Millions of hair follicles cover the human body, and while some women embrace this natural feature, others wish to limit excess hair growth. Laser technology offers effective semi-permanent solutions to this issue.
Washington Skin Solutions uses a gentle laser that targets pigmented hair follicles and damages them, inhibiting future hair growth. This process can be used on any area of the face or body; however, for best results use when hair is in its early growing cycle.
How We Can Help You
Hair growth on our bodies is completely normal, yet can become frustrating when dealing with daily maintenance such as shaving, plucking or waxing. Laser hair removal offers an ideal solution to unwanted facial or body hair; our state-of-the-art Soprano Titanium laser technology offers safe and effective removal for all skin types–even darker complexions!
Historically, people with darker complexions weren’t ideal candidates for laser hair removal as early models of lasers couldn’t differentiate between the pigment of skin and that of hair follicles, increasing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation risk post-treatment. Thanks to major technological advancements and an emphasis on inclusivity, laser hair removal is now safe for everyone – including those with darker skin tones.
If you’re ready to finally reduce excess hair, we recommend scheduling a consultation to see if laser hair removal could be the right treatment option for you. We will evaluate your skin tone, hair color and texture so we can tailor a plan tailored specifically to you to deliver desired results as efficiently as possible. In addition, we will discuss duration of treatments as well as any potential side effects or complications that might occur.
Laser hair removal can be an extremely effective treatment option for people with dark skin and coarse or thick hair, as the light from the laser easily reaches pigment in these areas and the laser heat effectively destroys hair follicles to stop future hair growth – eliminating the need to shave, wax or bleach your hair, as well as issues such as razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
At your laser hair removal session, a member of our team will apply topical anesthetic to your target area before activating our laser to deliver light energy that transforms into heat energy and destroys hair follicles. Depending on the size of your treatment area, you may experience both warmth from the laser as well as chill from a cooling device or gel; typically these sessions last less than an hour.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal was once unavailable to those with darker skin tones; early models weren’t designed with melanin-rich skin in mind and couldn’t distinguish between melanin in your skin and pigment in hair follicles; leading to burns, scarring, or hypopigmentation (light spots on skin) problems. Thanks to advances in technology and increasing inclusivity concerns, however, laser hair removal on darker skin tones is now safely achievable if provided by providers experienced and qualified to treat such patients.
Laser hair removal works by emitting light that is absorbed by pigment in your hair follicles, then converted to heat by your laser light source. Your follicles then stop producing new hairs over time – with permanent results seen over time. This process can be used on facial, neck, arm, leg, bikini line, back or stomach hair as well as razor bumps hyperpigmentation discolorations other skin concerns such as razor bumps hyperpigmentation discolorations etc.
To maximize results from laser hair removal, regular treatments – typically every three to six weeks – must take place. Furthermore, it’s recommended that tweezing, waxing and electrolysis be avoided in the treatment area as this may interfere with how effectively the laser detects hair follicles. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure after your sessions could make skin more sensitive, increasing risks and complications further.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it’s best to avoid products like retinol creams, alpha hydroxy acids and other exfoliating agents as these may irritate the skin and may lead to unwanted side effects. Furthermore, shaving before each session allows the laser to detect all your hair follicles more accurately; bring an aloe vera cream for post-appointment relief if necessary.
Schedule Your Consultation
Laser treatments offer an effective and long-term solution for hair reduction on most parts of your face and body, including at-home devices as well as professional treatments administered in dermatologist offices. Prior to making any decisions about cosmetic procedures like this one, however, you should seek advice from an expert that you trust who can evaluate both medical history as well as cosmetic goals before proceeding with a laser procedure.
Historically, laser devices had difficulty distinguishing between your skin tone and hair color, leading to risks like hyperpigmentation, blistering and scarring for darker-skinned patients. Thanks to advances in technology, however, safer and more effective laser hair removal for dark skin tones than ever before can now take place – such as Lumenis LightSheer DESIRE’s FDA approval as an FDA-approved device which safely and effectively remove unwanted hair anywhere on your body, including women with dark skin tones.
At your initial laser hair removal for dark skin appointment, we ask that you come without makeup or anything that might stain the skin. In addition, shave the area that requires treatment as hair that has been plucked, tweezed or waxed may not respond as effectively to laser treatment. Protective eyewear will also be provided along with a cooling device on the handpiece in order to provide maximum comfort during your session.
Laser sessions typically last less than an hour and are surprisingly tolerable. You may experience mild redness or discomfort at the site during treatment, which should quickly go away afterward. We typically suggest just a few treatments in order to achieve noticeable results that help you finally achieve smooth skin – such as freedom from shaving, waxing, and tweezing; then embrace your natural tone! Alternatively, combine laser treatment with other skin rejuvenation procedures like chemical peels, radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy; all can help fade fine lines, treat small purplish veins or fade scars from acne or injuries caused by any injuries sustained from acne or injuries sustained from acne or injuries sustained from acne or injuries sustained through physical trauma or scarring caused from acne scarring caused by injuries from acne scarring caused by acne scarring from acne or injuries caused from accidents or injuries.
Get Started
For years, people who wanted to get rid of unwanted body hair have relied solely on techniques like at-home waxing kits, tweezers and razors as their only means. Now thanks to advances in laser technology and increased inclusivity initiatives, laser hair removal can also be offered for darker skin tones.
Up until recently, melanin-rich skin tones weren’t considered safe to receive laser treatments because the initial models of these machines failed to distinguish between skin pigment and that of hair follicles – placing darker complexions at an increased risk for burns and hyper or hypopigmentation. But these early models have since been superseded by safer models specifically tailored for treating darker complexions as well as other skin types.
As a result, many more people can now experience the advantages of laser hair removal, including permanent hair reduction and reduced or eliminated ingrown hairs, redness or bumps. Furthermore, depending on the amount of hair removed from each session may help improve fine lines and wrinkles as well.
Preparing for laser treatment requires shaving any hair-bearing areas prior to your appointment and forgoing any exfoliating products like retinol creams, AHAs or BHAs for at least several days prior. Furthermore, patients should avoid sun exposure as this may hinder its efficacy.
As soon as a technician selects a laser setting that’s safe for both your skin tone and hair color, you’ll lie back as the machine treats your desired area. The laser emits a burst of light which absorbs melanin in hair follicles; this converts into heat that destroys them so they no longer produce hair growth. You may experience mild sensations of heat similar to being pinged by an iron pin; cooling gel or device may be applied topically to minimize discomfort.
Laser hair removal is typically fast and painless; some patients compare it to getting an ingrown hair or threading. Once completed, you’re free to return to normal activities right away; however, treated skin may be sensitive to UV rays for up to 48 hours after treatment, increasing its susceptibility to sun damage. Therefore, wearing sunscreen whenever possible and reapplying it as often as needed is advised for optimal protection.
