Achieving the most effective laser treatment depends largely on a patient’s skin and hair colour. In laser hair reduction the best response is seen with dark hair and light skin. While grey, white, blonde and red hair rarely respond at all.
Laser hair removal works best on light-skinned, dark-haired individuals because the light from these lasers is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair, also known as melanin.
A laser targets the dark pigment in the shaft and base of the hair follicles. The hair absorbs the laser energy, causing the hair to heat up and hold the heat. This heat damages the hair stunting future hair growth.
Why is grey hair not generally suitable for laser hair removal?
Grey and white hair as well as blonde and red hair both lack pigment therefore it is difficult for lasers to detect and treat. When a laser has no pigment to target it is harder to zap away the hair, thus making laser hair removal an ineffective treatment for grey hair.
Find out more about laser hair removal for men at HRBR in this short video
How do I know laser hair removal will work for me?
At HRBR, we carry out a detailed initial consultation with each patient before we commence treatment, to determine each person’s suitability for laser hair removal.
To see if you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal contact the clinic today to arrange a consultation on 00353 1 209 1000 or info@hrbr.ie. If you have any other questions about laser hair removal at HRBR, see the detailed FAQ section on our website.
About the Author
Aoife Curran
Nurse Manager
Aoife Curran is Nurse Manager at HRBR. She holds an honours degree in General Nursing from Trinity College Dublin. She has worked at HRBR since 2011. Previous to HRBR Aoife worked in Tallaght University Hospital. In 2017, Aoife underwent a specialised Trichology course for 2 years in London’s Institute of Trichology, where she gained an in depth knowledge of hair along with disorders of the scalp and hair. She then went on to complete a Level 4 certification for IPL and Laser Hair Removal and has gained valuable experience with laser hair removal.
