Fast facts

Laser hair removal

What it is: Laser hair removal is intended to permanently remove hair from a specific body area, using a high-tech laser device that delivers quick pulses of energy to target dark hair follicles. 

What it addresses:  Dark hair in targeted areas including:

- Underarms
- Legs
- Back
- Chin

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Question

Laser hair removal for salt and pepper facial hair?

I am 58 years old and have partially gray hair. The hair on my face is quite dense and mixed dark and white waxing is not for me and at this point I am forced to shave every day. Is there a laser hair removal treatment that would be effective? If not, would electrolysis work?

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Asked by: Leslie Hamilton

Answers (3)

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1
December 26, 2008

Laser Hair Removal for grey hair, blonde hair, red hair.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Laser hair removal is very effective if certain criteria are met.  The process works by photothermolysis wherein laser light heats up and burns pigment in the hair follicle.  Unfortunately, there is usually not enough pigment in a blonde, white, gray, or red hair follicle to generate enough heat to damage the follicle.

Patients with these hair colors should consider performing a spot test to evaluate their candidacy for treatment.  Most professional medical offices should perform these at no cost on initial consultation.

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2
December 2, 2008

Dark hair good grey hair bad

Steven Wallach, MD
Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

The lasers that are avialbale for hair removal work best on dark hairs. The grey hair will not respond well if at all to the hair removal lasers. 

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3
December 1, 2008

lasers are not effective for gray or white hair

William Groff, DO
William Groff, DO
Board Certified
Dermatologist

There is still no reliable laser treatment that can predictably remove gray, white or blonde hair.  Using a dye to change the hair color to black doesn't work either.  Lasers would be an excellent choice for treating your darker "pepper" hair.  

Electrolysis is going to be your best alternative for the "salt" colored hair, but it is uncomfortable, requires many treatments, and can be costly. 

Take care, Dr. Groff

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