Laser hair removal is the best way to get rid of unwanted hair in all areas of the body. The procedure allows you to permanently remove hair so you no longer have to worry about shaving or waxing, and can eliminate the fear of having unsightly body hair.
If you’re considering undergoing laser hair removal, it’s beneficial for you to know how it works. Understanding the phases of hair growth and how laser technology is applied will help you get the best results from using laser hair removal!
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal works by using laser pulses to target and destroy hair follicles. It became available in the 1990’s and has been performed consistently and with reliable results since then.
Using selective photothermolysis (SPTL), the procedure targets the hair follicles without affecting any of the skin that surrounds them. It does this by controlling the light wavelength and length of the pulse to reach the follicles and prevent new hair from growing.
Understanding Hair Growth
Hair grows from the follicles and moves through three distinct stages. These are the anagen, catagen, and telogen growth. The effects of laser hair removal will depend on these stages in order to work.
The active anagen growth phase lasts the longest. Depending on the area of the body and your genetics, the amount of hair growth will vary. The anagen phase can last for years.
Catagen, the second phase of growth, is indicated when follicles no longer produce new hair and reduce in size. They become separated from the supply of blood and move into the next stage.
The final telogen phase begins when the hair falls out. This can last as long as five weeks and ends when the follicles reconnect to the supply of blood to begin the growth phase once again.
Using Lasers for Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in the hair. These pigments are darker in color and allow the light pulse energy to absorb into the follicles. The resulting damage eliminates the existing hair while preventing new growth.
However, because some hair will be in the telogen phase, the laser will not be as effective on those areas. That’s why treatments are done in a series over time. This ensures that active hair growth is targeted for results.
By increasing the number of treatments you will remove hair more permanently than if you only had one treatment.
Laser hair removal works by directly targeting follicles. By treating hair during the active growth phase, it can permanently eliminate the growth of new hair. This gives you long-lasting results and the freedom the hassles of shaving and waxing!
