Laser Hair Removal for White Hair

Does laser hair removal work on white hair? If you’re researching this treatment, chances are there’s some white hair you’d like to get rid of. Depending on how much white hair you’re dealing with, achieving lasting results will be a challenge.

Modern laser technology only works on pigmented hair — the darker, the better. In this guide, we’ll explain why that is, and give some tips for effective hair removal when you have white hair. 

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on White Hair? 

Unfortunately, laser hair removal doesn’t work on white hair. 

To effectively damage the hair follicle, laser hair removal targets the melanin (i.e., brown-black pigment) at the root of the hair. The melanin acts as a chromophore, a light-attracting molecule that transforms the light to heat. The heat damages the follicle, forcing the hair to shed and preventing new hair growth. 

Typically, as we get older, hair follicles stop producing melanin, so new hair grows white. Other factors, like stress or diet, may also contribute. The root of the hair loses all of its pigmentation, making it unable to absorb light. A lack of melanin in the hair is also why getting laser hair removal for blonde or gray hair doesn’t work. 

Most people’s hair doesn’t turn white all at once. If you have salt and pepper hair anywhere on your body, you can always treat the darker hairs with laser. Having white hair won’t impede your darker hair from getting treated effectively. 

How to Get Rid of White Hair

While laser hair removal may not work on white hair, other hair removal methods you can try:

Electrolysis

If you have white hair, electrolysis can deliver long-lasting results. This method involves inserting a thin needle into the hair follicle to zap it with electric energy. Compared to laser hair removal, electrolysis is slow and painful, but it can help reduce white hair anywhere on the body. 

Microwave Energy

Some providers offer treatments based on microwave energy, like MiraDry. This type of treatment uses microwave energy to damage the sweat glands and reduce sweating, but it can also work on unwanted hair regardless of color. This treatment is only approved for the underarms, and it requires numbing with an injected anesthetic. The side effects tend to last longer compared to laser hair removal.

Waxing, Sugaring, or Epilating

Traditional hair removal methods like sugaring or waxing are certainly effective on white hair, as they pull the hair out from the roots. The hair grows back after 3-4 weeks, and there is no permanent hair reduction (although hair may grow back a little finer in some cases). 

Shaving or Depilatory Creams

Shaving and depilatory creams like Nair work on all hair colors, as they simply cut or dissolve the hair at the surface of the skin. The root of the hair remains attached to the follicle, so hair grows back within a few hours or days, and there can be stubble. 

Future Treatments for White Hair 

Researchers have explored techniques to adapt laser hair removal for those with white hair by flooding the hair follicles with a tint or dye. While early studies showed some promise, this type of technology isn’t available for clinicians or providers yet. 

Can Laser Remove White Facial Hair?

No, laser cannot remove white facial hair. Just like with white hair on other body parts, laser relies on the pigment in the root of the hair to identify and damage the hair follicle. If you have a mix of hair colors, you can start with laser to treat pigmented hair and then switch to a different method to target remaining white hairs. 

What About Blonde or Red Hair? 

Laser hair removal can be complicated for those with blonde or red hair. Very light blonde hair will not respond to laser at all. Dark blondes can achieve hair reduction as long as the root of their hair contains enough pigment — it may just take more treatments than for someone with darker hair. 

Red hair is an interesting situation. Instead of containing brown or black pigment (i.e., eumelanin), red hair contains pheomelanin, a red pigment. Unfortunately, lasers don’t impact pheomelanin as effectively as eumelanin. Those with mahogany or auburn red hair may see some hair reduction, but those with true red, light copper, or strawberry blonde hair likely won’t. 

Bottom Line 

Laser hair removal doesn’t work on white hair, but other hair removal methods like electrolysis can still work. If you have a blend of dark and white hair, laser hair removal is still worth your time. You can use it to remove dark hairs before switching to other methods for dealing with white hairs.