For optimal results with hair removal, treatments should be performed during which hair growth phase?

The optimal results for hair removal treatments are achieved during the anagen phase of hair growth. This is because the anagen phase is the active growth phase in which hair follicles are most robust and firmly anchored in the skin. During this phase, hair is actively growing and is more likely to absorb energy from hair removal treatments, such as laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

Targeting hair during the anagen phase maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment, making it more effective at damaging the hair follicle and preventing future hair growth. Since hair in this phase is more easily targeted due to its larger size and deeper connection to the follicle, practitioners can achieve more significant and long-lasting results.

In contrast, during the catagen phase, hair is transitioning and detaching from the follicle, leading to a decreased effectiveness of hair removal treatments. The telogen phase is a resting phase where the hair is not growing and is more likely to shed naturally, making it less effective for targeting with removal methods. Similarly, referring to a "resting" phase—typically associated with the telogen phase—indicates a lack of growth, which is not conducive to effective hair removal. Therefore, the anagen phase stands out as the most crucial