Laser hair removal technology is based on a simple concept where dark colors absorb light while light colors reflect it. You can zap the hair and not damage the skin around it because of this concept. The success of a laser hair removal treatment is largely based on your hair color and skin tone. The best candidate for laser hair removal is one with dark hair in white or fair skin.

The laser's light is directed at the area you want to remove hair. The melanin in the dark hairs absorbs the laser light while the light skin around the follicle reflects it, taking little or no damage. The dark hair follicles absorb more and more laser light energy and heat until the follicle quits producing hair and dies.

Laser hair removal is most successful with people with dark hair and fair skin. People with dark pigmentation in their skin either from birth or sun tanning are not recommended for the laser hair removal process as the laser light may also target their skin with its darker pigmentation. Laser hair removal is also not recommended for those with blond or red hair as the laser light will be reflected by the hair follicle rather than absorbed.

However, before you give up on permanent hair removal, remember that laser technology is advancing. There are now lasers that are effective for darker skin tones with out the damaging side effects. Not every clinic has a laser that is good for dark hair, so be sure to look for one that is specific to your skin tone. Also know that the darker your skin tone, the more sessions you'll need to have before the treatment is fully effective. That means a jump in cost. The most cost effective way to make laser hair removal work for you is find a technician who specializes in darker skin pigmentation.

There are also new technologies being developed and used for those with red or blond hair. The current problem is a lack of pigmentation in the hair of blonds and red heads. New technology for this sector of the market uses a combination of lasers and radio waves as well as topical treatments that keep the skin from being damaged, burned or scarred. These treatments also require more sessions to be effective, but if you are willing to pay the extra cost you too can be hair free.

Before you go in for laser hair removal you should know that it usually takes three to five treatments for the optimal candidate before you'll be finished. Laser hair removal is most successful on hair that is in the anagen or growing phase. Hair grows for several years, stops growing for two to six months then falls out in preparation for a new hair to start the anagen phase. At any one time only about 85% of your hair is in the anagen phase which means you may have to go back in for laser hair removal on the same area several times before you treat all of the follicles.