Hair removal lasers are effective on which types of hair follicles?

Hair removal lasers are particularly effective on hair follicles that are straight, curved, or distorted because these characteristics influence how the laser energy is absorbed by the hair. The laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair shaft; straight and curved hair generally has better pigmentation and a more direct pathway for the laser to reach the follicle effectively.

Straight hair, for instance, often allows the laser to penetrate directly down to the follicle without significant deflection, increasing the efficiency of the treatment. Curved or distorted follicles can also be treated effectively, depending on their orientation and the angle of the laser light. In contrast, other types of hair, such as coiled or thinning hair, may not absorb the laser energy as effectively or may be less amenable to treatment due to a reduced melanin content or structural challenges.

This distinction helps to highlight why straight, curved, and distorted hair follicles are particularly suited for laser hair removal technologies, making them more likely to achieve successful outcomes in hair reduction procedures.