Why does waxing make hair lighter?

[ConfusedPixie]

I saw this mentioned on another thread and have noticed it myself but have no clue why it does it. Over time my leg hairs have gotten lighter and the coverage is patchy compared to the thick black carpet it was four/five years ago.

Dunno if it's really lighter, or if the hair grows back thinner/finer, which gives the appearance of being lighter ...

I suppose that's more accurate than lighter! yes, mine are thinner really, therefore less obvious (apart from the gorrilla ones still there!)