I Have Very Dark Hair and Very Light Skin. Which Laser Method Would Be Best for Me?

Light skin and dark hair is often the best combination for laser as it targets the color in the hair (for this reason blonde haired patients are often not good candidates).  There is not a single best laser to treat hair. Each laser has its pros and cons. Although many lasers are available with brand names, the key is to look at the frequency of laser to determine its effectiveness. Types of LASERS:Diode- Perhaps the best studied and good for many skin types (the type I favor in my practice).IPL- Not as effective as diode in head to head studies and not good for all skin types. May require more treatments.Nd:YAG lasers- A good selection for darker haired patients. May require more treatments than diode and has a smaller spot size typically and may require more treatmentsAlexandrite- Best for lighter skin types however it is almost as effective as diode in efficacy.

Thank you for your question A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to remove unwanted hair, however most lasers are not effective for all skin types and hair colors. The Elos laser hair removal system is designed for permanent hair reduction by combining both optical and radiofrequency energy to deliver satisfying, longer lasting results with less discomfort than previous laser systems. All skin and all hair colors including gray and blonde hair are effectively treated. Faces, backs, arms, legs, faces, and bikini lines can be treated including those individuals with darkly pigmented skin. Treatments are administered every 4 weeks and generally 3 to 5 treatments are sufficient. Best of luck!

For you, I would use my Candela GentleLase, a long-pulsed Alexandrite laser (755 nm infra-red laser).  Alexandrite lasers offer the best melanin/pigment absorption of all the hair removal lasers-- so are the most effective lasers in people who are lightly pigmented.   Candela, the laser manufacturer, has a patented cryogen spray cooling system that enables their lasers to be the safest and most effective in the industry.