The technique of laser hair removal is relatively new. It is a safe and affordable alternative to waxing or shaving. Laser hair removal was once effective only for people with darker hair. Researchers have since made new developments with lasers that work better on people with fair hair. Here is what you should know:
How the Laser Technique Works?
During treatment for hair removal, a laser emits a light energy beam. Melanin or pigment absorbs this energy in your hair. This turns into heat and damages the hair follicles.
The light energy targets the pigments in the hair to get to the follicles. Laser radiation damages the hair follicles and burns the blood artery that supplies the hair matrix.
Three phases make up the hair growth cycle: the growth phase, the regression phase, and the dormant phase.
The hair and follicle are in contact only during the catagen phase. A hair follicle receives heat from the hair strand, acting as a conduit. Hair is cut loose from the follicle in the regression and anagen phase. The follicle cannot receive heat.
Read More: What to Do After Getting a Scalp Tattoo?
Factors That Impact Laser Effectiveness
The following factors affect how many treatment sessions you may need for the best results:
- Patient’s skin and hair tone
- Type of laser
- Laser technician’s experience
- Hair growth cycle
Lasers target the hair’s pigments. Patients frequently report slowed and reduced hair growth after a few visits. You will probably need several sessions for hair to be gone long-term.
Why Traditional Laser Treatment Is Not Effective For Blonde Hair
Traditional lasers target hair pigmentation. The treated area receives laser heat energy zapped at the skin. Cooling gel applied to the skin help soothe inflammation or irritation. Hair pigmentation draws the laser to the hair. When the laser heat enters the hair follicle, it destroys the follicle bulb.
Because blonde hair lacks pigmentation, the laser cannot penetrate the hair follicle. The heat can burn the skin’s surface when it does not reach the hair follicle. For fair-haired individuals, this reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
Developments in laser technology have improved laser hair reduction for those with fair hair. These lasers better target pigment, making hair removal simple. The lasers work well with blond, white, and grey hair.
How Laser Hair Reduction Works
Recent developments in laser technology have remedied the pigmentation issue with fair hair. These solutions include:
Laser Coloring
Blonde hair is challenging to treat with laser because it lacks color to draw the laser to it. Researchers have developed several lasers that color the targeted hair using artificial pigmentation. Before pumping the laser light into the skin, the laser colors the targeted hair.
Artificial pigmentation is less effective compared to naturally dark hair. The results may vary from person to person.
The Long Pulse Laser
Shorter pulse lengths and wavelengths were the norm in traditional laser construction. Laser manufacturers have discovered a means to safely produce longer pulse lengths, making the operation safer for those with blonde hair.
Why Long Pulses Are Safer
Laser technicians believe longer pulses are safer. Here is why:
Less Melanin Selective
The challenge with laser hair treatments is making sure that the follicle receives the laser energy, not the skin. When the melanin in the epidermis absorbs the laser energy, it may harm the skin. Lasers that produce longer wavelengths prevent melanin from absorbing the laser energy.
Enhanced Penetration
There is less possibility of the heat stopping at the epidermis because longer wavelengths go deeper than shorter ones. Longer wavelengths enable the laser to penetrate the dermis to the follicle bulb easily.
Longer Cooling Time
Lasers with longer pulse lengths and wavelengths give the skin more time to cool between pulses. Enough cooling prevents heat damage to the epidermis. This improves the patient’s safety during treatment.
Laser techniques are now much safer and more effective for patients with fair hair than it once was. Lighter-haired individuals may need more treatments than those with dark hair.
Where to Get Laser Hair Removal
More people are opting for laser hair reduction over shaving and waxing. Technological advancements allow laser treatment for all skin and hair types. Find professional laser hair removal at a licensed and certified beauty spa near you.
