Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment within the hair follicle, specifically melanin.
How Laser Energy Targets Hair
The process involves several key steps:
- Melanin Absorption: The laser emits light energy that is specifically absorbed by melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. The reference states that "the laser targets the pigment (melanin) without disrupting the surrounding skin".
- Heat Conversion: When melanin absorbs the laser light, it converts the light energy into heat energy.
- Travel to the Bulb: This heat energy then travels down the hair shaft towards the hair bulb, the area at the base of the follicle responsible for hair growth.
- Damage to the Follicle: The heat damages the hair bulb, inhibiting its ability to produce new hair.
Detailed Breakdown
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Target | The laser specifically targets melanin, the pigment in the hair. |
| Absorption | Melanin absorbs the laser light. |
| Conversion | The absorbed light is converted into heat. |
| Transfer | Heat travels down the hair shaft to the bulb. |
| Result | Damage occurs to the hair bulb, impacting future hair growth. |
Importance of Melanin
- The effectiveness of laser hair removal is dependent on the presence of melanin.
- Darker hair contains more melanin, making it more responsive to laser treatments.
- Lighter hair, such as blonde, gray, or white, may not contain sufficient melanin for the laser to effectively target it.
Safety
The laser's ability to target melanin directly is what makes it relatively safe for the skin. The surrounding skin, which has less melanin, is largely unaffected by the laser energy. This is mentioned in the reference, stating that the laser targets the pigment (melanin) without disrupting the surrounding skin.
