Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin From Home> ipl laser hair removal is a fantastic choice. It’s also a great option for people who desire permanent hair removal but don’t want to risk the side effects of other treatments. Intense pulses of light are used in ipl laser hair removal to kill the follicle at its root, preventing hair growth in the treated area permanently. There is no need for anesthetics or topical lotions, and the procedure itself causes minimal discomfort at most.
Those with dark skin tones who have been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of undesirable facial or body hair for a long time will benefit greatly from this approach. As an added bonus, unlike electrolysis, which requires many treatments over time, laser hair removal only requires a single session, so you can say goodbye to shaving for good.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or photorejuvenation can be done in the convenience of your own home to remove unsightly hair. The newest treatment offered by laser hair removal centers is laser hair removal for those with dark complexion. Is that what you call a success? Read this page to learn more about how it functions.. Read on to learn more on yag laser hair removal for dark skin/best home laser hair removal for indian skin.
Ipl Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin From Home
Removing hair is one of the best ways to achieve silky smooth skin, but with so many hair removal devices out there, which is best for you and your skin tone?
Many women begin shaving or waxing, before they get tired of the stubbly feeling of fast hair regrowth and begin looking for long-lasting or permanent results. There are hair removal machines you can use at home that gradually reduce the amount of hair that grows back, so you can spend less and less time on your hair removal routine.
For example, Braun Intense Pulsing Light (IPL)is a home treatment that concentrates light into the hair follicle, heating it up and disabling hair regrowth. It’s a great option for many women wanting to enjoy visible hair reduction for up to 4 weeks* from their moustache area, armpits,bikini line, or even legs and arms.
But some IPL devices aren’t suitable for darker skin tones or lighter shades of hair, so it’s important to do a little bit of research and find the best hair removal device for you before settling on a product.
How IPL devices interact with hair
IPL hair removal tends to work best on people who have both fairer skin and darker hair. This is because IPL hones in on the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair, damaging the follicle and stunting regrowth.
The colour contrast between the hair and skin helps the IPL device to pick up on those melanin pigments and interact with them properly.
IPL permanent hair removal works on brown, dark blonde, dark brown, or black hair – but using the same treatment on very blonde, red, or white hair won’t be effective at all. This is because the lightest shades of hair contain considerably lower levels of melanin, meaning the IPL won’t be able to catch onto the light hair follicles and heat them up.
If you’re looking for a hair removal treatment for light blonde, red, or white hair, consider using an epilator. It removes hair from the root, regardless of the shade, gradually thinning out any hair that does grow back. With an epilator, you can enjoy visible hair reduction for up to 4 weeks.
How IPL devices interact with skin
While IPL treatment is an easy, effective hair removal methodfor some, it unfortunately isn’t suitable for darker tones of skin. This is because melanin pigments aren’t just in our hair – they’re also present in the skin, too.
Darker skin contains more melanin than fair skin. If you use some IPL devices onto melanin-rich, dark skin, the IPL could transfer heat energy onto the skin cells, causing discoloration. This is why it is important to make sure IPL devices do not flash when the skin tone is not suitable for IPL as in severe cases, it could result in painful burns or blisters, which is not what you want!
IPL can typically only be used on the four types of lighter tones of skin – but technology has developed in recent years, meaning there are some IPL devices that are suitable for some shades of darker skin. Below chart gives a better understanding on the effectiveness of IPL treatment as per an individual’s skin and hair tones
How IPL devices interact with skin
Hair removal devices for dark skin tones
If you’re looking for an IPL hair removal treatment that can be used on darker tones of skin, you might want to consider the Braun Pro 5 IPL device. It works with a lower concentration of light and auto-adjusts the intensity level at every flash, meaning it’s safe for most skin tones, including Type 5 (dark-brown). It is however, like any other IPL device, not suited for type 6 (dark brown to black) skin tones.
Best Home 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.
Yag Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin
The reason YAG laser hair removal is so safe for darker skin tones is due to its longer wavelength. “It penetrates more deeply and is less likely to impact the superficial melanin pigment surrounding the follicle which is what makes it a safer alternative in darker skin types,” Garshisck says.
YAG laser hair removal refers to a specific type of laser used for hair removal. “The full name is nd:YAG (Neodymium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet) laser and its wavelength is 1064 nm, which is a safer wavelength [for performing] laser hair removal on skin of color,” says Davis.
Benefits of YAG Laser Hair Removal
- Reduces body hair density
- Results last longer than other hair removal methods
- Particularly safe for darker skin tones
YAG laser hair removal, like all laser hair removal, is designed to get rid of unwanted body hair. While laser hair removal of all kinds is thought to permanently obliterate unwanted hair growth, in reality, Garshick says that YAG and other lasers reduce body hair density but typically won’t get rid of it forever. Still, YAG laser hair removal is a great choice for anyone looking to notably lessen hair growth. “While YAG lasers can be used on all skin types, they are particularly good for those with darker skin types as it is considered both safe and effective,” Garshick adds. (More on that in a bit.)
When considering YAG laser hair removal, just keep in mind that, like all laser hair removal, it works best on dark brown and black hair. “The laser targets the pigment in the bulb of the hair follicle,” Davis explains. As such, she points out that those with lighter hair (think: light brown, light red, blonde, gray, and white hair) are not the best candidates for laser hair removal, as the laser won’t be able to effectively target the pigment and adequately reduce growth.
How to Prepare for YAG Laser Hair Removal
YAG laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you’ll want to press pause on certain skincare products in the week leading up to your appointment. “It is recommended to stop using skin care products that may contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids at least five to seven days prior to your treatment session,” Davis says.
Beyond topicals, Garshick says that it’s important to avoid waxing, plucking, and threading two weeks ahead of your YAG laser hair removal appointment, as these practices can limit the hair that’s present at the time of treatment, which will make the overall hair removal session less effective. “Shaving can be done within a few days prior to the treatment as this helps to shorten the hair but still leaves the follicle present,” she adds.
What to Expect During YAG Laser Hair Removal
Overall, YAG laser hair removal is quite tolerable, albeit a touch uncomfortable. “The treatment can be a little uncomfortable, often feeling like a rubber band snap,” says Garshick, who adds that YAG laser hair removal treatments are typically accompanied by a cold gel and/or an ongoing burst of cool air to serve as a distraction from the sensation.
As far as the treatment itself, Davis says that the person performing it will either stamp or glide the laser over the treatment area (depending on the specific device being used). But keep in mind: It isn’t a one-and-done treatment. “It can take multiple sessions to reach desired results,” Garshick says. “It is best to think of it as laser hair reduction, in that the laser will help to effectively reduce the overall hair density, as opposed to complete laser hair removal.”
YAG Laser Hair Removal vs. Similar Treatments
What sets YAG laser hair removal apart from similar treatments—including IPL, Ruby, Alexandrite, and Diode Lasers—is just how safe and effective it is for all skin tones, particularly skin of color. “Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle to help destroy the hair follicle and, as a result, reduce hair growth,” explains Garshick. “This is why dark hairs tend to respond the best to laser hair removal when compared to light hairs, and why darker skin types require careful consideration regarding which type of laser is used.”
The reason YAG laser hair removal is so safe for darker skin tones is due to its longer wavelength. “It penetrates more deeply and is less likely to impact the superficial melanin pigment surrounding the follicle which is what makes it a safer alternative in darker skin types,” Garshisck says.
One thing to note, however, is that due to the deep-diving nature of the YAG laser, Davis says that it can be a bit “spicier” than other lasers with shorter wavelengths. Still, it’s not significantly more painful.
Potential Side Effects
Any laser, including the nd:YAG, can potentially lead to a burning sensation beyond the immediate treatment. “As with any energy-based device, there are potential side effects [with the nd:YAG laser] that can include but are not limited to superficial burns of the skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, incomplete treatment, skin irritation, redness and/or swelling, possible infection, and permanent scarring,” Davis reveals. That said, laser hair removal is among the most popular cosmetic procedures out there, and these potential side effects are the exception, not the rule.
The Cost
As with all beauty and skin treatments, the cost of YAG laser hair removal is dependent upon the size of the area being treated, who is performing the treatment, and where the treatment is being performed geographically. Generally speaking, YAG is more expensive in cities than in rural areas. On average, though, Garshick and Davis agree that individual sessions can cost between $250 and $1,000.
Aftercare
Following a YAG laser hair removal session, it’s common for skin to feel tender and appear red or inflamed. These side effects typically resolve within a few days. To aid in the healing process, Garshick says that it’s important to avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, as it can cause hyperpigmentation due to the skin’s increased sensitivity.
Additionally, she says it’s imperative to wear sunscreen even if you’re not spending a prolonged amount of time exposed. “Because the skin is more sensitive after laser treatments, it is best to use gentle cleansers, such as Dove Irritation Care Body Wash ($14), and moisturizers such as Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Lotion ($16) or CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream ($17),” she adds. “In some cases, a post-laser cooling gel may be applied to help soothe skin, such as the Elta MD Laser Enzyme Gel ($19).”
Again, keep in mind that even if you experience redness and irritation, it likely won’t be the last of it. “Multiple sessions are generally recommended at an interval of four to six weeks apart, and while it is not necessarily permanent removal, people notice significant hair reduction that can last for years,” Garshick says. “While some people may experience hair regrowth sooner, touch-up maintenance treatments can be performed as needed.”
The Final Takeaway
YAG laser hair removal is a great option for anyone looking to notably reduce the density of unwanted body hair. That said, thanks to its longer wavelengths that bypass surrounding melanin, YAG laser hair removal is particularly beneficial for those with darker skin, as it’s less likely to cause hyperpigmentation in the process.
“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.
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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