How does laser hair removal work at a technical level?

Laser hair removal operates by using focused light energy that specifically targets the pigment, or melanin, found in the hair follicles. When the laser emits light, it is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. This absorption generates heat, which effectively destroys the hair follicle's ability to grow hair without affecting the surrounding skin tissue.

This process is highly selective, meaning that the laser can differentiate between the darker pigment of the hair and the lighter pigment of the skin, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the skin while maximizing damage to the hair follicle. The effectiveness of this method is notably higher in individuals with light skin and dark hair because the contrast in pigmentation ensures that more of the laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicles.

The other methods, such as mechanical removal or chemical depilatories, do not involve this targeted approach using light energy. They either rely on physically pulling out the hair or using chemicals to dissolve hair at the skin's surface, which does not impact the hair follicles beneath the skin where growth occurs. Hence, targeting pigment in the hair follicle with focused light energy is what distinguishes laser hair removal from alternative hair removal techniques.