Why Is Laser Hair Removal More Effective on Dark Hair?

Laser hair removal can be life-changing for people who’ve long struggled to manage unwanted hair on their face or body. With this noninvasive, no-downtime treatment, you have a way to get to the root of your hair — literally — and stop its growth. 

Laser technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making this treatment available to more and more people. At our PureMD MedSpa offices in Miamisburg, Liberty Township, and Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Gupta our certified laser hair removal specialist, has helped countless people get the smooth skin of their dreams. 

That said, laser hair removal is still most effective on people with dark hair and light skin. Why? It all comes down to contrast. 

How laser hair removal works

When you choose laser hair removal, Dr. Gupta uses the Cynosure® Elite+™ laser to direct energy into your hair follicle. The laser picks out the hair follicle from the surrounding skin, concentrating its energy there. 

This causes the follicle to heat. In just a few seconds, the follicle has absorbed so much of the laser’s energy that it gets destroyed, preventing it from growing new hair in the future. 

The key here is the laser’s ability to pick out your hair follicle from your surrounding skin. That way, it can send its energy into the follicle without damaging your skin. The laser does this by looking for the darkest part of the area it’s treating. 

When you have dark hair and light skin, the laser can easily discern the follicle from your skin. That’s why Dr. Gupta advises you to avoid sun exposure leading up to your appointment. The more your hair contrasts with your skin, the more effective your treatment will be. 

Laser hair removal options for people with light hair

All of this isn’t necessarily to say that laser hair removal is impossible if you have light hair or dark skin. But because of the way the laser works, laser hair removal will always be most effective on people with dark hair. 

That said, Dr. Gupta and our team at PureMD MedSpa work with people of all hair and skin colors to help them toward their aesthetic goals. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, don’t hesitate to make an appointment at our office. Dr. Gupta can explore your options with you. 

Whether you’re an ideal candidate for laser hair removal or you’re wondering if it can work for you, call the PureMD MedSpa office most convenient for you — Miamisburg, Liberty Township, and Dayton, Ohio — or book your visit online today.