Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin At Home

Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin At Home

If you have dark skin and want to get rid of unwanted hair, but are concerned about potential side effects, at-home ipl laser hair removal is a fantastic choice. This method of therapy is particularly preferable for persons with darker skin tones because it poses less of a threat of burns and other skin harm.

The light energy used in this procedure is directed at the hair follicle, where it is absorbed and destroyed. A handheld device known as an ipl laser wand is used to direct the beam of light at the target location.

It’s possible that infrared light therapy (IPL) performed at home is your ticket to a hair-free face or body. Two home IPL devices have been shown to be successful, are reasonably priced, and pose no health risks to the user. Read on to learn more on yag laser hair removal for dark skin at home and ipl for dark skin at home.

Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin At Home

An old myth claimed that lasers don’t work on dark skin tones. There’s a reason why they’re myths, because they are not true! Laser hair removal for dark skin can actually work, you only need to be mindful of a handful of things before you start your treatment using devices specializing at Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin at Home.

In the past, laser devices weren’t the safest for women with dark skin tones, as it didn’t isolate the hair follicles & skin pigment, causing burns, scars, and other types of damage to the skin.

Continuous improvement in science, resulted in creating specific technologies working specifically on dark skin tones.

Advanced technologies are currently being used in newer devices that use specific wavelengths crafted for the convenience of women with darker skin types.

So, here the research you may have needed before deciding the best home laser hair removal for dark skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Dark Skin?

We’re sure that this question has crossed your mind: Is the hair removal safe for dark skin? When done correctly, it can be the best possible way to remove unwanted hair from your body. However, there are some precautions needed to make the laser application as safe as possible:

1. The technology used by your laser device should be up to date. Preferably the laser used should be of the Nd: Yag type. This laser has deeper skin penetration ratios and weaker absorption for melanin pigment. Thanks to these reasons, the Yag laser is a safer option for darker skin tones. The other type, which is a diode laser, can also be useful in some situations. It can be used on dark skin but should be emitted at a slower pulse rate to leave more time for the skin to lose the heat.
2. Choose a device with a well-known brand history and expertise in the field of laser hair removal. We will recommend some fantastic gadgets for laser hair removal for dark skin at home.
3. The devices with Nd: Yag laser usually require more sessions than the ordinary IPL devices, so keep that in mind.

We recommended the aforementioned precautions, to make your hair removal at home as safe and comforting as possible.

According to Fitzpatrick’s skin chart, skin tones are organized and numbered from one to six. Grade one represents the lightest skin tone, and grade six is the darkest skin tone.  All IPL devices are safe to use in the first four grades. For grades five and six with darker skin tones, you can use only some recent home IPL devices, which we’ll discuss in length in this article.

What makes a device “Safe” for Dark skin tones?

The devices safe for dark skin usually combine advanced technologies such as wavelength filters, low energy IPL settings as low as 3 J/cm2, and unique configurations for the IPL flashes.

This combination of new technologies will make the device more gentle and low-risk on the darker skin tones. The laser will surpass the dark skin areas and penetrate deeply into the core of the hair follicle. The flash is also designed to prevent pain and burns.

A good tip for an extra benefit from the device is to apply moisturizer after using it directly as your skin will be more absorbent thanks to your widened pores.

Let’s cut to the chase, we’ve talked about the technologies used, how to stay safe throughout the treatment, and now, we’ll present you with the 4 best devices, created precisely for your convenience, using Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin at Home:

Best 4 At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices For Dark Skin

The Silk’n Infinity is usually the top recommendation for IPL devices for dark skin tones. The clinical data supports its efficiency with dark skin. This device also works faster than others delivering promising results. SILK’N INFINITY also remains one of the most affordable choices if you search for the best option for laser hair removal for dark skin at home.

Using Silk’n Infinity, you will need 4 sessions on high intensities or 12 sessions if you are using low powers to achieve full hair-free experience. The sessions are spaced one every two weeks.

Pros:

1. The most affordable IPL device.
2. The safest device for dark skin tones.
3. Clinically proven efficiency on all skin tones.
4. Flexible and long 180 cm power cable.
5. Supplied with a skin tone sensor to adjust the energy suitable for your body’s skin tone.
6. Flashes should work for 15+ years if used monthly.
7. Short sessions and a comfortable user experience.
8. In the US and Canada, the device comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

1. The device is not FDA-approved for usage on the darkest skin type VI in the United States.
2. The results are usually slower on darker skin and weaker intensities programs.
3. There is no money-back guarantee if you buy it from the UK.

Second: Iluminage Precise Touch

Iluminage Precise Touch is highly recommended for its proven efficiency and versatile usage. This device is suitable for all grades of dark skin. It is also FDA cleared for darker tones, including V, VI. This device will give decades of consistent use, and it is also suitable for small areas and faces.

The device has a small flash window perfect for remote areas as lips, chin, and jaw. It is also ideal for bikini lines and underarms.

However, this small window is not suitable for large body areas as legs and thighs as it would take you more time to treat the whole limb.

This device can work on fair hair as well; you should pluck the hair immediately before zapping. It works by targeting the microdot left in the hair follicle.

As for the number of treatment sessions needed, this device recommends 7 sessions either on high or low intensities. A session every week is typical to achieve great results.

Pros:

1. Works efficiently and FDA cleared for all skin tones.
2. Easy to use and good build quality.
3. small window suitable for small body areas as lips and chin.
4. Works for 10+ years of monthly usage.
5. You can use many hair removal methods before the session as waxing, plucking, or epilating.
6. Works on grey hair and is suitable for older ages.

Cons:

1. There is no money-back guarantee with the device in any area.
2. Not suitable for larger sizes as legs and thighs.

Third: Iluminage Touch 

This device is a highly recommended choice for dark skin tones for both large and small body areas. It is an efficient home IPL device with proven efficiency and significance. The device is FDA-approved for darker skin tones, including grades V and VI.

Although the device design is somehow outdated, it is very efficient and comfortable to use. The applicator’s cord is of excellent quality and durability. The device has a medium flash window that fits most body areas, and you can use the precision cap for smaller sizes usage such as your upper lip.

The device comes with two models, the larger one with 300,000 flashes and the smaller one with 120,000 flashes. The smaller model should be good for about two years of usage on average. The larger model may last up to 5 years. These two models are not powerful as the latter two, but they are good enough for your usage.

However, there is no money-back guarantee, but the replacement flash cartridges.

If you’re wondering how long will the whole treatment take, this device’s manufacturer recommends 4 to 12 sessions on high intensities or 12 at lower intensities.  A session every week is typical.

Pros:

1. Not irritant for dark skin.
2. Clinically proven efficiency and FDA-approved for all skin tones, including V, VI.
3. The device is suitable for large and small areas as well.
4. Comfy and easy to use.
5. Two years of full warranty.

Cons:

1. More expensive than other reliable options.
2. Time-consuming if used on larger body areas as legs.
3. No money-back guarantee.

This device is a gem in the IPL devices market. It delivers one of the best value-for-money bargains you can get nowadays.

The Philips Lumea Prestige. Uses the IPL technology to slow and decrease hair regrowth after each session. It is safe to use on your face and body as well. After a while, your hair will stop growing. Regular use can keep you hairless for very long periods.

It is the second most powerful kit from Philips. You can use it on bikini, body and face hair removal. It offers five adjustable power settings and skin tone sensor to get the safest and most effective treatment. Philips Lumea prestige BRI956 comes with a user manual to help you find the right hair removal plan depending on your skin type and hair color. Many women who tried Philips Lumea prestige BRI956/00 got permanent results after only 8 weeks of treatment. all Philips Lumea models are amazing for getting fast results.

Pros:

1. Comfortable and ergonomic gun shape.
2. They are easily used on lower limbs.
3. The curved windows are easily applied to the skin.
4. Clinically proven results and safety.
5. The device can be used either corded or cordless.
6. Money-back guarantees for 100 days, so you could return it if you do not like it.

Cons:

1. The device is somehow big and bulky.
2. It is not the cheapest option in the market.
3. The device is not yet FDA-cleared in the United States.

How to care for your Dark Skin after treatment

You’ve used the device, started the treatment, but the process hasn’t ended yet, due to the sensitivity of your skin, there are a number of points you’ll have to keep in mind, and we’ve compiled the most important of them in this list

If you’re looking for the safest and most affordable IPL device for Dark skin, we recommend using the Silk’n Infinity.

Some women may have faced difficulties operating IPL devices, we’d recommend obtaining Iluminage Precise Touch, as it’s considered the easiest to use among the best Laser Hair removal for Dark Skin at home.

Although Iluminage Touch is the comfiest among those devices, but the Philips Lumea Prestige for Dark Skin checks all the boxes expertly.

IPL technology is a blessing and can make your life a lot easier than before. Follow the precautions and use the device regularly to get the best results possible. You deserve to enjoy a hairless body for as long as possible.

Ipl For Dark Skin At Home

Ipl For Dark Skin At Home

Ipl Hair Removal for Dark Skin

Ipl hair removal is a safe and effective method of removing unwanted body hair. It uses a special light to destroy the hair shaft at the root. The procedure can also be referred to as Intense Pulsed Light, Phototherapy or Photoepilation.

In recent years, Ipl has become one of the most popular hair removal treatments in salons across the world. It is mostly used on larger areas of the body like legs, armpits, back and stomach but it can also be used on smaller areas such as facial hair. The treatment has been scientifically proven to work on people with dark skin tones as well as light skin tones, although there are some precautions that must be taken into consideration when treating darker skins tones in order for the treatment to be successful and achieve the desired results.

Ipl For Dark Skin At Home

Ipl is a popular hair removal method that has been around for decades. This method is commonly used to remove body hair, but it can also be used on the face, legs and arms. The Ipl process is known as Intense Pulsed Light. It involves shining an intense light on a patient’s skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and heats it up so much that it kills the follicle and removes the hair permanently.

Is Ipl Safe for Darker Skin?

Ipl for dark skin is safe if you use the correct settings on your device. If you don’t, you could end up damaging your skin or causing scarring or hyperpigmentation (dark spots). You should always talk with your doctor or nurse before getting any type of laser treatment if you have darker skin because they know how to use it properly for someone with darker skin tones.

I’m not here to tell you that you should or shouldn’t remove your body hair—I support whatever you want to do. But if you’ve decided you want less of it and you want a removal option that’ll last longer than a few days, laser hair removal is the way to go. Yes, it’s an investment (sessions can range from $30 to $100 depending on the area), but after getting Brazilian waxes for about 10 years, it definitely made more sense for me to pay more upfront for more permanent hair reduction and spend less time trying to mediate in butterfly position while someone ripped hard wax off of my vagina.

As I began researching laser hair removal options, I noticed that in general, useful information is scarce—and useful information for people with melanin-rich skin is even rarer. So, after doing tons of research, embarking on my own “journey,” and chronicling my experiences on Instagram Stories, I figured there needed to be a more permanent and visible place for others to get all the deets on laser hair removal for dark skin.

This guide contains all the information I wish I had before committing to laser hair removal with tips from myself and most importantly, from board-certified dermatologists who specialize in working with melanin-rich skin.

How laser hair removal works

“Laser hair removal is the process by which we use a laser light source to essentially almost destroy the hair follicle,” says Carlos A. Charles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Derma di Colore. Laser hair removal works by targeting a specific medium, such as melanin, pigment, or a hair follicle, he explains. “In the case of doing laser hair removal, primarily the type that we do in darker skin, the laser goes after melanin or pigment at the bulb of the hair.”

Although laser hair removal has been found to drastically reduce hair growth, “It’s important to emphasize that laser hair removal is really like permanent hair reduction—it’s not going to get rid of everything,” says Dr. Charles. In other words, it will diminish the amount of hair you have, but it may not remove it all for good.

Up until recently, laser hair removal wasn’t considered safe for people with melanin-rich skin because early models of lasers weren’t created to differentiate the melanin in the skin from the melanin of the hair follicle. Because of this, people with darker complexions were at an increased risk of experiencing burns, scarring, hypopigmentation (aka light spots on your skin), and other adverse reactions when treated with a laser. However, with new lasers created with melanin-rich skin in mind, specifically lasers with longer wavelengths, longer pulse durations, and more efficient cooling devices, this is changing.

The benefits of laser hair removal

Not only does laser hair removal reduce unwanted hair on the body, but as a result, it can also be used to treat common skin concerns such as razor bumps, hyperpigmentation (darkened areas of skin), and hypopigmentation. Because the laser targets the hair follicle and reduces hair growth, it prevents the follicle from becoming inflamed. Plus, as the hair on your body decreases, it eliminates the need for shaving, which is often the culprit behind razor bumps and the dark patches associated with them. For those who have discoloration or bumps caused by hair growth, over time laser hair removal may also improve the texture of your skin.

The best laser for dark complexions

If you tried to get laser hair removal on a darker complexion in the early 2000s, you were probably turned away because old lasers weren’t created to work on these skin types. But now, newer lasers can distinguish between the pigment of the skin and hair follicles, making it possible to safely and effectively treat melanin-rich skin.

According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is “incredibly effective” for people with darker complexions when performed with a laser that provides a 1064 nanometer laser wavelength of light. Lasers such as the Nd:YAG have a 1064 nanometer wavelength, and this long wavelength bypasses the melanin found in the skin and solely targets the melanin, or pigment, of the hair follicle.

“This particular wavelength is safest for skin of color because the wavelength penetrates the skin deeply enough to destroy the hair follicles without destroying the surrounding melanocytes [which are the cells in your skin that produce pigment],” says DiAnne Davis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist located in Dallas, TX. This is important because the destruction of the melanocytes can lead to pigmentary alterations such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, she adds.

According to Dr. Charles, laser hair removal is very safe with minimal side effects, “assuming that the person doing it is using the right laser and understands the mechanics of treating darker skin,” he says.

The biggest issue when performing laser hair removal on dark skin comes from the heat that the lasers produce, says Dr. Charles. The intensity of the heat can potentially heat up melanin and harm the skin, leading to pigment changes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This is why it’s imperative to use a laser that will solely target the pigmentation of the hair follicle and not your skin, and get services from people who have experience working with skin of color.

When looking for a provider, “The brand of the laser is not as important as the specific wavelength of the laser,” says Dr. Davis. Instead of simply booking a session at the location your favorite celebs frequent or your friends swear by, make sure first and foremost they have a laser that’s safe for your skin.

Good candidates for laser hair removal

Before you invest in laser hair removal it’s important to find out if you’re a good candidate to receive treatment. According to Dr. Charles, no matter the amount of melanin in your skin or how light or dark your complexion is, you can get laser hair removal. “But the people that tend to do the best have coarse, thick hair and darker hair, and that’s because the light source in the laser tends to see that hair the best, so it picks up the hair and it really zaps it,” he says.

People with dark brown or black hair tend to see the best results with laser, adds Dr. Davis. If you have light brown, grey, or white hair, unfortunately, you aren’t considered a good candidate for laser hair removal as the laser won’t be able to detect the melanin of the hair follicles.

Most people will see success with laser hair removal, but there are areas, such as the upper lip, which are harder to treat because that hair tends to be finer. Most professionals will still treat this spot, but because it tends to be resistant to treatment (and because excess hair growth in the area can sometimes be caused by hormones), you may not see drastic results and will likely need to do multiple sessions to see any results at all.

Things to keep in mind before your first laser hair removal treatment

There are a few things you’ll want to be aware of before you book your initial session. First, you’ll want to take stock of your skin-care routine and consult your dermatologist or laser provider. If you use products that contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide on areas you plan on getting treated, professionals may recommend you stop using them altogether, or at least press pause on them for a few days before and after your treatment. According to Dr. Davis, this is because they can cause increased sensitivity of the skin and in conjunction with laser hair removal, you run the risk of irritation or more serious issues such as your skin peeling off and scarring.

Dr. Charles doesn’t stop his patients from using topicals on treatment areas, but he doesn’t recommend using retinol or retinoids immediately after getting treated. “That said, it is ok to start your skin-care regimen a couple of days after treatment assuming that all went well with the treatment,” he says. For those on Accutane, Dr. Charles doesn’t recommend getting treatment, as the skin can respond unpredictably.

And if you’re pregnant, it’s also advised that you hold off on treatment, as studies haven’t evaluated the safety of laser hair removal during pregnancy.

How to prepare for a laser hair removal session

“Before your laser hair removal appointment, you will want to have a consultation with your board-certified dermatologist to review your medical history and discuss goals you want to achieve so you can be fully educated on exactly how the treatments will work,” says Dr. Davis.

Before purchasing any sessions, I highly recommend setting up an appointment to spot test the areas you want to get laser on. First, you’ll be able to get a feel for the practice and whether or not you like it and your provider, and most importantly, you’ll be able to find out if you’ll have any adverse effects to the treatment. My biggest fear was getting burned on my vagina and having permanent scars (and wasting my money), so in my opinion, it’s worth the caution and extra appointment.

“Avoid waxing, avoid plucking, avoid electrolysis to the area [being treated] for at least three or four weeks” prior to your sessions, adds Dr. Charles. But if you’re adamant about removing hair in between sessions, “shaving is the best thing to do,” he says.

You’ll want to avoid waxing, as it removes the entire hair follicle, and in order for the laser to work, you need a little bit of hair as the laser detects the pigment of the hair follicle. Most providers recommend shaving a day or two before your session for best results, but this varies by technician and location, so make sure to speak with your provider to find out their specific recommendations and guidelines.

In my experience, shaving two days prior to your session is the best, especially if you always miss patches of hair. I find that the first shave gets most of the hair and the second shave allows you to go over any spots you initially missed. Worst case scenario, your provider will shave any missed areas before the fun begins.

What to expect during your laser hair removal session

For those who have begun their research, you’ve probably heard laser hair removal providers or friends who have gone through with it say that it’s painless. And to that, I call BS, respectfully. While we all have different pain tolerance levels, I think it’s safe to say that laser removal is uncomfortable. In my opinion, it feels like heated rubber bands getting snapped against your skin. I know that description sounds horrible, but the silver lining is that the discomfort only lasts for a split second.

I haven’t gotten laser all over my body, but can attest that there are definitely areas that are way more sensitive than others. For example, the vulva. There are no words to describe what that feels like, and I recommend going to your happy place, taking deep breaths, and squeezing the shit out of the stress balls.

To help manage the discomfort of getting a full Brazilian, I like to use numbing cream ($17). I apply it about an hour before I need to leave home, let it stay on for at least 20 minutes (the longer the better), and it drastically reduces any discomfort. That said, I recommend speaking with your provider to see what products they do and don’t recommend.

At the end of the day, you will more than likely experience some level of discomfort, and instead of abiding by the “suck it up” mentality, let your provider know so that they can give you a break or decrease the intensity of the laser.

What to expect after a laser hair removal session

After your session, you may experience minor bumps on your skin due to inflammation of the hair follicles, “but those typically go away within a day or so,” says Dr. Charles. He adds that redness is also common, and he tends to give people a mild topical steroid to use for a few days following the session in order to reduce it. Speaking from personal experience, providers typically offer aloe vera gel to soothe the skin immediately after performing treatment on each area.

You should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF to prevent burning, as your skin will be more photosensitive than normal. This is because the laser has damaged the hair follicle which can initially cause redness and irritation to the treated area, similar to when you get a skin-care treatment on your face, making you more susceptible to damage from UV rays.

How long does it take to see results from laser hair removal

After feeling like you’ve been popped with thousands of rubber bands, you may be wondering how long it will take to see results. “You’ll typically see anywhere between a 50 percent and 90 percent reduction of hair with the first treatment,” says Dr. Charles, adding that it usually takes around five sessions to see major differences.

I didn’t believe this was true until I started experiencing moments where 20 to 30 pieces of “dead” hair would fall out onto my washcloth as I washed my body and into my hands as I applied lotion. This may seem odd at first, but it’s a good indicator that your sessions are working and aren’t being done in vain.

You should also expect to see less hair growth after a few sessions. At times, it may look patchy, because your hair grows in different phases and some areas tend to be more stubborn than others. “It is important to adhere to a consistent, monthly routine when starting laser hair removal,” says Dr. Charles. This is because your hair typically grows in three phases: the growth phase, the resting phase, and the regression phase.

“Different portions of the hair will enter a growth phase at different time points after the laser hair removal treatment, while other areas will be in a resting or regression phase. Therefore, it is crucial for the success of the treatments to follow up with monthly treatments to capture new areas undergoing growth,” says Dr. Charles. And although this is anecdotal, I’ve found from my own experience that being consistent with your sessions reduces the level of pain from treatment to treatment.

It’s worth mentioning again that though laser treatments can make a big difference in the amount of hair on your body, it’s not considered permanent hair removal. Because factors like hormones can continue to impact your hair growth, you’ll still need to go in for maintenance sessions even after you’re “done.”

With all of that said, laser hair removal is definitely a time, emotional, and financial commitment, so before you book a session, make sure that you’re confident in the provider and ready to commit to at least six months of consistent treatment.

Yag Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin At Home

Two silver RF electrodes either side of the flash window create the RF circuit through your skin

The RF travels down to the depth of your hair root

Now, let’s understand how IPL and RF work so well together…

You probably know that electricity flows along the path of least resistance, right 🤓? But did you also know that warmer structures are less resistant and so attract electrical current? This means, as each super-gentle IPL flash heats your hair shaft and the surrounding follicle, it draws the RF current towards it. And, because the keratin in your hairs resists the current, it then concentrates all around the follicles, right where it’s needed. So, your follicles get an extra dose of heat from the RF.

This combined heat from the IPL and RF is enough to work. However, you must cover your skin in flashes then repeat for a total of 2 or 3 passes. This is quite time intensive, especially on legs, but it zaps each hair with enough IPL energy to work. Therefore, it’s the combined energies and multiple passes of gentle IPL that both work and are safe for dark and black skin.

Start LOW and move up to MED and HIGH only if comfortable

The Touch & Sleek, and Precise Touch & Chic, each have three IPL intensities levels ranging from 2 to 4 J/cm². The lower are safe for the darkest skin tones. There’s no skin tone sensor – simply start on LOW and move up only if it’s comfortable.

What results will I see and when?

Now, all home laser and IPL devices recommend a start-up treatment schedule, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions.

The following table shows the advertised schedules for each of my recommendations and runners up. Plus, any additional information I found relevant for darker skin users.

Device	# of start-up sessions	Frequency	Top-ups
Silk’n Infinity	4 on high intensities Up to 12 on lower intensities*	1 every 2 weeks	As you need.
Iluminage Precise Touch Me Chic	7 on high & low intensities**	Weekly	As you need.
Iluminage Touch Me Sleek	7 on high & low intensities**	Weekly	As you need.
Braun Pro 3 IPL	4 to 12 on high intensities Up to 12 on lower intensities	Weekly	As you need.
Braun Pro 5 IPL	4 to 12 on high intensities Up to 12 on lower intensities	Weekly	As you need.
Smoothskin Pure	12 on high & low intensities	Weekly	As you need.
Philips Lumea Prestige	4 or 5 on high & low intensities	1 every 2 weeks	As you need.



* I found info this in the Silk’n study on dark skin V and VI tones.
** Iluminage share that for the first 6 or 7 weeks, you can use their devices 2 to 3 times per week on your face.

Typical results & top-ups

Shave (or dermaplane facial hairs) for your very best results

Shave/dermaplane your hair before each session and in between as you need, unless there’s no hair left! You can learn more about shaving vs plucking here.

• After 4+ sessions you should notice finer and lighter hair which grows ever more slowly.
• After 6+ sessions you should have just very light regrowth and even bald patches. Shaving gets very easy, and soon you may not even need to.
• Complete the full start-up plan. Most of these schedules accommodate plenty of sessions for you to significantly reduce hair growth on all skin tones light to dark. But you can safely continue with the start-up frequency if you need more sessions to get smooth.

Once you’re smooth, you can switch to less frequent top-ups. Most brands suggest one every month. However, you may need them slightly more frequent because you’ll use the lower IPL levels. If you notice hairs poking through before a month’s up, shave them away and do another zapping.

YOUR TOP-UPS ARE SUPER IMPORTANT!

A recent long-term study of home IPL devices found that the top-up sessions continue to work on your hair follicles. The effect deepens, so the more you do the longer your hair-free results last. If you have the best results this means smooth skin for several weeks to months at a time.

However, results do vary by individual and all brands caveat this on their websites and in the user manuals. Please read this for 👉 more important info about results.

And remember, inactive hair follicles can wake-up and sprout new hairs, so don’t ditch the razor! You’ll need to shave and zap them as they appear!

How to stay safe

Before you start your sessions, and ideally before you buy a device, read the user manual.

Check the important list of warnings and reasons you may be unsuitable to use home laser and IPL devices. These range from pregnancy and breastfeeding, to diabetes, epilepsy, chemical peels, and certain medications which can make you extra sensitive to the light. There’s more in each user manual so check them to stay safe and learn more about contraindications here.

Only use the device on safe areas. For women this is from the cheekbones down, and for men it’s from the neck and down.

❌ Don’t use it on your genitals, anus, or nipples either, or on birthmarks, moles, or large freckles.

With all home devices, you must also protect your skin from sun exposure before and after your sessions.  Even if your skin doesn’t tan, sun exposure still increases your skin’s sensitivity and so the risk of skin reactions and side effects from the IPL. There’s more on them later.

Here’s the tanning and sun exposure guidance for each of the recommended devices:

Device	Use on recently tanned skin?	Cover up or use SPF 30+	Avoid sun before sessions	Avoid sun after sessions
Silk’n Infinity	✅ Level 1 only	✅	4 weeks (if using levels 2 to 5)	2 weeks (if using levels 2 to 5)
Iluminage Precise Touch & Me Chic	❌	✅	2 weeks	2 weeks
Iluminage Touch & Me Sleek	❌	✅	2 weeks	2 weeks
Braun Pro 3 IPL	❌	✅	7 days	7 days
Braun Pro 5 IPL	❌	✅	7 days	7 days
Smoothskin Pure	❌	✅	7 days	7 days
Philips Lumea Prestige	❌	✅	2 weeks	48 hours



How to prepare

Shaving your hairs immediately before your sessions gives the best and fastest results. But, for a lady, shaving your face is not fun. So, I recommend dermaplaning instead. It cuts facial hairs without foam or irritation.

You can also wax, epilate, or pluck with the Braun, Philips and Iluminage devices. However, they each have different guidelines and you’ll have much slower results. You can learn more about dermaplaning, and plucking vs shaving guidelines here .

What do they feel like?

You’ll hear the cooling fan whir and a small pop or click with each IPL flash. The IPL flashes are bright but harmless when flush against your skin. You don’t need protective goggles. If you find the flashes irritating, wear sunglasses to help ease the glare.

On dark skin tones V and VI you’ll use the lower intensity settings. So, it’s no surprise that the Iluminage, Me and Silk’n are the most comfortable with an IPL low of 2 and 3 J/cm² 🐇🐇.

The devices with a higher IPL range can sting a little more for some, especially if your skin is within the safe range and Fitzpatrick type V. Therefore I recommend the Iluminage, Me and Infinity devices because they give more flexibility and reassurance, with even gentler intensities and sensations should you need them.

Here’s how the devices compare for power and sensation:

Device	Type	Safe tones	Power J/cm2	Sensation*
Silk’n Infinity	IPL & Galvanic	All I to VI	3 to 4	⚡ Gentle warmth
Iluminage Precise Touch & Me Chic	IPL & RF	All I to VI	2 to 4	⚡ Gentle warmth
Iluminage Touch & Me Sleek	IPL & RF	All I to VI	2 to 4	⚡ Gentle warmth
Braun Pro 3 IPL	IPL	I to V Not the darkest	3 to 4	⚡⚡⚡ Warm to hot
Braun Pro 5 IPL	IPL	I to V Not the darkest	3 to 6	⚡⚡⚡ Warm to hot
Smoothskin Pure	IPL	I to V Not the darkest	3 to 6	⚡⚡⚡ Warm to hot
Philips Lumea Prestige	IPL	I to V Not the darkest	2.4 to 6.5	⚡⚡⚡ Warm to hot



* This sensation grade is based on both my tests and feedback patterns & consensus from collated user reviews. It typically varies by individual.

Possible skin reactions & side effects

Hot, tingly red skin are common skin reactions. And it can also feel dry and itch a bit too, but these reactions usually fade within 24 to 48 hours. Use ice, a cool face cloth, cooling water sprays, Aloe Vera gel or a non-scented moisturiser to soothe it. If these reactions don’t go away, get advice from your doctor.

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SUN PROTECTION!

Remember, you must avoid the sun, cover-up or wear a sunscreen SPF30+ to protect your skin. It’s extra sensitive to the sun after your sessions, and exposure before your sessions increases your risk of skin reactions and side effects.

Side effects are rare but can occur. They include temporary or permanent patches of light or dark skin, burns, excessive redness and swelling around your hair follicles, blisters, and scarring. In these cases, consult your doctor.

Another extremely rare side effect on the face and neck is called Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth in the treatment areas. The reasons behind it are unknown but it’s thought to occur more frequently in users of Mediterranean descent, and/or with underlying medical conditions such as hirsutism.

Best home IPL hair removal for dark skin tones V & VI

For all dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick types V and VI), choose either the Silk’n Infinity, or the Iluminage and Me devices with Elōs tech. They’re clinically proven safe, and the Elōs devices are also FDA-cleared for the darkest skin tones. Keep reading for the pros & cons for each…

1. Silk’n Infinity

The Silk’n Infinity is my top recommendation for dark and black skin because it’s clinically proven, gives fast sessions and decades of flashes. It’s also one of the most affordable at-home IPLs.

IMPORTANT:  Silk’n in the US and Canada don’t promote the Infinity safe for the darkest and black skin tones. That’s because it’s FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick types I to V, but NOT the darkest type VI. In the UK and Europe Silk’n do promote the Infinity safe for the darkest skin (the FDA has no jurisdiction there).

All models are identical across countries.

The mains-powered Infinity is light-weight, comfy and intuitive to grip with a large flash button and simple controls. There’s one medium-size flash window, which is good for most areas, although it’s bulky and tricky to flash on the upper lip.

It’s decent quality with a flexible 180cm power cable. And I like the sturdy storage case too. The IPL bulb gives flashes for over 15 years of whole-body sessions too. That’s many more than you’ll need for decades of silky-smooth skin. And there’s a good 2-year warranty too.

Laser hair removal is a godsend for those who want to eliminate fuzz permanently, but it can be complicated for people of color. A common misconception is that laser hair removal is not safe for skin with high levels of melanin. I personally never thought I could benefit from laser hair removal. I was told by two facilities that they could not accommodate my skin tone because the advancements in the industry had not been updated to serve people of color. This was in 2009. According to Christian Karavolas, the owner of Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal in NYC, and Andrea Young, the founder and owner of Beam Laser Spa, the laser game has significantly changed since then.

Karavolas reiterated that a number of his patients have assumed laser was not safe for people of color. Young added that the myth stems from a time when patients of color would be treated with the Alexandrite laser and would encounter adverse reactions and side effects—like hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation—from being treated with the incorrect wavelength.

Here, Karavolas and Young break down what to look for, how to prepare, and the perfect lasers for all people of color, including multiracial and albino individuals.

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What to look for in your laser hair removal provider:

People of color should look for a certain laser called the Nd:YAG. “For women or men of color interested in doing laser hair removal, the most important thing is to make sure they are getting treatments with a YAG laser,” says Young. Karavolas explains that the laser operates differently to make it safe for people of color. “Nd:YAG lasers have a long pulse wavelength and bypasses the epidermis. Since it bypasses the epidermis, it does not hurt the epidermis, meaning it does not burn the skin,” explains Karavolas. “With that laser you are able to effectively disable the reproductive cycle of the hair within the follicle meaning you can effectively remove hair without hurting the skin.”

A good specialist will test your skin tone:

When in doubt, get tested. Because skin tones can differ from person to person, it’s important that the setting is chosen specifically for your skin tone. Karavolas at Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal uses the Fitzpatrick skin typing test to determine the patient’s skin color and the appropriate laser. The patient will receive a score from one to thirty-six to determine what wavelength laser to use.

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The results of the Fitzpatrick skin test decide which laser to use, but it’s also important to notice the settings. “Once you decide which laser to use, obviously the darker the person you have to make the settings a little gentler to not burn the skin,” says Karavolas.

Prepare your body for laser:

Just like any treatment or procedure it’s important to prep the area that’s about to get blasted. “Make sure the area that will be lasered has not been waxed, threaded, plucked or used any other method of hair removal that pulls out the root for at least 8 weeks,” Young notes. “Abstain from using any harsh products on the area to be lasered for at least two weeks before getting lasered and subsequently after the treatments. These include retinols, alpha, beta and glycolic acids, or topical acne medications.”

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What about albino and multiracial individuals, are they candidates?

“On albinos, on somebody who has discoloration or hyperpigmentation, light therapy like an IPL treatment are recommended to bring the pigment up,” explains Karavolas. “We do treat albino clients but we do test patches and wait a few days to make sure they react well.”

A special process also exists for multi-racial candidates. “We have a lot of biracial clients who have mixed parents, Italian mother, African American father from Kenya, Uganda,” Karavolas says. “The cooling of the skin is very important because if you don’t cool the skin, no matter what the energy is, you might give somebody a temporary burn which would resolve itself but it’s best to avoid that and take precautions like we do.”