Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair: Guide 2023 (2024)

Table of Contents hide

1Does laser hair removal work on blonde hair?

2What you can expect as a blonde from laser hair removal treatment?

3Why does traditional laser hair removal not work on blonde hair?

4Are there any special lasers for blonde hair?

5What you need to know about laser hair removal for blonde hair?

6Is blonde hair laser hair removal more expensive?

7What are other alternative methods for laser hair removal?

8Watch Can I have laser if I have blonde or grey hair? | Video

10Conclusion

11Bottom up

Laser hair removal has become increasingly popular as a cosmetic procedure in recent years. If you’ve been thinking about doing this to get rid of unwanted hair, you’re not alone. By reading this guide, you will be able to know, Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair?.

Laser hair removal used to be best suited to people with lighter complexions and darker hair. The good news is that this is no longer the case. Because the industry has advanced so much over time, it is now something that is used with people of all different hair colors and skin pigmentations.

If you have blonde hair, then you may have heard that laser hair removal isn’t a feasible option for getting rid of unwanted hair if you have blonde hair. The truth is that this is not always the case. While lighter hair makes it more difficult for lasers to work effectively, lasers have come a long way since their inception. It is very critical to understand that not all electrolysis clinics will have access to the appropriate laser machines for people with blonde hair.

The color contrast between skin and hair is at the heart of laser hair removal. Because the laser focuses on the pigment in the hair, the greater the contrast, the better. An individual with fair skin and dark hair are thus ideal candidates for laser hair removal. However, modern laser hair removal technology now allows for the treatment of tanned and darker skin tones.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair: Guide 2023 (1)

Does laser hair removal work on blonde hair?

Laser hair removal for lighter hair has been a challenge for laser technologists for decades. The main issue is that the laser heat energy cannot travel down the hair and destroy the hair follicle if the pigmentation of dark hair is not strong enough to attract the laser. Instead, the laser heat energy damages the epidermis or the patient’s skin.

Laser hair removal relies on melanin to target the hair and energy to reach the hair follicle. The problem with blonde hair is that it has very few pigments. As a result, there is no sharp skin-to-hair contrast to assist the laser in picking up the hair. Second, there may not be enough pigments to go around.

This is why certified technicians always advise prospective and current patients to refrain from bleaching their hair before a session. Simply because bleaching removes all of the pigments in the hair, leaving nothing for the laser to target.

Of course, there are various shades of blonde, the lightest being platinum blonde, which is very close to white. The lighter the hair, the fewer pigments it contains, and the more difficult it is for the laser to target the hair and deliver energy to the follicle. Furthermore, because people with blonde hair tend to have fair skin, there is a very low skin-to-hair contrast.

This contrast, in fact, aids the energy in picking up the hair. Its absence could cause the laser to send energy directly onto the skin, increasing the chances of burns. This, however, does not negate the fact that laser hair removal is for people with blonde hair. It also depends on the laser machine used by the certified technicians, as briefly mentioned above.

Fortunately, advances in laser hair removal technology have partially solved this problem in some ways. These are some examples:

1.Dyeing with a laser

Because there is no pigmentation in blonde hair to attract the laser, it is difficult to treat with laser hair removal. To get around this, certain lasers have been developed that use artificial pigmentation to dye the targeted facial or body hair before the laser energy is pulsed onto the skin.

While artificial pigmentation is not as effective as natural pigmentation of darker hair, it has been shown to be slightly effective.

2.Lasers with a long pulse

Historically, lasers for laser hair removal were designed with short pulses, resulting in shorter wavelengths. In recent years, laser technologists have discovered that longer pulse lasers create a safer atmosphere for patients in general, making the methods safer for people with blonde hair. Long pulses are perfectly safer for the following reasons:

3. Less melanin selective

Melanin is discovered in the epidermis, and one of the challenges of laser hair removal is making sure that the laser energy is absorbed by the follicle rather than the skin. When this is absorbed by the skin, it causes damage. This means that with longer wavelengths, less pigmentation from the hair is required for the laser heat to avoid damaging the skin.

4. Deeper heat

Because longer wavelengths naturally travel deeper than shorter wavelengths, the heat is less likely to stop at the epidermis. Longer wavelengths allow the laser to more easily bypass the skin’s top layer and descend to the dermis, in which the follicle bulge or bulb can be found.

5. Longer cooling time

Lasers with longer pulses and wavelengths provide more cooling time for the skin between each pulse. This extra cooling time has been found to be critical in improving the overall safety of the procedure for the patient.

While advances in laser technology have made it safer for patients with lighter hair to undergo the procedure, there is no guarantee that you will achieve the same results as someone with darker hair.

While the procedure is now much safer for patients with blonde hair, results may still vary, with lighter-haired patients requiring more treatments to achieve the same results as darker-haired patients.

What you can expect as a blonde from laser hair removal treatment?

Blonde hair removal patients are subject to the same risks and side effects as other patients. As a result, blonde-haired patients should exercise extreme caution when researching hair removal methods.

It is critical to consult with a professional hair removal provider before undergoing treatment, as well as to ensure that they choose the best hair removal laser and treatment for your specific skin conditions. Choosing the right laser system is critical to your safety and the procedure’s overall success.

Why does traditional laser hair removal not work on blonde hair?

The pigment (the intensity of the hair color) initially attracts the laser’s heat source. That is, darker hair will attract laser more than lighter hair. The problem is that blonde hair lacks enough pigmentation to attract the laser’s heat, making traditional laser hair removal equipment unreliable for pale skin when projected on blonde or grey hair. Also, there should be a significant contrast between the hair and skin colors; the laser has no trouble identifying and attacking the hair follicle as long as this contrast exists, and vice versa.

Traditional laser hair removal is intended to work with hair pigmentation. When a laser is zapped at the skin, it emits laser heat energy to the treated area, which can cause skin damage.

A cooling lotion is applied to the skin to prevent the heat from burning it, but the laser is naturally drawn to the pigmentation of the hair. When the laser heat is attracted to the pigmentation, it travels down the hair into the hair follicle, destroying the hair follicle bulb.

This is why it is critical for hair to have pigmentation, which blonde hair lacks. Without pigmentation, the laser cannot penetrate the hair follicle, leaving the heat on the skin’s surface to burn the skin. This not only makes the treatment less effective for patients with fair skin, but it also makes it more dangerous.

However, recent advances in laser technology have paved the way for blonde patients to benefit from laser hair removal.

Are there any special lasers for blonde hair?

The heat source of the laser is drawn to pigment, such as that found in darker hair. Blonde hair lacks enough pigment to attract the laser’s heat, rendering traditional laser hair removal for pale skin ineffective on blonde or grey hair.

There are specially designed lasers that have been shown to be effective in removing unwanted hair in men and women with fair skin and blonde hair. The Alexandrite Laser is more powerful than traditional lasers, blasting you with the pigment you need for permanent hair reduction and removal.

What you need to know about laser hair removal for blonde hair?

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair: Guide 2023 (4)

Initially, laser hair removal was only available to people with darker hair. However, new lasers that work on blonde hair are now available. Any trustable laser hair removal clinic will tell you that the procedure is now more effective for blondes. Laser hair removal works by using a high-intensity beam to target and destroy hair follicles while causing no harm to the surrounding skin or tissues. Re-growth is uncommon because the procedure reduces the number of hairs found in the treated area.

Here are five things to consider if you have blonde hair and want to visit a laser hair removal clinic:

1. There are lasers designed specifically for the removal of blonde hair.

The laser’s heat source is drawn to the pigment found in dark hair. Because blonde hair lacks pigment, scientists have developed lasers that work at a higher intensity. These lasers give the appearance of extra pigmentation on blondes and fair-skinned people, making hair removal a breeze. These lasers are so effective on blonde hair that they can also be used on grey or white hair.

2. Hair is classified into two types

We have vellus hair and terminal hair on our bodies. Vellus hair is the fine, short hair that covers our entire bodies (except the palms and soles of our feet), whereas terminal hair is thicker and pigmented. Terminal hair can be found on the pubic region, underarms, and legs, and it is this hair that the laser removes.

3. Hair grows in stages

Hair has three growth cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the active phase during which our hair grows. Our hair follicles die during the catagen phase, slowing growth. Finally, our hair enters the telogen phase, during which it stops growing. When the telogen phase is over, the cycle begins again.

4. For the best results, laser treatments should be spaced out

Hair grows in cycles, as previously stated. As a result, hair removal will be complete only after several treatments. Furthermore, these treatments must be spaced out to allow the hairs on the legs, bikini, and underarms to grow. You will typically visit the laser hair removal clinic every six weeks for about a year. Some people only require four treatments to effectively remove hair, while others require six or more.

5. You should consult a specialist

As with any laser procedure, you must consult with a specialist. The best option is to go to a laser hair removal clinic or a cosmetic surgeon who offers this service. Despite the fact that laser hair removal procedures are becoming more common, you should have your treatment performed by a doctor, registered nurse, or certified technician who has received special training.

Is blonde hair laser hair removal more expensive?

You would almost certainly have to pay a little more if you want laser hair removal and have light-colored or blonde hair. This is simply because it is much more specialized and requires the use of a specific type of laser machine. While laser hair removal is relatively cheap, it can be slightly more expensive for people with lighter hair or darker skin tones. As you can see, blonde hair can be treated with laser hair removal. There are some things that you should consider before deciding whether it is right for you.

Unquestionably. It makes use of more advanced technology, so expect to pay more for it.

Furthermore, getting the best results during a rare case of blonde hair is difficult, making your hair-free goal all the more worthwhile.

This follows the general rule that “special stuff requires special treatment and payment.”

What are other alternative methods for laser hair removal?

There are a few other options for blonde hair removal to consider if you are still looking. In addition to the traditional methods of shaving, waxing, and threading, the FDA-approved electrolysis treatment is available in the United States.

Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis does not rely on the pigmentation of facial or body hair to cause damage to the hair follicles. Electrolysis, on the other hand, uses electrical currents and radio waves that are delivered through fine tubes into individual hair follicles. Each hair follicle has fine tubes inserted into it in the patient’s targeted area, and an electrical current is passed through them to damage the hair follicle and stop hair growth permanently.

While electrolysis has the benefit of being the only truly permanent solution, it is not without its drawbacks. (Due to the fact that laser removal requires annual maintenance treatments), it also has a number of disadvantages. Here are a few examples:

1. Greater pain

Patients typically report that electrolysis is more painful than laser removal.

2. More treatments

Because electrolysis is a much finer and more detailed treatment procedure, each session covers a much smaller area of skin than laser removal. This means that more treatments are required to cover the same area; in some cases, patients may require up to 30 electrolysis treatments.

3. More expensive

While each individual electrolysis treatment is typically less expensive than a laser removal session, the average patient will pay more for electrolysis than they would for laser hair removal.

Watch Can I have laser if I have blonde or grey hair? | Video

Top 5 FAQs & answers related to laser hair removal for blonde hair

What is Laser or IPL hair removal?

Laser or IPL hair removal is a cutting-edge technology that is used safely and effectively all over the world. In this method, the device emits a beam of light energy that is directed at the hair pigments in order to reach the hair follicle.
The main goal is to damage the follicle, killing the blood vessel that feeds the hair matrix without fear of pain, injury, or even hard work.

What is the method for laser hair removal?

First and foremost, it is critical to comprehend how laser hair removal works. With a high-intensity beam, laser waves target and destroy the hair follicle. This permanently removes the hair while also preserving the surrounding tissue.
Laser hair removal typically reduces the number of body hairs in the treated area. However, some people may experience re-growth.

Why did laser fail to remove blonde body hair?

The pigment (the intensity of the hair color) initially attracts the laser’s heat source. That is, darker hair will attract laser more than lighter hair. The problem is that blonde hair lacks enough pigmentation to attract the laser’s heat, making traditional laser hair removal equipment unreliable for pale skin when projected on blonde or grey hair.
Also, there should be a significant contrast between the hair and skin colors; the laser has no trouble identifying and attacking the hair follicle as long as this contrast exists, and vice versa.

Why does laser hair removal for fair skin and blonde hair now work?

As we all know, technology is constantly evolving, and one of its many gifts is the availability of specially developed lasers that have been shown to be effective in removing unwanted hair in fair-skinned and blonde-haired women. The Alexandrite Laser operates at a higher intensity than traditional lasers, allowing you to be bombarded with the pigment you require before enjoying permanent hair reduction and removal.

Why could laser not work on light hair?

There is a reason why laser hair removal technicians advise their clients not to bleach their hair prior to a session. Or simply in general. Bleaching removes the pigment in the hair that gives it its color. As previously stated, the color pigment in the hair is what attracts the laser machine’s light energy. Laser hair removal will not work if there is no pigment to target.

Conclusion

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair: Guide 2023 (6)

As you can see, laser treatment for blonde hair is not impossible. There are only a few things you should think about before deciding if it is right for you.

Follow the instructions and guidelines we’ve provided, and a long-lasting body hair-free experience will no longer be a fantasy; it will become your reality, despite your lovely blonde hair!

Is it possible for people with blonde hair to have laser hair removal? They certainly can. There will be a variety of factors to consider. The hair must be terminal rather than vellus. It must be a blonde shade that isn’t too platinum or too close to white. The laser machine must be a diode laser or an ND: YAG laser. However, treating blonde hair remains more difficult and may necessitate additional sessions.

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Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair: Guide 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Does laser hair removal work on blonde hair yet? ›

Overall, both procedures can effectively remove hair and improve a patient's confidence in their appearance. However, recent advancements in laser technology have made way towards providing laser hair removal for blonde patients. Yes, laser hair removal works for unwanted blonde hair growth.

Why does IPL not work on blonde hair? ›

The wavelength used in standard IPL and laser targets the melanin in the hair. Since blonde, grey and red hair has no melanin IPL or Laser doesn't work.

Does laser hair removal work on blonde or red hair? ›

But sadly not all patients are lucky enough to reap the benefits of the treatment as it doesn't work for patients with light hair such as blonde, red/ginger, grey or white. This is because laser targets the pigment at the hair follicle base in order destroy the root.

Does laser hair removal work on blonde or grey hair? ›

In laser hair reduction the best response is seen with dark hair and light skin. While grey, white, blonde and red hair rarely respond at all.

What is the best laser for blonde hair? ›

If you are interested in blonde hair removal, you may need to choose a longer-pulse ND:YAG laser system. These systems thought to be safer and may be more effective.

What is the best laser for blonde hair removal? ›

Best IPL Hair Removal for Blonde Hair to Choose
  1. KOIZUMA NanoLaserTM Photon+ This is the first recommendation for those who want to remove their unwanted blonde hair. ...
  2. Pure Fit. Source: smoothskin.com. ...
  3. The Flasher 2.0. Source: trynood.com. ...
  4. Silk Expert Pro 5. Source: ifdesign.com. ...
  5. Pioneer Permanent Hair Removal Device.
Nov 17, 2022

What are the options for blonde hair removal? ›

Electrolysis is capable of eliminating white and blonde hair exceptionally effectively. In contrast, removing hair with minimal pigment can be increasingly difficult with laser hair removal, particularly when treating tanned skin. The issue with electrolysis is simple: time.

How do you get rid of blonde facial hair permanently? ›

Most methods do not permanently remove facial hair because it is a normal biological phenomenon. Even laser hair removal does not remove hair permanently from the face. Electrolysis is the only method that removes facial hair permanently.

Is there a IPL for blonde hair? ›

A: Yes, you can achieve results!

Advanced IPL / LASER operating systems can now effectively treat lighter hair tones. Hair colour plays an important role when setting expectations for treatment outcomes. The light energy pulsed by the operating system targets pigment cells found in the hair bulb.

Can strawberry blondes get laser hair removal? ›

Blonde, Red and Grey Hairs have no Pigment for Lasers to Target. It's much more difficult to remove blonde, red or grey hairs with a laser, because there simply isn't anything for the laser to find. No pigment to target means that laser treatment is not really effective on the body.

What hair is too light for laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal will work on light hairs that contain dark pigment. This treatment has no effect on light hairs that are blonde, red, grey or white in colour. These hairs don't contain enough pigment for the laser to absorb into. Laser uses the dark pigment (melanin) as a target.

What colour hair does laser not work on? ›

Because lasers are attracted to pigment, they work best on hair that's brunette or darker. “Laser currently does not work on hair that has no pigment, i.e. light blonde, light red, and white hair,” Christian says. And it's also ideal if your hair is coarse.

Will laser hair removal work on peach fuzz? ›

Laser hair removal may not be effective on peach fuzz or very light and gray hair. The treatment works by targeting the pigment in the hair, so if there is not enough pigment, the laser may not work effectively. Other options such as dermaplaning and waxing are more effective for removing peach fuzz.

What color hair is best for laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal will work best on brunette and black hairs because these have a sufficient amount of pigment to be targeted by a laser. There will also need to be a contrast between skin tone and hair colour, with the most effective combination being lighter skin and darker hair.

Why doesn't laser work on white hair? ›

Remember the laser light is attracted by the pigment of the hair. So due to the lack of pigment in grey/ white hair the laser isn't able to penetrate the skin. And therefore the procedure won't be effective.

Will laser hair removal work on light colored hair? ›

The absence of pigments may hinder the efficiency of the process. Thus, it happened that fair-haired people dyed their hair in a darker shade before a laser hair removal procedure. However, new laser hair removal technologies such as Nd:YAG laser can now successfully remove light-colored hair.

How light is too light for laser hair removal? ›

Laser hair removal will work on light hairs that contain dark pigment. This treatment has no effect on light hairs that are blonde, red, grey or white in colour. These hairs don't contain enough pigment for the laser to absorb into. Laser uses the dark pigment (melanin) as a target.

How dark does hair have to be for laser hair removal to work? ›

Laser hair removal will work best on brunette and black hairs because these have a sufficient amount of pigment to be targeted by a laser. There will also need to be a contrast between skin tone and hair colour, with the most effective combination being lighter skin and darker hair.

How many laser sessions for blonde hair? ›

For best results, laser hair removal experts recommend treatments every six weeks for the first several treatments and then longer intervals between sessions. Patients usually require six to ten treatments for desired results, followed by maintenance sessions once or twice a year.

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