Laser hair removal can be safely used on darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I-VI) when conducted by a licensed practitioner. Longer wavelength lasers, such as those found in Alexandrite and Diode lasers, allow practitioners to target hair follicles directly without impacting melanin levels in the skin.
Both Alexandrite and Diode lasers may cause discomfort without Cryogen cooling capabilities.
1. Shorter wavelength
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular, reliable solution to unwanted hair growth. The procedure works by converting an energy-filled laser beam into heat energy which destroys unwanted cells or hair follicles – thus blocking further hair growth. The best way to identify which laser type would work for you is to visit an experienced dermatologist for advice.
Studies have proven that both Alexandrite and Diode lasers can equally effectively reduce hair in darker skin types; however, for optimal results it’s advised that someone with dark skin opt for an Alexandrite device equipped with Cryogen cooling – like Candela or Cynosure brands – to ensure maximum contact with your skin so the laser delivers consistent energy without burning or damaging surrounding tissue.
Alexandrite lasers feature short wavelengths, which enable them to penetrate deep into your skin, reaching melanin within the follicle and dissolving it faster compared to lasers with longer wavelengths. As such, this type of laser can effectively eliminate hair faster – meaning faster removal!
Shorter wavelengths reduce the chances of side effects like blistering or redness – especially crucial when treating tanned skin.
Diode lasers use longer wavelengths, providing superior performance on coarse hair while being safe enough for lighter skin tones without risk of epidermal damage.
As many diode lasers currently on the market feature smaller spot sizes, treating an area can often take twice as long than when treated by an Alexandrite laser. Thankfully, modern diode lasers such as Lumenis LightSheer feature much larger spot sizes of up to 22×35 mm that can reduce treatment times by as much as 50%.
2. Larger spot size
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive permanent treatment to get rid of unwanted body hair. It utilizes laser light beams to target pigment in hair follicles, making this procedure safe for all skin tones and colors; however, certain laser types are more effective than others when it comes to treatments.
Traditional alexandrite lasers use short wavelengths that attract melanin molecules, making them unsuitable for treating darker skin tones as it may cause burns. Diode lasers operate at longer wavelengths of around 810nm to avoid melanin accumulation on top layer skin and instead target its presence within hair follicles instead.
Diode lasers offer faster and more effective treatments with larger spot sizes than their competitors, as well as providing safer options for people with darker complexions. Their larger treatment spot sizes help minimize risks for complications or side effects like blistering and redness that might occur as a result.
Alexandrite and Diode lasers can both be effective treatments for hair removal in dark skin tones, with similar results in terms of reduced hair growth. Smooth Synergy Med Spa utilizes the Candela GentleMax Pro system – considered by many to be the gold standard when it comes to dual wavelength lasers for all hair colors and complexions – as we believe its power to combine an alexandrite laser with 1064nm Nd:YAG laser for maximum performance in all skin tones and hair types is unparalleled.
This system can treat both pigmented lesions and hair removal, making it the ideal solution for all skin types. With its lightning-fast 755nm alexandrite laser and highly efficient Nd:YAG laser combined, this device boasts the fastest and most powerful dual wavelength technology on the market.
3. Faster treatment
As laser technology evolves, new devices and techniques become available. Some dermatologists are starting to utilize a diode laser, which has longer wavelengths than Alexandrite lasers for treating darker skin tones. Furthermore, its cryogen cooling system ensures less painful treatments during treatment sessions.
Diode lasers offer faster treatments than other types, due to their longer wavelength and gradual repetition rate. Studies have revealed positive results across all skin types; it appears especially helpful on lighter hair colors. Unfortunately, diode lasers require multiple sessions because their repetition rate is slower.
Comparable to earlier wavelengths, this laser is far safer for dark skin and greatly reduced risks such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Additionally, it can treat tattoo removal, sun damage and brown spots effectively as well. Unfortunately, however, it cannot treat deep pigmented lesions like melasma or nevi lupi lesions.
Clinical studies conducted with diode lasers have demonstrated significant results for hair removal among dark skin tones with hair colors from I to IV on the Fitzpatrick scale, and is equally as effective as an alternative to Alexandrite laser. Both lasers may cause temporary side effects, including redness of the skin or hair folliculitis outbreaks; to treat these, topical hydrocortisone cream will help resolve inflammation while increasing effectiveness of treatments.
4. Less pain
Laser hair removal involves targeting unwanted hair with a focused beam of light that absorbs into melanin-rich skin, turning into heat that destroys its roots follicles, rendering them temporarily or permanently incapable of producing more hair growth. The procedure should be quick and relatively painless provided the appropriate laser is used.
Alexandrite lasers offer greater wavelength protection to prevent them from burning or damaging darker skin tones, but may not be as efficient in terms of removing hair removal compared to diode lasers; their longer wavelength enables deeper penetration but lower energy levels mean treatment is less efficient.
Studies conducted to simulate the interaction of 755nm alexandrite and 810nm diode lasers with dark skin tissues – such as epidermis and dermis layers – revealed that transmission ratios for both lasers decreased rapidly with increasing depth within tissue layers, suggesting that laser fluences required for acceptable skin depth for alexandrite and diode lasers at certain power density were far higher than for LH targets, increasing risk of thermal damage significantly.
Long Pulsed Nd: YAG laser treatment may also be more suitable for people with dark skin types, as its infrared wavelength does not absorb melanin, enabling deeper penetration without damaging surrounding tissues, making it suitable for hair removal as well as treating small leg veins. When selecting the appropriate laser type for you it’s essential that an experienced physician offers both options; otherwise choosing between alexandrite and long Pulsed Nd: YAG can be confusing and potentially frustrating! To find the appropriate one it is advisable that both are in their practice before selecting which best meets your individual needs!
5. Fewer side effects
Laser hair removal relies on the selective absorption of melanin from hair-follicle pigment, leading to localized thermal change that destroys the follicle while simultaneously damaging surrounding tissue, thus preventing future hair growth. Unfortunately, however, lasers using longer wavelengths (diodes in particular) often result in blistering, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin tone) and hypopigmentation (fading skin tone similar to sunburn) complications; more likely with diode lasers that target deeper layers.
Alexandrite lasers emit shorter wavelengths that won’t disturb surrounding tissue, making them suitable for use on darker skin tones without any complications or side effects. Furthermore, these lasers can target capillaries feeding hair follicles – once destroyed they will no longer receive nourishment and eventually die and drop out from under the skin.
An effective and safe method to determine which laser will suit your skin tone is to schedule an appointment with one of Body Details’ specialists. They can assist you in selecting an ideal laser to meet your individual needs while offering safe and effective treatment solutions.
The FDA has granted approval for several alexandrite laser machines with 755nm wavelength to be used for various forms of hair removal, typically dark skin removal. Some devices combine an alexandrite laser and 1064nm ND:YAG laser into one dual-wavelength beam that can be calibrated for different skin tones; these machines are often used on dark skin but also help treat light to olive skin tones as wrinkles reducers or thread veins on legs or face and even some birthmarks.
