The LightSheer System was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world's leading and most respected medical research institutions. The laser parameters were carefully defined to inhibit the regrowth of the hair by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the laser output to the size, depth and location of hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer System, the actively-cooled handpiece was designed to conduct heat away from the skin before, during, and after each pulse.

The laser works by disrupting hairs that are principally in the active growth (anagen) phase at the time of the treatment. The light emitted by the laser is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicle. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on," for only a fraction of a second. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to disrupt the hair follicle. The Light Sheer's unique, patented contact-cooling hand piece helps protect the skin by cooling during the laser energy delivery. The diode light at 810nm is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and this energy is converted to heat which results in thermal damage to the hair follicle. This thermal damage causes delayed re-growth of the hair, and in some cases permanent destruction of the hair follicle.

The Chill Tip cooling lens provides thermal protection for the epidermis, allowing higher doses of laser energy to safely and effectively target unwanted hair follicles. The hand piece consists of an actively cooled sapphire lens that has three purposes. First it cools the epidermis to help prevent thermal damage. Second, it focuses the laser light to maximize dose penetration to deep hair follicles. Finally, its convex shape allows compression of the skin during treatment which temporarily collapses the blood vessels, lies down hairs, brings the root of the hair closer to the laser energy, and increases transmission through dermal collagen by as much as 400%.

Hair colour and skin type are the two most important factors in predicting success of treatment. Temporary hair loss almost always occurs regardless of hair colour. Long term hair loss, however, is correlated with hair colour. Black or brown hair, indicating a high concentration of melanin in the follicles, is ideal. Blonde, white, or grey hair is treated less effectively.