Written Laser Hair Removal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Laser Hair Removal Practice Questions and Study Guide

Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen phase of hair growth. This phase is the active growth stage where hair follicles are fully developed, and the hair shaft is thick and firmly attached within the follicle. During the anagen phase, the hair is most receptive to the laser treatment because the pigment in the hair (melanin) absorbs the laser light, which then converts energy into heat. This heat selectively damages the hair follicle, impairing its ability to grow new hair.

In contrast, during the other phases—telogen, catagen, and exogen—the hair follicles are either resting or shedding, and the hair shaft is not as attached or robust. In these phases, the hair is less likely to absorb sufficient laser energy effectively, resulting in a reduced likelihood of successful hair removal. Therefore, targeting hair that is in the anagen phase significantly increases the efficacy of laser hair removal treatments.