Hair induction after laser-assisted hair removal and its treatment.

Background: Laser hair removal is a relatively safe procedure with limited side effects. Hair induction has been previously scarcely reported.

Objective: We sought to report the incidence of this strange side effect in a large number of patients treated for hair removal and to follow its course and treatment.

Methods: We conducted retrospective analysis of the files of all patients who underwent laser hair removal during the time period from May 1998 until May 2005 in a private institution in Athens, Greece.

Results: Hair induction occurs predominantly on the face and neck of female patients of Mediterranean ancestry with darker skin types. The percentage is quite low (4.5%). Laser treatment of the induced hair reduces the problem.

Limitations: No control groups could be obtained in this study. Furthermore, the natural course of hair induction could not be studied because it was always treated or patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions: Hair induction is a rare side effect of laser hair removal occurring in selected populations and body areas; however, it responds well to laser treatments.