Hair Removal Basics

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

The short answer is yes, almost everyone is. Laser hair removal technology has evolved so much in the past several years that currently, anyone with any skin type and almost any type of unwanted hair can be treated successfully with laser hair removal.

The best candidates are still those who have light skin and dark hair, but now, even those with dark skin types can have laser hair removal with the caveat that they may need more treatments over time as their results may not come as quickly as someone with fair skin.

How Do Lasers Work to Get Rid of Unwanted Hair?

Every laser has a target known as a chromophore that it “sees” in the skin. This is where the laser energy is focused and where it produces its intended effect. The lasers used for laser hair removal see pigmentation or melanin in the hair follicle. When the laser energy is concentrated in the follicle, the heat that is produced damages its blood supply. If there is no blood supply, then the follicle can’t grow hair, and the effect of this is usually permanent when certain types of laser energy are used.

This is also the reason why laser hair removal works best on dark hair. Lighter-colored hair (blonde, red, gray, or white) doesn’t have as much melanin in the follicle and is, therefore, harder to treat and get rid of with a laser.

Not All Laser Hair Removal Success is Created Equal

No matter what you’ve heard or been told, successful results with laser hair removal are NOT the same across the board. The experience and training of your laser practitioner coupled with the type of device that they use will weigh heavily into whether your laser hair removal works and your results last a lifetime.

Do consider multiple practices, ask questions and talk to friends, neighbors, and co-workers if they’ve had the procedure done. Do your due diligence and you won’t be disappointed with your results.