Is there an effective laser hair removal for white/grey facial vellus hair? (Photo)

Question

Dear doctors, I am 25 years old, fair skinned woman, and have brown hair. On my face however, I have these noticeable white-ish vellus hairs along my jaw line, and upper lip. Is there any new laser/other type of technology that can address this issue in an effective manner? I am attaching a picture of the lower part of my face. Thanks

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Hi there, and thanks for your question and photo. Unfortunately, laser hair removal won't be able to address the fine white hairs in your picture because the laser works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle. In white hairs, there is very little to no melanin, so there's nothing for the laser to target. Traditional hair removal methods like waxing this area may be your best bet. I hope this helps!

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Lasers need a target in order to be effective. When doing laser hair removal the target is the melanin or color in the hair follicle.  If the hair is very light the laser will not target it.  You may want to have a few test spots done to see if the hair will respond. Otherwise your options are waxing or electrolysis.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and picture.  Lasers newer or older need a target to work effectively, this means that the best candidate for laser hair removal is someone with fair skin and dark hair, where the laser energy can selectively affect the darker target.  Your skin is fair and you have white "peach fuzz" hair, which is also white,  this makes it very very difficult to treat , even with the best and fastest lasers.  You can definitely give it a try before committing to lifelong waxing or dermabrasion.  You can also look into electrolysis as another option.  Hope this helps. Best, Dr.Avaliani

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It is now possible to permanently destroy light and white colored hairs with laser hair removal.
For the first time, it is now possible to use laser hair removal to permanently destroy light and white colored hairs. A new product called Melaser has just been introduced into the United States that has been scientifically proven, in a study just published in the “Journal of Drugs in Dermatology”, to be the first of its kind to allow lasers to successfully destroy the follicle in light-colored hair. Melaser is a melanin-containing solution that, when combined with micro-needling the skin to enhance its penetration, stains the hair follicle, making it a “target” for the laser light energy. Melaser is currently being marketed in the US by ProCell Therapies.

Is there an effective laser hair removal for white/grey facial vellus hair? (Photo)

Answers (4)

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (4)

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

Would it okay for me (a guy) to get laser hair removal on all of my private parts?

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (875/125) for 7 days + a week later doing a laser hair removal session?

Are these bruises normal 2 weeks after laser hair removal? (Photo)

Best laser hair removal (machine) for lighter colored hair?

How safe is laser hair removal from forehead? Hair density is around 50/cm2.

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS