Laser hair removal isn’t suitable for everyone; your individual skin and hair type will determine if you qualify as an ideal candidate.
Laser treatments are more successful when they target melanin pigment present within hair follicles; therefore, those with thick, dark locks make ideal candidates for laser treatments.
Dark Hair and Light Skin
Laser hair removal was traditionally advised only for patients with light skin and dark hair, since their contrast enabled laser light to target melanin in their locks without accidentally targeting natural pigmentation in their skin and burning it off.
But advances in technology have rendered laser treatments more suitable for people of different skin and hair colors. Modern laser equipment features cooling attachments that protect skin while treatment protocols reduce risks associated with burnt or damaged tissue.
Tweezing, shaving and waxing remove only surface hair while laser therapy targets hair follicles directly to reduce excess growth of new strands. Because laser therapy doesn’t target hormone-driven rapid hair growth directly, laser therapy won’t be effective at managing rapid hair regrowth issues like estrogen dominance.
Befor you undergo laser hair removal, it’s important to inform your practitioner if any health conditions make you more vulnerable to damage or pain, such as an abnormal scar heal rate (keloids), skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema or tanning (which could interfere with treatment). Furthermore, avoid tanning as sunrays could disrupt the procedure.
Find an experienced laser hair removal practitioner is essential. Due to recent lawsuits filed against unqualified practitioners who burned patients’ skin during treatments, you should never undergo laser therapy without verifying their credentials first. A good way to start is with the National Laser Safety Council which offers a list of accredited clinics and practitioners.
Dark Hair and Dark Skin Tones
Laser hair removal utilizes light energy to heat and destroy hair follicles in order to stop unwanted hair growth, such as in those suffering from excessive facial, chest, arm or leg hair growth (hirsutism). Although suitable for many individuals with excessive facial, chest, arm or leg hair growth (hirsutism), pregnancy mothers or those suffering from certain health conditions such as keloids, hypertrophic scars, skin cancer or severe histamine reactions like urticaria should avoid laser treatment as it could cause adverse health conditions to return or worsen.
Laser treatments were historically most suitable for people with lighter skin tones and darker hair. This allowed laser light to target melanin in their locks with greater efficiency. But thanks to recent advancements, it can now also be used on darker skin tones with various hair colors.
Prior to laser treatment, it is vitally important that the area being targeted be shaved. This ensures the laser can effectively target hair follicles while minimizing thermal injury to the epidermis and preventing thermal burnout of surrounding tissues. Preferably, this should take place 1-2 days prior to beginning treatment.
Waxing or tweezing should also be avoided before laser treatment as this could interfere with its efficacy. Anyone suffering from herpes simplex cold sores on their surface skin should start taking antiviral medication three days prior to beginning laser therapy and continue taking it five days afterwards.
Informing your practitioner of any health conditions you have is also key, as certain conditions could make the procedure more painful or unsafe; those suffering from vitiligo (de-pigmentation of skin) might benefit more from alternative treatments like electrolysis.
Blonde Hair and Light Skin
People with light hair and fair complexion often find that laser treatments can be less effective due to being unable to see melanin pigment in their hair. Thanks to advances in technology, however, laser hair removal machines such as Soprano Ice Platinum are particularly good at targeting melanin directly without harming surrounding tissue.
Treatment should also not be administered if you suffer from herpes simplex or cold sores as this could resurface them. In addition, waxing and tweezing of the area prior to treatment could prevent energy being effectively absorbed by hair follicles and prevent an effective energy absorption by them.
Women who are pregnant and those who suffer from hormonal imbalance are usually not appropriate candidates for laser hair removal treatments, as pregnancy hormones can stimulate hair growth. Postmenopausal women may also experience excessive hair growth because estrogen and testosterone levels drop significantly more than during their premenopausal years, making hirsutism (excessive hair growth) likely.
Keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, vitiligo (discoloration of parts of the body) and psoriasis are among several conditions that make laser treatment unsuitable; anyone considering it must research their practitioner to ensure they possess full accreditation as well as understanding of both technology and its limitations. Patients must be aware that one treatment won’t produce long-term results – multiple sessions may be needed in order for a satisfactory result to emerge due to hair having specific growth cycles and only working when they are active – multiple sessions may need to work –
Blonde Hair and Dark Skin Tones
Laser hair removal works best on individuals who possess ample melanin in both their hair and skin, as the laser light absorbs pigment (dark). This means it can effectively target dark hair follicles without causing damage to other areas of skin. Blond, grey or white hair will not respond as quickly and will require waxing or other methods of removal instead.
Laser hair removal treatments were once less suitable for those with darker skin tones due to needing an optimal contrast between their natural skin tone and that of their hair’s pigment; however, with recent advances in technology these procedures can now be used on an array of skin types and hair colors.
Some medical conditions and medications can impede someone’s suitability for laser hair removal, including Lupus, Porphyria and Pellagra (lack of Vitamin B3). People living with these disorders are prone to photosensitivity, increasing their likelihood of adverse reactions with laser treatment; people taking steroids are not recommended either.
Before commencing with laser treatments it’s essential to minimize sun exposure and shave hair prior to each appointment, since this allows the laser to target only hair follicles which are visible. Furthermore, any chemical products such as glycolic acid and bleaching creams must also be eliminated as soon as possible before commencing laser treatments; anti-acne medication such as Accutane, Isotretinoin and Retin-A should be stopped six months prior to commencing laser treatments while waxing, sugaring and other chemicals may cause skin irritation that hinder laser treatments from effectively targeting their targets.
Light Skin and Dark Hair
Laser hair removal works best for people with both dark skin and dark hair as the laser’s light targets pigment (melanin) in hair follicles, while those with blonde, white, red or grey locks will not benefit due to lack of melanin pigment to absorb light from treatment. Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification is used to assess eligibility for laser hair removal treatment.
Your skin must be clear of rashes, infections and open wounds as these will interfere with the laser’s ability to work on it effectively. Also avoid antibiotics and antidepressant medication which could make you hypersensitive to laser light exposure; similarly it is important that no sun exposure takes place a few days prior to and following sessions as tanning will affect its ability to target hair follicles effectively and shaving, waxing and plucking should also be avoided to make your skin less sensitive.
Individual needs vary, but you should probably schedule regular sessions to prevent hair regrowth. Select a qualified practitioner registered with a professional body. Doing so ensures they possess the required expertise, experience and insurance policies needed for safe laser hair removal procedures. If in doubt, inquire as to their portfolio of previous clients. As part of their treatment process, it’s also a good idea to ensure they hold an up-to-date first aid certificate. This will assist in case of an adverse reaction, such as burns or blisters caused by laser therapy – although rare, if left untreated they could prove life threatening. It is also important to realize that even after finishing your course of laser treatments you will require maintenance sessions in order to stop unwanted hair regrowing again.
