Hair Growth Cycles
There are three stages of hair growth:
Stage 1 – Anagen : This stage is the beginning phase of hair growth. This is when the hair is visible above the skin and is still attached to the papilla. The papilla is a knoblike vascular indentation of the bottom of the hair follicle on which the hair bulb fits. (Definition courtesy of dictionary.com) This hair growth Anagen phase is ideal for laser hair removal because since it is still attached to the papilla the laser can attack the papilla and prevent any new growth. This stage usually lasts for about 2-3 weeks and occurs for both facial and body hair.
Stage 2 – Catagen : This stage is not exactly ideal for permanent hair removal because during this stage that the hair begins to shed, this shedding is not the same as after the treatment. This can last about 2 days, so not very long. You can still get the treatment as the follicle will produce another hair.
Stage 3 – Telogen : This is the final stage of hair growth and laser hair removal treatment cannot be done. This is because the hair is neither growing nor developing and it is no longer attached to the papilla. This stage is fairly unpredictable and can last for any amount of time ranging from a few days to a few years.
How The Cycles Effect Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
It can take 6-12 weeks for hair to grow from the papilla to show above the skin. This growing stage is the perfect time to receive laser hair removal treatments, and it may take a few treatments over a period of usually about 6-8 weeks apart to get the desired results. Missing a treatment could allow your hair to enter the next stage and shedding will begin, if you get treatment during the catagen stage, it will likely not be as effective. Treatments are scheduled around the Anagen stage of hair growth to achieve permanent hair removal result.
Also the number of treatment sessions will vary greatly on your genetic factors for hair growth, your skin tone and hair color.
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