Laser hair removal used to be unsafe for people with darker skin tones because traditional lasers were unable to distinguish between skin pigment and hair follicles. But now there are more advanced lasers that can identify both pigment and hair follicles for effective laser hair removal, making this option safe for darker skintones.
Due to advances in laser hair removal technology, it has become safe and effective for all types of skin types – provided the appropriate technician uses an appropriate laser device.
1. Nd:YAG
Laser hair removal for darker skin tones works differently from that for fair-skinned individuals. We utilize an Nd:YAG laser, designed to emit specific wavelengths of invisible light that safely and painlessly extract hair without harming nearby tissue.
Nd:YAG lasers work by entering skin tissue to target the blood supply that feeds hair follicles. While not directly targeting melanin pigment, Nd:YAG lasers target interconnecting cells of hair follicles which absorb light energy and destroy themselves; leaving behind empty spaces where no further growth of hair will take place.
Nd:YAG laser treatments have also proven highly successful at diminishing spider veins on legs. Their long pulsed 1064nm wavelength penetrates skin deeply, targeting pigment cells beneath. Although skin might temporarily change color during treatment, its normal color returns rapidly afterward.
Nd:YAG laser treatments generally do not cause significant surface skin damage; however, they may leave some patients with dark skin suffering from superficial crusts which will usually peel off within one to seven days – these crusts do not usually hurt and their tone typically returns back to its usual level within eight weeks.
One of the primary advantages of using Nd:YAG laser hair removal on darker skin tones is that its power settings can be set higher than with other laser types. Before beginning treatments, we will conduct a patch test to assess which setting will be most suitable for you and perform an initial patch test to assess which setting can safely treat your condition.
Lighter skin types often need multiple sessions in order to achieve the results they want, so during our consultation we’ll discuss your personal goals and expectations and assess any underlying health or hormonal issues which might impact treatment plans. At Milan we offer unlimited packages so you can continue enjoying life-long results! Contact us now to set up your consultation appointment.
2. IPL
Women have traditionally relied on razors and waxing to remove unwanted body hair. While these methods are effective, they only provide short-term solutions as the hair will eventually return. If you want permanent solutions for hair removal from your body, laser may be worth exploring; however, not all laser devices are safe to use on dark skin types and may cause permanent damage when misused; to be safe it’s wise to visit a professional clinic to see if laser could work effectively for your needs.
Laser machines on black skin can be challenging, as light does not differentiate between hair pigment and skin pigmentation. Therefore, when selecting a clinic with experienced technicians capable of properly assessing your skin type, always select an experienced clinic that offers proper risk analysis – otherwise risks such as burns, scarring and changes to pigmentation (hyper-pigmentation or hypopigmentation) may arise.
Laser and IPL machines operate similarly, however IPL machines utilize multiple wavelengths rather than just one to penetrate deeper into the skin and target melanin in hair follicles for breakup – something lasers typically cannot do effectively due to only working effectively on very light skin tones.
On the market are home IPL hair removal devices which have been clinically verified as safe for darker skin tones. One such device is Kenzzi’s designed specifically to treat dark skin tones with five power settings to find your optimal intensity level and special filters that prevent light penetration too deep into the skin, thus minimizing scarring or changes to its tone.
The Foreo Peach is another top pick that’s both cordless and convenient to use, featuring five light intensity settings to find the ideal one for you and your dark skin tone and hair colour. Before beginning treatment, ensure that any affected areas have been shaved or epilated first and do not treat any areas that appear damaged, irritated, or infected.
3. Diode
Diode lasers work much like traditional IPL, but differ by emitting only one wavelength of light and being effective against all skin types including darker complexions. When melanin absorbs this wavelength it heats up the root of hair follicles disabling further growth – with many high-quality devices offering cooling technology making the experience less painful and uncomfortable.
Diode lasers offer significant advantages over IPL in treating all skin types, with IPL machines needing replacement parts at regular intervals whereas diode lasers may last millions of pulses without needing replacement, making it more cost-effective solution for salons to use.
Diode lasers offer another great advantage by being safe for all skin tones ranging from Fitzpatrick types I-VI. Therefore, people of color are now able to safely receive laser hair removal treatments on all parts of their bodies and faces without fear of harmful side-effects. It is still essential that proper guidelines be observed during each procedure in order to achieve excellent and lasting results.
Laser hair removal is an efficient, painless, and permanent way of getting rid of unwanted body and facial hair. But how exactly does it work? Dermatologists employ selective photothermolysis technology that matches specific wavelengths of light with pulse durations for a particular target – in this instance melanin found within hair follicles.
Laser energy penetrates deep into the skin and absorbs by pigmented melanin cells, turning into heat and disabling hair follicles’ ability to regrow hair. Therefore, multiple sessions spaced a month apart are usually required in order to be successful.
To achieve optimal results, it is recommended that patients refrain from waxing or shaving prior to beginning treatment. If necessary, shaving should be completed 24 hours before your appointment in order to minimize sensitivity in the treated areas. Likewise, self-tanners and spray products can interfere with your effectiveness; additionally, protective eyewear must be worn during sessions for maximum eye surface protection.
4. Erbium
Cleansers, scrubs and physical exfoliation alone might not provide the smooth, even skin tone you desire – this is when laser treatments such as Erbium laser resurfacing become valuable assets.
Dr. Idriss favors Lumenis Laser treatments because their wavelength doesn’t interact with pigment and penetrates deeply to destroy hair follicles without harming surrounding cells, says Dr. Idriss – this allows him to reap all the benefits without risking damaging skin in any way. So you can enjoy all the advantages of laser treatment without fearing potential skin-damaging side-effects.
Erbium lasers are great tools for targeting fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, scarring, sun damage, scar tissue removal and sun spots. This laser works by applying light energy directly to the skin where water molecules in chromophores (pigment molecules found within skin) absorb it and convert into heat to damage or destroy damaged layers of skin while leaving behind healthier new layers beneath.
Procedure takes 15 to 1 hour, typically taking place in the doctor’s office and typically leaving most patients able to return home following their appointment. Topical anesthetic may also be administered for added comfort.
Laser treatments don’t cause much discomfort, although you may experience mild swelling and redness after treatment. Healing should typically take one or two weeks; in the meantime, avoid direct sunlight. “After having undergone laser treatment, your skin becomes more vulnerable to UV rays, so applying sunscreen daily becomes essential,” advises Dr. Charles.
Accutane or pregnant women should avoid microdermabrasion treatments; most doctors will advise stopping any topical products a few days before your treatment to minimize scarring risks. It’s also wise to refrain from pulling or scratching at your skin during healing as doing so could increase scarring risk.
Maintain your results by scheduling regular retreatment sessions to keep your skin in its best shape. Most often, this means one to two sessions each year – but before making that decision it is advisable to consult your dermatologist regarding how often appointments should take place.
