Laser Hair Removal for Brown Skin?

The Gentlelase (755nm long-pulsed Alexandrite laser) is one of my favorite laser hair removal devices. Because of it's excellent absorption by melanin (pigment, color), it is very effective for eliminating unwanted hair. Unfortunately, this property also makes it a generally poor choice for darker skin types. While I haven't evaluated your skin, generally I recommend using a long-pulsed 1064nm Nd:Yag laser (such as the GentleYag) for darker skin types such as you describe. This laser... more

There are a number of Nd:YAG 1064 nm lasers that are better suited for laser hair removal in darker skin types - especially Type V and VI (5 and 6). Type IV (4) skin is seen in olive complected caucasians, asians, hispanic skin types, some mediterranian skin types and some african american skin types. Type 4 skin can be treated with the alexandrite laser or 755 nm but often the energy must be turned down a bit so not to burn the darker skin. Type 4 skin also does well with 1064 nm laser for... more

The Alexandrite hair removal laser (Gentlelase by Candela is one brand) is safe for patients of Asian or Hispanic background-skin that tans and rarely burns. In my experience, there is some risk of temporary darkening of the skin for African American patients. For that skin type, the Yag laser is safer and less likely to cause pigmentation. For all patients, it is important not to be tan on the day of treatment and to avoid the sun after treatment for one week.

Laser hair removal can be performed using numerous YAG lasers that can work for darker skin patients. I would avoid the IPL systems because they will most likely cause a burn.