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Laser Hair Removal
Wax Before Laser Hair Removal Treatments?
In short, waxing immediately prior to laser hair removal will likely decrease the effectiveness of the laser providing short term, rather than long term, reduction in hair. More specifically, lasers target the pigment of hairs at the base of the follicle (in the growth phase), which allows the follicle to be destroyed and inhibits new hair growth. Waxing removes hair from the follicle (including hairs at the base). Without the hair, and thus pigment, at the base of the follicle the laser does not have its target and is therefore not as effective at destroying the follicle and decreasing future hair growth.
Clinical Context
Hair grows in cycles, and each follicle moves through active growth, transition, and rest phases on its own timeline. Only hairs in the active growth phase carry enough pigment for the laser to target effectively. Because follicles don't all cycle in sync, one treatment can't reach every hair, which is why full results require multiple spaced-out sessions. Keeping hair unwaxed and visible before each appointment gives the laser a target to work with.
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