Which wavelength has the highest absorption within melanin?

The wavelength that has the highest absorption within melanin is 694 nm. Melanin, the pigment responsible for color in hair and skin, absorbs light most effectively in the range of 600 to 700 nm. This range includes the 694 nm wavelength, which falls within the spectrum used by certain laser systems, particularly the ruby laser. This high absorption allows for effective targeting of hair follicles during laser hair removal treatments, making this wavelength particularly effective for individuals with darker hair and lighter skin, where the contrast allows for optimal energy absorption and minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

In contrast, while the other wavelengths may also interact with melanin, they do not have the same level of absorption as 694 nm, which is specifically tailored for targeting melanin in hair follicles. This understanding is crucial for practitioners to select the appropriate laser settings based on individual patient characteristics and hair types to achieve the best outcomes in laser hair removal procedures.