Laser hair removal has long been considered an effective method for eliminating unwanted body hair, yet many fear the procedure won’t work for their particular skin tone.
Historically, earlier types of laser machines weren’t suitable for dark skin tones; however, modern technologies can safely treat darker hair and skin tones.
Darker Skin
Historically, laser hair removal wasn’t considered safe for darker skin tones, but thanks to advances in technology and an increase in inclusivity it can now safely treat all skin tones with laser treatment.
Laser hair removal works through photothermolysis, or using light (photo) to produce heat (thermo) that destroys cells. Melanin in hair follicles absorbs light energy and converts it to heat, which destroys root of hair follicle, thus permanently stopping hair growth in various locations on body such as face, arms legs bikini area etc.
Melanin levels within hair follicles must be sufficiently dark in order for treatment to take effect, which is why it is ideal to target black and brown hair instead of blonde or red locks. Furthermore, sun exposure before treatments will only make your skin more vulnerable as well as increase the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Before your initial laser treatment session, it is recommended to shave the area that will be treated and refrain from using sunless tanning products, as these may cause your skin to lighten or discolor over time and not respond well with laser therapy. Also avoid blood-thinning medicines or anti-inflammatory products as these may prevent your blood vessels from absorbing laser energy efficiently and reduce its effectiveness.
Your laser technician will use a device to evaluate your skin and assess if you qualify for laser treatment. They will also provide pre-treatment instructions that include avoiding certain medications or skincare products that might increase photosensitivity or cause sensitivity issues.
At each treatment session, your practitioner will press a handheld device against the surface of the skin before activating a laser laser device. The sensation may feel similar to an elastic band snapping against it and can be unpleasant, however many laser devices such as Elite iQ come equipped with cooling systems which help ease any discomfort during this procedure. After your session has concluded, apply an ice pack as this may help reduce pain during recovery time. You should avoid direct sun exposure for some time after each treatment series begins in order to reach longer-term hair-free results through laser treatment series.
Darker Hair
Laser hair removal used to be risky for people with dark skin; older devices could not distinguish between skin pigmentation and hair follicles, leading to painful burns that left scars and dark spots behind. Nowadays however, modern lasers are much smarter and can adapt their intensity levels to effectively treat darker skin tones safely.
To achieve optimal results, it is advised that patients refrain from using tanning products, sunless skin creams and other lightening agents. Shaving before treatment is beneficial as this removes the top layer of skin which absorbs light. In addition, other forms of hair removal such as waxing or plucking must also be avoided, as this could disrupt follicles.
During a laser hair removal procedure, high-intensity light is sent from a laser beam that targets melanin in hair to damage and stop its future growth. A few sessions may be needed depending on your hair color and skin tone – darker locks need longer wavelength laser beams in order to penetrate skin layers to reach melanin deposits in depth – therefore making it important to visit an experienced laser specialist with experience working with various skin tones and shades.
Diode and Nd:YAG lasers are two popular choices for hair removal, both being safe for most skin tones. When selecting your dermatologist, make sure they can demonstrate experience treating different shades.
Diode devices typically include a cooling device to help ease any discomfort during treatment and alleviate heat sensations, while Nd:YAG offers more safety as it only targets pigment in follicles rather than surrounding skin – something particularly helpful for people with dark complexions.
Laser hair removal can provide permanent reduction of hair growth for many patients when performed correctly, though periodic maintenance treatments will likely be necessary due to hormonal shifts and regeneration of follicles. To determine if laser hair removal is the appropriate treatment solution for you, contact your local cosmetic dermatologist and schedule a consultation – you may finally be able to ditch that daily shaving habit! You won’t regret making the effort!
