Using Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

What Is the Process for Laser Hair Removal?

First, a brief explanation of lasers and how they function The follicle is exposed to strong light from their beams, which permanently damages it and prevents hair growth. However, because they focus on the pigment in the hair—the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin aids the laser in focusing on its target—the ideal candidate has historically been someone with pale skin and dark hair.

As a result, using lasers to remove hair from dark skin has been risky because the technology was not sophisticated enough to distinguish adequately between the pigment in brown or black skin and dark hair. Devices could potentially cause dark and light patches, blisters, and even scarring in the skin around the follicle. Thanks to intelligent lasers that can be used in a far more precise—and safe—way, the eradication of unattractive fuzz is now achievable for a wider spectrum of skin tones. Here’s how to do it properly.

YAG:NDD & Diode

You must first and foremost understand how the two types of lasers—Nd:YAG and diode—affect dark skin and black hair. The Nd:YAG, often known as YAG, has gained popularity recently. Compared to a diode, this laser’s wavelength penetrates the skin more deeply. As a result, the pigmentation in the skin is more successfully avoided. For medium to dark skin types, the YAG is the safest treatment since it essentially avoids your skin’s pigment.

Although it might be more difficult for people with skin types above a 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, which is the standard method of determining skin type among dermatologists, with 1 being the lightest and most sun-sensitive and 6 being the darkest, the diode laser still has benefits of its own. The energy of the diode laser must be supplied more slowly each pulse to individuals with dark skin, giving the skin more time to cool. Additionally, it includes a quick cooling mechanism that guards against overheating and harming pigment.

Dark Skin Laser Hair Removal Risks

The two most frequent laser-related adverse effects for those with dark or Black skin are hyperpigmentation, or dark patches, and hypopigmentation, or lightening of the skin colour. If you suspect you could be prone to hypopigmentation, you should ask your laser removal specialist to run a test patch just to be safe. Hypopigmentation can be difficult to treat.

The Price of Laser Hair Removal

At least six sessions should be anticipated. Although occasionally more treatments are needed for darker skin than for fair. Due to the fact that many providers charge by the session, the expense can quickly mount. The average cost per session in 2017 was $293, although it varied greatly depending on what portion of the body was being worked on, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There is frequently no price difference between YAG and diode treatments at many clinics. According to some study, those with dark or Black skin may find the diode to be a little more successful in really getting rid of hair; this may be especially true if you’re near to 3 on the Fitzpatrick scale and have a low pain threshold. But according to Gmyrek, Nd:YAG laser hair removal is often the most secure option for dark skin.

How to Get Ready for Laser Hair Removal

The moment to obtain a coupon from a cheap website is not now, we stress this again. The provider’s qualifications are important. It’s crucial to hire a professional with vast knowledge in laser hair removal for dark skin.

You should anticipate that the screening will cover the themes and forms that you would expect from any medical practitioner, in addition to asking about your ethnicity because various ethnicities—regardless of skin tone—respond to lasers differently. If you’re Latinx or Asian, for example, your skin could look to be a 3 or 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, but it might respond to the laser as a 6.

Once you have a date, take care of your skin. Stop using any skin care products containing harsh components, such as benzoyl peroxide, glycolic and salicylic acids, and retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene, at least five days prior to your treatment. Go full vampire and avoid the sun, or at the absolute least, wear appropriate sunscreen. (Broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or greater; tinted moisturiser or SPF-infused makeup do not qualify.) Because a tan increases pigment, the laser may respond differently and maybe dangerously as a result.

Following Laser Hair Removal, Taking Care of Dark Skin

Although you still have alternatives, side effects are still possible. Hydrocortisone can aid to reduce inflammation for itchiness or redness. Use topical antibiotics for folliculitis, an outbreak resembling acne. Try a topical dark spot cream that your doctor might recommend for any hyperpigmentation. The skin tone will be more uniform as a result.

However, many men who earlier felt the need to shave every day affirm that the minimum maintenance has been well worth it. Overall, I had a wonderful time. Which is best? She had no burns or pigmentation issues, which demonstrates how far laser hair removal for dark skin has progressed.

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