What Is The Best Laser Hair Removal Option For Mixed-Race Skin With Black Hair? (photo)

Question

I would like to get laser hair removal on my legs. I am half Asian, half black. I have medium brown skin (the colour of a paper bag). My leg hair is black and coarse. Each follicle shows up dark, and some are bumpy or ingrown. A pic of my leg is below. Also, this pic is pretty similar, although it depicts keratosis pilaris and I'm not sure if I have that. http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/data/images/keratosis_pilaris_1_111119.jpg). What kind of laser would be best for me? Thanks!

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.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

The Nd:yag laser is safe for all skin types and will work well to reduce coarse black hairs. Laser hair removal can improve ingrown hairs by reducing the amount of hair, therefore reducing the amount of ingrown hairs. Schedule a consultation with a provider so they can go over your pertinent health history and details of the hair removal process and determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. Laser hair removal requires multiple treatments every 6-8 weeks and results may vary from person to person.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

The best laser for you will probably be a Yag laser, which consistently treats darker pigmented skin types safely. Laser hair reduction treatments should also help reduce the problem with ingrown hairs. Make sure you visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office for a consultation and to ensure you are being treated by a provider with extensive knowledge of the skin and laser hair removal. “Dr. D”

Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD · Answer

One of the Best and Safest Lasers for Hair Removal in African and Asian Skin is the YAG laser, such as the GentleYAG laser. The IPL, yellow or red spectrum, as with the Palomar Icon IPL, is an effective and safe choice for hair reduction in darker skin types.

Cheryl A. Hull, MD · Answer

With darker skin types, the best laser for hair reduction is the Nd:YAG 1064. I have used the Cutera CoolGlide Nd:YAG 1064; it consistently treats safely and effectively. The laser hair reduction treatments should help with the ingrown hairs as well.

What Is The Best Laser Hair Removal Option For Mixed-Race Skin With Black Hair? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Best and Safest Laser for Hair Removal in African and Asian Skin

Answer: Best and Safest Laser for Hair Removal in African and Asian Skin

Answer: Laser Hair Reduction for Darker Skin Types

Answer: Laser Hair Reduction for Darker Skin Types

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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What Is The Best Laser Hair Removal Option For Mixed-Race Skin With Black Hair? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Best and Safest Laser for Hair Removal in African and Asian Skin

Answer: Best and Safest Laser for Hair Removal in African and Asian Skin

Answer: Laser Hair Reduction for Darker Skin Types

Answer: Laser Hair Reduction for Darker Skin Types

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.