How Laser Hair Removal Works?

Cycle of Hair Growth

Do you realise that hair follicles develop in cycles? Every time a new hair develops, it goes through three stages of growth, and it’s critical to realise that our hair does not grow in a uniform manner. As a result, a single laser zap won’t permanently remove all the hair since one hair may be in the beginning stage of hair development while the one next to it may be in the final. Each cycle consists of the following three phases:

1.       The active stage of growth is “Anagen”.
2.       “Catagen”: The Interim Period
3.       The stage of rest is “Telogen”.

How Lasers Destroy Hair and How It Works

Have you ever noticed how wearing dark clothing makes you feel warm to the touch and absorbs sunlight? You’ll next start to comprehend how the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle absorbs heat and energy from the laser.

Selective photothermolysis is how laser hair removal works. When the laser beam is tuned to a certain wavelength, this occurs. The laser beam is drawn to the melanin found in the hair, sparing the nearby tissue from damage. Heat is produced by the laser beam’s energy, which passes through the hair shaft and into the actual hair bulb. The dermal papilla, which is in charge of feeding the hair bulb and rebuilding the hair, is destroyed and killed in this location by the heat.

After just two treatments, hair regrowth will be slower and finer.

Anagen

Anagen, or the growth stage, is when the hair is at its biggest, is linked to the root, and contains an excess of melanin. This stage sees the hair growing and emerging above the skin. This period lasts for at least two to three weeks, depending on how long the hair finally grows. The hair is also at its deepest colour during the anagen stage, which promotes the greatest thermal energy transmission from the laser to the hair follicle.

Catagen

The stage of transition, catagen, is frequently used. During this brief time of transition, the hair follicles get smaller and the hair stops growing. The follicle separates from the dermal papilla, which feeds it nutrition. After then, the dermal papilla regresses. This period often only lasts a few days.

Telogen

Telogen is the stage of repose. Due to the hair’s total root separation and lack of visibility at this point, laser hair removal is absolutely useless. There is no predetermined amount of time for this stage; it may last for as little as a week or as long as a year before returning to the anagen phase.

For Laser Hair Removal, Which Hair Phase Is Best?

Phase Anagen

The active growth phase is called the anagen phase. Only during this stage does laser hair removal work. One Anagen development phase only allows for 20% of hair to be actively growing, which is why repeated treatments are required for laser hair removal to be successful for long-lasting results.

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