Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin: What You Should Know

Posted Tuesday, July 20, 2010 to PROCEDURES > Skin

Posted by Susan Hughes, MD

I perform a lot of laser hair removal treatments for New Jersey women and men. The idea of permanently reducing unwanted hair is a very appealing one, considering how inconvenient, messy, uncomfortable and costly other methods of hair removal are. However, for many years, laser hair removal was only a good option for individuals with light skin and dark hair because it was not only ineffective on those with darker skin, but it also often caused pigmentation and other skin problems in these patients.

The problem with lasers and darker skin is that the laser is designed to target melanin, the dark pigment in the hair follicle deep below the surface of the skin. People with tan or dark skin have a greater degree of melanin pigment in the surface of the skin (epidermis), so it will absorb the laser light, possibly damaging the skin and diverting the laser's energy from the hair follicle in the deeper skin.

An experienced laser practitioner with the right equipment can successfully treat unwanted hair for people with darker complexions. Newer technology, such as the Nd:Yag laser by Sciton that we use at my practice, can treat patients of every skin color. This system has a sapphire cooled tip which improves patient comfort while keeping the melanin in the skin's surface from absorbing the laser's energy. This laser utilizes the longest wavelength of light, which is the least absorbed by the melanin in the skin. This system also offers other advantages, including a variable pulse duration which makes it more effective on different hair thicknesses.

A practitioner who does not have extensive experience with laser hair removal may be unaware of the different variables that can affect outcomes for patients with darker skin tones. Using the wrong setting or the wrong laser may result in blisters, pigmentation irregularities, and ineffective hair removal. If you have darker skin and want to rid yourself of unwanted hair on the face, back, chest, legs, arms, or bikini area, be sure that you seek the advice of an experienced medical professional with advanced equipment and training.

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