Laser hair removal isn’t permanent; therefore you will require follow-up visits for touch up sessions. These may involve shaving, using depilatory creams or sugaring among other techniques.
Electrolysis is another permanent way of eliminating hair growth. It works by damaging the root of each follicle and isn’t affected by color pigmentation.
Red hair contains a different type of pigment than dark hair
As is well-known, laser hair removal works by passing a beam of light through your skin, where its energy is absorbed by pigmented areas like your hair and skin and converted into heat – damaging cells and stopping future hair growth. Darker shades tend to absorb more pigment from laser treatment; thus making targeting them easier. Unfortunately for redheads however, laser technology doesn’t seem as successful due to different pigment types being contained within their locks, making removing unwanted hair more challenging.
As far as why this happens is concerned, studies suggest there’s one gene responsible for controlling how much melanin accumulates in both your hair and skin. When functioning normally, special melanocyte cells produce black pigment. But if one of the genes has become mutated and produces red pigment instead – which explains why only 2% of the world population naturally bear redhead characteristics.
Although this explains why laser hair removal may be difficult for those with red or blonde hair, it doesn’t explain why lasers don’t always work to effectively remove their locks. Therefore, alternative hair removal techniques like shaving, waxing and depilatory creams may be more suitable in their case.
Laser treatment remains effective if you wish to rid yourself of unwanted hair, however. Consulting with an expert will determine whether laser hair removal would work in your case and can advise as to the number of sessions necessary in order to see desired results.
Peach Clinics provide a variety of laser and IPL hair removal treatments. For more information, visit our website or reach out to one of our experienced clinicians to book a free consultation session.
Red hair has a finer texture than dark hair
Experts have long debated (and mocked) the way redheads get their signature locks, yet scientists are finally coming closer to understanding exactly why ginger hair exists. A study published in Nature shows that genetics play an essential part: the gene responsible for pigmentation MC1R controls how much melanin gets produced; variants with less responsive MC1R genes to melanin-producing hormone MSH produce lighter locks while variants more responsive to MSH produce darker locks.
Although laser treatments for red hair may not always work, there are still other effective methods of hair removal to help those with this color improve their appearance and remove unwanted hair. One option is electrolysis; it uses small electrical currents to destroy individual follicles; unlike other hair removal methods, electrolysis does not depend on the color of hair but can be effective against all forms of it – including red.
Before getting a laser treatment, it’s essential to consult an expert and determine whether your hair is suitable for this process. Furthermore, tanning or using skin lightening creams several weeks prior to your appointment can help avoid discoloration of skin that could potentially make treatment less successful.
Preparing for laser treatment requires two to three days of preparation. You should shave the area where you will undergo the procedure two or three days in advance and refrain from waxing, tweezing and plucking any hair in this treatment area; this will allow the laser energy to reach and damage hair follicles effectively.
If you’re uncertain if laser hair removal is right for you, speak to a specialist and find out about all of your treatment options. They can also develop a routine tailored specifically to you that will achieve the look that’s desired.
Red hair is more sensitive to laser light
Laser hair removal works by emitting a beam of light into the skin, which absorbs by melanin pigment cells and then destroys their hair follicle. Red hair can be more difficult to target due to different pigment molecules being more resistant to laser’s light beam than dark-hued locks; hence red locks respond less well with its beam of light than its dark-hair counterparts.
Recent advances in technology have made it possible for gingers to undergo laser hair removal treatments. Though not as effective for people with darker locks, laser treatment has become much more manageable when applied to light-haired individuals like gingers. Please keep in mind that results typically take between six and eight sessions before becoming noticeable.
Prior to beginning laser hair removal, it is advisable to refrain from using products which could darken your skin such as sunless skin creams or lotions, shaving or plucking hair prior to your appointment, shaving sunless skin creams etc, as well as shaving/plucking the area that needs treated. Furthermore, scheduling an appointment four weeks post tanner session would also be ideal; during your procedure you will sit or stand comfortably as the laser light penetrates into your skin.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it is crucial that you consult with a board-certified dermatologist first. They will be able to help determine whether you are suitable for the procedure and ensure your safety – an experienced dermatologist knows exactly how to perform the process without harming your skin or giving substandard results.
Electrolysis hair removal methods penetrate deep within the shaft of your hair shaft to permanently destroy its follicle and ensure your hair will no longer regrow back. Although electrolysis takes more time and is less convenient than other techniques, it remains one of the best options available to those with red hair.
Red hair is more difficult to target
Laser hair removal works best on dark-colored hair and fair skin, as the darker colors absorb the superheated laser light more efficiently and permanently destroy their hair follicles, thus inhibiting future hair growth. Light colored hair, however, reflects this light back out without being affected in the same way – this means blondes, whites and certain shades of reds should not undergo laser treatments.
Gingers and other light-haired people do have options available to them for hair removal. One such method is electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to destroy each individual strand by melting it off with heat. Electrolysis also offers permanent results unlike shaving or waxing that only provide temporary solutions.
Unwanted hair in various areas can be an impediment to looking and feeling your best, especially when trying to achieve that ideal aesthetic. But laser hair removal could be the solution; with its safe yet efficient techniques you can eliminate unwanted hair for smooth, flawless skin and avoid razor burn.
Laser treatments may cause irritation to your skin, giving the appearance of having sunburn. Your hair might grow back faster than usual as a result. To limit this side effect, try not tan before your procedure or apply sunless creams prior to doing the laser procedure; additionally avoid plucking or waxing as this could disrupt hair follicles and interfere with its effectiveness.
Before undertaking laser hair removal, consult with a dermatologist first. They will assess your suitability for treatment and suggest the most effective course of action, while providing tips to prepare for it, such as taking certain medications less often or exfoliating skin properly. On the day before your scheduled session, apply moisturizer to the area to be treated and shave the area that could interfere with laser treatment (if applicable) to remove surface hair that could hinder it. You could also use an ice pack on treated areas to minimize redness and swelling after treatment has finished.
