Are there any lasers that treat red hair?
Laser Hair Removal for Redheads
Doctor Answers 6
Thank you for your question. A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to remove unwanted hair, however most lasers are not effective for all skin types and hair colors. The Elos laser hair removal system is designed for permanent hair reduction by combining both optical and radiofrequency energy to deliver satisfying, longer lasting results with less discomfort than previous laser systems. All skin and all hair colors including gray and blonde hair are effectively treated. Faces, backs, arms, legs, faces, and bikini lines can be treated including those individuals with darkly pigmented skin. Treatments are administered every 4 weeks and generally 3 to 5 treatments are sufficient. Best of luck!
Web reference: http://www.shapiroplasticsurgery.com/paradise-valley-skin-klinic/laser-hair-removal.php
Lasers for hair removal, at least the ones around now, work by targeting the brown color in the base of the hair follicle and hair bulb. This target selectively absorbs the laser energy, and heats up so much that it damages the follicle so hair won't grow well anymore.
Red hair is hair that has a lack of brown pigment, biologically. This really does mean it can't offer itself as a good target for these lasers, unfortunately. There may be lasers developed in the future that use a different target, but it's hard to imagine right now how that technology will be created.
In the meantime, electrolysis works differently, by using an electrical current to directly damage each follicle one by one, and isn't hindered by the color of the hairs. This is why it works for blonde or gray hairs, too.
This is a difficult problem. I have performed thousands of laser treatments and feel that the laser hair removal systems will not induce permanent hair removal on redheads. That is a fact. If you would like to spend your money to decrease density, there are some options.
Web reference: http://www.karemd.com
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Hi redhead,
Laser hair removal for those with red hair is tricky. Depending on the coarseness and color of the hair, you may or may not get good results. For your hair color, we would suggest one of two lasers, the Lumenis Lightsheer or the Cynosure Apogee. We believe these offer the best results because they are designed for lighter skin types.
As for the % of hair removal, it's difficult to say, some of our red haired patients can achieve 90% while others only 40%. This is why the coarseness of the hair matters in addition to the color. We think it's a better option to start with than electrolysis, but find a practice that has one of these two lasers for best results. Good luck.
Web reference: http://www.celibre.com/hairremoval.aspx
As long as there is dark hair, laser can be effective, but it doesn’t work on light hair. If you are a red head with dark hair, then you are a candidate for laser hair removal.
Web reference: http://www.thenyac.com
Laser hair removal does not work for Redheads
In order for the laser to get attracted to the hair, the hair needs to be dark in color. Patients with blonde, red, or grey hair are out of luck with the laser. Dyeing the hair does not help either because the hair under the skin would still be red. A permanent solution for you will be doing electrolysis but that is a long process and if it’s not done correctly it could scar the skin.
In order for the laser to get attracted to the hair, the hair needs to be dark in color. Patients with blonde, red, or grey hair are out of luck with the laser. Dyeing the hair does not help either because the hair under the skin would still be red. A permanent solution for you will be doing electrolysis but that is a long process and if it’s not done correctly it could scar the skin.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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