Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin can be a challenging laser procedure, even for the best trained and certified laser specialist or technican. Why? Laser treatments emit light and laser treatments to remove hair are designed to be absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair shaft. However, with African Americans, Latinas, other women of color and even deeply tanned skin tend to have darker skin which tends to "steal" the laser light away from the dark hair shaft and into the skin itself. As a result, the laser could injure the skin.
So, if you have darker skin, what should you know about safe and effective laser hair removal? What should you look for? What should you ask of your laser specialist or dermatolgist?
During laser treatments, there are ways to ensure that the laser is safely used. One way is to cool the surface of the skin to protect the skin. In some cases, a special chilled plate may be used, in other cases the skin is sprayed to cool the skin as it evaporates. Ask if this will be part of the procedure.
Different kinds of lasers can also be used for patients with darker skin. Ask about which laser may be right for you and the pigment of your skin. The laser specialist may choose to use a laser with a longer wavelength which is safe and wise. The longer wavelength decreases risks to darker skin as the ability for the melanin in dark skin to absorb the light actually decreases with the longer laser wavelength.
What is their experience and are they certified? Ask if they perform laser procedures on dark skin, and ask if they have any references or referrals. While many laser patients experience laser hair removal without any issue, it is your best bet to err on the side of caution and ensure that you are working with a practitioner with experience in dark skin laser procedures, is certifiied and can fully explain the process and any risk to you. If you consult with someone who does not fully disclose the potential risks of laser procedures on darker skin, you need to find another clinic! Laser hair removal and laser procedures do carry risks, no matter what the skin tone, so you should be fully informed.
Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin hopes to bring you the best information, trends in laser hair removal and laser procedures and resources to assist you in making a sound decision about your laser hair removal needs. If you are a Laser Specialist or Dermatologist that would like to participate in this dialogue, or advertise on this site, please contact me at admin (at) laserhairremovalfordarkskin.com.
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