Laser hair removal has long been considered to be ineffective on red hair. But with the advances in laser technology over the past couple of years, is this still the case?  The facts are considered here.

There is no doubt that some laser hair removal clinics are claiming to be effectively treating red, blond and grey hair, long considered unsuitable for laser hair removal.   To understand this resistance by these hair colours to laser treatment, you will need an understanding of how laser hair removal works.

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in the hair.  Melanin is the pigment in the hair shaft.  Once the laser has locked onto the pigment, the laser heats the hair up to a temperature which destroys the hair follicle the hair is growing from, making the follicle incapable of growing more hair.
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The success of laser hair removal largely depends on how the skin of an individual reacts to the treatment. One of the problems that is often encountered is that darker skin tones can be more difficult to treat with a laser than lighter skins. One of the most common questions that is often asked is if the treatment is suitable for those with black or tanned skin, and what sort of results can be expected.

The amount of colour pigment in your hair often dictates how successful (or not) laser hair removal will be for you. This pigment is called melanin. The laser works by generating focused beams of light which are attracted to the melanin. When the laser hits the melanin in the hair it heats up the hair and its follicle, disabling the hair growth of the follicle. Once this has been achieved, the follicle can no longer grow hair.

Problems occur when the melanin in the skin is darker than the melanin in the hair. Instead of the laser energy focusing on the hair in the follicle, it focuses on the darker pigment in the skin, and the result can be some rather nasty burns.

A Note on Tanned Skin.
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A commonly asked question when it comes to permanent laser hair removal is if it’s safe to undergo whilst pregnant or trying to conceive. This article explores the pros and cons of laser hair removal at this time.

When a woman is pregnant, superfluous hair growth can take place, particularly on the stomach, areola and other places where it may not have been before. This is common because of the hormonal changes that are occurring in the body. It is also why many women feel that permanent removal of the hair by laser may be the answer at this time.

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Laser Hair Removal is a very popular option for many people who want to avoid the pain of waxing and want a more permanent solution to unwanted hair growth. But to some people, the thought of a laser aimed at their skin can be daunting and might have some reservations about it.

One of the most common questions asked is “How painful is laser hair removal”?  This article has some laser hair removal information that will help you get a better understanding of what is involved and help you make the whole procedure more comfortable.

Laser Type

Different lasers are used depending on the skin and hair colour.  They have evolved over the years to cause very little tissue damage and deliver better results. In a nutshell, they work by disabling the hair follicles and preventing the hair from growing back. It normally takes between 5 – 10 treatments to finish the whole process completely.   People with darker skin tones tend to have more sensitive skin, so talking to your laser technician about what laser to use is a must. The long pulse ND: Yag laser works best on individuals with coarser hair or dark skin tones.  It can be a bit painful.

The Alexandrite long pulse laser had become very popular, in part because it has a customisable range and could cover a large area quickly.  It works best on individuals with light to olive coloured complexions.  Depending on your pain threshold, the sensation can vary from uncomfortable to quite painful.
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If you have hair growing where you don’t want it, there IS good news. Removal of unwanted hair is easier and more accessible than ever before. Today there is a wide range of effective hair removal options available to you.

Reasons for Hair Removal
People’s reasons for wanting hair removed run the gamut from medical necessity to social unacceptability. Many women include hair removal as part of their normal cosmetic routine. They shave their legs and underarms, pluck their eyebrows, and have their pubic hair trimmed or removed.
Most men shave their facial hair, and men sometimes men will shave their body hair for cosmetic purposes or to enhance their performance. Many athletes — particularly swimmers and body builders — will undergo hair removal procedures.
Some people with hair growth disorders like hypertrichosis or hirsutism use hair removal procedures for medical reasons.

Temporary Or Permanent Removal
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