This course reviews hair and skin physiology, focusing on relevant up-to-date findings from the fields of dermatology, endocrinology and pain management. The course examines requirements for destruction of the hair growth matrix while reducing short- and long-term side effects to other skin structures. Finally, the course reviews common and uncommon side effects of electrolysis and light-based hair removal, how to prevent them from occurring, and how to treat them if they do occur.