Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which stage of hair growth does laser treatment work best on?

1. Anagen

2. Catagen

3. Telogen

4. Exogen

The correct answer is: Anagen

Laser treatment is most effective during the anagen phase of hair growth. During this stage, the hair is actively growing and is firmly anchored in the follicle. This makes the hair more susceptible to the effects of laser energy, which aims to damage the hair follicle to inhibit future hair growth. In the anagen phase, the hair is in its most robust state, allowing the laser to target the melanin in the hair effectively. This targeted action is crucial for achieving optimal results in hair reduction. As other stages, such as catagen or telogen, involve hair that is either transitioning or resting, the hair has a reduced connection to the follicle and is less likely to respond effectively to laser treatments. Therefore, understanding the stages of hair growth is essential for scheduling laser treatments for maximum efficacy.