Laser hair removal is a popular method of getting rid of unwanted hair from the body. It uses laser light to target and destroy hair follicles, preventing them from growing new hair. But can laser hair removal permanently destroy hair follicles?The answer is yes, laser hair removal can permanently destroy hair follicles. However, it is important to note that not all of the follicles will be destroyed in one session.
The laser can only target and damage the follicles that are in the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase of the hair cycle. This means that only about 15% of the follicles will be destroyed in one session. After the laser session, new hair growth will be less visible. Nevertheless, although laser treatments damage hair follicles, they are not completely eliminated. Some patients may be concerned that all of the hair in the treatment area did not come off after the laser session.
It's important to remember that each hair follicle may not necessarily share the same growth cycle as those around it. The average rate of hair growth is about half an inch per month. Hair usually grows in cycles of between 8 and 10 weeks. The face normally grows in 4-week cycles, while the legs go through a longer cycle of new hair growth every 8 to 10 weeks. That is why it is necessary to continue laser hair removal for several sessions and months. Not all the hairs next to each other will be in the same cycle, so it's important to target areas with the laser more than once.
During this time, redness and bumps may appear as the body expels dead hair from the follicle, although ingrown hairs may also remain under the skin. Many patients expect to see their hair fall out almost immediately after a laser session. The growth cycle is why 6 to 8 sessions can take place before the hair follicles are destroyed. The laser emits a gentle beam of light that crosses the skin to the hair follicle, where the laser light is absorbed. The greater the contrast between skin tone and hair color, the more effective the laser session will be. It does not burn surrounding skin tissue or hair follicles during any of the other phases of the hair growth cycle.
This can cause redness and bumps, such as ingrown hairs, as the body pushes out dead hairs from the follicle. Whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, laser hair removal is an alternative to shaving, waxing, electrolysis, or chemical depilatories, which only provide temporary relief. You must receive several laser therapy sessions to enjoy all the benefits that laser therapy offers. Over time, treated follicles can recover from initial damage and regrow hair. Removing all hair follicles from a given area is a difficult task. As mentioned above, there are several factors that affect the chance of future regrowth after laser treatments. The type of hair treated is another factor that affects the chance of future regrowth after laser treatments.
Laser hair removal depends on laser light to remove unwanted hairs from the body. Waxing will minimize the need to shave or wax unwanted hairs. In conclusion, yes, laser treatments can permanently destroy hair follicles. However, it takes several sessions for all of them to be destroyed due to their different growth cycles. Laser treatments are an excellent alternative for removing unwanted hairs from any part of your body.