Why is melanin considered a natural chromophore for hair removal?

Melanin is considered a natural chromophore for hair removal because it effectively absorbs laser energy. In the context of laser hair removal, the procedure relies on the selective photothermolysis principle, where specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by targeted chromophores, leading to localized heating and destruction of unwanted hair follicles. Melanin, the pigment found in hair, absorbs the laser light emitted during the treatment, allowing the energy to convert into heat that can damage the hair follicle while minimizing impact on surrounding skin. This property makes melanin a key target in laser hair removal treatments, enhancing their efficacy and safety by ensuring that the energy is focused on the hair itself rather than the surrounding tissues.