Light-colored hair typically doesn’t respond well to laser hair removal. It should not be done if you have a suntan as that may increase the risk of blistering and pigment change. Very dark-skinned individuals need to have a laser with a longer wavelength than the one more commonly used. The longer wavelength is needed so as not to have the laser energy preferentially absorbed by the top layer of skin as would occur with the shorter wavelength laser. The longer wavelength penetrates deeper and will target the hair follicle decreasing the risk of changing the pigment on the surface.
While laser hair removal is a fairly safe and effective treatment, it should only be performed by a trained professional. It is important that your provider reviews your medical history and assesses the targeted area prior to your first session. It is imperative that patients avoid sun exposure to the area weeks before any laser procedure. A few takeaway notes: The fairer the skin and the darker the hair, the better candidate a person is for laser hair removal. Our practice will not perform laser hair removal on patients with tanned skin or a darker skin tone, as this can increase the risk for burns (this includes self tanner). Patients with red, grey, or blonde hair would not have success with laser hair removal. With our particular device, we cannot perform laser hair removal over a tattoo. Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any medications that you feel may interfere with your session or are using medical grade skincare.
