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

Question

I have very dark hair, with light Irish skin coloring. Which laser hair removal system would be best for my thick course leg hair?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Shapiro, MD · Answer

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!

Deborah Sarnoff, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the long pulsed Alexandrite laser would probably be the ideal laser for you.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

There is no one laser that is ideal for all skin colors. You are wise to ask this question. In my practice, we have a laser for light skin and a second laser for dark skin. The alexandrite laser we use has been evaluated as the most effective laser for removing hair. However, this laser is ideal for light skinned individuals.

The long pulsed nd:yag laser we use is ideal for dark skinned individuals. The longer pulse means that the laser energy will be absorbed by the root of the hair and not the surface of the skin. This means laser hair removal will be safer and more effective for dark skinned individuals. While laser hair removal can be performed on virtually any skin color, the color of the hair is the most important factor.

The laser is attracted to the melanin (the dark pigment) in the hair follicle. Thus, darker hair is treated most effectively. If your hair has a blonde, red, or dark gray root, you may not be a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I love the Candela laser for laser hair removal.  The idea candidate has dark hair and light skin, esp nice white skin of Irish descent.  You should have excellent results!

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Laser Hair Removal for light skin

Answer: Laser Hair Removal for light skin

Answer: Laser hair with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates

Answer: Laser hair with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Laser Hair Removal for light skin

Answer: Laser Hair Removal for light skin

Answer: Laser hair with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates

Answer: Laser hair with dark hair and light skin are the best candidates

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.