LASER HAIR REMOVAL: HOW IT WORKS?

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body. It works by targeting the hair follicles with concentrated beams of light energy. The pigment in the hair follicles absorbs the light, which damages the follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how laser hair removal works:

1. Consultation: Before undergoing laser hair removal, you’ll typically have a consultation with a trained professional. They will assess your skin type, hair color, and medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
2. Preparation: On the day of the treatment, the area to be treated will be prepared. This involves trimming the hair to a specific length (usually a few millimeters) and cleansing the area to remove any dirt, oil, or lotion that could interfere with the laser’s effectiveness.
3. Protective measures: To protect your eyes from the laser’s intense light, both you and the technician will wear special goggles. They will also apply a cooling gel or use a cooling device to help minimize any discomfort during the treatment.
4. Laser application: The technician will use a handheld laser device and apply short bursts of laser light to the treatment area. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) present in the hair follicles.
5. Energy absorption: The melanin in the hair follicles absorbs the laser energy, which is then converted into heat. This heat damages the follicles, specifically targeting their ability to produce new hair without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin.
6. Hair shedding: In the weeks following the treatment, the damaged hair follicles will start to shed the treated hairs. You may notice that the hair falls out gradually.
7. Repeat sessions: Laser hair removal typically requires multiple treatment sessions to achieve the best results. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only effectively target hair in the active growth phase (anagen phase). Multiple sessions are necessary to target all the hair follicles in different growth stages.

It’s important to note that laser hair removal is not completely permanent, but it can provide long-lasting hair reduction. The results can vary depending on factors such as hair color, skin type, hormonal changes, and individual response to treatment.

Before undergoing laser hair removal, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified professional and follow their instructions for pre- and post-treatment care to ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of the procedure.

1. Hair color and thickness: Laser hair removal tends to be most effective for individuals with darker, coarse hair. Lighter hair colors, such as blonde or gray, may be more challenging to target and may require additional sessions or alternative hair removal methods.
2. Skin type: The effectiveness of laser hair removal can also be influenced by your skin type. Lighter skin tones with darker hair generally respond better to the treatment, as the laser can more easily differentiate between the hair follicles and the surrounding skin. People with darker skin tones may require specialized lasers or specific settings to minimize the risk of complications.
3. Hormonal factors: Hormonal changes can affect hair growth patterns, particularly in areas such as the face or underarms. Hormonal imbalances or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may require ongoing maintenance sessions to manage hair growth.
4. Maintenance sessions: To maintain the results of laser hair removal, periodic maintenance sessions may be recommended. These sessions are typically spaced months or even years apart, depending on individual hair regrowth patterns.

While it’s difficult to provide an exact timeframe, most individuals can expect a significant reduction in hair growth after completing a series of laser hair removal sessions. The treated hair may become finer and lighter in color, and the time between maintenance sessions may increase over time.

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and some hair regrowth may occur over the years. However, compared to other hair removal methods, such as shaving or waxing, laser hair removal generally provides longer-lasting and more convenient results. Consulting with a qualified professional can help provide a personalized assessment of your expected results based on your unique circumstances.

After undergoing laser hair removal, the treated hairs typically go through a shedding process. Here’s what happens:

1. Hair follicle damage: During the laser hair removal treatment, the concentrated light energy targets and damages the hair follicles. The heat generated by the laser damages the follicles’ ability to produce new hair.
2. Dormant phase: After the laser treatment, the hair follicles enter a dormant phase. This means that the damaged follicles stop actively producing new hair.
3. Hair shedding: Over the following weeks, the treated hairs that were in the growth phase (anagen phase) at the time of the laser treatment will begin to shed. You may notice the hairs falling out naturally during this period.
4. New hair growth cycle: While the treated hairs shed, new hairs may grow from other follicles that were not in the anagen phase during the treatment. These new hairs may be finer and lighter in color than before, and some follicles may enter a prolonged dormant phase.
5. Repeat treatments: To target all the hair follicles effectively, multiple laser hair removal sessions are typically required. Each session targets hair follicles in different growth phases, ensuring maximum hair reduction over time.

It’s important to note that not all treated hairs will shed immediately after each session. The shedding process can take several weeks, and you may notice gradual hair reduction with each subsequent treatment.

Additionally, it’s normal to experience some regrowth between sessions. This regrowth is often finer and lighter in color, making it less noticeable. The overall goal of laser hair removal is to significantly reduce hair growth over time, leading to smoother and less noticeable hair in the treated area.

Remember to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your healthcare professional or technician to optimize the results and minimize any potential complications.

Here are a few reasons why you may still have hair right after a laser hair removal session:

1. Hair in different growth phases: Hair grows in cycles, and not all hairs are in the active growth phase (anagen phase) at the same time. Laser hair removal is most effective on hairs in the anagen phase because these hairs have the highest amount of pigment (melanin) to absorb the laser energy. Hairs in other growth phases, such as the telogen (resting) or catagen (transitional) phases, may not be affected by the laser during a particular session. These hairs will shed in subsequent weeks as they enter the anagen phase.
2. Hair follicles require time to respond: While the laser damages the hair follicles during the treatment, it takes time for the follicles to respond and for the treated hairs to shed. It is common for treated hairs to fall out gradually over the following weeks. You may notice a reduction in hair density and slower regrowth in the treated area as the shedding process continues.
3. Hair regrowth between sessions: Laser hair removal typically requires multiple treatment sessions to target hair follicles in different growth phases effectively. Between sessions, some hair follicles that were not previously treated or were in a different growth phase may continue to produce new hair. These hairs can be targeted in subsequent sessions.
4. Incomplete treatment coverage: It’s possible that the laser treatment may not have fully covered all the targeted hairs during the session. Factors such as the technician’s technique, the device used, or the specific area being treated can contribute to variations in treatment coverage. The technician will generally make efforts to cover the entire area, but some hair follicles may be missed unintentionally.

Remember that laser hair removal is a gradual process, and it takes multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. The treated hairs will shed over time, and you should notice a reduction in hair growth with each subsequent treatment. If you have concerns about your progress or the effectiveness of the treatment, it’s best to consult with your healthcare professional or the technician performing the laser hair removal.