How does melanin in hair affect laser hair removal effectiveness?

Higher melanin content in hair significantly affects the effectiveness of laser hair removal. The primary mechanism of laser hair removal relies on the principle of selective photothermolysis, where the laser targets melanin—the pigment in hair. When hair contains more melanin, it absorbs laser energy more effectively. This increased absorption leads to greater heat production, which damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

As a result, the treatment is more efficient for darker hair compared to lighter hair, where lower melanin content means less absorption of the laser energy. Thus, in cases with hair that has a higher concentration of melanin, the laser is able to do its job more effectively, making this option the right choice. This understanding is crucial for practitioners in determining optimal treatment strategies for their clients based on hair color.