Is Laser Hair Removal Effective On Dark Skin Tones?

Myth: Laser Hair Removal Can’t Be Performed On Darker Skin

People with darker skin tones are often discouraged from getting laser hair removal procedures because of laser hair removal’s unwarranted reputation for damaging darker skin. But the truth is that recent advances in laser technology and techniques have now made it possible to treat nearly all skin tones and types of hair. We use the Cynosure Apogee Elite, a highly advanced dual-wavelength laser that leverages Nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser technology to work safely and effectively on all skin types. These lasers are FDA-cleared for permanent hair reduction.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL WITH ND:YAG

The Nd:YAG laser is one of the most innovative lasers on the market, the incredible ability to distinguish between subtleties in pigmentation, resulting in the effective removal of dark hair on any skin tone. Because the Nd:YAG laser produces one of the longest wavelengths,it is the safest laser for darker skin tones. Basically, it allows anyone with darker skin to experience effective laser hair removal sessions, minimal discomfort, and reduced risk of complications.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL WITH THE DIODE LASER

Diode lasers offer a gentle touch, removing hair while still protecting the skin, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. The Diode is typically effective on light-to-medium skin tones.

Got Darker Skin? You Should Know…

If either of these lasers are used for hair removal, you shouldn’t have any additional risks or concerns as those with lighter skin tones. Though darker skin, in general, has a higher risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation if burned, damaged, or manipulated, you shouldn’t experience any increased risks with these two innovative laser technologies. This is because both lasers are highly sensitive to all color and melanin, allowing them to precisely penetrate hair follicles without damaging surrounding tissue.

It’s also especially important to go to a qualified laser hair removal professional to guarantee use of the right kind of laser. if you’re treated with the wrong laser or if it’s on the wrong setting, you won’t end up with maximum hair reduction. Worse, you might also end up with burns, hyperpigmentation, and potential increased hair growth. This phenomenon may be seen in darker-skinned women who are receiving facial hair removal, but the risk can be avoided by using a longer-wavelength laser administered by a qualified professional.

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

There are questions you should always ask the medical professional performing your laser hair removal to make sure they are experienced and know the proper laser to use for your skin type. Here’s the top four:

1. HOW MANY LASERS ARE ON THE PREMISES? ARE THEY RENTED OR OWNED?

The more lasers a provider is equipped with, the more accessibility there is to the safest, most effective one for your skin color and hair type. Be wary if machines are rented, however; chances are the service provider is only doing a few procedures a month. You want your provider to be well experienced and constantly exercising their skills!

2. WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR MY SKIN, AND WHY?

The medical professional should be able to articulate why a particular laser is the best match for you, taking into account your skin tone, hair texture, and hair color.

3. HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

The average number of visits necessary to see permanent hair reduction is six to eight — but some people need a dozen or more to reach their personal hair removal goals. The whole laser hair removal process is very individualized, so be sure to consult with a provider before purchasing your sessions in bundles. You don’t want any unneeded treatments to go to waste!

4. CAN YOU TREAT ME IF I HAVE A TAN?

If the answer is yes, then head the other way. The only way to treat recently tanned skin without causing burns is to use ineffective settings. Even with significantly lower settings, there is still a risk for adverse reactions when applying laser light to recently sun exposed skin.

ALL IN ALL, LASER HAIR REMOVAL GETS RESULTS ON ALL SKIN TYPES

As long as the appropriate laser is being used to treat you based on your individual characteristics, there’s no question that laser hair removal works.