Hair Removal

Does Laser Hair Removal Work On Red Hair?

Can Red Heads Get Laser Hair Removal? 

If you’ve got red hair, you’ve probably heard mixed messages about laser hair removal, and here’s the truth: it really depends on your hair color. Bright, true red hair? Unfortunately, it’s not a great match for lasers. As Dr. Will Kirby, Chief Medical Officer at LaserAway, puts it, “lasers target melanin in hair follicles, but red hair contains a different pigment that doesn’t absorb laser energy very well.”

That said, if your body hair leans more reddish-blonde or reddish-brown, there’s a chance laser hair removal could still work for you. 

What Makes Removing Red Hair Difficult? 

The challenge comes down to melanin. Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. Red hair contains pheomelanin, a lighter pigment that doesn’t absorb laser energy as effectively as the eumelanin found in darker hair colors like brown or black. That makes true red hair harder, if not impossible, for lasers to treat effectively.

Let’s break it down:

  • Pigment type: Red hair is rich in pheomelanin, not the darker eumelanin lasers are designed to target.

  • Laser choice: Not all lasers are built to treat low-pigment hair, and older technologies often fall short.

  • Consistency is key: If your body hair has more brown or blonde tones mixed in, a personalized treatment plan may still yield results.

Laser hair removal isn’t ideal for pure red hair, but if your color is closer to auburn or strawberry blonde, a consultation with one of our treatment specialists can help determine if treatment is an option.

Laser Types That Work Best for Red Hair

The Cynosure Apogee Elite, a dual-wavelength laser system that includes both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG technology, is the preferred laser technology, and what we use at LaserAway. This combination allows clinicians to adjust treatments based on your unique skin tone and hair type.

  • Nd:YAG Laser: Our go-to for a wide range of skin types. As Dr. Will Kirby says, “The gold standard laser for hair removal is unequivocally the long-pulse Nd:YAG with a 1064nm wavelength.” It penetrates deeper into the skin and can treat lower-contrast hair and skin combos, though still not ideal for bright red hair.

  • Alexandrite Laser: Ideal for lighter skin with dark, coarse hair. Less effective on red or blonde hair due to lower pigment.

  • Diode Lasers: Often used on light-to-medium skin tones, but not typically recommended for red hair due to pigment limitations.

Here’s a quick guide to the lasers LaserAway uses (and why it matters for redheads):

What are the Risks of Laser Hair Removal for Redheads? 

For redheads, the biggest risk is that the treatment simply won’t work. The laser may not be able to target the follicle effectively, leading to little or no reduction. 

Potential risks include:

  • Limited or no results due to insufficient pigment
  • Higher risk of irritation or burns if incorrect laser settings are used
  • Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light patches)
  • Temporary redness or heat sensitivity in the treated area

Alternatives to Laser Hair Removal for Redheads 

If laser hair removal isn’t a fit for your hair color, you’ve still got options. While they don’t offer permanent results like laser, these methods can help manage unwanted hair safely:

  • Waxing: Great for smooth skin and longer regrowth cycles
  • Sugaring: A gentler option that’s ideal for sensitive skin
  • Electrolysis: A permanent solution that works on all hair colors, including red
  • Shaving or Depilatory Creams: Quick, but temporary fixes

Not sure what’s best for you? Our team is happy to talk through your options during your consultation.

Why Redheads Trust LaserAway 

At LaserAway, we’re all about setting realistic expectations. That means being upfront: if your hair is bright red, laser hair removal likely won’t deliver the results you’re looking for. But if your body hair has darker or mixed tones, like auburn or reddish-blonde, you may still be a good candidate.

Our team uses state-of-the-art laser technology, including the Cynosure Apogee Elite with Nd:YAG capabilities, and every treatment is performed by licensed medical professionals. We assess your skin and hair type during a personalized consultation to determine if laser hair removal is right for you, and if it’s not, we’ll let you know.

Not sure where your hair falls on the spectrum? Book your free consultation today and get real answers from professionals who know lasers inside and out.

References

  1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.
  2. “Nd:YAG Technology for Laser Hair Removal: What’s New?,” Dermatological Reviews, July 26, 2024.