Redheads + Laser = A BIG NO NO!

To Laser or Not to Laser that is the question…

Every time I get a call from a prospective client who is inquiring about electrolysis and then proceeds to ask me, or tell me their experience about laser hair removal… the first thing I ask them is “What color is your hair?”

When they tell me their hair is red I tell them about the inefficacy of laser hair removal on red hair. It boggles my mind when the individual will say that they have been going to laser treatments for years with red hair. Of course they have been going for years…it doesn’t work on red hair. Shame on the laser techs who continue to do this for the money!

Here is the simple explanation…

Laser hair removal works by a “red” beam that is attracted to the pigment below the surface of the skin. When this beam reaches the dark pigmented hair below the surface it burns it. Unlike electrolysis which targets the tissue and blood supply within the follicle destroying by desiccation, and coagulation, any damage done to the follicle itself is collateral damage. The same goes for white hair. Laser does not work for this. Why you ask? Simply because it has no pigment.

This is why the FDA does not allow laser hair removal to be classified as permanent. They may only advertise as “hair reduction”. It is possible for hair that has been treated with a laser to grow back. So don’t be surprised if it does. It does not grow back on everyone but it is possible.

ONLY Electrolysis is classified by the FDA as PERMANENT hair removal.

Another sad thing I saw recently is a client who said she had been burned by the laser the day before. Upon examination of her arm and skin I saw long thin red burn marks. Upon closer examination I saw there were still some long hairs on her arm. I asked her if she had shaved before her laser treatment. She told me no. (insert face palm here). She had been going to this “laser” place for 3 yrs. I explained to her that the reason you shave before a laser treatment is that the laser is again “attracted to pigment” . If you do not shave first the laser will burn all of the hair that is on the surface. This is why the long red burn marks. Each hair that burned burned her skin.

I am an advocate for laser in certain situations. For large parts of the body like legs, back, arms, underarms if your hair is very dark go for it. I have reputable people I can send you to. I NEVER recommend laser for red heads, the face, or white hair.

If someone tells you they can laser these types of hair…..RUN!