What role does melanin play in the effectiveness of laser hair removal?

Melanin plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of laser hair removal because it absorbs laser light. This process is essential for the treatment's success, as the laser targets the pigment within the hair follicle. When the laser beam is delivered, the melanin in the hair absorbs the wavelength of the laser energy. This absorbed energy is converted into heat, which then damages the hair follicle and inhibits future hair growth.

The interaction between laser light and melanin is what allows the treatment to selectively target hair without affecting surrounding tissues significantly. The more melanin present in the hair, the more effective the laser treatment tends to be, especially in individuals with darker hair. Understanding this relationship helps practitioners optimize laser settings and predict treatment outcomes based on a client's hair color and skin type.