Laser light energy uses melanin-rich pigments as its target in order to target and destroy hair follicles, while grayer or lighter hairs lack melanin so the laser cannot effectively target and destroy them.
Laser treatments tend to work best on those with dark skin and hair as opposed to those with light skin and hair.
Dark Hair
Hair follicles that grow on our skin produce dark or thick, coarse and unsightly hair that can be difficult to get rid of using traditional methods like shaving, waxing and epilating; such methods often leave behind ingrown hairs, rashes and sore areas. Now there’s an effective and permanent solution – electrolysis!
Electrolysis differs from other hair removal processes in that it physically targets each individual hair follicle to kill it at its growth center. Each time electrolysis treatment takes place, a fine sterilized probe is inserted into a hair follicle and destroyed through one of three energy methods – heat (aka themolysis), chemical or both methods simultaneously – making it both safe and effective against ALL colors of hair (including gray).
Laser hair removal works best on darker-colored hair because its light beam seeks out pigmented melanin to absorb and convert into heat that destroys follicles and prevents future hair growth. Unfortunately, it cannot remove blonde, red or white locks which do not contain enough melanin to absorb its light energy – therefore making laser removal impossible.
Electrolysis may be your ideal method for permanently eliminating unwanted blonde or gray hairs as it directly targets and kills each individual hair follicle at its growth center, leaving no chance for further hairs to develop from that source. Be sure to speak to an expert to determine what would be your most suitable course of action.
As with all laser treatments, it is also important to avoid other hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking or waxing, before receiving laser therapy treatments on your skin. Doing this will decrease the number of hair follicles targeted by laser and help your sessions to be more successful.
Light Skin
Laser hair removal has proven itself an effective and long-term option for many looking to remove unwanted hair, but until recently most people with darker skin tones had no other viable choice other than waxing or shaving. Thanks to advances in laser technology and an increasing focus on inclusivity, several great solutions now exist that offer safe yet effective laser hair removal for people with darker skin tones.
Lasers are specifically designed to detect melanin (dark pigment) present in hair and skin so they can transfer energy as heat directly into hair follicles, damaging them and stopping future hair growth. Lighter hair/skin tend to lack pigment so will be harder for lasers to target for removal.
Laser technology has advanced significantly and now works on lighter hairs as well as light blond and grey ones, though to get optimal results it is still best to consult a reputable salon first about your individual needs before proceeding with treatment. We will use the Fitzpatrick skin color chart to assess both skin tone and hair shade before providing our advice as to whether laser treatment would be beneficial to you or not.
Based on your hair density and skin tone, we will recommend a series of treatments designed to remove or significantly reduce all of your unwanted hair. Your treatment sessions may differ depending on which part of the body they target; typically for facial treatments we advise 3-4 treatments; 6-8 for bikini area and underarm hair removal and 12-18 treatments on legs/arms respectively.
Expect some redness, swelling and minor discomfort after receiving laser therapy treatment. Avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds until any redness and swelling have subsided – however this should only last 1-2 days at most and we will provide instructions to help alleviate discomfort.
Darker Hair
Laser hair removal can be an ideal choice if you have dark skin and dark hair, since melanin attracts the light from a laser machine and converts it to heat energy, which destroys follicles and prevents future hair growth. Results should become increasingly noticeable after each session with darker skin tones being the most successful combination.
Blonde hair doesn’t respond as well to laser treatment due to a lack of melanin, so the laser does not see it as a target and doesn’t emit enough energy to destroy follicles. Therefore, it is wise to consult with an expert regarding your options for laser hair removal; they will recommend the most suitable procedure for you.
Laser hair removal technology has advanced to be more effective for light hair than in the past; however, those with dark locks and fair skin still benefit most from laser removal treatments. When scheduling an appointment it’s wise to avoid tanning products that tint skin before your visit as these could hinder its ability to penetrate follicles and cause less hair growth overall.
Laser hair removal not only stops regrowth of hair, but it can also reduce razor bumps and discoloration from follicle irritation, making it the perfect option for those with sensitive skin who do not prefer shaving or waxing.
Concerned about gray hair? While it can be an inevitable part of getting older, or caused by certain illnesses, there are various techniques you can try to lessen its appearance such as plucking, threading and shaving – though laser hair removal won’t do quite the trick; several sessions may help significantly lessen its presence over time. Consult an aesthetician about any concerns as they will know best how to help address your situation.
Lighter Skin
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted hair on the face, bikini line, underarms and legs. Additionally, it’s relatively painless compared to waxing and epilation; furthermore it requires significantly reduced maintenance over time compared to these options. Unfortunately however, laser technology has traditionally limited its efficacy for individuals with lighter skin tones or blonde or gray hairs.
Laser therapy differs from other forms of hair removal by employing light energy to destroy melanin pigmented into hair follicles and prevent future hair growth. While generally safe, treatment does have potential risks. When seeking laser therapy services it’s essential that a certified, licensed and insured laser technician be used as well as doing your research into different technicians/salons before scheduling any appointments.
Laser therapy’s light energy may be potentially hazardous, yet practitioners and clinics take several measures to mitigate its harmful effects. Before beginning any session, for instance, they will often apply topical anesthetic for pain tolerance purposes and during actual procedure you may feel sensations like rubber band snapping against your skin.
Laser treatments can have either permanent or temporary results. Permanent means that hair follicles are permanently eliminated and won’t regrow back, while temporary generally refers to a reduction in density of unwanted hair growth. Please be mindful that hair grows at various rates across your body so it may take some time before any visible differences in density of unwanted hair appear.
During a treatment session, you’ll be instructed to move your head and shoulders in various directions so that the entire surface area is treated evenly. The number of treatments will depend on which area is being addressed – some patients have experienced significant reductions in unwanted hair after just one course of treatments; for others however ongoing treatments may be needed in order to maintain low density levels.
