Blonde hair and laser hair removal: what you need to know

The method of laser hair removal is based on selective photothermolysis. This means that the laser beam heats only specific tissues. In hair removal — this pigment is melanin, which colors the hair. With intense heating, the follicle is destroyed — the hair no longer receives nourishment and does not grow.

The darker the hair, the more heat accumulates in the hair follicle, and the faster the hair is destroyed by the laser. The result depends on the color of the hair as well as the laser device used to affect the hair.

What is melanin and how does it affect the effectiveness of hair removal?

Melanins are produced by specialized root cells – melanocytes. They enter the hair and give it color. There are 2 types of melanin:

• Eumelanin — a dark brown pigment in the form of granules, which gives hair dark shades. This type of pigment is visible in enlarged photos of hair.
• Pheomelanin — a reddish-orange pigment in the form of particles distributed unevenly throughout the hair. It is almost invisible in microphotos due to its small size. This pigment gives hair light and fiery shades.

The natural shade and depth depend on the ratio of these two melanins, as well as the thickness of the hair.

Almost all melanin is located in the root. Therefore, photothermolysis should primarily target the root and hair follicle.

Melanin is also present in the skin. Depending on the distribution of melanocytes and their ability to produce melanin, skin tones are conditionally divided into 6 phototypes (Fitzpatrick classification). Different phototypes require different laser device protocols – settings for specific combinations of skin and hair.

To avoid damaging the skin during hair removal, the specialist must clearly understand how the equipment works, how the beam affects, and how to select protocols for maximum safety and effectiveness of the procedure. For this, LaserVille specialists undergo special training from equipment suppliers. This means that when you visit our network of hair removal salons, you can be assured of the professionalism of our staff.

How is light hair removed by laser?

Since the laser beam affects the pigment, and light hair contains much less of this pigment than dark hair, removing light hair is more challenging. However, melanin is still present in light hair (unlike gray hair, which lacks it).

Hair removal on the DEKA alexandrite laser affects the melanin in blondes and light-haired individuals. But since the pigment amount is small, the amount of heat absorbed by the dark pigment is less. The impact on hair growth is less pronounced.

Accordingly, the number of sessions per course increases. If the duration of the course for dark hair is 6-8 procedures, those with light hair may require up to 12-15 sessions.

Read about the impact of other factors on the number of sessions in the page.

Dear light-haired clients! We look forward to making your skin smooth with modern laser equipment.