At Celibre, we treat a large number of patients with darker skin types (African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, etc.) who are interested in a variety of laser treatments, including laser hair removal. Ingrown hairs, for example, affect over 50% of African Americans and laser treatment constitutes the best solution to this problem. However, for those practicing laser dermatology, treating darker skin tones can be a challenge. This is true of any skin condition a dark skinned patient may have, not just for laser hair removal.
Dark skin hair removal (as well as other laser treatments) poses an increased risk for patients due to the light absorbing properties of melanin. Melanin colors the hair, but also the skin. Because the contrast (difference) between the color of the skin and color of the hair is lesser in dark skinned patients, the challenge of targeting only the hair is greater. Because a portion of the laser energy is intercepted at the surface of the skin, dark skin requires more specific technology and greater expertise to treat safely and effectively.
When selecting a practitioner to perform laser treatment on darker skin tone, make sure to select a practitioner with a variety of lasers and lots of experience. Because the laser has a more difficult time distinguishing between the surface of the skin and the hair in darker skin types, the practitioner’s experience and the type of laser technology is integral to successful laser treatment.
When it comes to dark skin hair removal, it is critical to work with an experienced professional and the proper laser technology. Dark skin hair removal lasers (the long pulsed “Yag” laser) are especially designed to safely and effectively treat darker skin types by bypassing the surface of the skin absorbing into the melanin contained within the hair. At Celibre, we take special precautions to cool down the surface of the skin when performing hair removal treatment on dark skinned individuals. This helps to protect healthy skin from being damaged by absorbing the laser’s energy.
To protect dark skinned patients during laser hair removal treatment, we use laser equipment with a longer wavelength of light, the 1064 nanometer long pulsed Yag lasers. Because melanin is especially effective at absorbing shorter wavelengths (such as UV light), the surface of dark skin is less likely to suffer side effects when treated with lasers that have longer wavelengths.
If you want to get rid of unwanted hair and have a darker skin tone, don’t be discouraged. There are safe options for laser hair removal. Come in for a free consultation and we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition to determine if you will benefit from laser treatment. Most conditions are treatable regardless of skin type, they just require the correct laser technology and much experience. Don’t hesitate – contact us today for a free consultation!
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Dark Skin Laser Hair Removal Treatment Before and After Photos