Philips patents razor light technology to zap hair growth

While most folks aren't exactly fond of going bald on their noggin, eliminating the pesky hair on faces and legs doesn't sound half bad. Aside from the gazillion topical treatments scams available at your local Wally World, there's always the uber-expensive "laser hair removal" option, but Philips seems to think it has a less costly, less intrusive solution. The firm has recently patented razor light technology, which utilizes "low doses of electromagnetic radiation" to kick active follicles into the dormant catagen phase. By sending pulses "between 1 and 100 milliseconds" apart just above the skin, it offers up a relatively safe, easy, and (hopefully) pain free experience to putting a halt to shaving every other day (or more). Obviously, the method isn't aimed at immediate hair removal, as plans are to implement numerous treatments over "two week intervals," but it could slowly eliminate the regrowth of hair once treated. So while we're not exactly sure when you'll be replacing that bag of disposables with a newfangled light gun, a little help in the hygiene department is never a bad thing.

[Via NewScientistTech]

[JCA Posted Dec 11th 2006 10:36PM]

David..........Insecure much?

Pussy.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 24th 2008 11:59AM]

I'm really intrigued, but I doubt my own ability to operate a laser before I have my morning coffee.

http://badgerhairshavingbrush.com

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 4:32PM]

Hey, that's sorta how John Byrne had Superman shave!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 4:48PM]

Jordie's laser shaver from Star Trek TNG is finally upon us. Maybe. :)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 5:00PM]

Razor light, I assume that there is no connection between this and the UK indie rock band 'razorlight'

Dave

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 5:30PM]

No, of course there is a connection between this possible product, and an Indie band you felt compelled to mention. Neither one will ever go anywhere in the marketplace.

Futuristic grooming products, and Indie bands no one has heard of; It's a winning combination.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 6:56PM]

speaking of zapping... http://www.livevideo.com/video/FE291E283C1640E9AC448121756865AC/using+the+wii+mote+as+a+lightsaber.aspx

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 5:27PM]

I dunno, according to a recent study people that actually shave every day have a lower chance of a stroke. (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2729457.stm) so maybe I'd like to shave.

[TVGenius Posted Dec 11th 2006 5:44PM]

For the record, I have heard of Razorlight. Don't know a thing about them though.


And I'm all for this thing. Anything that means less bleeding on a daily basis is great news for me. '

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 20th 2006 8:40AM]

Here is a link to the patent I think they are referring to:

http://www.patentmonkey.com/PM/PatentID/6706035.aspx

It looks like it can cut hair or kill the root.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 6:29PM]

look forward to it. I've done a few laser treatments for my back and I'd love to get something similar done to my face. no more shaving = heaven.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2006 11:29PM]

This would make shaving a thing of the past! I think I would have a hairless back once this thing hits the market and works.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2006 4:46PM]

definitely looking forward to this one going mainstream

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 14th 2007 3:05PM]

when is this going to be released?