In which stage of hair growth do lasers provide the most effective results?

Lasers are most effective during the anagen stage of hair growth because this is the active growth phase in which hair follicles are fully developed and attached to the hair shaft. During the anagen stage, hair is most susceptible to the effects of laser treatments, which target the pigment within the hair follicle. The high levels of melanin in the actively growing hair absorb the laser's energy more effectively, leading to better damage to the follicle and therefore, enhanced hair regrowth inhibition.

In contrast, the catagen stage is a transitional phase where the hair begins to detach from the follicle, making it less responsive to laser treatment. The telogen stage is known as the resting phase, and during this time, hair is not actively growing, which means it does not effectively absorb laser energy. The term "resting stage" often refers to the same telogen phase, further indicating a lack of effect during this period. Understanding hair growth cycles is crucial for effective laser treatments, as targeting the right phase can significantly improve outcomes.