Laser Experiment: Why a Diode Laser Works on Hair but Not on Balloons or Paper

Ever wondered why a diode laser can remove hair but won’t pop a balloon or burn paper? Let’s break it down with a fun experiment!

The Experiment 🎯

We tested the diode laser on three different materials:
🔹 A balloon 🎈
🔹 A piece of paper 📄
🔹 Human hair 💇‍♀️

The Results:
❌ The balloon didn’t pop.
❌ The paper didn’t burn.
✅ The hair was successfully treated.

Why? The Science Behind It! 

Diode lasers work based on selective photothermolysis, meaning they target specific pigments. The wavelength of a diode laser (typically 808nm) is absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair), generating heat and destroying the hair follicle.

🚫 Balloons & Paper: These materials lack melanin, so they don’t absorb the laser’s energy efficiently. Instead, the laser light then passes through  the yellow and red ballon or reflects off without causing any significant reaction.

🔥 Hair: Since hair contains melanin, it absorbs the laser’s energy, converting it into heat. This is why laser hair removal effectively works to reduce hair growth over time.

How It Works on Different Hair Colors 

🧑🏻‍🦱 Black & Dark Brown Hair – Absorbs laser energy the best, making treatments most effective.
🧑🏽‍🦱 Light Brown Hair – Absorbs well but may require more sessions.
🧑‍🦰👱Blonde & Red Hair – Contains less melanin, making laser absorption weaker; results vary.- we increase our parameters to get optimal results. 
🧑‍🦳 Grey & White Hair – Lacks melanin, making it the hardest to treat with a diode laser.

Key Takeaway:

Diode lasers aren’t just about heat—they’re about targeting pigment. That’s why they remove hair safely without damaging surrounding skin or affecting other materials.

#LaserHairRemoval #DiodeLaser #ScienceBehindBeauty