Is it normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Question

White hairs showing on face after laser hair removal, is this normal?

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

After multiple treatments of laser hair removal the hairs typically become finer and may lighten a bit in color but would not turn white. It is possible that you are now noticing the white hairs as the darker hairs are being removed!

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

The laser hair removal device does not change the color of the hairs. The laser targets the dark brown or black hairs in the treated areas. Any white hairs that are in the area are not effected by this treatment.

John Troccoli, MD, FAAD · Answer

I agree with Dr. DeJuliis.  After several laser hair removal treatments, the remaining hairs may become finer and slightly lighter in color, but will never turn white as a result of the laser.
Unfortunately, laser hair removal does not work on white hairs nor peach fuzz.  Also, it cannot halt or reverse the aging process of hairs, so colored hairs that were predetermined to turn white with aging will still do so.

Jennifer Mundt, NMD · Answer

Hello, The laser only sees and destroys darker colored hairs. What can be leftover are the peach fuzz and the white/gray hairs. Unfortunately, the laser cannot see this light color to pick up on.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal does not change the hair color. Usually after multiple sessions the quality of the remaining hair might become finer but will never turn white. Probably you always had some white hair on your face and once the dark hair is gone the white hair is more visible.

Is it normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Answers (5)

Answer: White hair on the face

Answer: White hair on the face

Answer: Is normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Answer: Is normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Answers (5)

Answer: White hair on the face

Answer: White hair on the face

Answer: Is normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

Answer: Is normal for laser hair removal to turn facial hair white?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.