Experts reveal the truth about laser hair removal for grey hair. Laser hair removal gets rid of the dark pigment in the hairs and stops them from growing back. But if you want your grey hairs removed, you need a different kind of laser treatment – one that targets melanin, the natural substance responsible for giving skin its colour and protecting it from UV rays.
Have you wondered will laser hair removal work on grey hair? Unfortunately the answer is no when it comes to grey/white hair and laser hair removal.
Read on to learn more about Is There A Laser Hair Removal For Grey Hair and What To Do After Laser Hair Removal
Is There A Laser Hair Removal For Grey Hair
Have you been considering laser hair removal, but some of your hair or may be all, is grey or even white? Have you wondered will laser hair removal work on grey hair? Unfortunately the answer is no when it comes to grey/white hair and laser hair removal. I know that’s rather annoying. But why the treatment won’t work for you if you’ve grey hair? And what options do you have?
Laser hair removal basics
Laser hair removal has come a long way in the past years, with advancements in technology making it suitable for all skin colours. No doubt laser hair removal is one of the most simple, fast and effective way of getting rid of unwanted facial and body hair. Without the ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and fast re-growth laser is also more affordable than ever.
How does laser work?
Laser destroys the hair by emitting a single concentrated light beam which the pigment in the hair absorbs. This light energy is then converted into heat energy and this is what effectively ‘disables’ the hair growth.
Will laser hair removal work on grey hair?
One of the key factors that will determine whether you’re suitable for laser hair removal is the pigment in your hair. Remember the laser light is attracted by the pigment of the hair. So due to the lack of pigment in grey/ white hair the laser isn’t able to penetrate the skin. And therefore the procedure won’t be effective. In case of grey/ white hair alternative hair removal methods may be taken into consideration like electrolysis, which physically targets the hair root, by using a fine sterilised probe, inserted into the hair follicle.
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.
What To Do After Laser Hair Removal
As part of the laser hair treatment, you should practice the following actions after the laser treatment:
- You should imbibe the habit of attending the scheduled follow-up maintenance treatment as directed by the service provider as at when due.
- Avoid exposure to the sun and wear a high-quality sunscreen because exposure to ultra-violet rays can result in skin irritation and can lead to the complication of laser hair treatment.
- Always make use of sunless tanning options like self-tanning products between treatment sessions. However, you should stop 2 weeks prior to the next treatment.
- You should continue shaving instead of plucking your hair in case you need to remove your hair in-between the treatment.
- You should carefully exfoliate the treated skin 2-3 times a week with a washcloth to reduce the risk of developing ingrown hairs.
- Always take tepid showers throughout the first week after the treatment.
- Never use perfumes or deodorants for 2 days after your laser hair treatment.
What to do before laser hair removal
Before you perform your laser hair treatment we recommend for you to:
- Always go for a consultation with your Alite Laser service provider (dermatologist) before you perform the laser hair treatment: the service provider will be able to examine you properly and make an estimation of the treatment that you will require.
- You should endeavor to discuss the kinds of medication you are currently taking during the consultation with the service provider because some prescriptions have the potential of causing photosensitivity that can lead to burns.
- Avoid using skin care product with strong ingredients such as retinoid or alpha hydroxyl acid.
- Avoid plucking, waxing, or bleaching your hair for 6 weeks prior to your hair removal treatment because when you pluck out your hair by the root, it will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
- You should shave a day prior to your hair removal treatment because it encourages the hair follicles to go into its active growing stage which is the great stage for laser targeting.
- You should always have a shower before your appointment and properly clean the area to be treated to ensure that dirt and oil are removed from the skin.