edge parallel thereto, are wider than the edges parallel to parallel arms  25 . In one embodiment, the distance between irradiating element  40  and opening  26  is between 0.1-80 mm. Reflector  90  is, in one embodiment, disposed on removal and suppression head  20  between parallel arms  25  and fixed in relation to wall  22 . In one embodiment, the walls of reflector  90  extend past irradiating element  40  towards opening  26 . In one embodiment, a plurality of reflectors  90  are provided and disposed on faces  24  of parallel arms  25 . 
     Each end of cutting element  110  is connected to a particular second connector  100 . In one embodiment, cutting element  110  is situated between irradiating element  40  and opening  26 . In one embodiment, cutting element  110  is displaced from opening  26 , in the direction of wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , by less than 5 mm, in one particular embodiment the displacement is less than 3 mm. In one non-limiting embodiment, irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110  are parallel to each other within a plane perpendicular to opening  26 . 
     In one embodiment, power source  30 , driver  60 , control circuitry  70  and driver  120  are situated within housing  15 . Removal and suppression head  20  is situated within a cavity  16  of housing  15  formed by opening  17 , with opening  26  of removal and suppression head  20  facing opening  17  of housing  15 . A first input of control circuitry  70  is connected to an output of motion sensor  80  and a second input of control circuitry  70  is connected to an output of power source  30 . A power input of driver  60  is connected to a respective output of power source  30  and a control input of driver  60  is connected to a respective output of control circuitry  70 . An output of driver  60  is connected to irradiating element  40 . In one embodiment, driver  60  is connected to irradiating element  40  via pair of first connectors  50 . A power input of driver  120  (not shown) is connected to a respective output of power source  30  and a control input of driver  120  is connected to a respective output of control circuitry  70 . An output of driver  120  is connected to cutting element  120 . In one embodiment, driver  120  is connected to cutting element  110  via pair of second connectors  100 . An output of user input device  18  is connected to a third input of control circuitry  70  and an input of user alarm  19  is connected to a respective output of control circuitry  70 . 
     In one embodiment, the connection of removal and suppression head  20  to housing  15  is such that removal and suppression head  20  can be detached from housing  15  by a user and replaced with a different removal and suppression head  20 . 
     In operation, a portion of opening  17  of housing  15  is juxtaposed with portion  130  of skin surface  140 , in one embodiment by a user grasping housing  15 . Responsive to a user input at user input device  18 , control circuitry  70  controls driver  60  to drive current through irradiating element  40 , thereby irradiating element  40  begins to produce electromagnetic radiation (EMR), as a result of the heating thereof, which is radiated in a plurality of directions. In one embodiment, a portion of the heat and EMR is radiated in the direction of opening  26  and a majority of the heat and EMR is radiated in the direction of reflector  90 . EMR is reflected off reflector  90  in the general direction of opening  26 . Thus, a large portion of the EMR radiated from irradiating element  40  reaches portion  130  of skin surface  140  via opening  26  and radiates the hair follicles, and/or the inner skin layers, under portion  130  of skin surface  140 . The EMR penetrating skin surface  140  is preferably of a wavelength arranged to be absorbed by hair follicles and/or the matter in the immediate surroundings thereof, thereby heating the hair follicles, while providing minimal absorption by the epidermis. In one embodiment, the EMR is arranged to induce a catagen-like state of the hair follicle, while limiting heating of the epidermis so as not to cause damage thereto. In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  and reflector  90  are arranged such that the EMR output by irradiating element  40  is reflected so as to be focused along a line parallel to irradiating element  40 , at a depth of 0.5-10 mm beneath skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, irradiating element  40  and reflector  90  are arranged such that the EMR is focused along lines generally perpendicular to portion  130  of skin surface  140  so as to maximize penetration of skin and reduce reflection of the EMR off skin surface  140 . 
     In one embodiment, driver  60  is arranged to drive irradiating element  40  to output EMR with a power between 0.5-20 W, in one particular embodiment with a power between 1-10 W. In one embodiment, driver  60  is arranged to drive irradiating element  40  to output EMR with fluence between 0.5-10 J/cm 2 , measured at opening  26 , in one particular embodiment the fluence being about 3 J/cm 2 . In another embodiment, driver  60  is arranged to drive irradiating element  40  to output EMR with fluence between 0.5-2 J/cm 2 , measured at opening  26 , in one particular embodiment the fluence being about 1 J/cm 2 . 
     A very small portion of the energy of the EMR is within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of less than 400 nm. Thus, minimal harmful UV radiation reaches the skin and no UV filters are required. Furthermore, radiation with wavelengths greater than 1000 nm, i.e. infrared (IR) radiation, is less susceptible to scattering and reflecting off the skin. Additionally, IR radiation is less absorbed and better in reaching the deeper layers of skin, such as the dermis, than radiation with wavelengths less than 1000 nm. Advantageously, the EMR radiation within the spectrum of between 500-1000 nm, because of the melanin in the epidermis and hair follicle, preferably provides thermal stimuli to a depth of 0.5 to about 1 mm below the skin inducing a catagen-like state of the hair follicles. 
     Heat radiated from irradiating element  40  in the direction of reflector  90 , representing the majority of the heat output by irradiating element  40 , is absorbed thereby and in one embodiment is conducted and/or transferred by convection through reflector  90 . Heat radiated from irradiating element  40  in the directions of first ends  27  and second ends  29  of extender assembly  23  exits the openings there between. Thus, only a small portion of the heat radiated by irradiating element  40  reaches portion  130  of skin surface  140 . In particular, in the embodiment where irradiating element  40  is rectangular cuboid shaped, the majority of the heat output by irradiating element  40  reaches reflector  90  and only a small portion reaches opening  26 . Since only a small portion of the output heat reaches portion  130  of skin surface  140 , any risk associated with a rise in the temperature of the skin (e.g. burn) is limited. In one embodiment, as will be described below in relation to  FIGS. 8A and 9 , one or more heat vents are provided, arranged to vent excess heat away from skin surface  140 . 
     In order to perform shaving, or other hair cutting, the user moves removal and suppression head  20  along skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, responsive to an output of motion sensor  80  indicative that housing  15  is in relative motion in relation to skin surface  140  with a rate of motion greater than a predetermined first minimum, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  120  to drive current through cutting element  110 , thereby cutting element  110  produces heat. In one embodiment, a mechanical positioning mechanism (not shown) is further supplied to move cutting element  110  to a position adjacent skin surface  140 , optionally to a distance of less than 3 mm from skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, current is driven through irradiating element  40  by control circuitry  70  only when current is driven through cutting element  110 . In another embodiment, current is driven through irradiating element  40  irrespective of the output of motion sensor  80 . In yet another embodiment, current is driven through irradiating element  40  responsive to a rate of relative motion sensed by motion sensor  80  exceeding a first limit, and current is driven through cutting element  110  responsive to a rate of relative motion sensed by motion sensor  80  exceeding a second limit, the second limit greater than the first limit. A hair  150 , protruding from portion  130  of skin surface  140 , comes in contact with cutting element  110  and is cut by heated cutting element  110 , such as by singeing. Advantageously, the diameter of cutting element  110  is small enough such that heat output thereby is substantially dissipated before reaching portion  130  of skin surface  140 . Furthermore, a small diameter of cutting element  110  is advantageous so as to provide a low thermal mass for cutting element  110 , thus preventing unintended burning of skin surface  140  when the rate of relative motion drops below the predetermined limit of operation and cutting element  110  is de-energized. In one embodiment, the diameter of cutting element  110  is between 10-300 μm. 
     In one embodiment, in the event motion sensor  80  detects that the rate of relative motion of housing  15  is below a predetermined limit, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  120  to cease current flow through cutting element  110 . Optionally, current is similarly ceased by driver  60  through irradiating element  40 . In one preferred embodiment, as will be described below in relation to  FIGS. 2A-2B  removal and suppression head  20  is translated away from the skin. In another embodiment, cutting element  110  is translated away from the skin with no translation of removal and suppression head  20 . In one embodiment, user alarm  19  outputs an indicator that the rate of relative motion of housing  15  should be increased. Alternately, as described above, different limits are supplied for each of driver  60  and driver  120 . Thus, a rate of relative motion less than the above mentioned second limit results in a cessation of current to cutting element  110 , with an optional motion of cutting element  110  away from skin surface  140 , and a rate of relative motion less than the above mentioned first limit results in a cessation of current to irradiating element  140  with an optional motion of irradiating element away from skin surface  140 . Alternately, current through irradiating element  40  is a function of the detected rate of relative motion, and a range of output radiation is supplied by irradiating element  40  responsive to the value of the detected rate of relative motion. In one embodiment, the control of current through each of irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110  is controlled such that the temperature of portion  130  of skin surface  140 , when juxtaposed with opening  26 , is 40°-46° C. 
     In another embodiment, in the event motion sensor  80  detects no motion of housing  15 , or relative motion below a predetermined safety threshold, control circuitry  70  controls one or both of drivers  60 ,  120  to interrupt the current flow through the respective one of irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110 . In one preferred embodiment, as will be described below in relation to  FIGS. 2A-2B , removal and suppression head  20  is translated away from the skin. In another embodiment, cutting element  110  is translated away from the skin with no translation of removal and suppression head  20 . Preferably, in the event that no relative motion is detected for a predetermined time period, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  60  to interrupt current flow through irradiating element  40  and control driver  120  to interrupt current flow through cutting element  110 . In one embodiment, user alarm  19  outputs an indicator that the rate of relative motion of housing  15  should be increased. 
     In one embodiment, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  60  to pulseably drive current through irradiating element  40 . In the embodiment where control circuitry  70  is arranged to calculate the rate of relative motion of housing  15  over skin surface  140  responsive to input from the detection of motion sensor  80 , optionally the duty cycle of driver  60  is a function of the detected rate of relative motion. As the rate of relative motion of housing  15  increases, the duty cycle of driver  60  increases and as the rate of relative motion of housing  15  decreases, the duty cycle of driver  60  decreases. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of driver  60  is adjusted such that the temperature of portion  130  of skin surface  140 , when juxtaposed with opening  26 , is 40°-46° C. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of driver  60  is adjusted to provide a pulse length of:
 
 T=X/V   EQ. 1
 
where X is the spacing between longitudinal ends  28  of parallel arms  25 , defining opening  26 , and V is the detected rate of relative motion of housing  15 .
 
     In one embodiment, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  120  to pulseably drive current through cutting element  110 . In the embodiment where control circuitry  70  is arranged to calculate the rate of relative motion of housing  15  over skin surface  140  responsive to the detection of motion sensor  80 , optionally the duty cycle of driver  110  is a function of the detected rate of relative motion. As the rate of relative motion of housing  15  increases, the duty cycle of driver  110  increases and as the rate of relative motion of housing  15  decreases, the duty cycle of driver  110  decreases. 
     The above has been described in an embodiment where cutting element  110  is a heated element, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment, cutting element  110  is provided as a blade arranged to cut hair which comes in contact therewith during motion of removal and suppression head  20  in relation to the hair. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  and  FIG. 2B  illustrates a graph showing the effect of the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  on the epidermis and hair follicles, wherein the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents temperature, both in arbitrary units, the figures being described together. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  10  of  FIGS. 1A-1E , and further comprises a translation mechanism  330 . In one embodiment reflector  90  is not provided. In one embodiment (not shown), motion sensor  80  is not provided. For the sake of simplicity, user input device  18 , user alarm  19 , power source  30 , irradiating element  40 , driver  60 , control circuitry  70  and driver  120  are not shown. In one non-limiting embodiment, translation mechanism  330  comprises: a cam  350 , exhibiting a shortened radius portion  360  and an extended radius portion  370 ; a plurality of springs  380 ; and a plurality of spring connectors  390 . In one embodiment (not shown), cam  350  comprises a plurality of mechanical parts allowing for adjustment of shortened radius portion  360  and extended radius portion  370 . In another embodiment (not shown), translation mechanism  330  comprises a mechanical cradle. In another embodiment (not shown), translation mechanism  330  comprises a swinging lever arranged for alternate rectilinear motion. 
     Each spring  380  is connected at one end to removal and suppression head  20  and at a second end to housing  15 , via a respective spring connector  390 . A wall  21  of removal and suppression head  20 , opposing wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20  and displaced thereof away from opening  17  of housing  15 , is arranged to come in contact with cam  350 . Cam  350  is rotated by a motor (not shown), which is in communication with control circuitry  70  and power source  30 . 
     In operation, a portion of opening  17  of housing  15  is juxtaposed with portion  130  of skin surface  140 , in one embodiment by a user grasping housing  15 . Initially, responsive to a user input at user input device  18 , extended radius portion  370  of cam  350  comes in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , thereby removal and suppression head  20  is translated to a treatment position in relation to opening  17  of housing  15 , the treatment position also known herein as the first position. In one embodiment, in the treatment position, the distance between cutting element  110  and opening  17 , denoted h(t), is less than 3 mm, and in one particular embodiment is between 0.1-1 mm. In another embodiment, in the treatment position, cutting element  110  is level with opening  17  of housing  15 . Control circuitry  70  controls drivers  60  and  120  to drive current through irradiating element  40  (not shown) and cutting element  110 , respectively. As described above, heat and EMR is output from irradiating element  40 , with radiation reaching portion  130  of skin surface  140  and preferably absorbed by melanin in the epidermis and in the hair follicles therein. Heat is output from cutting element  110 , arranged to cut any hair portions in contact therewith, as described above. Additionally, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control cam  350  to begin to rotate. Curve  400  of  FIG. 2B  represents the temperature of the epidermis of portion  130  of skin surface  140 . As shown by curve  400 , the temperature of the epidermis, are impacted with each successive treatment by increasing temperature over time. The increasing temperature provides the thermal stimuli inducing the catagen-like state of the hair follicles. 
     At time T 1 , as cam  350  rotates such that extended radius portion  370  is no longer in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , springs  380  cause removal and suppression head  20  to advance towards cam  350 , specifically towards shortened radius portion  360  of cam  350 . Removal and suppression head  20  is thus translated from the treatment position to a cooling position, also known as the second position, distance h(t) thereby increasing. In one embodiment, the distance between the treatment and cooling position of removal and suppression head  20  is between 2-20 mm and in one particular embodiment is 5 mm. In one embodiment, while removal and suppression head  20  is in the cooling position, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control current driver  120  to cease current flow through cutting element  110 , thereby allowing cutting element  110  to cool. In one embodiment, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control current driver  60  to cease current flow through irradiating element  40 , thereby allowing irradiating element  40  to cool. 
     At time T 2 , cam  350  completes a rotation and extended radius portion  370  again comes in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , removal and suppression head  20  is advanced towards opening  17  of housing  15 . Removal and suppression head  20  is thus translated to the treatment position, thereby raising the temperature of the epidermis of portion  130  of skin surface  140 , as described above. In the embodiment where current flow through cutting element  110  is ceased while in the cooling position, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control current driver  120  to resume current flow through cutting element  110  at time T 2 . In the embodiment where current flow through irradiating element  40  is ceased while in the cooling position, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control current driver  60  to resume current flow through irradiating element  40  at time T 2 . At time T 3 , when extended radius portion  370  of cam  350  is no longer in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , removal and suppression head  20  is again translated to the cooling position. As shown in curve  400 , the temperature of the epidermis at time T 3  is at a higher temperature than at time T 1 . At time T 4 , cam  350  completes a second rotation and extended radius portion  370  again comes in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , removal and suppression head  20  again being translated to the treatment position as described above in relation to time T 2 . At time T 5 , extended radius portion  370  is no longer in contact with removal and suppression head  20 , and removal and suppression head  20  is again translated to the cooling position, thereby repeating the process as described above in relation to time T 3 . 
     Advantageously, epidermis is heated to a high enough temperature to provide a thermal stimuli to a depth of 0.5 to about 1 mm below thereby suppressing hair growth, while the overall temperature rise of the outer portion of the epidermis is not significant enough to cause any damage to the epidermis. Additionally, the end of hair  150  in contact with cutting element  110  is further cut by the repeated heating action of cutting element  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the time between each subsequent periodic translation of removal and suppression head  20  into the treatment position is between 0.5-500 ms, in one particular embodiment the periodicity being about 200 ms. Specifically, in one embodiment, the rotation frequency of cam  350  is between 2-2000 Hz, in one particular embodiment the frequency being about 5 Hz. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of the treatment position of removal and suppression head  20  is greater than 50%, i.e. the amount of time removal and suppression head  20  remains in the treatment position is greater than the amount of time removal and suppression head  20  remains in the cooling position. Specifically, the circumference of extended radius portion  370  of cam  350  is greater than the circumference of shortened radius portion  360 . In one embodiment, the duty cycle of the treatment position of removal and suppression head  20  is about 60%. In one preferred embodiment, the duty cycle of the treatment position of removal and suppression head  20  and the rotation frequency of cam  350  are arranged such that portion  130  of skin surface  140  is not damaged from excess heat. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the above operation is responsive to an output of motion sensor  80  indicative that removal and suppression head  20  is in motion, particularly in relative motion in relation to skin surface  140 , with a rate of relative motion greater than a predetermined minimum. In the event that motion sensor  80  detects that the rate of relative motion of housing  15  is below a predetermined limit, control circuitry  70  controls driver  60  and driver  120  to cease current flow through irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110 , respectively. In one embodiment, control circuitry  70  is further arranged to cease rotation of cam  350  at a point where the rotation of cam  350  brings shortened radius portion  360  in contact with removal and suppression head  20  thus ensuring that removal and suppression head  20  is in the cooling position. Preferably, rotation of cam  350  and current flow through irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110  are ceased only in the event that motion sensor  80  detects that the rate of relative motion of housing  15  is below a predetermined limit, i.e. a safety threshold, for more than a predetermined time period. In one particular embodiment the predetermined limit is just above zero, and thus shut off occurs only when no relative motion is detected. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the treatment duty cycle is a function of the detected rate of relative motion of housing  15 . Thus, irradiating element  40  is powered to provide irradiation for only a portion of the time that removal and suppression head  20  is in the treatment position. The treatment duty cycle is understood herein to mean the percentage of total cycle time of removal and suppression head  20  where irradiating element  40  is powered to provide heat. As the rate of relative motion of housing  15  increases, the treatment duty cycle increases and as the rate of relative motion of housing  15  decreases, the treatment duty cycle decreases. 
     In one embodiment, the duty cycle of removal and suppression head  20  is adjusted such that the amount of time removal and suppression head  20  is in the treatment position during each cycle of cam  350  is:
 
 T=Y/V   EQ. 2
 
where Y is the width of opening  26  of removal and suppression head  20  and V is the detected rate of relative motion of housing  15 . Specifically, in one particular embodiment, in order to adjust the duty cycle of removal and suppression head  20 , the rotational speed of cam  350  is separately adjusted during the period when shortened radius portion  360  is in contact with removal and suppression head  20  and during the period when extended radius portion  370  is in contact with removal and suppression head  20 .
 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  with a removal and suppression head  20  in a cooling position;  FIG. 3B  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  with removal and suppression head  20  in a treatment position;  FIG. 3C  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  with a removal and suppression head  20  in a cooling position and further illustrating the teeth of longitudinal end  28  of extender assembly  23 ; and  FIG. 3D  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  with removal and suppression head  20  in a treatment position and further illustrating the teeth of longitudinal end  28  of extender assembly  23 . Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  of  FIG. 2A , with the addition of rollers  510  attached to housing  15  and arranged to be in contact with skin surface  140  when opening  17  of housing  15  is juxtaposed therewith. For the sake of simplicity, the details of translation mechanism  330  are not illustrated. As described above in relation  FIGS. 2A-2B , removal and suppression head  20  is regularly translated between a treatment position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3C , and a cooling position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3B and 3D . The operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  of  FIG. 3A . Advantageously, rollers  510  and the teeth of longitudinal ends  28  of extender assembly  23  allow for smoother movement across skin surface  140 . Additionally, the teeth of extender assembly  23  provides contact of a reduced surface area of extender assembly  23  with skin surface  140 , thereby less heat is transferred from extender assembly  23  to skin surface  140 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3D  translation of irradiating element  40  is linked to translation of cutting element  110 , however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. Independent translation mechanisms for each of irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110  may be provided without exceeding the scope. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  600  with a removal and suppression head  20  in a cooling position and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  600  with removal and suppression head  20  in a treatment position. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  600  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  of  FIGS. 3A-3D , with the exception that reflector  90  is disposed on housing  15  instead of being disposed on removal and suppression head  20 . Specifically, reflector  90  is disposed on a wall  610  of housing  15  facing opening  17 . In one non-limiting embodiment, reflector  90  is spit in two, with translation mechanism  330  positioned between the two halves. As described above, removal and suppression head  20  is regularly translated between a treatment position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A , and a cooling position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . Regardless of the position of removal and suppression head  20 , reflector  90  remains in a fixed position in relation to housing  15 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  700  with a removal and suppression head  20  in a cooling position and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  700  with removal and suppression head  20  in a treatment position. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  700  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , with the exception that separate translation mechanisms  330  are provided for each of irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110 . The operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  700  is in all respects similar to the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500 , with the exception that cutting element  110  is translated independent of the translation of removal and suppression head  20 . In one embodiment, when removal and suppression head  20  is in the treatment position, cutting element  110  is further translated towards portion  130  of skin surface  140  such that the distance between cutting element  110  and skin surface  140  is less than the distance between irradiation element  40  and skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, cutting element  110  is maintained at a distance of less than 3 mm from portion  130  of skin surface  140  regardless of the position of removal and suppression head  20 . In the event motion sensor  80  detects that the relative motion of housing  15  is less than a predetermined value, control circuitry  70  is arranged to control the respective translation mechanism  330  to translate cutting element  110  away from skin surface  140  to a cooling position as described above. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  800 , with a removal and suppression head  20  in a treatment position. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  800  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  600  of  FIGS. 4A-4B , with the exception that irradiating element  40  is fixed in relation to a wall  810  of housing  15 . As described above, removal and suppression head  20  is regularly translated between a treatment position and a cooling position. Regardless of the position of removal and suppression head  20 , irradiating element  40  and reflector  90  remain fixed in relation to housing  15 . In one embodiment, regardless of the position of removal and suppression head  20 , control circuitry  70  is arranged to control driver  60  to maintain current flow through irradiating element  40 , thereby portion  130  of skin surface  140  is constantly irradiated. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate high level side cut views of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  900 , the figures being described together. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  900  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  500  of  FIGS. 3A-3B , with the exception that: a pair of removal and suppression heads  20  are provided; and irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110  are replaced with an irradiating and cutting element  910 . A translation mechanism  330  is provided for each removal and suppression head  20  and, in one embodiment, arranged as described above in relation to  FIG. 2A . In one embodiment (not shown), a driver  60  is provided for each irradiating and cutting element  910  and is arranged to drive current therethrough. In another embodiment, only a single driver  60  is provided and is arranged to drive current through each irradiating and cutting element  910 . In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , each reflector  90  is elongated concave shaped. In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , reflector  90  is an elongated open trapezoid shaped. In one particular embodiment, the open trapezoid shape is an isosceles trapezoid with the wide base open. 
     In one embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  comprises a Nickel Chromium alloy. In one further embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  comprises Nichrome. In another embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  comprises a Molybdenum disilicide alloy. In another embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  comprises a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is arranged to output EMR exhibiting about 95% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment the EMR exhibiting less than 10% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is arranged to be heated up to a temperature of 400-1900° C. responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough. In one particular embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is arranged to be heated up to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C. and in one further embodiment to a temperature of about 1900° C., responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough. In another embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is arranged to be heated to a temperature greater than 1900° C. 
     In one embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is elongated rectangular cuboid shaped. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the edge of irradiating and cutting element  910  facing wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , and the edge parallel thereto, are wider than the edges parallel to parallel arms  25 , as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C . In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the edge of irradiating and cutting element  910  facing wall  22  of removal and suppression head  20 , and the edge parallel thereto, are narrower than the edges parallel to parallel arms  25 . In one embodiment, the length of irradiating and cutting element  910  is 1-100 times longer than the width thereof. In one particular embodiment, the length of irradiating and cutting element  910  is 5 times longer than the width thereof. In another embodiment, the length of irradiating and cutting element  910  is more than 100 times longer than the width thereof. In another embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is cylinder shaped. In another embodiment, irradiating and cutting element  910  is elongated square cuboid shaped. 
     In operation, as described above, each removal and suppression head  20  is regularly translated between a treatment position and a cooling position. In the treatment position, driver  60  is arranged to drive current through irradiating and cutting element  910 , thereby irradiating portion  130  of skin surface  140  and cutting hairs protruding there from, as described above in relation to irradiating element  40  and cutting element  110 . In one embodiment, in the cooling position, driver  60  is arranged to cease current flow through irradiating and cutting element  910 . In one embodiment, removal and suppression heads  20  are alternately translated to the treatment position, with each removal and suppression head  20  being translated to the treatment position only when the other removal and suppression head  20  is in the cooling position. In another embodiment, the treatment time of both removal and suppression heads  20 , i.e. the time period each removal and suppression head  20  is in the treatment position, at least partially overlaps. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of both removal and suppression heads  20 , i.e. the percentage of time each removal and suppression head  20  is in the treatment position, are equal. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of each removal and suppression head  20  is about 60%. In another embodiment, the duty cycle of each removal and suppression head  20  is less than 50%. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of each removal and suppression head  20  is controlled responsive to the detected rate of relative motion of housing  15 , as described above in relation to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  300  of  FIGS. 2A-2B . In one embodiment, the driving pulse time of each irradiating and cutting element  910 , denoted TK, is:
 
 TK=XK/V   EQ. 2
 
where XK is the width of each irradiating and cutting element  910  and V is the detected rate of relative motion of housing  15 . In one embodiment, the size of each irradiating and cutting element  910  and the positions of removal and suppression heads  20  are arranged such that a gap exits between both openings  26  of removal and suppression heads  20 . Advantageously, portion  130  of skin surface  140  cools during the time the gap is juxtaposed therewith, i.e. during the time portion  130  is not exposed to either irradiating and cutting element  910 . The above has been described in an embodiment where two removal and suppression heads  20  are provided, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of removal and suppression heads  20  can be provided without exceeding the scope.
 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000  and  FIG. 8B  illustrates a graph describing the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000 , where the x-axis represents time in arbitrary units and the y-axis represents skin area in arbitrary units, the figures being described together. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  900  of  FIGS. 7A-7B , with the exception that: four removal and suppression heads  20  are provided; a heat vent  1010 , comprising a fan  1020 , is provided; and a plurality of springs  1030  are provided. Heat vent  1010  extends from cavity  16  of housing  15  to the ambient air external of housing  15 . Fan  1020  is situated within heat vent  1010 . A first end of each spring  1030  is connected to housing  15  and a second end of each spring  1030  is connected to a particular removal and suppression head  20 . The operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000  is in all respects similar to the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  900  of  FIGS. 7A-7B . Advantageously, heat vent  1010  is arranged to vent excess heat away from skin surface  140 . In one embodiment, fan  1020  is arranged to be in continuous operation so as to aid in the venting of heat. In one embodiment, as illustrated in the graph of  FIG. 8B , removal and suppression heads  20  are arranged and operated such that each portion  130  of skin surface  140  is irradiated by two removal and suppression heads  20 . 
     Plot  1040  illustrates the area of skin surface  140  irradiated by a first removal and suppression head  20 , wherein a dashed line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is not energized and a solid line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is energized. Plot  1050  illustrates the area of skin surface  140  irradiated by a second removal and suppression head  20 , wherein a dashed line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is not energized and a solid line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is energized. Plot  1060  illustrates the area of skin surface  140  irradiated by a third removal and suppression head  20 , wherein a dashed line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is not energized and a solid line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is energized. Plot  1070  illustrates the area of skin surface  140  irradiated by a fourth removal and suppression head  20 , wherein a dashed line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is not energized and a solid line indicates that first removal and suppression head  20  is energized. 
     At time T 0 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position, as described above, and a portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 4 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of first removal and suppression head  20  until time T 1 . The portion of skin surface  140  irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of third removal and suppression head  20  during the period from T 1  to T 2  is not illustrated in  FIG. 8B . Areas X 1 -X 3  of skin surface  140  are not irradiated and are therefore allowed to cool. At time T 1 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and area X 4  begins to cool. At time T 2 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position, as described above and a portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 3 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of second removal and suppression head  20  until time T 3 . The portion of skin surface  140  irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of fourth removal and suppression head  20  during the period from T 2  to T 3  is not illustrated in  FIG. 8B . Areas X 1 , X 2  and X 4  are not irradiated and are therefore allowed to cool. At time T 3 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and area X 3  begins to cool. 
     At time T 4 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. A portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 6 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of first removal and suppression head  20  and a portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 2 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of third removal and suppression head  20  until time T 5 . At time T 5 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and areas X 2  and X 6  begin to cool. At time T 6 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. A portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 5 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of second removal and suppression head  20  and a portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 1 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of fourth removal and suppression head  20  until time T 7 . At time T 7 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and areas X 1  and X 5  begin to cool. 
     At time T 8 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. A portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 8 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of first removal and suppression head  20  and portion X 4  of skin surface  140  is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of third removal and suppression head  20  until time T 9 . As described above, portion X 4  was irradiated during the time interval between T 0  and T 1 . Thus, treatment is again provided to portion X 4 . At time T 9 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and areas X 4  and X 8  begin to cool. At time T 10 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. A portion  130  of skin surface  140 , denoted X 7 , is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of second removal and suppression head  20  and portion X 3  of skin surface  140  is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of fourth removal and suppression head  20  until time T 11 . As described above, portion X 3  was irradiated during the time interval between T 2  and T 3 . Thus, treatment is again provided to portion X 3 . At time T 11 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and areas X 3  and X 7  begin to cool. 
     At time T 12 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. Portion X 6  of skin surface  140  is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of third removal and suppression head  20  until time T 13 . As described above, portion X 6  was irradiated during the time interval between T 4  and T 5 . Thus, treatment is again provided to portion X 6 . The portion  130  of skin surface  140  irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of first removal and suppression head  20  during the time interval between T 12  and T 13  is not illustrated. At time T 13 , first and third removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and area X 6  begins to cool. At time T 14 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the treatment position. Portion X 5  of skin surface  140  is irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of fourth removal and suppression head  20  until time T 15 . As described above, portion X 5  was irradiated during the time interval between T 6  and T 7 . Thus, treatment is again provided to portion X 5 . The portion  130  of skin surface  140  irradiated by irradiating and cutting element  910  of second removal and suppression head  20  during the time interval between T 14  and T 15  is not illustrated. At time T 15 , second and fourth removal and suppression heads  20  are translated to the cooling position and area X 5  begins to cool. 
     Advantageously, the arrangement and operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000  provides for multiple treatment of skin surface  140 , with each removal and suppression head  20  exhibiting a duty rate of less than 50%. In one embodiment, each spring  1030  is arranged to translate the respective removal and suppression head  20  from the treatment position to the cooling position in the event of malfunction of the respective translation mechanism  330 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1100 . Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1100  is in all respects similar to hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1000  of  FIG. 8A , with the exception that only a single removal and suppression head  20  is provided. Each irradiating and cutting element  910  and the reflector  90  associated therewith is connected to a respective translation mechanism  330 . A first end of each spring  1030  is connected to a respective reflector  90  and a second end of each spring  1030  is connected to removal and suppression head  20 . A plurality of heat vents  1010  are provided, each associated with a respective irradiating and cutting element  910 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a high level flow chart of a first method of operation of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus comprising an irradiating element, a reflector and a cutting element, according to certain embodiments. In stage  2000 , an irradiating element is provided. In one embodiment, the irradiating element comprises a wire. In another embodiment, the irradiating element comprises a ribbon. In one embodiment, the irradiating element comprises a Nickel Chromium alloy. In one further embodiment, the irradiating element comprises Nichrome. In another embodiment, the irradiating element comprises a Molybdenum disilicide alloy. In another embodiment, the irradiating element comprises a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, the irradiating element is arranged to output EMR exhibiting about 95% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment the EMR exhibiting less than 10% of its energy within a spectrum of between 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the irradiating element is arranged to be heated to a temperature of 400°-1900° C. responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough, the EMR output responsive to heating of the irradiating element. In one particular embodiment, the irradiating element is arranged to be heated to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C. and in one further embodiment to a temperature of about 1900° C., responsive to an appropriate current flowing therethrough. In another embodiment, the irradiating element is arranged to be heated to a temperature greater than 1900° C. 
     In one embodiment, the irradiating element is elongated square cuboid shaped. In another embodiment, the irradiating element is elongated rectangular cuboid shaped. In another embodiment, the irradiating element is cylinder shaped. In one embodiment, the length of the irradiating element is 1-100 times longer than the width thereof. In one particular embodiment, the length of the irradiating element is 5 times longer than the width thereof. In another embodiment, the length of the irradiating element is more than 100 times longer than the width thereof. 
     In stage  2010 , a cutting element is provided. In one embodiment, the cutting element comprises one of an elongate shaped wire, a ribbon, a blade and a heated element. In one embodiment, the cutting element comprises a Nickel Chromium alloy. In one further embodiment, the cutting element comprises Nichrome. In another embodiment, the cutting element comprises a Molybdenum disilicide alloy. In another embodiment, the cutting element comprises a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy. 
     In stage  2020 , a removal and suppression head is provided, each of the provided irradiating element and cutting element of stages  2000  and  2010  secured in relation thereto, with a reflector disposed on the provided removal and suppression head. The term secured is not limited to a fixed connection and in one embodiment at least one of the provided irradiating element and provided cutting element is translatable in relation to the provided removal and suppression head as described above in relation to  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 9 . In one embodiment, the reflector is constituted of reflective material arranged to substantially reflect EMR exhibiting wavelengths between 500-5000 nm. In one embodiment, the reflector is constituted of Aluminum Oxide, in one further embodiment the purity being between 90-99.5%. In one embodiment, the reflectivity of the reflector is at least 96% at 500 nm and 98% at 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the reflector is about 35 W/mK°. In stage  2030 , the irradiating element of stage  2000  is positioned in front of the reflector of stage  2020 , so that the irradiating element is positioned between the reflector and a skin surface, as will be described further below. 
     In stage  2040 , the provided removal and suppression head of stage  2020  is juxtaposed with a portion of a skin surface. In stage  2050 , the irradiating element outputs EMR, responsive to current flowing therethrough causing heating thereof. In one embodiment, as described above, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its power within a spectrum between 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment the EMR exhibits less than 10% of its power within a spectrum between 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment the irradiating element is arranged to output EMR exhibiting a power between 0.5-20 W, in one particular embodiment with a power between 1-10 W. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits a fluence, measured at the portion of the skin surface juxtaposed with the removal and suppression head of stage  2020 , of between 0.5-10 J/cm 2 , in one particular embodiment the fluence being about 3 J/cm 2 . The EMR output by the irradiating element is reflected off the reflector towards the portion of the skin surface which is juxtaposed with the indent of the head. Advantageously, heat output by the irradiating element is not substantially reflected off the reflector towards the skin surface. 
     In stage  2060 , the cutting element of stage  2010  is heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair. In one embodiment, the cutting element is heated to a temperature of 400°-1900° C., in one particular embodiment, to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C. 
     In optional stage  2070 , a motion sensor is provided. In one embodiment, the motion sensor is arranged to output a signal responsive to the relative motion of the housing of stage  2020  in relation to a juxtaposed skin surface. In one embodiment, in the event that relative motion detected by the motion sensor is greater than a first predetermined value, irradiation by the provided irradiating element of stage  2000  is provided, and in the event that relative motion detected by the motion sensor is less than a second predetermined value, irradiation is interrupted. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are the same. In the event that relative motion detected by the motion sensor is greater than a third predetermined value, the cutting element of stage  2010  is heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, and further optionally moved into a hair cutting position. In the event that relative motion detected by the motion sensor is less than a fourth predetermined value, power to the cutting element is interrupted, and further optionally moved into a non-cutting position. In one embodiment, the third predetermined value and the fourth predetermined value are the same. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value is less than the third predetermined value. 
     In optional stage  2080 , power through the irradiating element of stage  2000  and the cutting element of stage  2010  is controlled responsive to the motion sensor. In one embodiment, the duty cycle is increased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head of stage  2020  increases and the duty cycle is decreased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head decreases. In one embodiment, current flowing through the irradiating element and the cutting element is increased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head increases and is decreased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head decreases. 
     The above has been described in an embodiment wherein the cutting element is an elongated heated element, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In another embodiment the cutting element is a blade. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a high level flow chart of a second method of operation of the hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus after stages  2000 - 2030  of  FIG. 10 , according to certain embodiments. In stage  3000 , as described in stage  2040  of  FIG. 10 , the removal and suppression head of stage  2020  is juxtaposed with a portion of a skin surface. In stage  3010 , the irradiating element of stage  2000  is translated to a treatment position. As described above, the irradiating element outputs EMR responsive to current flowing therethrough causing heating thereof. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its power within a spectrum between 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment the EMR exhibiting less than 10% of its power within a spectrum of 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the irradiating element outputs EMR with a power of 0.5-20 W, in one particular embodiment with a power of 1-10 W. In one embodiment, the output EMR exhibits a fluence, measured at the portion of the skin surface juxtaposed with the removal and suppression head of stage  2020 , of 0.5-10 J/cm 2 , in one particular embodiment the fluence being about 3 J/cm 2 . The EMR output by the irradiating element is reflected off the reflector of stage  2020  towards the portion of the skin surface which is juxtaposed with the indent of the removal and suppression head. Advantageously, heat is not substantially reflected off the reflector towards the skin surface. 
     In stage  3020 , the cutting element of stage  2010  is heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair. In one embodiment, the cutting element is heated to a temperature of 400°-1900° C. In one particular embodiment, the cutting element is heated to a temperature of 1000°-1900° C. In one embodiment, the distance between the cutting element and the skin surface in the treatment position is less than 3 mm, and in one particular embodiment is 0.1-1 mm. In another embodiment, the cutting element is in contact with the skin. 
     In stage  3030 , the irradiating element is translated from the treatment position of stage  3010  to a cooling position. In one embodiment, the distance between the treatment position and the cooling position is 2-20 mm and in one particular embodiment is about 5 mm. In one embodiment, the irradiating element is arranged to cease actively producing heat, and thus cease actively producing EMR, when translated to the cooling position. In stage  3040 , the irradiating element is regularly translated between the treatment position of stage  3010  and the cooling position of stage  3030 . In one embodiment, the cycle of the irradiating element between subsequent translations to the treatment position is 2-2000 Hz, preferably about 5 Hz. In one embodiment, the duty cycle of the irradiating element, i.e. the percentage of time the irradiating element is in the treatment position is about 60%. In optional stage  3050 , the cutting element of stage  2010  is translated together with the irradiating element of stage  2000  between the treatment and cooling position. In one embodiment, in the cooling position, the cutting element ceases to actively produce heat. 
     In optional stage  3060 , a motion sensor is provided. In one embodiment, the motion sensor is arranged to output a signal responsive to the relative motion of the removal and suppression head of stage  2020 . In one embodiment, in the event that the rate of relative motion detected by the motion sensor is greater than a first predetermined value, regular translation of the irradiating element between the treatment position of stage  3010  and the cooling position of stage  3030  is provided, and in the event that relative motion detected by the motion sensor is less than a second predetermined value, the regular translation is interrupted. In one embodiment, heat production, and thus electromagnetic production, by the irradiating element of stage  2000  is interrupted. In one embodiment, the irradiating element is translated to the cooling position. In one further embodiment, the cutting element of stage  2010  is also translated to the cooling position and ceases to actively produce heat. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are equal. 
     In optional stage  3070 , the duty cycle of the irradiating element of stage  3040  is controlled responsive to the provided motion sensor of stage  3060 . In one embodiment, the duty cycle is increased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head of stage  2020  increases and the duty cycle is decreased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head decreases. Further optionally, the output of the irradiating element is controlled responsive to the provided motion sensor. In one embodiment, current flowing through the irradiating element is increased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head increases and is decreased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head decreases. Optionally, current flowing through the cutting element of stage  2010  is increased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head increases and is decreased as the rate of relative motion of the removal and suppression head decreases. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of hair removal and re-growth suppression comprising irradiating a portion of a skin surface and cutting hairs protruding there from, according to certain embodiments. In stage  4000 , a portion of a skin surface is irradiated with EMR. In one embodiment, the EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy within a spectrum of 500-5000 nm, in one particular embodiment, the EMR exhibits less than 10% of its energy within a spectrum of 500-1000 nm. In one embodiment, EMR exhibits about 95% of its energy around a wavelength of 1000 nm. In one embodiment, the fluence of the EMR, measured at the portion of the skin surface, is between 0.5-10 J/CM 2 , in one further embodiment the fluence being about 3 J/CM 2 . Advantageously, long term hair regrowth suppression is provided. In one embodiment, the EMR is output by heating an element, as described above in relation to irradiating element  40 . In stage  4010 , hairs protruding from the portion of the skin surface are cut, thereby providing hair removal. In one embodiment, hairs are cut by providing a heated element. In one embodiment, the temperature of the provided heated element is 400°-1900° C. 
     In optional stage  4020 , a reflector is provided, arranged to substantially reflect radiation towards the portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the irradiation of stage  4000  comprises direct irradiation of the portion of the skin surface and irradiating the provided reflector with EMR, the EMR being reflected towards the portion of the skin surface. 
     In optional stage  4030 , a removal and suppression head is provided, the irradiating of stage  4000  and cutting of stage  4010  provided from an opening of the provided removal and suppression head, as described above in relation to removal and suppression head  20 . In optional stage  4040 , relative motion, or absence thereof, of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  4030  in relation to a skin surface to which it is juxtaposed is detected. In one embodiment, the irradiation of stage  4000  is responsive to the detected relative motion. In one embodiment, the irradiation of stage  4000  commences when relative motion of the removal and suppression head is detected and ceased when relative motion is not detected. In optional stage  4050 , the rate of relative motion of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  4030  is detected. In one embodiment, the irradiation of stage  4000  is responsive to the detected relative motion. In one embodiment, the irradiation commences responsive to a detected rate of relative motion greater than a first predetermined value and ceases responsive to a detected rate of relative motion less than a second predetermined value. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are equal. In one embodiment, the amount of EMR is responsive to the detected rate of relative motion, the amount of EMR increasing responsive to an increase in the detected rate of relative motion and decreasing responsive to a decrease in the detected rate of relative motion. 
     In optional stage  4060 , the rate of relative motion of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  4030  is detected. In one embodiment, the cutting of stage  4010  comprises providing electrical energy to a heated element sufficient to cut hair, the heating commencing responsive to a detected rate of relative motion greater than a third predetermined value and ceasing responsive to a detected rate of relative motion less than a fourth predetermined value. In one embodiment, the third predetermined value and the further predetermined value are equal. In optional stage  4070 , excess heat is vented away from the portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, heat is vented by providing at least one heat vent through the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  4030 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method of hair removal and re-growth suppression comprising regularly treating and cooling a portion of a skin surface, according to certain embodiments. In stage  5000 , a portion of a skin surface is regularly treated and cooled. In one embodiment, the treating comprises providing heat to the portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the provided heat is of a sufficient temperature to cut hair. In one embodiment, the provided heat is between 400°-1900° C., in one particular embodiment the provided heat is 1000°-1900° C. and in one further embodiment the provided heat is about 1900° C. In one embodiment, the heating duty cycle, i.e. the percentage of a period of regular heating and cooling which is heating, is greater than 50%, in one further embodiment the heating duty cycle is about 60%. In one embodiment, the frequency of the regular heating is between 2-2000 Hz, in one further embodiment the frequency being about 5 Hz. 
     In stage  5010 , a portion of the skin surface is irradiated with EMR. In optional stage  5020 , a removal and suppression head is provided, the treating and cooling of stage  5000  and the optional irradiating of optional stage  5010  is provided from an opening of the provided removal and suppression head. In optional stage  5030 , a rate of relative motion of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  5020  in relation to a skin surface to which it is juxtaposed is detected. In one embodiment, the regular treating and cooling of stage  5000  is responsive to the detected rate of relative motion. In one embodiment, the regular treating and cooling commences responsive to a rate of relative motion greater than a first predetermined value and ceases responsive to a rate of relative motion less than a second predetermined value. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value are equal. In one embodiment, the amount of EMR provided in stage  5010  is responsive to the detected rate of relative motion. In one embodiment, the amount of EMR is increased responsive to an increase in the detected rate of relative motion and decreased responsive to a decrease in the detected rate of relative motion. In optional stage  5040 , a rate of relative motion of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  5020  is detected. In one embodiment, the rate of the regular treating and cooling of stage  5000  is responsive to the detected rate of relative motion. In optional stage  5050 , a rate of relative motion of the provided removal and suppression head of optional stage  5020  is detected. In one embodiment, the treating duty cycle is responsive to the detected rate of relative motion. In one embodiment, the treating duty cycle increases responsive to an increase in the detected rate of relative motion and decreases responsive to a decrease in the detected rate of relative motion. 
       FIG. 14A  illustrates a high level side cut view of a hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  with cutting element  110  in close proximity to skin surface  140  so as to shave hair  150  of skin portion  130 ;  FIG. 14B  illustrates a high level side cut view of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  with cutting element  110  removed from close proximity to skin surface  140 ; and  FIG. 14C  illustrates certain stages in the operation of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200 , the drawings being described together for clarity. Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  comprises: housing  15 ; power source  30 ; control and driving circuitry  1210 ; motion sensor  80 ; cutting element  110 ; translation mechanism  330 ; and irradiating element  1220 . As described above in relation to the various preceding embodiments, each of power source  30 , motion sensor  80 , cutting element  110 , translation mechanism  330  and irradiating element  1220  are secured in relation to housing  15 . Power source  30  provides power for all elements, with connections not shown for simplicity. The output of motion sensor  80  is coupled to an input of control and driving circuitry  1210 , a first output of control and driving circuitry  1210  is coupled to translation mechanism  330 , a second output of control and driving circuitry  1210  is coupled to the input of cutting element  110  and a third output of control and driving circuitry  1210  is coupled to the input of irradiating element  1220 . Hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  is juxtaposed with skin portion  130  of skin surface  140 . In one non-limiting embodiment translation mechanism  330  comprising a solenoid and a connecting member. 
     In one embodiment, as described in stage  6000  irradiating element  1220  is a source of light arranged to irradiate a target skin portion just prior to, or just after hair protruding therefrom is shaven by cutting element  110 . Preferably, irradiating element  1220  is arranged to irradiate the skin portion with a fluence of at least 0.5 Joules/cm 2 , the total fluence measured at the portion of the skin surface juxtaposed with hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  over the number of passes required to shave any hair  150  protruding from the target skin portion. 
     In one optional embodiment, as described in stage  6010 , irradiating element  1220  is embodied in a broadband halogen lamp, preferably arranged to output light in one or more wavelengths between 400 nanometers and 1100 nanometers. In one further embodiment the predominant wavelength range is 500 nanometers-900 nanometers. In one optional embodiment the output of irradiating element  1220  is arranged to provide a substantially round irradiation zone on the target skin portion. 
     In one optional embodiment, as described in stage  6020 , irradiating element  1220  is embodied in a light emitting diode (LED), preferably arranged to output light in one or more wavelengths between 430 nanometers and 1070 nanometers. In one further embodiment irradiating element  1220  is constituted of a plurality of LEDs formed in an array. In one optional embodiment the output of each constituent LED of irradiating element  1220  is arranged to provide a substantially round irradiation zone on the target skin portion. Thus, in the event of irradiating element  1220  constituted of an array of LEDs, irradiating element  1220  is arranged to provide a substantially elongated irradiation zone on the target skin portion, the elongation being along a single axis. 
     In one optional embodiment, as described in stage  6030 , irradiating element  1220  is embodied in a laser diode (LD), preferably arranged to output radiation in one or more wavelengths between 430 nanometers and 1070 nanometers. In one further embodiment irradiating element  1220  is constituted of a plurality of LDs formed in an array. In one optional embodiment the output of each constituent LD of irradiating element  1220  is arranged to provide a substantially round irradiation zone on the target skin portion. Thus, in the event of irradiating element  1220  constituted of an array of LDs, irradiating element  1220  is arranged to provide a substantially elongated irradiation zone on the target skin portion, the elongation being along a single axis. 
     In one optional embodiment, as described in stage  6030 , irradiating element  1220  is in communication with a scanning optical element arranged to form a predetermined light shape output. 
     In one optional embodiment, as described in stage  6040 , the intensity of irradiation output by irradiating element  1220  is responsive to the amount of motion detected by motion sensor  80 . Thus, in the event that motion sensor  80  detects an increased rate of motion in relation to skin surface  140 , control and driving circuitry  1210  is arranged to increase the output intensity of irradiating element  1220 , and in the event that motion sensor  80  detects a decreased rate of motion in relation to skin surface  140 , control and driving circuitry  1210  is arranged to decrease the output intensity of irradiating element  1220  so as to achieve the target luminance of stage  6000 . 
     Responsive to motion sensor  80  detecting relative motion of hair removal and re-growth suppression apparatus  1200  in relation to skin surface  140 , control and driving circuitry  1210  is arranged to operate translation mechanism  330  so as to position cutting element  110  adjacent skin surface  140 , optionally to a distance of less than 3 mm from skin surface  140 , and further energize cutting element  110  with current so as to cut any hair  150  protruding from skin surface  140 , as described above and as illustrated in  FIG. 14A . In the absence of detected relative motion, or in response to the detected motion being less than a predetermined minimum, control and driving circuitry  1210  is arranged to de-energize cutting element  110  and further operation translation mechanism  330  so as to remove cutting element  110  from the proximity of skin surface  140  as illustrated in  FIG. 14B . Control and driving circuitry  1210  is thus arranged to alternately: translate and energize cutting element  110  so as to shave hair  150  and translated and de-energize cutting element  110  so as not to burn skin surface  140 . Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 14B , the output of irradiating element  1220  is further interrupted so as to prevent continuous irradiation of a particular skin portion  130 . 
     It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in any inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein. 
     All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their author&#39;s assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art complications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.