The presence of unwanted hair continues to plague many individuals for whom traditional methods of hair removal remain unsatisfactory. Laser and flashlamp technology now offers the potential for rapid, safe, and effective treatment of unwanted hair. An ever-increasing number of published studies have confirmed the long-term efficacy of laser and flashlamp treatment. For the most part, however, the benefits of this technology have been limited to individuals with dark hair and relatively fair skin. The remaining challenge is to develop the means to eliminate light-colored hair as well as the capability to safely treat individuals with darker skin. The rapid pace of technological advancement as well as continued studies of hair follicle biology promise to improve this field over the years to come.