Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Black Skin?Generally speaking, laser hair removal for black skin is a safe procedure. However, it’s important to note that there are some precautions you’ll need to take and things you should know before starting your treatment. The first consideration is skin tone, which you can determine by checking the Fitzpatrick scale.
Laser hair removal is used to remove hair from areas on the face or body that are difficult for people to reach. In order to get the best results from laser hair removal, you need to have a consultation with a doctor. This is important because it enables them to recommend the type of laser treatment and number of sessions you will need. Read on to learn more on long term side effects of laser hair removal and i regret my laser hair removal.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Black Skin
Unwanted hair is a common concern that plagues people of all ages, races, and genders. While laser hair removal has been an effective solution for fair-skinned people for years, it hasn’t always been available for darker skin types.
With advances in laser technology, this has changed in recent years. However, there are still several common myths and misconceptions regarding laser hair removal for dark skin tones. Continue reading to discover the truth regarding laser hair removal for darker skin tones and if it is a viable option for you.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR DARKER SKIN TONES: COMMON MYTHS
MYTH: LASER HAIR REMOVAL IS PAINFUL AND DAMAGES YOUR SKIN
Most men and women are surprised to learn that laser hair removal is relatively pain-free! While a topical anesthetic may be offered to patients, most find the procedure to be quick and painless without it.
When done by a qualified Medical Aesthetician, laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure with generally no side effects or damage to the surrounding skin, and no downtime following the procedure.
MYTH: YOU ONLY NEED 1-2 TREATMENTS
Laser hair removal typically requires six to eight treatments but may require up to 10 sessions depending on where the hair is in its growth cycle at the time of the treatment.
There are three stages of hair growth:
- Anagen stage: growth period
- Catagen stage: transition period between growth and loss
- Telogen stage: hair loss period when space is made for new hair growth
Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen stage, so several treatments are necessary to ensure that all of the hair follicles are targeted during this stage.
MYTH: HAIR CAN GROW BACK THICKER
Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle which is responsible for new hair growth. The pigment in the hair absorbs light from the laser, which converts to heat. This process damages the hair follicle and delays or inhibits future hair growth.
Not only does it result in less regrowth, but the regrowth that does occur is typically finer and lighter in color, making it much less visible than before. Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent hair removal techniques used today.
MYTH: LASER HAIR REMOVAL DOESN’T WORK ON ALL HAIR TYPES
Laser hair removal is effective for any hair type, as long as the hair follicles contain melanin (a type of pigment that gives color to the hair, skin, and eyes).
What does this mean? In some cases, light hair including blonde, gray, or red may not respond as well to treatment. During a complimentary consultation, your Medical Provider will review how effective laser hair removal will be for your skin and the results you can expect.
MYTH: ONLY WOMEN GET LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Unwanted hair is a common concern for women, men, transgender, and non-binary people.
Laser hair removal provides an effective and popular option to remove this unwanted hair for everyone, regardless of gender. Areas of treatment for trans patients typically include full face, chest, back, legs, arms, bikini line and buttocks.
MYTH: LASER HAIR REMOVAL WON’T WORK ON DARK SKIN
Early generations of laser technology couldn’t distinguish between the pigment in the hair and the pigment in the skin. For this reason, laser hair removal was not an option for darker skin tones.
Advanced laser technology now allows us to effectively treat all skin tones, although the procedure is only effective for dark hair follicles—regardless of skin tone.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR DARK SKIN TONES FOLLOWING LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT
At your consultation for laser hair removal, your provider will go over the pre- and post-treatment instructions. It’s important to review any medications and skincare products at this time, as some products can create photosensitivity and should be avoided before the laser treatments.
The laser hair removal appointment is generally quick, depending on the area of the body being treated. Following the procedure, you should avoid any activity that may irritate the skin for at least 24 hours including exercise, shaving, or waxing. Following each appointment, the appearance of hair growth should continually reduce.
I have always been self-conscious of my leg hair. I thought that laser hair removal would be a good way to eliminate the problem. The first couple of times I went, I was really excited about the results and was happy with the outcome.
After the first couple of sessions, I started noticing some regrowth in areas where more than one pass was done. This made me question whether or not I should continue with the sessions. The technician told me that it is normal for some regrowth to occur after each session and that it would eventually go away once all of the hair follicles were destroyed through multiple passes.
The last two sessions have been disappointing because there has been no significant decrease in hair growth at all! In fact, there seems to be more regrowth than before! Even though my technician said that this is normal after so many passes, I am still upset about it because now there is no way for me to even wear shorts or skirts without worrying about someone seeing my leg hair!
Now is not—we repeat, not—the time to get a coupon through a discount site. The provider (and their expertise) matters. “I was willing to pay a premium and see a professional with great reviews,” says Marlene, 28, who had the treatment done on her underarms. A pro who has extensive experience with laser hair removal for dark skin is essential.
Not only should you expect the screening to cover the topics and forms you’d see from any medical professional, it should also include your ethnicity, because different ethnicities—regardless of skin tone—react differently to lasers. Your skin may appear to be a 3 or 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, but if you’re, say, Latinx or Asian, it could react to the laser as a 6 would.
Once you’re scheduled, coddle your skin. Stop using skin-care products with harsh ingredients, including glycolic and salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide, and any retinoids (including tretinoin and adapalene), at least five days before your treatment. “These can all make your skin more sensitive to the laser energy,” says Gmyrek.
Go full vampire and keep out of the sun—or at the very least, use proper protection. (That’s broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or more; tinted moisturizer or foundation with SPF doesn’t count.) A tan equals more pigment, which can spur a different (and potentially dangerous) reaction to the laser. “If you’re even slightly tanned, inform the laser provider so that the treatment energy can be lowered or the treatment rescheduled,” says Gmyrek.
long term side effects of laser hair removal
Rarely, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture. Other rare side effects include graying of treated hair or excessive hair growth around treated areas, particularly on darker skin.
One of the most popular methods of hair removal is laser hair removal. It has become increasingly popular with women and men who want to get rid of unwanted hair permanently. Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a laser to destroy the hair follicle, which prevents new hairs from growing back.
Laser hair removal is a great option for people who have coarse or dark hair and light skin. The procedure can be performed on all areas of the body except the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals and anus.
But the diode laser has its own perks, even though it might be more complicated for anyone above a 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale (the standard measure of skin type used by dermatologists, with 1 being the lightest and most sun-sensitive and 6 being the darkest). “In patients with dark skin, the diode laser’s energy has to be delivered in a slower manner per pulse, leaving more time for skin to cool,” says Gmyrek. “It also has an instant cooling device that protects pigment from overheating and being damaged.” The Lumenis LightSheer laser, one of the most popular diode lasers, even has a suction mechanism to distract your attention from the pain. “I would overall say that it’s the least painful,” says Estee Williams, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.