Gray hair can often come as part of the natural aging process; however, certain medical conditions can hasten its appearance much earlier than anticipated.
Laser technology depends on pigment to function effectively, meaning it cannot target gray or white hair strands effectively. Therefore, other methods of hair removal are more suitable when targeting these gray strands.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an efficient and popular solution to unwanted body and facial hair, yet not suitable for all types of hair. In particular, gray and other light colored locks may prove more challenging due to a lack of pigment needed by lasers for targeting and destroying hair follicles. Luckily, other forms of removal can still produce results for these light-colored locks.
When it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair, there are various methods available, including shaving, waxing and electrolysis. While these techniques may be effective at removing hair, they can be time consuming and cause skin irritation; moreover they will need repeated at some point in order to achieve long term solutions.
Laser hair removal offers an effective permanent solution, but should be handled carefully as it takes several treatments sessions before any results become noticeable. Since hair grows in cycles and only targets active follicles during their active growth phase, scheduling multiple sessions in advance and being patient are both key aspects to its success.
Laser hair removal involves inserting a small probe into each hair follicle, followed by laser energy emitting from an array of laser diodes that will destroy it, thus preventing future hair growth. Your technician may employ different energy levels depending on which part of your body needs treatment in order to maximize results.
Electrolysis can also help get rid of unwanted gray hair permanently, using one of three energy methods such as heat (aka Thermolysis), chemicals or combination thereof to permanently destroy its source follicle. Your technician will insert a sterilized needle into each individual follicle before dismantling its root with one or more energy methods (heat/thermolysis/chemical).
Although laser hair removal can be effective for eliminating gray hairs, it is wise to consult with a professional beforehand in order to assess if it is the most suitable treatment option for you. Be sure to discuss both your hair color and skin tone when meeting with your technician to achieve maximum results.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal uses a highly focused beam of light to target pigment (color) in the hair follicle and stop producing new hair growth. Although new growth may appear later, typically lighter in color and texture than before; after multiple sessions people often no longer need to shave or wax unwanted hairs.
At the beginning of laser hair removal, a medical aesthetician will apply a numbing cream to the area being treated, which will protect you from experiencing any burning or stinging during the procedure. Once this step has been completed, they’ll press a handheld device against your skin to activate the laser; the process may last between five minutes and an hour, depending on its size and scope.
Dr. Green utilizes several FDA-approved lasers, such as GentleLase and GentleYAG, which feature cooling technology to protect your skin during treatment.
Prior to beginning any laser hair removal treatment, it’s vital that the area being addressed be shaved. This will make it easier for the laser beam to detect hair follicles and destroy them more effectively. Furthermore, waxing or plucking should not be performed in this area during treatment as this could obstruct its path.
As instructed by your medical provider, it’s vital that you follow their aftercare instructions for post-treatment care. While the area treated may appear red and swollen initially, this is normal and will typically resolve itself over the following hours or days. Furthermore, sun exposure should be avoided to reduce sunburn risk; instead, use cold compresses on it to alleviate discomfort and swelling.
For optimal results, two to six laser treatments should be sufficient. They should be performed several weeks apart. After finishing this series of treatments, hair may not resurface on treated areas for months or even years – when it does come back it should be much finer in texture and color than before.
Does laser hair removal work on grey hair?
Laser hair removal is the go-to noninvasive solution for unwanted body hair reduction. It has proven its efficacy at targeting dark follicles by targeting their pigment (melanin) cells and destroying them, while light hair colors like blonde or red don’t contain melanin so laser cannot differentiate between their follicle and surrounding skin as efficiently. Therefore, additional treatments may be required before reaching desired results, or it may even fail altogether.
Due to this stigma, those with grey or white hair might be discouraged from seeking laser treatment, particularly when considering permanent reduction or removal. But thanks to advancements in technology, lasers now have the capability of targeting light and fair hair follicles effectively even though they lack as much melanin content. Therefore, it’s wise to speak to an expert from a med spa that offers laser services before scheduling an initial consultation visit.
Electrolysis could still offer you the best chance of achieving desired results, depending on your skin type and tone. Electrolysis works differently from lasers by physically targeting each hair follicle using a fine sterilized needle inserted directly into its growth center, before using one of three energy methods such as heat (thermolysis), chemical or both to destroy its energy source – either thermallysis (heat or chemical), or chemical.
Tannining before laser treatments, whether real or fake, should also be avoided, as this will increase contrast between your skin tone and hair color, making it harder for the laser to differentiate between them. As an alternative to this form of hair removal such as waxing or depilatory creams may work better; however, there are laser hair removal services which specialize in eliminating all types of hair regardless of skin tone and hair color; Therapie Clinic offers free consultations to determine whether Medilase could be right for you.
What are the risks of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal may be painful, but it is much less so than waxing or depilatory cream removal of hair. Laser treatments can cause temporary redness and irritation of the skin after each session; however, these side effects should subside within hours or so. It is also important to remember that gray hair does not respond as effectively due to lack of pigment being more difficult for lasers to target; so before starting laser treatments it is recommended consulting with a professional first.
Laser hair removal works best on people with dark skin and dark hair because the darker pigment helps the laser target and effectively suppress growth of hair follicles. While it is not impossible to use lasers on light-skinned people with blonde or gray hair, doing so will likely take multiple sessions and be less effective than it would be with people having darker skin colors and darker locks.
Gray hair can be part of the natural aging process, but some medical conditions may accelerate its appearance earlier than expected. Such issues include vitamin B12 deficiency, alopecia areata and thyroid imbalances.
Laser hair removal treatments should also not be performed during pregnancy or by those with a history of melanoma or other types of skin cancer, nor those taking blood-thinner medications or having pacemakers. Furthermore, it should also not be administered to individuals suffering from genital herpes or who frequently experience cold sores.
No matter whether or not you have gray hair, there are other methods for getting rid of unwanted body hair. Popular ones include shaving, waxing and epilation; however these techniques may cause damage to the skin while being less efficient than laser hair removal in terms of effectiveness and time efficiency.
