North Carolina Esthetician Ebook Continuing Education

UNDERSTANDING HAIR GROWTH

Understanding hair growth involves comprehending the hair growth cycles, factors affecting hair growth, and the different hair types and textures. Hair grows in cycles, with each hair follicle alternating between growth (anagen), transitional (catagen), and resting (telogen) phases. Laser Hair growth cycles Hair growth occurs in a cyclical pattern, involving these three main phases: 1. Anagen phase : This is the active growth phase, where hair follicles produce new hair. The duration of the anagen phase varies depending on the body part. Scalp hair can stay in this phase for 2–7 years, leading to longer hair growth, while body hair has a shorter anagen phase, lasting only a few months. Approximately 85%– 90% of hair is in this phase at any given time. During this phase, the laser is most effective because hair follicles are most responsive to the laser light because they are rich in keratin and melanin (Australian Skin Clinics, 2022). 2. Catagen phase : This transitional phase lasts about 2–3 weeks. Hair growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks. During this phase, the hair detaches from the blood supply and becomes “club hair”. Club hair is described

hair removal is most effective when the hair is actively growing and still attached to the follicle. Because not all hair follicles are in the anagen phase simultaneously, multiple sessions are needed to effectively target all the hair in the treatment area. as hair that has a bulb at the root tip and sheds after the growth cycle ends. Only about 1%–2% of hair is in this phase at any moment. 3. Telogen phase : The resting phase lasts around 3 months. During this period, the hair does not grow but remains attached to the follicle. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and the follicle reenters the anagen phase to produce new hair. About 10%–15% of hair is in the telogen phase at any time. The exogen phase, or shedding phase, is an extension of the telogen phase (Roland, 2020). Understanding the hair growth cycle is vital for laser hair removal technicians as they work to provide effective treatments and manage client expectations.

HOW HAIR TYPE AND SKIN TONE AFFECT LASER HAIR REMOVAL

Laser hair removal’s performance is influenced by various factors, but primarily hair type and skin tone. Understanding different skin and hair types is crucial for Hair type Laser hair removal success largely depends on the color and thickness of the hair. The laser targets melanin, the pigment in the hair, to destroy the hair follicle. Dark, coarse hair contains more melanin, making it an ideal candidate for laser treatment. The high melanin content allows the laser to easily locate and heat the hair follicle, leading to effective hair removal. Skin tone Skin tone also plays a significant role in laser hair removal due to the presence of melanin in the skin. Understanding the Fitzpatrick scale is crucial for tailoring laser hair removal treatments to various skin types. The Fitzpatrick scale, developed by Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, classifies skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) light. It ranges from Type I (very fair skin, always burns, never tans) to Type VI (very dark skin, never burns, tans easily). This scale is essential for determining the appropriate laser settings for different skin tones (U.S. Dermatology Partners, 2024). Using the Fitzpatrick scale allows laser technicians to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize risks for all clients.

predicting treatment outcomes and ensuring safe, effective procedures.

Conversely, light-colored hair, such as blonde, red, gray, or white, contains less melanin. This makes it difficult for the laser to effectively target the hair follicles. In these cases, multiple treatments or alternative hair removal methods, like electrolysis, may be necessary.

1 Type I and II (Very Fair to Fair Skin) : These skin types have low melanin levels,

reducing the risk of laser-induced skin damage. Dark hair on light skin provides a high contrast, making it easier for the laser to target hair follicles effectively. These skin types have moderate melanin levels. While laser hair removal is generally effective, there is a slight increase in the risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Adjustments in laser settings are necessary for safe treatment. High melanin levels in these skin types increase the risk of laser-induced skin damage such as burns, blisters, or pigmentation changes. Specialized lasers, like Nd, are recommended for these skin tones because they have longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin, thus reducing the risk of surface damage.

4 Type III and IV (Medium to Olive Skin) :

5 Type V and VI (Brown to Dark Skin) :

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Book Code: ENC0825

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