Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which hair color is not considered a contraindication for laser hair removal?

1. Black hair

2. Blonde hair

3. Grey hair

4. Red hair

The correct answer is: Grey hair

Grey hair is not considered a contraindication for laser hair removal because the effectiveness of laser treatments is largely dependent on the contrast between the hair color and the skin tone. Laser hair removal typically targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair; darker colors like black or dark brown have more pigment, making them more responsive to the laser. Grey hair, which lacks melanin, does not absorb the laser light as effectively, but it also does not cause any negative reaction or safety concerns with the procedure. This means that while the results might be less effective for grey hair, it doesn't pose the same risks or contraindications associated with other lighter hair colors. Blonde and red hair have less pigment than black but still might have potential concerns; however, the absence of pigment in grey hair primarily means it does not lend itself to the same efficacy challenges as the other hair types do.