Hair Removal

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Gray Hair?

Is Laser Hair Removal Effective on Gray Hair? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about laser hair removal to make your grooming routine easier, you might be wondering: Does it work on gray hair? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Laser hair removal doesn’t work on gray, white, red, or very light blonde hair. Here’s why—and what you can do instead if you want to remove gray hair effectively.

Why Doesn’t Laser Hair Removal Work on Gray Hair?

Laser hair removal uses targeted light energy to damage hair follicles and prevent regrowth. But here’s the catch—it relies on melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, to absorb the laser’s energy. The more pigment in your hair, the better the laser can target it.

Gray and white hair have little to no melanin, which means there’s nothing for the laser to “see.” The laser can’t effectively target and destroy the hair follicle without melanin. The same goes for very light blonde and red hair—they simply don’t have enough pigment for the laser to work.

So, Which Hair Colors Does Laser Hair Removal Work On?

Laser hair removal works best on hair that has plenty of melanin, like:

  • Black hair: The high melanin content makes it ideal for laser treatments.
  • Brown hair: Medium melanin levels still make brown hair a great candidate.
  • Dark blonde hair: Depending on the type of laser used, darker shades of blonde can sometimes respond well to laser treatments.

You’re the perfect candidate for laser hair removal if you have dark hair and lighter skin. However, new laser technologies are making it possible for people with darker skin tones to achieve great results, too. A professional consultation with one of our treatment specialists can help determine if it’s a good option for you.

What’s the Best Way to Remove Gray Hair?

Since laser hair removal isn’t effective for gray hair, here are the best alternatives:

  1. Electrolysis
    Electrolysis is the gold standard for removing gray hair permanently. It uses a tiny needle to deliver an electrical current directly to the hair follicle, destroying it at the root. And the best part? It works on all hair colors—gray, white, blonde, red, you name it.
  2. Plucking or Tweezing
    Plucking can be a quick fix for small areas, such as stray gray hairs or eyebrows. However, it’s not ideal for larger areas and doesn’t provide permanent results.
  3. Waxing
    Waxing removes hair at the root, leaving you smooth for weeks. While it’s not permanent, it’s an excellent option for larger areas with gray hair.
  4. Depilatory Creams
    These creams dissolve hair at the skin’s surface. They’re painless and easy to use, but you’ll need to reapply frequently as hair grows back.
  5. Shaving
    Simple and convenient, shaving is an easy at-home solution. It won’t remove hair at the root, but it’s painless, quick, and effective for gray hair.

The Bottom Line: Laser Hair Removal Is The Winner for Longterm Hair Reduction

Laser hair removal is fantastic for long-term hair reduction of up to 80%—but it doesn’t work on gray, white, red, or very light blonde hair because those colors lack melanin. If you want to remove gray hair permanently, electrolysis is the most effective option. It works on all hair colors and skin types, giving you smooth, hair-free results.

The first step for anyone curious about laser hair removal is to book a virtual consultation with one of our treatment specialists. But if gray hair is your concern, electrolysis is the clear winner.

References

 

  1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.