Will laser hair removal work on light hair?

Upon its inception, laser hair removal was reserved strictly for people with darker hair. However, new lasers exist that work on blonde hair. Any reputable laser hair removal clinic will tell you how effective the procedure is now for blondes. Laser hair removal works by using a high intensity beam to target and destroy hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin and tissues. Because the procedure reduces the number of hairs found in the area that has been treated, re-growth is rare.

If you have blonde hair and are looking to visit a laser hair removal clinic, here are five things to know before you set off for your procedure:

1. There are lasers made for blonde hair removal
   The heat source emitted from the laser is drawn to the pigment found in dark hair. Blonde hair does not contain ample pigment, so scientists have come up with lasers that work at a higher intensity. These lasers create the illusion of extra pigment on blonde, fair-skinned individuals making hair removal a breeze. These special lasers are so effective on blonde hair that they even work on grey or white hair.
2. There are two types of hair
   On our body we have vellus hair and terminal hair. Vellus hair is the short, fine, practically invisible hair that cover our entire bodies (except the palms and bottoms of our feet) while terminal hair is thicker and pigmented. On the pubic region, underarms and legs is where you’ll find terminal hair and it is this hair that the laser removes.
3. Hair grows in cycles
   Our has grows in three cycles — anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the active phase in which our hair is actually growing. When our hair is in the catagen phase our hair follicles are dying, which slows growth down. Finally, the telogen phase occurs in which our hair has stopped growing. Once the telogen phase is complete, the cycle starts again.
4. Laser treatments need to be spread out for best results
   As aforementioned, hair grows in cycles. Because of this, hair removal will only be complete after several treatments. Moreover, these treatments need to be spread out, giving the hairs on the legs, bikini and underarms a chance to grow. Usually, you will be visiting the laser hair removal clinic every six weeks for about a year. Some people need only four treatments to effectively remove hair while others require about six.
5. You need to see a specialist
   As with any laser procedure you need to see a specialist. Visiting a laser hair removal clinic or cosmetic surgeon who offers this at their practice is your best option. Although laser hair removal procedures are becoming more and more common, you should have your treatment done by a doctor, registered nurse, or certified technician who has special training.

If you’re a rare natural blonde with light body hair, you’re likely not the right candidate for laser hair removal. But if you’re blonde by choice *wink* and your body hair is darker, then you’re in luck! New advancements in laser technology have made it possible to remove light brown hair. The only real challenge with laser hair removal is the treatment of red, grey, white or blonde hair. Why? Because laser hair removal works by preferentially targeting the melanin in hair follicles, so without melanin, there is no target. Patients with high-color contrasts, such as those with dark hair and light skin, tend to respond best to treatment.

HOW DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK FOR LIGHT HAIR?

Laser hair removal seems like magic, but the science behind it is simple—even for those with difficult hair and skin combinations (as long as the pigment in the hair is darker than the pigment in the surrounding skin)! Laser hair removal uses laser light pulses that selectively destroy hair follicles by targeting the melanin in them. The follicle’s pigment absorbs the laser’s light pulse, damaging the follicle enough to significantly slow down and prevent hair regrowth.

The length of a laser hair removal procedure depends on the size of the treatment area, meaning a session can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Before the actual laser hair removal session, you’ll be given protective eyewear and ice packs as needed. The actual session involves a series of laser pulses that results in a prickling and burning sensation. But don’t worry; the discomfort isn’t too bad. In fact, it’s similar to that of a rubber band snapping against your skin. Plus, a Zimmer chiller will be blowing cold air on the treatment area the entire time to mitigate any discomfort.

GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL

There’s no question that laser hair removal works. It’s the preferred way to remove hair because it’s safer and more permanent than other methods such as waxing, plucking, shaving, and electrolysis. Laser hair removal is so effective that most patients experience permanent hair reduction after an average of six to eight treatments. Multiple laser hair removal sessions are needed to obtain maximum results because only hair in the anagen—or active—stage of hair growth can be successfully treated.

What’s more, laser hair removal is the only proven method available for permanently reducing hair from large areas of the body, including the back, chest, legs, and face.

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