For the most effective results, the device used during laser hair removal can only target hair that is actively growing. This is true for laser hair removal at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic and any other clinic in the world.
Stages of Hair Growth
While the last phase during the lifespan of a human hair is exogen, during which a strand of hair naturally sheds (therefore does not need to be targeted by laser hair removal), there are three phases of human hair growth beforehand. These phases can all be subdivided into further phases. The length of each may differ depending on the person and the area in which the hair is growing.
The anagen phase is the most important time for laser hair removal. Subdivided into proanagen, mesanagen and metanagen, this is when a hair follicle has an active dermal papilla which energetically contributes to the growth and development of a strand of hair and hair fibre. Generally, 90% of the hair follicles on your body are in this phase, which can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, and even longer. The duration of the anagen phase for a hair follicle will determine the length of the hair. In laser hair removal at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic, laser energy is used to destroy hair follicles in the anagen phase for long term results.
The catagen phase is when hair follicles control the hair strand and make preparations for the end of its lifespan. The dermal papilla, which is responsible for hair growth, condenses. This phase lasts only up to a couple of weeks.
The telogen phase is when hair is not growing and hair follicles are at rest. This may last anywhere from 3 months (generally on the scalp) to 9 months (generally the eyebrows). Hair that has the capability of growing long tends to have a shorter telogen phase, as upon completion, hair follicles return to the anagen phase.
Common areas that are treated with laser hair removal at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic are the legs, underarms, back, abdomen, upper lip and face, chest, and bikini line. However, any part of the body can be treated, except for the sensitive area in close proximity to the eye.
Results of a single laser hair removal treatment at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic will depend on the patient's genetics and amount of hair in a single area in the anagen phase. It is important to note that hair follicles in a single area can be at different phases in their growth cycle, therefore repeated laser hair removal treatments may be required to achieve the best results.
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Hair
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