Does Laser Hair Removal Work on White Facial Hair?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
10 Min Read

Laser hair removal works best on dark hair due to contrast between its pigmentation and that of your skin and that of the hair’s. Unfortunately, blonde, red, or gray locks lack pigmentation and therefore cannot be removed by this means.

For best results, this procedure should only be carried out by medical professionals with experience; otherwise it could cause burns and permanent skin color changes.

1. Tweezing

Tweezing can be an ideal option for those who don’t wish to commit to full hair removal; using tweezers you can pull out white facial hair directly from its roots, leaving it less time to grow back (1). Just ensure you use clean tweezers so as not to cause irritation, folliculitis or skin infection (1).

An alternative method of removing white facial hair is through dermaplaning, which involves using an electric tool with a rotating blade to exfoliate peach fuzz and finer hairs from your surface skin using softening agents like lukewarm water or moisturizing cream before sliding the device over areas with unwanted hair to pluck it from its root (2).

For smaller areas, this could take just minutes; larger areas could take an hour. Expect some stings and redness afterwards (3). In order to achieve optimal results, repeating this process regularly may be required in order to see significant results.

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure where beams of light are directed at hair follicles to convert light to heat, damaging and stopping further production of hair (4). Although laser hair removal typically works best for people with dark-colored locks, advances have been made that make this method suitable for people with light-colored locks as well.

However, laser hair removal may not work on blonde, red and gray hair because these don’t contain melanin (5). Furthermore, olive or darker skin tones may experience postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which causes dark marks on their skin that look similar to scars (6). Before undertaking laser hair removal on your face it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist first and determine whether this treatment would be suitable.

2. Waxing

As individuals age, white facial hair can become an unsightly part of life. While this is natural and expected, it can still leave them feeling unstylish and untidy. Luckily, there are ways to remove unwanted hair effectively: waxing is one method; this painless and effective technique removes hair at its source and will likely result in thinner, less frequent growth thereafter. Hair removal cream may also prove effective but may take longer.

Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to rid yourself of facial hair. Laser light works by targeting pigment in hair follicles and damaging them, stopping future hair growth while leaving finer and lighter texture hair follicles behind. Treatments may be performed on face, legs, arms, bikini line or back hair follicles.

Laser treatments are generally safe, though they may cause discomfort for some individuals. Some describe it as feeling similar to being stung by bees or snapping like rubber bands against your skin. A topical anesthetic can help ease this discomfort prior to receiving laser treatments; additionally, tanning or spray tanning should be avoided in the area prior to attending their appointment.

Epilating is an efficient and relatively painless way of getting rid of unwanted hair. The device pulls the roots out and often proves more successful than shaving. To be most effective with epilation it is crucial that users purchase quality epilators that follow all instructions closely – for optimal performance your hair must be at least 1/4 inches long in order for you to use one efficiently.

Tweezing, shaving and plucking may temporarily reduce unwanted hair growth; however, they often result in ingrown hairs and bumps on the skin. Laser hair removal offers a more permanent solution to facial and body hair issues; for maximum effectiveness it should be performed several times at four to six week intervals.

3. Shaving

Growing older often results in increased hair growth, leading to unwanted facial hair. Shaving and waxing may provide temporary solutions; laser hair removal offers permanent removal; however, results aren’t always immediate and it may take multiple sessions before reaching their full effectiveness for you.

Before beginning laser hair removal, it is essential that you understand how the process works. In particular, it is necessary to avoid exposing the targeted area of skin to sunlight for at least a month prior to your appointment as well as refraining from plucking, waxing and using hair dissolving creams in this area. In order to maximize comfort during treatment, topical anesthetic may be applied – though this may not always be necessary.

After pressing a handheld device against your skin and beginning laser treatments on hair follicles, a technician will use a laser pulser to compress hair follicles – similar to snapping rubber bands – the sensation may feel similar to rubber band snapping against skin; cooling gel or an ice pack can be used to help reduce discomfort. After treatment is completed, use of broad spectrum sunscreen is required along with refraining from hot tubs, saunas and tanning products as a postcare measure.

Laser hair removal works best for people with dark complexions who possess dark-hair. This is due to the pigment found in dark locks enabling the laser light to target and destroy follicles more efficiently than it would for lighter complexions or lighter locks, who are likely to require multiple treatments or see their hair grow back after removal.

When it comes to unwanted facial hair, laser hair removal is your best solution. Be sure to do your research, choosing a clinic with skilled practitioners who are registered. Before receiving any type of laser treatment, verifying their register shows they meet set standards of training and skill; this will minimize potential risks during the procedure.

4. Electrolysis

If you’re tired of shaving or waxing unwanted white facial hair or have tried laser treatment with no success, trying some home remedies may be another viable option. According to anecdotal evidence, home remedies such as gram flour, egg whites, turmeric, sandalwood with rose water, papaya and aloe vera and various other techniques may reduce or even remove facial hair. It’s essential that skin is clean and shaved prior to beginning any home treatments to minimize risks of an adverse reaction and avoid complications that could arise from treatment failure or misfortunes such as this.

Electrolysis should always be considered when all other methods fail, according to our experts. Electrolysis provides a permanent solution for eliminating unwanted hair. A small probe is inserted into each hair follicle and destroyed using an electric current; this method also ensures individual treatment as it’s suitable for all skin tones and colors – even white hairs!

Electrolysis may be painful depending on your pain tolerance and area being treated, and can feel similar to rubber band snapping when first performed, according to Elise, a licensed esthetician and electrolysis specialist in Los Angeles. “Over time it gets better.”

Once a hair follicle has been destroyed, it won’t produce hair again. Unfortunately, electrolysis takes some time before fully stopping hair growth; sessions costing $50+ may take up to one year for complete cessation of growth.

Electrolysis may irritate skin pores, leading to clustered pimples in the treatment area (folliculitis). To minimize this side effect, cleanse with antibacterial solutions like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid before each treatment and apply hydrocortisone cream or Neosporin post-treatment.

If you are curious to find out more about electrolysis and its ability to help eliminate facial hair, get in touch with us immediately to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified technicians! They are happy to answer any queries that you might have as they guide you through each step of the process step-by-step.

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