Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: thedoc on 21/10/2016 12:23:01

Title: Could a light or sonic razor exist?
Post by: thedoc on 21/10/2016 12:23:01
John Pearman asked the Naked Scientists:
   I have been listening to your podcast (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/) and Naked Astronomy for some time and find them informative and good fun. Recently there have been a few articles on the uses of light energy with regard to medicine and information transfer (LiFi) and the transformation of light to sound. (Zero Coke can experiment)
It got me thinking (somehow) about science fiction programmes I have seen in the past where people shave with a "sonic razor"
So my question is: Is there ever likely to be a technology whereby you can shave your face with anything other than an extremely sharp piece of metal?

Best regards

John
What do you think?
Title: Re: Could a light or sonic razor exist?
Post by: evan_au on 22/10/2016 01:39:38
Quote from: John Pearman
Is there ever likely to be a technology whereby you can shave your face with anything other than an extremely sharp piece of metal?
There are some electric shavers that are driven by ultrasonic transducers, vibrating teh blades very rapidly.

There are creams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_depilatory), but they may irritate sensitive skin on the face.

I think facial waxing would bring tears to your eyes...

I think I'll stay with the sharp pieces of metal for now...
Title: Re: Could a light or sonic razor exist?
Post by: David Reichard on 24/10/2016 04:02:07
They are advertising a commercial device on television now that purports to eliminate hair with light.It's exact functioning was not explained.
Title: Re: Could a light or sonic razor exist?
Post by: Colin2B on 24/10/2016 08:48:38
They are advertising a commercial device on television now that purports to eliminate hair with light.It's exact functioning was not explained.
I think this is IPL Intense Pulsed Light which effectively burns out hair roots in a similar way to laser hair removal. Only works on live hair roots - 20-40% of hair cells on the body at any one time. I believe it works better for fair skin, dark hair.