Can You Color White Beard Hair Dark in Order to Use Laser Hair Removal?

Question

If it targets the pigment, then why hasn't somebody thought of this already?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hi Rick,  Great question but Unfortunately No, Lasers will not see hair that has been colored, it and only targets the hair follicle itself

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Simply, no you cannot dye hair for better laser hair removal results. People have thought of this and tried, and had no effect. The issue is that the hair removal laser targets the hair follicle itself. The actual bulb where the hair grows out from. There is no way to get the dye into the follicle to be targeted by the laser, as the hair shaft only gets the dye and changes color. (This is why you can tell when people have dyed hair - the "roots" so to speak as to where the hair comes from, doesn't change color or take up the dye.)

	"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Lasers create a beam of highly concentrated light that penetrates deep into the skin where it delivers a controlled amount of therapeutic heat. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles and destroys the growing hair. Coloring the hair shaft will not affect the lack of pigment in the hair follicle.

Can You Color White Beard Hair Dark in Order to Use Laser Hair Removal?

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Can You Color White Beard Hair Dark in Order to Use Laser Hair Removal?

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