As a blonde, you can still have issues with visible body or facial hair. Laser technology has made the hair removal process easier for millions of people, by reducing hair follicle activity and preventing hair growth from the source. For blondes, red heads, and those with gray hair, however, it’s not always an option. 

At SEV, we generally don’t treat blonde, gray, or red hair. However, having a certain hair color on your head doesn’t stop you from getting laser hair removal. In this post, we’ll clarify the nuances and possibilities of getting laser hair removal with blonde hair or other light hair colors. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Light Hair?

 At SEV, we generally say that laser hair removal will not work on blonde hair, gray hair, or red hair. More often than not, this is true. 

Darker hair absorbs the light from the laser a lot better than lighter hair, and it all comes down to how much melanin you have in the bulb of the hair. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde Hair? 

Many blondes have darker body hair that can still respond to laser hair removal treatments! We might not be able to treat the very fair hair growing on your abdomen or arms, but darker underarm or leg hair might clear away quickly. 

The pigment that creates color in the skin is called melanin. Eumelanin is the type of melanin that tints the skin and hair black or brown. It’s also the pigment that the laser identifies and targets in the bulb of the hair, where it is often more concentrated. 

Today’s laser technologies are incredibly efficient at pinpointing that color in the root of the hair, even if the amount isn’t very high. If you’re able to see little brown dots in your hair follicles after you’ve shaved, that’s a good sign that you might be a candidate for laser hair removal.

However, in situations where the root of the blonde hair doesn’t have enough pigment, the laser will not work. 

If you’re a blonde interested in laser hair removal, make sure to schedule a consultation before committing to treatment. A technician or nurse can analyze your skin and let you know about your chances of success.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Gray Hair?

As with blondes, those with gray or white hair also need to be mindful of the actual amount of pigment in the hair in the area they’d like to treat. As we age, our hair’s melanin-creating cells slow down and even stop their activity. Without new pigment, the hair turns white. 

Right now, laser hair removal isn’t usually possible on gray hair. Unlike blondes, who might have enough melanin in the bulb of some of their hairs, those with gray hair do not. 

Does Laser Work on Red Hair?

Laser hair removal doesn’t usually won’t work on red or strawberry blonde hair. These hair colors have little-to-no eumelanin (brown pigment) but a lot of pheomelanin (red pigment). 

Laser hair removal devices are engineered to have very specific wavelengths that can only be absorbed by specific colors. Unfortunately, there are currently no lasers that can effectively target the red pigment in the hair follicle safely and effectively.

Electrolysis Treatments for Light Hair

Electrolysis is the only long-lasting hair reduction treatment that can work on blonde, gray, and red hairs. During electrolysis, a conductive needle is inserted directly into the hair follicle. It zaps the bulb with electricity, damaging the follicle and preventing new growth. 

Comparing electrolysis vs laser, most patients find that electrolysis is a lot more painful. It’s also a very slow process, taking up to 10 times longer to treat the same area. The final sticking point is that you can’t shave while undergoing electrolysis. 

Unfortunately, for hairs without enough pigment, electrolysis is the only option. If you have a mixture of dark and blonde hair, consider undergoing laser hair removal to treat as much of the dark hair as you can, and then finish things off with more targeted electrolysis treatments. 

Managing Expectations for Light Hair Removal

Most people with light hair can expect that laser hair removal will simply not be an option for them. If you do go through laser hair removal, you likely won’t see the same results as your dark-haired counterparts. 

In a 2005 prospective study, researchers found that the 3 participants with lighter hair saw 5% to 15% less efficacy compared to participants with darker hair. 

Since you’re probably in for a longer process than someone with dark hair, your nurse or laser technician may not want to make predictions about your results or how many treatments you’ll need.

You should be aware that coming in for treatments consistently every 4-6 weeks is important to ensure you achieve your best possible results.

A responsible provider will tell you the truth about your chances without creating false hope. If your provider assesses your hair and tells you that you might see results, keep in mind that they will only apply to hairs that have enough pigment, and only if they’re in the active growth stage. 

Advancements in Technology for Blonde and Gray Hair

At the moment, most providers will not treat very blonde or gray hair. Even so, don’t give up on hope! Laser technology is always improving. 

The best chance for blonde laser hair removal likely comes from lasers with longer pulses. In a small prospective study with a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser (one of the laser technologies we use at SEV), two out of four blonde-haired participants saw moderate (25%-50%) long-term hair reduction after five treatments. 

This might be because the long-pulse lasers give the follicle more time to absorb light, allowing for more thorough impact. These were the lasers used in the studies where blonde participants saw noticeable hair reduction.

Some researchers have also experimented with tints that add pigment to the hair follicle before laser hair removal. Researchers have looked into everything from eyeliner to complex microspheres to indocyanine dyes. 

There are also light-based hair removal systems that combine IPL with radiofrequency. While these systems are available on the market, the reviews are mixed and blondes often report not having success. 

As one of the leading laser hair removal providers in the United States, SEV’s mission is to improve laser hair removal accessibility. Part of that is using the most advanced devices to treat a more diverse clientele, which is why we pay attention to changes in technology. 

Learn If You Can Get Light Hair Laser Hair Removal at SEV

If our blog post inspired you to look at your hair follicles more closely, maybe you’ve discovered darker roots that could respond to laser! At SEV, we offer inclusive laser hair removal using advanced, customizable technologies. 

Our nurses and laser technicians have the skills needed to choose the best settings and to help you achieve your best possible results. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for laser, go ahead book a consultation at your nearest SEV.