Laser Hair Removal

To first understand how laser hair removal works it is important to understand how hair grows. There are three different stages of hair growth. The anagen phase is the active growth phase. This is the only phase where laser hair removal is effective. The second phase is the catagen phase, which is the shedding phase. The third phase is the telogen or resting phase. Laser hair removal is not effective during the catagen and telogen phases as the heat energy is not able to reach the hair follicle to properly damage it to inhibit growth. Only 20% of hair is actively growing during one anagen growth phase, so multiple treatments are necessary for laser hair removal to be effective for long-term results. The phase can last 3-4 months on the body and 5-7 years on the head. This shorter growth cycle on the body explains why you can’t grow long hairs on your arms or legs.

During the anagen phase, the hair is growing inside the follicle and the follicle is connected to the blood supply. This is also when there is the highest concentration of melanin. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. Melanin is responsible for the color of the hair. As the melanin absorbs the laser light, it converts the light energy into heat. This heat damages the follicle when the hair is in the optimal part of the growth cycle, inhibiting the hair follicle’s ability to grow new hair.

Laser hair removal is most effective on individuals with a significant contrast between their skin tone and hair color. It is also more effective on coarse hair than on fine hair. Coarse hair tends to absorb more laser energy, leading to better results. In general, the more contrast you have between your skin and hair, the better the results. It is best to stay out of the sun for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Paler skin gives more contrast to the hairs and the sun exposure makes skin more sensitive to heat.

New technology has made laser hair removal accessible to those with darker skin tones and lighter hair. Our Soprano ICE is FDA-cleared for skin types I-VI and tanned skin. Using repetitive low energy, rather than a single pulse of high energy, it leaves the epidermis intact while warming the dermis and destroying the anatomical structures of the hair follicle.

The number of treatments varies from person to person. Most patients will see results after three to six visits, but more may be required. Treatments are spaced out about every six to eight weeks as hairs grow in different cycles. After each appointment, you will notice fewer hairs growing in that area. It can take nine months to a year to treat one area of the body. After treatment is complete, maintenance treatments once or twice a year are recommended.

Avoid sun exposure, self-tanner, and spray tans. Discontinue retinol, tretinoin, vitamin C, and exfoliants for 5–7 days prior to treatment. No Accutane for 6 months prior to treatment. Do not treat while taking photosensitizing antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or Bactrim.