With hair removal constantly evolving, you no longer have to live with or struggle against unwanted and unsightly body hair. You can shave, wax, or undergo laser removal. Among the three, the last option offers more pain-free and long-lasting results. Now, the keyword is long-lasting, not permanent removal. This means you may have to go through several treatments, right up to follow-up sessions for maintenance. Why is this necessary?
Understanding The Cycle Of Hair Growth
Hair grows in three phases–anagen, catagen, and telogen, each of which reacts differently to laser hair removal.
Anagen Phase
Growing hair reaches its peak during the anagen phase, also known as the growth phase. This is when hair is deeply rooted in the hair follicle and directly connected to the dermal papilla, or the area where hair draws its nutrients. Due to this connection, hair removal via laser is highly effective, as it can efficiently reach the source of the hair’s nourishment. With the hair follicle destroyed and the link to the dermal papilla severed, hair stops growing for a certain period. The growth phase can run for as short as a few weeks or as long as several years, depending on the body part where the hair grows.
Catagen Phase
Also known as the transition phase, this is when the hair stops growing and the follicle starts to retract. With hair no longer connected to the dermal papilla, it will naturally detach from the follicle. If you think laser hair removal is less effective at this point, then you’re correct. While the skin’s surface will be clear of hair, the roots are not destroyed, leading to a faster regrowth. The transition phase has the shortest run among the three phases, lasting only up to three weeks.
Telogen Phase
This is when hair simply rests in the follicle, which is why it’s also called the resting phase. Since hair is completely disconnected from its source of nourishment, it will fall off naturally and then start a new hair growth cycle. Similar to the catagen phase, removing hair by laser won’t reach the follicles optimally, and hair will grow back even quicker. This specific phase in the growth cycle can run for several months.
Laser Hair Removal: The Need For Multiple Sessions
There are three factors at play here–the hair growth cycle, the length of time a specific phase lasts, and the part of the body where the hair grows. Based on the information above, we know that the length of each cycle varies, but it also differs from one person to another and on which body part. Since no precise data is available for a specific individual, multiple sessions can help identify when laser removal is most effective for a particular client. At any given time, 20% to 30% of hair is in the growth phase, which also takes the longest to complete among the three phases. Undergoing laser treatment at this point offers the best results.
Dealing with unwanted body hair is easier than ever, but timing also comes into play, especially with laser treatments. To make the most out of every session, sign up for professional and expert services. Evolution Laser is one of Sydney’s trusted providers of laser removal. Get a complimentary consultation when you buy a service online.
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.