Laser hair removal can effectively treat nearly all hair colors and all skin types; however, that isn’t the case with white hair. While we never want to tell a potential client they can’t be treated, in this case, it’s a matter of treatment effectiveness. So why can’t laser hair removal treat white hair? Read on and find out.

Can I Get Laser Hair Removal With White Hair?

While laser hair removal is a fantastic way to address unwanted hair for nearly all hair colors, it isn’t as impactful on white hair. The laser’s energy is attracted to the melanin in the follicle, and melanin is severely lacking in white hair.

If laser hair removal is performed on white hair, the laser energy would instead be absorbed by the skin. The good news is there are ways to assess a client’s hair to figure out if laser hair removal will be safe and effective for them.

“What I like to do is go into the consultation room and assess their hair,” said Milan Provider Educator Aubree J. “For example, if the client is interested in treating their lip and chin but they have white hair, I’ll take a peak and say, ‘Unfortunately, the laser is attracted to pigment, and the hairs I’m seeing on your lip and chin are white.

“We will then ask the client if they have other body areas with hair that is treatable and if they are interested in removing that hair. We try to approach it with what we can treat, as opposed to what we can’t.”

Quote mark

The laser’s energy is attracted to the melanin in the follicle, and melanin is severely lacking in white hair.”

Exploring Treatment Options

While the benefits and permanent results of laser hair removal can’t be enjoyed for those with white hair, other hair removal methods available to get rid of that unwanted hair, including:

  • Electrolysis: An electric current is used on each hair follicle to destroy it and prevent future growth. This method is both painful and tedious to get complete results.
  • Waxing: Hot wax is applied to the skin and ripped away with a cloth strip. This is not only painful but temporary.
  • Sugaring: A mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice is applied to the skin and ripped away once dry. It’s a lot of work for temporary results and can lead to skin irritation.
  • Threading: A twisted thread is used to pluck hairs from the follicle. It’s not permanent and can lead to skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and blemishes. 
  • Shaving: Shaving cream is applied to the skin and a razor removes hair from the skin. It’s a process that will be repeated often and can lead to irritation, nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.
Woman in a black tank top in a Milan clinic wondering if she can get laser hair removal with white hair and shaking a clinic manager's hand

Ready To Book Your Free Consultation?

Milan Laser is the country’s largest provider of laser hair removal with more than 390 locations nationwide. Find a convenient location near you and start your hair-free journey with one of our medically-based laser hair removal professionals today.

Milan Laser consultation session

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, people with light hair can get laser hair removal. As long as there is enough melanin in the hair follicle, the laser can destroy its growth cycle and prevent future hair growth with repeated treatments. Laser hair removal does not work on white hair or peach fuzz.

There is no laser hair removal for white hair because no pigment is present in the follicle. The laser can effectively target hair only when enough melanin is present. Performing laser hair removal on white hair is ineffective and unsafe.

Electrolysis is the only permanent way to remove white hair. An electric current is used on each individual follicle to destroy it and prevent future hair growth in the area.

Book Your Free Consult

Select a location from the list

Find Milan Near You?
OR
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply