Is there a laser that works on black people? (Photos)

Question

Last tried laser 10 years ago & didn't work. Are there better ones out now? I have on chin like a goatee and I want to have these hairs removed. Electrolysis has not worked for me. Plucking and waxing = ingrown hairs. I even have a little mustache but hairs very light in texture. Who has experience with darker skinned people?

Lillian Overman, MD · Answer

I have found that the Gentle Max laser is effective for patients of all skin types.
Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes of course there are certain lasers and peels that can be done on dark skin you just need to see an expert to evaluate what is best for you.  Dr. Emer.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Hi, yes there is very effective technology now for dark skin. Seek out a provider who uses an Nd:Yag laser with a 1064nm wavelength. There are many different manufacturers of these lasers. Used correctly you should get excellent hair removal results and a drastic decrease in your ingrown hairs. Good luck!

Marilyn R. Richardson, MD, FACOG · Answer

The Q-switched Yag laser has been found to be very safe on skin of color - especially if skin testing is done prior to facial use. The laser provides cooling of the skin both before and after the laser penetrates; allowing the laser energy to penetrate the pigmented hair follicle without damage to the surface skin.  Multiple treatments are required since only actively growing hairs are susceptible during each treatment.

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank
you for your question and photos. Yes, you can have laser hair removal. The
hair on dark skin tones need to be treated with a 10064 Nd Yag laser. A test
spot should be performed to know the best energy for your skin. I recommend having
a consultation with an expert to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Best of Luck!

Michael S. Mall, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking a really great question.  You are 100% correct that 10 years ago, lasers were much more different in many ways than they are now. While there is a much new technology with cooling lasers and etc., the Yag laser remains a suitable option for treating most darker skintypes.

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos – and the simple answer is yes there are lasers for hair removal that are safely done every day on darker skinned individuals.  Laser hair removal has come a long way over the past 10 years and we have very good machines with appropriate cooling that makes them safer than ever.  You need to find an expert in your area who has one of the newer 1064 nm lasers and has experience with your skin color.  A series of treatments are needed and you may need maintenance over time.  Good luck.

Peterson Pierre, MD · Answer

Lasers have come a long way in the past 10 years so there is definitely hope for you! The diode works exceptionally well and is still considered the gold standard. The Nd:YAG is also very good. I treat a lot of darker skin individuals with great results. As with everything, it is very important you get your treatments done by an expert in lasers who is also very familiar with treating dark skin. That will maximize your results while virtually eliminating unwanted side effects.

Mark A. Blair, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Lasers can be very effective for hair removal on darker skin providing the wavelength being used is correct for your skin type.  It is necessary to find a provider with a 1064nm wavelength in order to provide safe/effective treatments. Laser hair reduction is a series of treatments, usually 6-8 treatments done 4 weeks apart in this area.  Eliminating the follicle growth all together also eliminates ingrown hairs.Good Luck!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The hair on dark skin needs to be treated with a 1064 Nd Yag laser. Test spots need to be performed to get the best energy for you skin. It is safe for your skin.

Is there a laser that works on black people? (Photos)

Answers (12)

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (12)

More Laser Hair Removal Questions

Anus skin burnt after laser hair removal.

Can we take metformin while having laser hair removal treatment? Is metformin an antibiotic?

Prolonged Redness and Bumps 5 days after Laser Hair Removal? (Photos)

Laser Hair Removal - dark spots underarms. (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS