Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Which type of hair is most responsive to laser treatments?

1. Fine, light hair

2. Dark, coarse hair

3. Curly hair

4. Grey hair

The correct answer is: Dark, coarse hair

The reason dark, coarse hair is the most responsive to laser treatments lies in the principle of selective photothermolysis that underlies laser hair removal. This process targets the pigment, or melanin, in the hair follicle. Dark, coarse hair contains a higher concentration of melanin compared to fine, light, curly, or grey hair, allowing the laser to effectively absorb energy and damage the follicle intended to prevent future hair growth. Fine, light hair often poses a challenge because it lacks the sufficient pigmentation needed for effective absorption of the laser's energy. The lower levels of melanin result in a reduced response during treatment, leading to less effective results. Curly hair can also be difficult to treat because the curvature of the hair can impact how the laser targets the follicle. Grey hair lacks melanin altogether, making it particularly unresponsive to laser treatments since the laser cannot effectively target and damage the hair follicle without the necessary pigment to absorb the energy. Therefore, dark, coarse hair is optimal for laser treatment due to its enhanced ability to absorb laser energy and respond to the procedure effectively.