Why Laser Needs Pigment
Laser and IPL hair removal work by targeting melanin, the pigment inside the hair shaft. Light energy is absorbed by melanin, converted into heat, and that heat damages the follicle.
No pigment means no target.
When melanin is absent or minimal, laser energy passes through the hair without enough heat buildup to disable the follicle. The skin may feel warmth, but the follicle survives.
This is not a machine limitation.
It is a physics limitation.
Grey and White Hair
Grey and white hair contain little to no melanin. The color change happens when melanocytes stop producing pigment inside the follicle.
What this means for laser:
- The laser cannot “see” the hair
- Energy is not absorbed effectively
- No follicle destruction occurs
Even the most advanced laser systems cannot overcome the absence of pigment. Increasing power only increases skin risk, not effectiveness.
Red and Strawberry Blonde Hair
Red hair contains pheomelanin, not eumelanin.
Lasers are designed to target eumelanin, the dark pigment found in brown and black hair. Pheomelanin absorbs light poorly at laser wavelengths.
As a result:
- Red hair responds poorly or not at all
- Any shedding is temporary
- Regrowth is expected
Some red hairs appear darker but still lack the correct pigment for laser absorption.
Platinum and Very Light Blonde Hair
Platinum and very light blonde hair contain extremely low melanin levels.
Laser may:
- Cause temporary shedding
- Produce inconsistent results
- Stop working entirely after early sessions
As hair lightens from treatment or age, laser effectiveness drops further.
This is why many clients see laser “work” early, then suddenly plateau.
Why Turning Up the Laser Does Not Fix This
More energy does not compensate for missing pigment.
What actually happens:
- Skin absorbs excess heat
- Risk of burns or pigmentation increases
- Follicle remains intact
Pain, redness, or swelling does not equal effectiveness. Without melanin, the mechanism fails.
What Actually Works
Electrolysis
Electrolysis does not rely on pigment.
It works by inserting a fine probe into the follicle and delivering electrical energy that destroys the follicle directly.
Why it succeeds where laser fails:
- Works on all hair colors
- Works on all skin tones
- Targets the follicle itself, not the hair pigment
Grey, white, red, and platinum hairs respond normally to electrolysis.
This is not an alternative.
It is the correct method for pigment free hair.
Common Areas Affected
Pigment resistant hair is most often seen on:
- Chin and jawline
- Upper lip
- Neck
- Areola
- Abdomen
- Genital areas
These areas are also commonly hormone influenced, which further reduces laser reliability.
When to Switch Methods
Laser should be reconsidered when:
- Hair is visibly lightening
- Regrowth stops responding
- Hair color is naturally red, grey, white, or platinum
- Results plateau despite proper scheduling
Continuing laser in these cases delays progress without benefit.
Final Thoughts
Laser hair removal is pigment dependent.
Grey, white, red, and platinum hair lack the pigment lasers require.
No adjustment, wavelength, or setting changes that fact.
Electrolysis bypasses pigment entirely and remains the only method that permanently removes these hairs.
When hair color changes, the solution must change with it.