How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
We set our GentleMax Pro laser wavelength to match the melanin in your hair. We then deliver short pulses of laser energy onto the area with the unwanted hair. The melanin (which is what gives your hair its color) in the hair shaft absorbs the laser light energy. This energy instantly converts to heat and it travels down the hair shaft into the hair follicle. The heat damages or destroys the follicle, preventing it from growing hair.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
The FDA has approved laser use for “permanent hair reduction.” This is based in reality — it’s virtually impossible to remove every hair in a treatment area. Why? Two reasons.
First, laser energy is only effective in damaging hair follicles when the hair is in the anagen, or growth, phase. But hair can also be in the catagen (transitional phase between growth and rest) or the telogen phase (resting). In the catagen and telogen phases, the hair is already on the path to being shed. The hair is no longer receiving any nourishment from the follicle and it may have already separated from the follicle. This is why laser energy applied to hairs in these phases can’t get down into the follicle. The human body has around five million individual hairs on it, and each hair operates independently. When you look at those numbers, catching each unwanted hair in the growth phase isn’t easy.
Second, damaged follicles can rebuild sometimes with hormonal changes, and partially damaged follicles can heal and begin to grow hair again.
So, how much hair can you permanently get rid of? It’s from 85 to 90 percent in the treatment areas.
Your request has been submitted successfully.
Own or work here?
