What is the primary mechanism of laser hair reduction?

• A. Use laser light to penetrate and diminish or destroy hair bulbs
• B. Uses electrical current to destroy follicles
• C. Uses chemical depilatories to dissolve hair
• D. Uses mechanical plucking

Answer: (A)

Laser hair reduction works by targeting the hair follicle with laser energy. The light is absorbed mainly by the pigment in the hair shaft and follicle, converting to heat that damages the hair bulb and surrounding follicle enough to suppress or stop future growth. This selective heating—often called selective photothermolysis—focuses on the hair while minimizing harm to nearby skin. Because hair growth occurs in cycles, multiple treatment sessions are needed to catch follicles in their active growth phase. Unlike other methods, such as electrical current, chemical depilatories, or mechanical plucking, which physically damage the hair or remove it without destroying the follicle, laser treatment aims to destroy or disable the follicle itself through heat.