The anagen phase is the active growth stage, where laser hair removal is most effective. The root of the hair is at its largest, has the most melanin, and is attached to the blood supply. The hair follicle develops and becomes visible above the skin during this stage.
While teenagers can benefit from laser hair removal, the most effective time to begin treatment is just after the late teens through the early 30s.
Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles. At this time, the cells in the root of the hair divide rapidly, so the hair is growing and extending to the hair shaft. During the anagen phase, the hair follicles are the most receptive to the laser light because they are rich in protein (keratin) and melanin.
Effective treatment of light coloured fine hair requires a laser with a high attraction to melanin such as the Alexandrite 755nm laser. Darker thicker hairs will respond better to the diode 810nm laser or Nd Yag 1064nm laser.
Laser hair removal works best in spring
Plus, when you spend time in the sun, your hair tends to lighten. Again, this lowers the contrast between the follicle and skin, reducing the effectiveness of your laser hair removal treatment.
Ideal Hair Length for Laser Hair Removal
The recommended hair length for laser hair removal is typically about 1-2 millimeters, which is approximately the length of stubble a day or two after shaving. This length ensures that the hair follicle is intact and visible for the laser to target effectively.
This is a sign that the laser successfully treated the follicle, and it's clearing out the dead hair shaft. This shedding process, also called “peppering,” can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In some cases, it may feel like the hair is growing back because it's breaking through the skin.
Hair grows in cycles, which include the anagen (active growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). Laser hair removal works by targeting hairs during the anagen phase, as this is when the hair follicle is most active and connected to its root.
Blond, fine hairs cannot be targeted by the lasers and therefore, cannot be removed with this method. Waxing is a better choice for light colored hair. Individuals with darker skin tones or who tan easily, may have a harder time getting results from laser hair removal.
Generally, clients need about two to six laser treatments in order to completely get rid of hair. You can expect to see about a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after your first treatment. As you continue your treatments, more and more hair will fall out, and you'll notice that it continues to grow back more slowly.
The best way to help speed up shedding after your laser hair removal treatment is by gentle exfoliation once or twice a week once you start to see signs of your hair starting to shed.
Every strand of hair in the body will pass through 3 stages of the hair growth cycle: anagen (growth phase), catagen (regressive phase), and telogen (resting phase). Laser hair removal can destroy hair at its roots and therefore prevent any new growth only during the anagen, or growth, phase.
LASER TREATMENTS
Don't go there if your peach fuzz is light in color – laser will do more damage than good, as laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair. You could end up with burns, permanent hyperpigmentation or scarring, with no reduction in peach fuzz.
You should see immediate results based on the color and thickness of your hair, the area treated, the type of laser, and the color of your skin. Regardless of these variations, you should notice a 10-25% reduction of hair after the first treatment. Expect no downtime after your first treatment.
The fact- “No one fits all” is also true for the Brazilian treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the thickness, growth and colour of the hair. So, the number of sessions one needs to undergo vary from person to person. Generally, 6-8 sessions are required to get your hair permanently removed.
Hormonal Influences: Hormonal changes can stimulate hair growth. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid imbalances might cause new hair growth even after laser treatment. Color and Thickness of Hair: Laser hair removal is less effective on light-colored or fine hair.
The anagen phase is the active growth stage, where laser hair removal is most effective. The root of the hair is at its largest, has the most melanin, and is attached to the blood supply.
To remove the hair, most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments. After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.
While laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, it doesn't always eliminate it completely, and some may still require occasional touch-ups. Skin reactions can also play a role in feelings of regret, although this is rare when the procedure is done correctly.
Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.
It's perfectly acceptable to shave between laser hair removal sessions.