The hair growth cycle
Hair is mainly composed of the protein keratin. Keratin assembles into rope-like intermediate filaments. The structure of these filaments provides strength to the hair shaft.
Hair growth begins under the skin in a hair follicle. The only "living" portion of the hair is found in the follicle. The hair that is visible is the hair shaft, which exhibits no biochemical activity and is considered dead. The base of the root is called the bulb, which contains the cells that produce the hair shaft. Other structures of the hair follicle include the oil producing sebaceous gland which lubricates the hair and the erector pili muscles, which are responsible for causing goose bumps.
Stages of the hair cycle
Between starting to grow and falling out, each hair passes through three distinct stages. These are so important that they have been given special names: anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the intermediate phase) and telogen (the shedding phase). Each strand of hair on the human body is at its own stage of development. Once the cycle is complete, it restarts and a new strand of hair begins to form.
The anagen phase or growth phase begins in the papilla and can last up to eight years. The span at which the hair remains in this stage of growth is determined by genetics. The longer the hair stays in the anagen phase, the faster and longer it will grow. During this phase, the cells in the papilla divide to produce new hair fibers, and the follicle buries itself into the dermal layer of the skin to nourish the strand.
The catagen phase or transitional phase, allows the follicle to, in a sense, renew itself. Signals sent out by the body determine when the anagen phase ends and the catagen phase begins. During this time, which lasts about two weeks, the hair follicle shrinks due to disintegration and the papilla detaches and "rests", cutting the hair strand off from its nourishing blood supply.
During the telogen phase, or resting phase the hair and follicle remain dormant anywhere from 1–4 months. Ten to fifteen percent of the hairs on one's head are in this phase of growth in any given time. The anagen phase begins again once the telogen phase is complete. The preceding hair strand is pushed up and out by the new, growing strand. This causes a normal hair loss commonly known as shedding.
The number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body treated, skin color, coarseness of hair and gender. Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat. Hair on darker skin is harder to treat. Finer hair is only sometimes affected. Certain areas (notably men's faces) may require considerably more treatments to achieve desired results. In addition, since hair grows in several phases (anagen, telogen, catagen) and laser can only affect the currently active growing follicles (anagen), several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.
Areas of hair that can be treated
Laser Hair Removal for Bikini Line
Today, swimwear and lingerie is fashion that rivals a great handbag, shoes or scarf. With some woman paying a hefty price for bikini or lingerie that fashion line better not be spoiled with extraneous hair. Bikini line hair removal is one of the most popular forms of laser hair removal.
Laser Hair Removal for Underarm Hair
Think about every time you shower having to take out your razor to shave your underarms. And if you forget and wear something sleeveless, you are so embarrassed. Even though it may be quick, and not a big deal to shave, we all forget from time to time. Laser Hair removal is perfect for this area. It is not a big commitment. The treatment is fast, and when it is completed you don't need to worry again. Underarm hair is a great place to start for the laser hair removal patient
Laser Hair Removal for Leg Hair
This is every woman's dream - never shaving your legs again. Never packing a razor. Never seeing that stubble. Never again hearing the complaints when he touches your skin. And with pantyhose a thing of the past, there is nothing to hide behind. You are shaving every day! Removing leg hair with laser hair removal is the ultimate choice for a woman and a fantastic luxury.
Laser Hair Removal for Facial Hair
Remove facial hair with laser hair removal. Women, please don't suffer with a mustache and sideburns or chin hairs. Facial hair can detract from your looks and is easy to take care of with laser hair removal. If you are putting this off, don't. Facial hair can appear with hormonal changes including menopause.
Laser Hair Removal for Men's Shoulders and Back
Laser hair removal for men is a popular solution for excessive hair on shoulders, back and chest. Many athletic men enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal as a way to achieve better athletic results. Additionally, men who have gained a level of fitness and muscle tone don't want to hide their attractive muscles behind a thick coating of hair.
