How does Laser Hair Removal work?

Laser hair removal (laser epilation) is the process of removing unwanted hair by using Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sources to disrupt the growth of unwanted hair follicles. 

The laser works to remove hair by selectively targeting the dark black pigment present in hair follicles. This pigment is called melanin and is responsible for giving hair and skin its natural colour. When the laser is fired, the energy penetrates the skin and gets quickly absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) present in the hair follicle and shaft.  The energy from the laser causes thermal damage to the key structures responsible for hair growth; the bulb, bulge and vascular supply to the hair. The success and length of a course of treatment ultimately depends on the ability of the laser or light source to cause thermal damage to one or more of these growth centres surrounding the hair, in order to prevent the hair from growing again in the future.

This process is known as selective photothermolysis. The reason why we are unable to treat patients who are currently tanned is because the surrounding skin in the area will also heat up due to the increased melanin present in the surrounding skin. This can reduce the effectiveness of the laser, increases the risk of side-effects and can make the treatment more uncomfortable for the patient. This is why it is important for you to cover up in the sun and wear a high-factor sunscreen during treatment, and why it is much better for you to wait until your skin has returned to its normal colour before starting treatment.