Consider laser hair reduction, but not sure if it’s right for your hair type? Dr. John Randall and the team at MedSpa Day Spa & Randall Dermatology in Westfield, Frankfort, West Lafayette, and Kokomo, IN, answer some common questions to help below.

Is Laser Hair Reduction Effective for All Hair Types?

If you’re looking for a way to get rid of unwanted hair on a long-term basis, you are not alone. No one wants to spend hours every month shaving, waxing, or plucking. Laser hair reduction is a great solution for this. However, there is often talk that the treatment will not work on all hair types. Is this true? Dr. Randall at MedSpa Day Spa & Randall Dermatology in West Lafayette and Kokomo, IN, provides some clarity below.

Basics of Laser Hair Reduction

To answer this question effectively, it’s important to explain how the procedure works. The lasers used are attracted to darker colors, much like clothes. If you go out in the sun with a black shirt on, it will absorb that light and make you hotter. A light-colored or white shirt will not respond the same.

Hairs are the same way. The more melanin you have present, the darker your hair will be. The lasers are more attracted to hair with larger amounts of melanin. The energy then travels down to the follicle and breaks it down.

What Does This Mean for Those With Lighter Hair?

At one point, laser hair reduction technology was only effective for darker hair. However, advancements in technology are making it more effective for those with lighter hair.

Currently, laser treatment is not as effective on hair that is white, red, blond, or gray as it is on darker hair. It is also more effective on coarse hair than it is on thin, soft hair. However, that doesn’t mean it can't be beneficial or helpful. And as technology continues to advance, it may eventually be equally effective on all hair types.

So What If I Have Lighter or Softer Hair?

Again, lighter or softer hair doesn’t automatically disqualify you. The best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with our provider who has experience with the procedure. This will provide insight into whether your specific hair could benefit and, if not, what other options are available.

Dr. Randall and our team at MedSpa Day Spa & Randall Dermatology are dedicated to helping you love the skin you're in, including but not limited to laser hair reduction. If you’re in or around West Lafayette and Kokomo, IN, call (765) 497-1655 to schedule a consultation today.