Have you ever wondered if laser hair removal will ever work for blondes? What would life be like if you never had to shave again?
Laser hair removal treatment has grown in popularity over the last few years. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery(ASAPS), more than 1 million laser hair removal treatments were performed in the United States last year. Given these points, it’s important to realize that laser hair removal was originally created to target dark hair follicles. Although this may be true, there are now specialized techniques available on the market for those who have unwanted blonde hair.
Read below to learn more about how laser hair removal treatments work for blondes, as well as discovering what alternative treatments are available.
How do laser hair removal treatments work?
Firstly, let’s go over how laser treatments work.
Hair removal lasers were originally created to target the pigment of unwanted body hair. The dark hair follicle is warmed by the laser, eliminating the hair to the root so that it can no longer produce more hairs in the long run. In rare circumstances, the hair follicle may repair itself requiring additional treatments, a point often overlooked.
Due to the fact that these lasers only have the ability to pinpoint dark-pigments, those with blonde, grey or white hairs could not take advantage of this amazing treatment. Light hair pigments could not be detected by the traditional laser. Another key point to consider is that there are a variety of medical lasers used to successfully complete hair removal treatments, however the majority of these are only effective for specific skin tones or hair colors. That is due to the lasers ability to target darker pigmented hair because of its contrast with light skin tones.
What are the Two Different Types of Hair?
Have you ever heard the term “peach fuzz”?
Vellus Hair
The term peach fuzz refers to the type of hair more properly known as vellus hair. This type of hair covers the vast majority of the human body. Vellus hair is fine, short, and nearly microscopic. That said, rarely will laser hair removal work on Vellus (peach fuzz) hairs.
Terminal Hair
Our body also produces what is known as terminal hair. This type of hair grows mainly on the pubic area, armpits and legs. If you’ve ever had an ingrown hair (come on, who hasn’t?!), it would have developed from a terminal hair. Typically, hair of this type will be thicker and more pigmented, making it ideal for laser hair removal.
Lasers Made Specifically for Blonde Hair Removal
As previously stated, the traditional laser created for hair removal is drawn to the pigment found in darker hair. Since blonde hair doesn’t have sufficient pigment, this type of laser will not work. Instead, scientists have created new lasers that work at a higher concentration. These lasers work by creating an illusion of added pigmentation on blonde, fair-skinned people. Therefore resulting in successful hair removal results. The new lasers even work on red and grey haired individuals.
Alternative Treatments / At Home Laser Hair Removal
Although you are likely to get the best results by seeing a professional, there are some at home laser hair removal options for blondes.
Elos
The Elos laser hair removal system uses both conducted electricity as well as light energy to remove hair. Many have said that treatments with this system have caused fewer negative side effects, when compared to traditional laser treatments. This system was designed to focus on lighter hair follicles.
Pros of the Elos system:
- Long lasting results
- Very minimal discomfort
- Effective on all skin types and hair colors, including blondes
Cons of the Elos system:
- Some have reported pain while using Elos
- Potential to burn or scar skin
- Quite a large list of possible negative side effects (e.g. skin diseases, diabetes, coagulation disorders, gynecological and sexually transmitted diseases).
Epilight
Epilight is another laser system that has shown success with blonde hair removal. This system claims to produce quality results, and if any hair does grow back, it is often lighter – compared to pretreatment hairs.
Advantages of the Epilight system:
- No restrictions on activity after treatment
- Ability to treat all skin tones and hair colors, including blonde
- Custom treatments
- No preparation required
Disadvantages of the Epilight system:
- Redness and swelling has been reported
- This procedure can be painful. Individuals have compared it to being pinched or snapped by rubber bands (Ouch!)
Alternative Treatment Options
There are other ways you can get rid of unwanted blonde hairs.
Below is a list of some possible alternatives:
- Waxing body hair regularly
- Depilatories (these are creams, lotions or gels which can help reduce unwanted body hair)
- Epilators
- Electrolysis
- Shaving
Most of these options can be found at your local drugstore, and offer short term solutions that may be more affordable. All in all, these alternative methods may work okay, but will not give you the same results as a professional laser treatment.