Did you know that hair follicles go through continuous growth cycles? Each hair strand progresses through three distinct phases, but not all hairs are synchronized in their growth. This is why a single laser treatment cannot remove all the hair at once – multiple sessions are necessary to target each hair during its optimal growth phase.
To maximize the effectiveness of laser hair removal, it’s important to understand the three main phases of hair growth:
Anagen: During this phase, hair is actively growing, and the follicle is rich in pigment.
Catagen: This brief phase marks the end of active growth. The hair follicle begins to shrink, and the hair detaches from the papilla.
Telogen: In this final phase, the old hair rests while a new hair begins to form underneath. Eventually, the old hair will shed, and the cycle starts anew.
Laser treatments are only successful on hairs in the Anagen stage, as this is when the hair is most responsive to the laser’s energy. The hair is largest, richest in melanin, and visible above the skin. Lasting 2-3 weeks, this phase offers the best opportunity for laser treatment, as the darker pigment allows heat energy to effectively target and destroy the hair follicle while it’s still attached to the root.
The Science
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses concentrated light energy to remove unwanted hair through a process called photothermolysis. Because darker hair contains more melanin, treatment is more effective the darker the hair is.
During the treatment, gel is applied to the skin to help aid the light into the skin and prevent it from burning. The applicator handle is pressed onto the skin and the following happens
Will Laser Hair Removal Work on Hair Colour?
The laser is attracted to the melanin, or color, in your hair follicles, so the treatment works best on an individual with dark, coarse hair and pale skin — the contrast helps the laser better target the hair follicles. To see how the laser responds to different hair colors, check out the video below for a detailed demonstration.
