How do hair cycles work?

Have you ever wondered why you need to wait so long in between each laser hair removal appointment? The answer is in the hair cycles. Learn about your hair cycles and treatment intervals for laser hair removal here. 

Anagen

Everybody has three different stages of hair growth. The Anagen phase is the active growth phase. This is the only phase where laser hair removal is effective. Only 20% of hair is actively growing during one Anagen growth phase, hence why multiple treatments are necessary for laser hair removal to be effective for long-term results. The phase can last 3-4 months on the body and 5-7 years on the head. (This is why you can't grow long, head-type hairs on your arms or legs.)

Catagen

The second phase is the Catagen phase, which is the shedding phase. Laser hair removal is not effective during this phase. This phase usually lasts around three weeks.

Telogen

The last phase is the Telogen phase, or the dormant phase. Up to 80% of hair can be in the Telogen phase at any time. Laser hair removal is not effective during this phase. 

Durations in each cycle are highly unique to each person and body area. At Simplicity Laser, your technicians will customize your treatment intervals to target your unique hair cycle duration to assure that your treatments are happening during the Anagen phase (when laser hair removal is most effective). This allows you to get the best results in the shortest amount of time.