Short answer: not reliably, and not in the way most marketing suggests.
Traditional laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) systems target melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle.
Grey, white and many very-light blonde hairs have little to no melanin, so the light energy has nothing to “see” and heat. That’s why most clinics and device makers exclude these hair colours from their “suitable for” lists.
Below is a clear guide to what does and doesn’t work in 2025, plus practical routes to smoother, lower-maintenance skin if your hairs are silver, salt-and-pepper, or very light.
The science in one minute
How laser/IPL works: light energy is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft/bulb → converted to heat → damages the follicle to slow future growth. No pigment = no target
Result for grey/white hair: conventional laser/IPL is ineffective, even with the “right” wavelength (e.g., 810 nm diode or 1064 nm Nd:YAG). These systems still rely on melanin in the hair itself.
At-home devices: helpful for some, but not for grey/white
Most reputable round-ups of UK home devices (Philips Lumea, Braun Silk-expert Pro, Foreo Peach, etc.) highlight the same limitation: they’re designed for pigmented hair. If your hairs are grey/white, these gadgets won’t meaningfully reduce them.
You may see older or niche devices using elōs (IPL + radiofrequency) claim they “work on all hair types.” Evidence independent of manufacturers is thin, and UK availability is patchy (some models are discontinued or “currently unavailable”). Treat such claims with caution.
Professional treatments: what really works for grey/white hair
1) Electrolysis (the gold standard for all hair colours)
Electrolysis destroys follicles using an ultra-fine probe with electrical current. Because it doesn’t rely on pigment, it works on grey, white, red and blonde hair and on all skin tones. UK NHS guidance frequently points people with lighter hairs towards electrolysis, sometimes after a course of laser for the darker ones.
Pros
Works on every hair colour and skin tone
Truly permanent hair removal (when performed by a trained professional)
Cons
Time-intensive (each follicle treated individually)
Multiple sessions; can feel prickly
Choose an experienced, BIAE-registered electrologist for best results
2) Clinic lasers for mixed (salt-and-pepper) hair
If you have a mix of dark and grey hairs, professional laser can reduce the dark fraction very effectively; the grey/white remainder usually needs electrolysis to finish the job. This combo plan is common in NHS and private pathways.
“Work-arounds” you may read about, and reality checks
Dye-assisted laser/IPL (carbon or temporary colourants): Small studies have explored tinting the hair so light can be absorbed during treatment. Results are inconsistent, protocols vary, and this remains experimental/off-label rather than a mainstream clinic standard, especially for home use. Proceed only under clinician guidance.
Hybrid IPL + RF (elōs) at home: Despite marketing that suggests suitability for all hair colours, independent clinic and dermatology sources still caution that non-pigmented hairs respond poorly; robust, peer-reviewed data are limited.
Safety first (especially for facial hair)
Avoid sun/tanning before and after any light-based treatment.
Patch testing is essential for clinic lasers and advisable before trying anything new on the face.
Hormonal areas (chin, upper lip, jawline) can be stubborn; expect maintenance even after successful reduction.
Practical pathways
If most hairs are grey/white:
Go straight to a reputable electrologist. Ask about timing, sensation management, and a plan that sequences areas sensibly. NHS leaflets give a good overview if you want baseline expectations before private consultations.
If your hair is salt-and-pepper:
Do a laser course to clear the dark hairs.
Finish the remainder with electrolysis for a genuinely smooth result. This is the approach many NHS services outline for mixed-colour hair.
If you’re tempted by an at-home device:
They’re great for dark hair, but unlikely to shift grey/white. Save your money unless you’re targeting a darker area.
Bottom line
As of October 2025, no mainstream laser or IPL device (home or clinic) reliably removes fully grey or white hair on its own. Combine laser for pigmented hairs with electrolysis for the rest, or use electrolysis from the start if your hairs are predominantly silver. That route is evidence-based, colour-agnostic, and gets you to the finish line without false promises.