Should Nd;YAG laser be used on someone with fair skin & dark hair or will it take considerably more sessions?

Question

I have very fair skin and dark hair. I have had approx 8 sessions at a clinic with ndyag laser on my lower legs and have seen almost zero results. Like I can’t see a difference at all in growth or thickness. I was getting this done as I suffer from ingrown hairs & hairs that seem to just not break the through the top layer of skin after shaving or waxing. Does ndyag even work on fair skin as I’ve read it’s for dark skin?

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

The 1064 Nd:YAG laser is helpful for all skin types. Yes, it is the only laser appropriate for darker skin types but it is attracted to pigment in the hair follicle and will kill the hair stem cells. Of the 3 common lasers, effectiveness is in the following order: Alexandrite, Diode, Nd:YAG. It could be that the settings are not appropriate, the laser isn't calibrated or serviced recently, or it isn't meant for laser hair removal. After 8 sessions, you should have significant hair removal. You must not wax prior to the treatments and should shave on the same day of the procedure. Splendor X is now the best laser hair removal device on the market and uses both Alex and 1064 on all patients except type 6 skin.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You may have probably been getting ineffective treatments.  This could be due to poor settings, calibration of the laser or technique of the clinician.  We utilize a Vectus diode laser to safely and effectively treat all skin types.  Our LHR patients typically need only 6 treatments.  We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out if their laser is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. Best of luck.

Should Nd;YAG laser be used on someone with fair skin & dark hair or will it take considerably more sessions?

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Should Nd;YAG laser be used on someone with fair skin & dark hair or will it take considerably more sessions?

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Everything you need to know about YAG Laser

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