What does laser hair target?

Tired of shaving every other day? Or booking wax after wax, only for the hair to grow back in what feels like minutes? Maybe you’ve tried “IPL deals” that promised results—but gave you patchy outcomes instead?And now, you’re left wondering: “What does laser hair removal actually target? and “Will it work for me?”

These are both smart question. Because when you understand how laser works, you’re no longer buying into hope, you’re choosing results backed by science.

The science behind laser hair removal

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in your hair follicle. When the laser light hits this pigment, it gets absorbed and converted into heat. This heat travels down the hair shaft and damages the hair follicle, slowing down or completely stopping future growth.

It’s precise. It’s powerful. But it’s also selective. That’s why not all hair responds the same way.

So what does laser hair removal target?

Laser hair removal is most effective when the hair is:

• Dark (black or has brown pigment)
• Thick
• Actively growing (this is why sessions are spaced weeks apart to catch hairs in the right phase)

If you’ve got coarse facial hair triggered by PCOS. Or thick body hair that’s become a grooming chore. Laser is designed for this. It locks onto the pigment like a heat-seeking missile.

But here’s what laser doesn’t pick up on:

• Blonde, grey, or red hairs – These contain little or no melanin.
• Vellus (peach fuzz) hairs – They’re too fine and light for the laser to detect.
• Hairs not in the active growth phase – These won’t absorb the laser’s heat.

This is why results can vary—and why it takes a full course of treatments (usually 6–8) to see a significant reduction. The more contrast between your skin tone and hair colour, the better the laser can “see” and destroy the follicle.

Why this matters for you?

You’re not here to waste time, right? You’re busy. You want a permanent solution that saves you effort, not more empty promises. Knowing what laser targets means, you’re investing wisely in a treatment that’s likely to work. You know what to expect—and what not to. And You can spot the difference between genuine laser hair removal clinics in London and those offering watered-down alternatives like IPL that don’t go deep enough.

Laser hair removal works best on dark, thick hair.

It targets the pigment in your follicle, not the hair on the surface. That’s why you shave before treatment (so the laser can focus where it matters most) and why it won’t work on blonde fuzz or grey stubble.

So if you’re fed up with the cycle of hair removal routines. And if you’re ready to free up your mornings and toss the razors for good then this is the solution you’ve been searching for. Now you know exactly what laser hair removal targets. The next step is deciding how soon you want to stop targeting it yourself.

Or if you are ready to meet my team in person and would like to learn more about laser hair removal – Click here to book an appointment through our online diary.