Does the Softlight laser (yag )with the carbon lotion work effectively for permanent hair removal? I have a darker skin tone.

Diode, alexandrite, and YAG lasers do work the best for permanent hair removal. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement. Please see an expert for an evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer.

In our practice, we have a Cutera XEO YAG laser that is very effective for hair reduction in darker skin tones. We don't have experience with the carbon lotion but do find our device to be quite good. Almost all devices are really permanent hair reduction and not 100% removal. Patients may need a series of treatments since the hair follicles can be at different growth phases. Patients can still get a few hairs with growth after the treatment. Hormonal hair growth is particularly difficult since this is an ongoing influence so this might need ongoing treatments. 

Thanks for your question.  I am not sure if the carbon lotion with the Nd:yag would be effective for hair removal at all.  We use it as a "soft peel" or pigment improving technique that is safe for most skin types but does not do anything for hair.  Your best bet for hair removal will be either a diode laser, an alexandrite, or a yag without the carbon lotion, but you will want to see if it is a long pulsed yag or a q-switched (which is ineffective for hair removal).  I would discuss it with your dermatologist to make sure the right laser is used for your skin type and you have the lowest risk for pigment change and the most effective hair removal treatments.  Please see an expert and best of luck.