Best Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin NYC

Laser hair removal is the most effective and long-lasting way to remove unwanted hair, but it can be difficult for people with dark skin. How does laser hair removal work in people with dark skin? Does it work at all? The process works by targeting hairs that are in the active growth phase. The laser sends light waves into your skin, which then stimulate a reaction that destroys the follicle. The more melanin your skin contains, the more light is absorbed by the pigmentation and reflected back at you. This means that people with darker skin may not get as many treatments as those with lighter skin because they require more power to be effective.

Laser hair removal is still a viable option for anyone who has tried other methods unsuccessfully or who have sensitive skin that cannot tolerate traditional waxing or shaving techniques. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for permanent results and want something long-lasting that doesn’t need constant upkeep like electrolysis or waxing can require. If you’re interested in trying out laser hair removal on your body (or face), talk with your dermatologist about whether this treatment would be right for you or if there are alternatives available instead.

Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin NYC

Best Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin NYC

Many people do not like excess body hair, I think it’s fair to say that no one does. Both, men and women seek solutions to remove the unwanted hair in different body areas efficiently, and preferably, permanently. As we all know by now, laser hair removal provides effective and permanent results but there is one detail that is important: it may not work the same way for people with light and dark skin.

Today we are going to talk about laser hair removal for darker skin tones, best laser hair removal equipment, benefits, results, and options you have in Atlanta, GA.

DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL WORK FOR DARK SKIN?

There are many myths circulating around suggesting that laser hair removal does not work for darker skin tones. That was true some years ago. Lasers were designed to work only on patients with light skin and dark hair because the contrast between the light skin and the dark hair helps target the follicles.

However, nowadays, due to technology growth, patients with dark skin can be treated successfully with advanced laser hair removal equipment. New lasers work safely and efficiently on a wider range of skin tones. The concept is simple: the darker the skin, the weaker the laser energy is, and vice versa: the lighter the skin, the more powerful the laser is.

BEST LASERS FOR DARK SKIN TONES

There are several types of laser hair removal machines that are used widely for darker skin tones ensuring the best possible results.

Diode Laser

This laser works well for all ranges of skin tones, from light to dark. The device doesn’t damage skin working as gently as possible. It impacts hair in the active growth stage. “Sleeping” hair needs to be treated later. The energy is absorbed by the melanin surrounding the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding tissue.

Nd: YAG Laser

Nd: YAG laser works well on the darker skin tones. This laser’s wavelength reaches deeper into the skin compared to diode lasers. It can pass the melanin in your skin, this is the reason it works. After an Nd: Yag laser session, hair reduces in about 5 to 20 days. However, some patients report pain when using Nd:YAG laser.

Motus AY

This is the laser equipment that we use at Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics! It’s the first high-speed, painless hair removal laser that’s safe for all skin types and tones. The handpiece involves breakthrough technology that delivers fast, more efficient energy to destroy the hair in a way that is painless and free from side effects. It allows a large area of the body to be treated in 5 minutes or less. This laser is also effective on brown spots, small leg veins, and vascular Lesions.

The Risks Of Laser Hair Removal On Darker Skin Tones

The most common side effects of laser hair removal on darker skin tones include hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation means dark spots on the skin caused by excessive melanin production. Patients of almost any skin tone can develop hyperpigmentation, but people of color are significantly more prone to it.

Hypopigmentation means patches of lighter skin that can occur after lasers stimulate melanin in the skin. If this side effect happens, it is usually because the laser hair removal procedure is done incorrectly. So make sure that you trust your skin to experienced laser hair removal experts who use the best equipment (like Motus AY).

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN AFTER A LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCEDURE

After laser hair removal, patients are usually given specific instructions that they should follow to ensure the best results. While some of them may be based on your individual skin needs, the universal advice that will apply to every patient includes:

• Don’t spend time in the sun a week before and after the treatment.
• Do not exercise for a day or two.
• Avoid steam rooms for a few days after the procedure.
• Don’t take a hot shower or a hot tub.
• Apply aloe vera in the treatment area.

COST OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL IN ATLANTA

In Atlanta (as nearly everywhere else), prices normally differ depending on the size of the treatment area and its location on your body. Surgicare Arts packages of 8 treatments range from $450 to $1,800. As always, we encourage you to check our specials on a regular basis. Sometimes, painless laser hair removal is on the list!

During your initial consultation, our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and share information about our flexible financing options

Things To Consider Before Booking An Appointment 

Hirsute Patients have many things to consider before booking an appointment for a laser hair removal service. Usually, med spas that do offer it are licensed to conduct various hormonal tests, especially for testosterone levels, as these may influence the patient’s response to laser therapy. 

Some of the underlying medical conditions behind Hirsutism like PCOS, thyroid dysfunctions, and adrenal hyperplasias may also affect the longevity of the results and therefore the total number of treatments needed, but not significantly. 

Finally, the price of a laser hair removal session largely depends on the lasers being used. More than 15 laser systems are FDA-approved and commercially available in most cosmetics clinics today. Each of them (ruby, alexandrite, diode, Q-switched and long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet, and intense pulsed light sources), with their own depth of penetration and wavelengths. People with Hirsutism usually need either alexandrite and diode laser systems, and in some cases, a combination of both. These are also the most expensive lasers in the market.

For those eligible for and interested in the treatment, you can expect to spend $300 per session and several thousand dollars in total. But because treatments are spread a number of weeks apart, usually payments can also be done in increments. Certain med spas even offer discounts for clients that can pay for several sessions at once, or opt for multiple areas in one session. 

When you consider the costs of minimizing hair growth and eliminating the need for routinely wax sessions or new blades, laser hair removal is right on par. 

We all have different relationships and levels of comfort with body hair, but those with Hirsutism consider removal to be a necessity for their hygiene, comfort, and confidence.

Best laser hair removal for Indian skin

Being smooth and hairless is a universal beauty standard that can easily be achieved through laser hair removal. However, Indians and other people of color have a difficult time finding a laser hair removal device that can work safely and effectively for their darker skin tones.

So which laser hair removal option is best suited for Indian skin? The most appropriate laser type Indian patients should use is an Nd:YAG laser. As one of the latest lasers available in the market today, the Nd:YAG can work on a wide range of skin types and remove very thick, unwanted hairs. 

What Makes Laser Hair Removal Risky For People of Color 

In the past, laser hair removal was inaccessible for men and women of color because of how laser removal technology worked. The earliest laser types like ruby and alexandrite lasers were ineffective and harmful when used on patients with darker skin. 

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair. Melanin is what gives hair its pigment; the darker the hair, the more melanin it contains. When the lasers beam light on the hair follicle, the melanin absorbs the light and transforms it into heat. This heat is responsible for destroying the hair growth center in the follicle. 

Older laser models could focus on the “bullseye” and remove unwanted hairs more accurately only when there is a contrast between dark skin and light hair. However, this made laser hair removal dangerous for tanned or darker-skinned patients, as their skin contained a high concentration of melanin as well.

Because outdated laser models could not distinguish between pigment in skin and hair, they presented a risk to dark skinned patients. These risks include hyperpigmentation, burns, blisters, scarring, and spots in the skin around the follicle. 

As Indian patients have medium to darker colored skin and dark, thick hair, they would need to find a clinic that has invested in the right type of equipment. The laser their provider uses should be able to differentiate between the hair and skin. As darker skin requires cooling in between beams, the laser should come with a cooling function as well. These factors would make the procedure more comfortable for Indian patients. 

Which Type of Laser Hair Removal Tool Is Best For Indian Skin? 

Patients with darker skin tones have very sensitive skin. As Indian skin tones range from lighter olive to darker shades, it’s especially crucial to identify the specific laser that can work safely and effectively for each patient. There are two types of laser that work for darker skin and dark hair: diode and Nd:YAG. 

The diode laser is good at treating thicker, coarser hair compared to the Nd:YAG. Most diode lasers are less painful because they have an instant cooling function that protects the skin from overheating. However, the Nd:YAG is the safest option for Indian patients because it can bypass the melanin in your skin.

The Nd:YAG works at a higher wavelength than other lasers so it can pass through the epidermis and target the follicle directly. Since it no longer targets the color, the Nd:YAG is great at targeting resistant hairs and treating darker-skinned patients. 

Do keep in mind that the Nd:YAG may be more painful than other lasers because it penetrates more deeply.  It also hasn’t been around as long as other FDA-approved lasers so you may have trouble finding a provider who uses this type of laser. 

Should You Try At-Home Laser Removal Devices? 

There are a lot of at-home devices and laser kits available in the market but they are not recommended for Indian patients. Most of these products are safer for lighter skin types as they have shorter wavelengths. For Indian skin and hair, these short wavelengths are neither safe nor effective. 

Many home laser kits also include screening questionnaires to check if the device can be used on particular hair and skin types — but most Indian patients will not be able to pass this test. For patients who do meet the criteria, they may find that the results are not satisfactory as the power of a home laser won’t be strong enough to remove thicker hairs. 

Although laser hair removal can be costly, letting an experienced, certified provider will save you money and time in the long run. 

The Ideal Candidate For Laser Hair Removal 

Historically, people with dark hair and fair skin were ideal choices for professional laser hair removal. Advancements in technology have challenged this standard and many people with various skin and hair types can now undergo laser hair removal treatments. Patients who have met the following criteria are most likely suitable candidates for laser hair removal: 

• Individuals who aren’t pregnant or nursing: Pregnant and nursing women should postpone their laser hair removal plans for the safety of the child. While no one can say for sure if any harm will happen to the baby, it’s better to exercise caution. 
• Patients who can withstand pain: It may be best to reconsider laser hair treatment if you have a low pain tolerance. The process is not entirely pain-free and the laser may feel like a rubber-band snap on the skin. However, most clinics do offer topical numbing cream and pain relievers to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. 
• Someone who has realistic expectations: You may be weary of waxing and shaving already but you should know that laser hair removal is not permanent. It’s more like long-term hair reduction because your hairs will grow back slower, thinner, and finer than before.

6 Laser Hair Removal Tips For Safe and Long Lasting Results 

After a laser hair removal session, your skin will be sensitive. Aftercare is imperative to prevent any issues and to maximize results. Here are a few tips to follow after getting laser hair removal: 

• Stay out of the sun: When you’re undergoing laser hair treatments, it’s best to stay in the shade and out of tanning beds for at least one month. Your skin needs to be as light as possible when undergoing the procedure to avoid developing any irregular pigmentation in the treatment areas. If you’re going outdoors, apply sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher. 
• Wait 48 hours before working out: As much as you don’t want to skip your daily workout, you should give your body some rest after laser hair removal. Sweating will invite bacteria to your body and possibly cause an infection or ingrown hairs. Visiting the sauna, taking a hot shower, and other activities that increase body temperature should be avoided as well. 
• Keep other skin procedures on hold: Your skin will be highly sensitive after a laser hair removal session, so skin treatments like chemical peels and other laser procedures should be rescheduled for at least two weeks after your treatment. Giving your skin time to heal will prevent irritation. 
• Avoid waxing or plucking hairs: Plucking, waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or scratching the treatment area after treatment are strongly discouraged. Removing the hairs by force may reverse the laser treatment effects and cause hair follicles to regrow. While you can’t pluck or wax for 4-6 weeks, you are allowed to shave 4-5 days after your session. 
• Skip the makeup and skincare: Cosmetics, deodorants, and skincare products should be avoided for the first 24-48 hours. Your skin will be red and sensitive so strong products with harsh ingredients may irritate it. If you absolutely have to wear makeup, choose mineral-based products and keep it light. 
• Apply a cooling compress after treatment: Swelling and redness are normal after laser hair removal. A cold compress or ice can help bring the swelling down. Moisturize the treatment areas with soothing topical products such as aloe vera gel or arnica cream.