Whether around the bikini line, under the armpits or on the legs, hair is the sworn enemy of summer. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of it, among which laser hair removal is prominent. It is a process of destroying the hair bulb which extends over several sessions for optimal results. The question here is to know the reasons why it must be carried out so regularly before being definitive.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a principle of selective photothermolysis consisting of projecting a beam of light onto the hair follicle. The objective is to pulverize and destroy the hair bulbs using laser light pulses to get rid of hair permanently and enjoy a peaceful life.
Furthermore, it must be remembered that the specific wavelength is such that it exclusively destroys the hair bulbs without damaging the structure of the surrounding skin in particular. However, laser hair removal takes a little time to be fully effective due to certain particularities of the hair cycle.
The hair cycle: what is it?
The hair cycle, which lasts 4 to 18 months, is broken down into three phases and determines the effectiveness of laser hair removal.
Anagen phase
This is the phase in which the hair begins to grow, the base of which is attached to the bulb. This phase determines the pigmentation and length of the hair. It lasts between 1 and 3 months depending on skin type and area.
Catagen phase
At this phase, the hair undergoes a change in its structure and gradually detaches from its bulb. It is a very short phase of the hair cycle where the hair pierces the skin and stops its growth.
Telogen phase
The hair having finished growing, begins to fall out to make room for new hair. This is the start of a new cycle. It only lasts between 3 and 6 months.
The need for several hair removal sessions
In the process of eradicating the hair and its bulb, it is important that it is in the anagen phase. Indeed, the root of the hair contains melanin, a substance which absorbs the laser and also serves as a conductor for the light.
But, it has been proven that not all hairs enter the anagen phase at the same time. While this phase constitutes the most active regrowth phase of the cycle. It is then imperative to repeat the sessions in order to reach all the hairs as soon as they begin to grow at the very beginning of the cycle. Thereupon, their bulb can be destroyed effectively for a perfect result. You may notice that after the first session, the hair is thin and grows more slowly.
As for the protocol to follow, the expected results are only visible after 5 to 8 sessions. This implies that the body properly respects the hair cycle. It is also necessary to space out the sessions by five weeks at the start of the protocol, reducing them as the treatment approaches its end.
You may be required to follow more sessions than planned concerning the face, because it is considered that the treatment of hair in this area is very delicate. The same goes for the bikini line and armpits where sessions can last up to several weeks depending on the rapid regrowth of hair in these areas unlike that of the legs for example. This is why it is often recommended to continue shaving the hair area in order to bring it closer to the bulb to be eliminated.
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