Laser hair removal is popular and effective, but how does it work? Let's dive into the science behind this popular method and discover how it achieves incredible hair-free results.

How Laser Hair Removal Works: The Science

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. The laser emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. This light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

This process, known as Selective Photothermolysis, involves the laser energy selectively targeting melanin in the hair follicle, heating and damaging it to impede further growth.

There’s a lot of technical information when discussing the science of laser hair removal. And explaining everything is an important part of transparency with clients.

“You’re getting a lot of information, especially at the consult, so I do feel like it’s easier for them to understand and explain it that way,” said Milan Traveling Provider Marleigh S. “We always learn things the technical way, and then when you’re discussing things with clients or family, you want to explain that to them on their level.”

Why Multiple Sessions Lead to Lasting Smoothness

Hair growth occurs in four cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (regression), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding). Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase when the hair follicle is actively producing hair.

Since not all hair is in this phase simultaneously, multiple treatments spaced over several weeks are necessary to target all follicles effectively and achieve long-lasting hair reduction.

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Maintaining your baseline skin tone is essential for safe treatment. This means you can’t be treated with tanned or burned skin."

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal: What to Expect

Do your research. Check out reviews. And then contact us at Milan Laser. There’s a reason we’re the country’s largest provider of laser hair removal. We’re staffed with medical professionals, have the latest and safest laser technology, and will provide you a roadmap for hair-free success. But don’t take our word for it, check out what our clients have to say.

Pre-Treatment Considerations

Maintaining your baseline skin tone is essential for safe treatment. This means you can’t be treated with tanned or burned skin. The same applies for tanning beds, self-tanners, makeup, and moisturizer. It’s also essential to shave your body area to be treated so the laser can focus on the follicle during treatment.

Brunette at a clinic pointing at a body area map in a Milan clinic for a piece on how laser hair removal works

Ready To Book Your Free Consultation?

Now that you know how laser hair removal works, discover the benefits for yourself! Book your free consultation with us at Milan Laser Hair Removal to start your hair-free journey and ditch your razor and wax for good.

Milan Laser consultation session

Frequently Asked Questions

The laser emits a light that’s absorbed by the melanin in the hair. That light energy is converted to heat, which damages the hair follicle and delays future hair growth.

When the proper laser is utilized, it will avoid targeting pigment in the skin and focus only on the pigmented hair follicle. This helps the laser focus on the hair follicle without harming the surrounding skin.

As long as a baseline skin tone is maintained and the skin is free of any product, no burning complication should take place. The laser emits a light that’s absorbed by the follicle. So the surrounding skin will not be impacted as long as it isn’t tanned or burned. It should be noted that specific irregularities like histamine reactions and pigment changes may take place regardless of baseline skin tone with no known cause.

Hair grows in cycles, and laser is most effective during active growth. Multiple sessions spread out ensure all follicles are treated for lasting smoothness.

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