The main target of laser hair removal treatment is the melanin, or colored pigment, in the hair shaft. This is the substance in the hair shaft that will actually absorb and be affected by the laser light. Because melanin is the pigment which darkens hair, lightly colored hair, such as blonde or gray hair, will not respond as well as black hair. Because of the higher concentration of melanin in the hair shaft, thick dark hairs will respond the best to laser light treatment. Another important factor to weigh when considering laser hair removal treatment is skin color. Darker toned skin does not respond as well as light colored skin, which will generally require fewer treatments. Even multiple treatments for those patients with darker skin may not be able to receive enough benefit to achieve permanent hair removal.

There are preparations a patient can make prior to laser hair removal treatments which can make the treatments as effective as possible. The skin must be prepared for the treatment by being shaved of hair growth. Although the area to be treated should be shaved, the hair should not be plucked or waxed. This type of preparation removes the hair shaft entirely and makes the laser hair removal ineffective. Patients should also avoid tanning lotions and tanning salons, with the consideration lighter skin is more effectively treated with the hair removal laser. The patients who tend to respond best to laser hair removal treatment are those with lighter skin and darker hair.

Laser hair removal treatments are performed using laser lights. These laser lights change the hair follicles. The treated hair follicles may have less or permanent hair growth than before the treatment. A laser light is directed at the area. Hair pigment known as melanin takes in the light and it is converted to heat. During the process the area of skin around the hair follicles become inactive due to the heat emitted from the build up of laser light. Only the hair that is in the active growth stage known as Anogen, will be removed; so several treatments may be required to clear an area of skin.

There are three growth states for hair follicles known as Anogen, Catagen, Telogen. The Catagen and Telogen stages are dormant hair growth stages. Most body sites such as the arm, leg, thigh, bikini area, experience at most 20% to 40 % of hair growth at any one time resulting in the need for repeated laser hair removal treatments. Stages of dormancy transition every two to three months so laser hair removal treatments may be repeated approximately every couple of months.

Laser hair removal treatments respond best on dark haired, light skinned individuals. Gray hair, and other light hair colors such as silver, and blonde tend to respond poorly to laser hair removal. In addition, dark skinned individuals may never achieve a good outcome from laser hair removal treatment.

It is important for individuals to know that not all lasers are created equally and may not achieve the desired result. Some people have undergone many treatments without receiving permanent hair loss.

The FDA has approved the LIGHTSheer® laser hair removal system. The infrared lighting does not emit harmful rays or ionizing radiation. Even pregnant women may be safely treated LIGHTSheer® system.

Laser hair removal is not for everyone but it is the hair removal system of choice for those for whom it is best suited. Find out more about laser hair removal systems to discover if it is the right choice for you.