Which Laser is Safest for my Face? Fair Skin & Dark Hair

asked 6 months ago by 5418anon in PA
Latest answer by Benjamin Barankin, MD
Question viewed 301 times
Tags: dark hair, fair skin, recommendation, safety, type

I'm considering getting laser hair removal on my upper lip and chin. I'm a Caucasian female with fair skin and dark hair. If I'm not mistaken, alexandrite and diode lasers are most effective for my skin/hair combination. I'm really worried about hyperpigmentation though. Which type of laser is the least likely to cause changes in pigmentation? Are some types of lasers safer than others?

6 answers to Which Laser is Safest for my Face? Fair Skin & Dark Hair

Fair skin and dark hair have a lower risk for pigmentation changes when laser is used properly

Fair skin with dark hair is the best combination for minimizing any pigmentation issues after treatment. The Light Sheer diode laser with proper parameters would be a good choice for the combination you describe. The most important aspect of choosing a provider is to look at the physician and physician extenders who do the actual treatments. You should be in good hands if you go to a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist that has experienced... more

Dan Mills, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Dark hair and fair skin are the ideal combinations for laser hair removal

Your risk of hyperpigmentation is very small because of your fair skin. If the laser parameters are properly chosen and if the laser has a built-in method of cooling the skin surface ( such as the cryogen spray in the Candela GentleLase -an alexandrite laser) then there would be nearly zero risk.It is important that you choose an experienced Dermatologist for your evaluation and treatment

Richard Fitzpatrick, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon

Best Laser for hair removal

In my office, we use the GentleMAX alexandrite laser by Candela for permanent hair removal. It is most effective for removing darker hair in a lighter-skinned person. Potential risks of laser hair removal include temporary or permanent hypo-pigmentation or hyper-pigmentation. This can occur even when optimal laser treatment parameters are used. Fortunately, most instances of hyperpigmentation are temporary and tend to fade over time. We instruct all our patients to make sure the area... more

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Safest laser hair removal

For your fair skin & dark hair, using a diode laser such as the Light Sheer Duet is an excellent option, both very safe and effective. Make sure to go to a medical clinic overseen by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to ensure the best equipment, settings, and staff are used.

Benjamin Barankin, MD
Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon

Laser Hair Removal for the face

There is no one laser that is ideal for all skin colors. The alexandrite laser we use has been evaluated as the most effective laser for removing hair. it is ideal for light skinned individuals. The Gentlelase laser is equipped with a patented cooling device for that means a more comfortable treatment and eliminates the need for topical anesthetic. This means of cooling the skin can also reduce the risk of burns or pigmentation changes. The DCD dynamic cooling device is the ONLY... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Fair skin and dark hair ideal for hair removal

As long as the hair is of medium or thicker courseness, you should have wonderful success with either the alexandrite or diode lasers with very low to minimal risk of pigment issues and excellent safety in the hands of an experienced user.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist

Ask a question

Get Free Email Updates