Laser energy for hair removal uses a focused beam of light that targets pigment in your hair, heating up its core to destroy its follicle and stop future hair growth.
But laser treatments tend to target darker hair more effectively, making graying hair removal harder with laser treatment.
Darker hair absorbs the laser’s heat better.
Laser hair removal works so well on dark hair because its pigment absorbs light energy, turning it into heat that destroys hair follicles and prevents further growth. Since light-colored (white, red or blonde) hair does not contain pigment to absorb laser energy and turn into heat energy, light-colored hair removal using this method may prove challenging.
However, light-colored hair can also be removed using other laser treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL). With IPL treatments, a specialist uses a device that emits broad spectrum light that doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin but instead targets melanin in hair to heat it up and disable future growth of that follicle.
Therefore, those with light-colored hair may require additional IPL or laser treatments than people with darker locks. As such, regular check-ins might be necessary in order to keep your locks under control; this process is however still faster and safer than waxing, shaving or plucking methods of hair removal.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions before producing tangible results, since your hair grows in cycles. How quickly your hair grows will determine how often and for how long treatment sessions must occur.
Before your laser treatment session, it is also important to avoid certain things. Tanning or applying any sunless skin creams could make your skin too dark for the laser therapy to effectively destroy hair follicles. Furthermore, shaving, plucking or waxing could interfere with its results and hinder its effects.
Prior to having laser hair removal done, it is also a wise idea to meet with a dermatologist for advice. They can give the best insight as to whether or not laser hair removal is suitable for you, while offering alternative hair removal strategies which may meet your unique needs more adequately.
Lighter hair doesn’t absorb the laser’s heat as well.
Hair removal machines use laser light to target pigment in dark strands of hair in order to limit growth, while its lighter wavelength doesn’t work as effectively on lighter ones, like blonde and red hues, because there is not enough pigment present to absorb the heat generated from its laser beams. Furthermore, white or gray hair doesn’t contain pigment either so effectiveness of such laser hair removal systems are often reduced significantly.
Laser technology continues to advance, yet remains less effective when treating lighter hair types – particularly white and grey locks. While it is possible for successful treatment to occur, additional sessions may be needed and it might even require using topical agents such as ice or other treatments for pain management.
Before beginning any type of hair removal treatment, it’s essential that you consult a physician. This will ensure that you’re a suitable candidate and reduce risks or side effects of the procedure. Furthermore, it is crucial that any existing medical conditions that could be affected by treatment be disclosed; such as herpes, keloids or hypertrophic scarring could require extra precaution during the process.
If you decide to undergo laser hair removal, be sure to find an experienced professional with experience treating all skin colors and types. Also avoid salons or spas that don’t offer treatments directly under medical supervision.
Laser hair removal has been shown to be safe for most individuals when used correctly by an experienced professional. It is still wise to heed your doctor’s advice regarding sun exposure both prior to and after your treatments – this means avoiding tanning beds while applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to keep sunburn at bay.
Electrolysis offers another permanent hair removal method – electrolysis uses a fine, sterilized probe to physically target each individual follicle of hair with heat (thermal), chemical (acid), or heat and chemical combined energy (aka blend) to destroy it at its root. Electrolysis is FDA approved, medically recognized permanent way of eliminating grey or white hair; your wellness center can offer more information.
Darker skin absorbs the laser’s heat better.
Laser hair removal tends to produce more dramatic results when you have dark skin and hair. This phenomenon can be explained by pigment contrast; darker strands contain more melanin which allows it to absorb heat more effectively and thus slow growth. Furthermore, dark pigment in your skin makes it easier for light energy of lasers to penetrate deeper into hair follicles to eliminate them completely.
But this doesn’t necessarily mean people with light skin and blonde hair won’t experience positive results from laser hair removal – all depends on the experience, skills and competence of their practitioner as well as type of laser used. As long as their technician can distinguish between your skin tone and hair color differences and achieve successful laser hair removal outcomes for most technologies, these should all work effectively for them.
Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, your practitioner should conduct an in-depth medical history report and evaluation of the treatment area. Furthermore, it’s best to refrain from sunless tanning or employing other hair removal methods like plucking, waxing or electrolysis for four weeks prior to your appointment date.
Your practitioner will use a handheld device to press against your skin, before activating its light energy to vaporize any hairs that remain. You may feel something similar to a rubber band snapping against it or sunburn-like discomfort during treatment; after treatment you may notice red or swollen areas where hair was extracted which can be covered up using cool compresses or moisturizers.
Electrolysis is considered permanent hair removal method. Electrolysis uses a fine sterilized probe to target each individual follicle for destruction using one of three methods – heat (thermolysis), chemical or both – while laser treatments cannot. Furthermore, unlike lasers treatments, electrolysis can be used on any area of the body and with any color hair including gray or white ones.
Lighter skin doesn’t absorb the laser’s heat as well.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in your skin or hair and turning that light into heat energy to destroy hair follicles that grow new hair follicles – this process is more successful on darker hair and darker skin, although that doesn’t preclude those with lighter locks from benefitting; they just may need additional sessions.
Your options for laser hair removal range from having it professionally performed to doing it yourself – either professionally or at home. When choosing between the two methods, it’s essential that you find a practitioner familiar with both your skin tone and hair color – someone specializing in dermatology or cosmetic surgery may have this expertise, while you could also check a clinic or spa that has one on staff who can supervise treatment.
No matter if it is a doctor or clinic, when choosing laser treatments make sure they have experience dealing with laser treatments for your specific skin type and hair color. Make sure they are registered with a national body to show that they meet standard training, skill development and insurance practices as well as flexible payment plans or package deals.
Before getting laser treatment, it is wise to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds as these can make your skin sensitive to laser heat and less capable of absorbing its heat. Shave the area prior to each session – usually four sessions every four weeks on your face and six to eight on the body are advised for best results.
Avoid waxing or plucking hairs in areas being treated, as this increases your risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following laser treatments. Furthermore, wearing sunscreen liberally when going outside is highly advised to protect from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatments.
