What results should I expect from laser hair removal if I have dark skin?

Our organization receives calls on a daily basis from consumers shopping around for the lowest price for laser hair reduction. Rarely are we asked about whether or not we have lasers that are considered safe for medium to darker skin types.

Although consumers may not understand the technology, they need to be proactive in asking the right questions. Because laser hair reduction generates the most business, the technology has advanced quite a bit in the last few years. Gone are the days when only light skinned patients with dark, coarse hair received good outcomes.

In our practice, we've found that the long pulsed Nd: YAG laser is superior for darker skin types. Not only does this type of laser have consistent, good outcomes - it is extremely safe for dark skin. Our facility currently has five long pulsed Nd: YAG lasers, and we are pleased with the consistent results are patients achieve.

Besides having the most appropriate laser for your skin type - you must know who will be performing the treatments. Do not hesitate to ask what their credentials are (is it an RN, laser tech, esthetician, MD?) AND, what is their training and experience with your skin type. The abbreviations behind one's name does not equate to experience. Know what your state regulations are, ask good questions, and don't put cost above safety.

Laser hair removal can work for dark skin types, but only if the facility has a specialized laser that can treat dark skin types! This is typically a YAG laser which can also treat veins, but not all YAG lasers can address laser hair removal. The best platform for dark skin types is the Cutera Xeo platform.

All lasers are not created equal so ask a prospective facility about their technology - "How old/new is it?", "What research was done before purchasing that laser?", etc.

Hair removal on dark skin is possible, but your doctor must be careful to avoid burns and skin pigment changes due to treatment.

Every medical laser has a “target.” For hair removal lasers, the goal is to selectively target the pigment in hair follicles. The hair follicles are living cells which make hair below the surface of the skin. When the follicle pigment is selectively heated, this destroys the hair follicle cells.

What causes darker skin to be dark? Melanin - the same target that the hair removal laser is trying to reach in hair follicles! Hair removal lasers may target the pigment in skin as well as in the hair follicles. The result can be burns, blisters, and change in skin pigment. As a result, lower settings and longer laser pulse times must be used for darker skin to avoid damage. More overall treatment sessions will usually be necessary.

Nd:YAG lasers, which emit light at a wavelength of 1064 nm, are best for darker skin types, as the higher wavelength reaches deeper into the skin. This helps to avoid superficial skin melanin, which pigments our skin. The problem with Nd:YAG lasers is that many doctors find them less effective for hair removal overall. With well selected settings, however, good results can be seen.

Remember- laser hair removal is a medical procedure. Always consult with a medical doctor with extensive experience in lasers and laser hair removal. This will maximize your chances of a great result.