How Does Laser Hair Removal Treatment Work?

Introduction

Hair is something that almost every human being has in common. Hair is used for a multitude of purposes from keeping us warm to making a social fashion statement. When it comes to hair removal, there are many options available ranging from supermarket treatments (such as shaving or waxing) to clinical procedures. One of the most commonly used clinical procedures is laser hair removal.

Hair Follicle

Laser hair removal revolves around the hair follicle and hair shaft. Your hair follicle is a tube of cells which give the hair shaft access to the outside of your skin. At the bottom of the hair shaft is the root of the hair strand which helps to control the growth of your hair. Each hair has its own follicle, and as such, laser hair removal must target each follicle individually.

Laser

Laser hair removal works by using special lasers that target melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives your hair its color. The more melanin present in the hair, the darker the hair will be. As the laser moves over your skin, it can sense the melanin in each hair shaft. The laser can then target the hair shaft and directs an intense beam of light which heats up the follicle. The level of heat is enough to destroy the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out and stopping future growth for a longer period than other hair removal methods, and in some cases, can stop future growth permanently.

Sessions

For laser hair removal to work, it must target the hair follicle during its growth phase, also known as the anagen phase. Since not all hair is in the anagen phase at the same time, laser hair removal treatments must be done over a series of visits. Most areas of the skin will require six treatments to get full results, depending on how thick the hair is and your hair growth cycle.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of laser hair removal varies depending on your hair type. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal can reduce your hair growth by anywhere from 20 to 90 percent. The lighter your skin and the darker your hair, the better results you are likely to have from each treatment. Laser hair removal is not always permanent and may require future sessions 2 or 3 years after your first treatment.