Which hair growth phase is targeted by multiple laser treatments?

The hair growth phase targeted by multiple laser treatments is the anagen phase. During this phase, hair is actively growing and is attached firmly to the hair follicle, making it an optimal time for laser treatments to be effective. Laser hair removal works by emitting light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft. This energy is converted to heat, which then damages the follicle, hindering future hair growth. Since hair in the anagen phase is more robust and contains more pigment, it is more responsive to laser energy, thus increasing the likelihood of successful long-term hair reduction.

In contrast, hair that is in the telogen phase (the resting phase) is not actively growing; therefore, it is less susceptible to laser treatment as it is detached from the follicle. The catagen phase is a transitional phase where hair growth slows and detachment occurs, and the resting phase similarly indicates inactivity in growth. These phases are not targeted effectively by laser treatments due to the reduced or absent interaction between the laser and the hair follicle. Hence, focusing on the anagen phase maximizes the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.