A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to stimulate hair growth by energizing the hair follicles. The light may be absorbed by endogenous chromophores of the dermal tissues and/or by exogenous chromophores delivered to the dermal tissues. The device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at total energy levels per session that are much lower than the energies used in hair removal treatments.