Laser hair removal can be incredibly freeing, eliminating the need for frequent waxing, shaving, and plucking. However, lasers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you treat your skin type with the wrong laser or setting, you might notice hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal.

This often happens when a clinic or med spa uses an older or less inclusive laser platform or doesn’t adjust the settings for the client. At SEV Laser, we use inclusive, cutting-edge laser technologies and perform skin checks before treatment begins, tailoring the laser to your needs and reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Laser Hair Removal and Hyperpigmentation

Skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Melanin is made by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. These skin cells are typically located in the lower layer of the epidermis, known as the basal cell layer. The more melanin present, the darker your skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation has many factors, but it is usually caused by inflammation in people whose skin is already predisposed. They include sun damage (photoaging), thinning of the skin layer (stretch marks), wounds, and surgical incisions. Skin damage from laser hair removal can contribute to changes in skin color, especially if inappropriate settings are used.

How Laser Hair Removal Affects Skin Tone

During laser hair removal, the laser emits a light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. The light becomes heat as it travels down the hair into the follicle, which is how it interrupts the growth cycle.

Hair follicles originate in the dermis, the layer of skin directly below the epidermis. Depending on the laser’s wavelength, the heat generated by the laser light can pass through the basal cell layer of the epidermis, which can affect the melanocytes and cause them to create extra melanin. This darkens your skin tone, resulting in hyperpigmentation.

Who is at Risk of Hyperpigmentation Due to Laser Hair Removal?

There are six main skin phototypes, known as the Fitzpatrick classification:

1.Pale white skin that never tans and only burns (blondes and redheads with blue or green eyes)

2.Fair skin that burns easily and tans poorly (most other blue-eyed people)

3.Darker white skin that will tan after an initial burn

4.Light brown skin that doesn’t burn easily and tans well

5.Darker brown skin that rarely if ever burns and easily tans several shades darker

6.Very dark or black skin that tans very darkly and never burns

Of these, skin types 5 through 6 are at the highest risk of hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal treatment.

Types of Hyperpigmentation 

Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term that covers various conditions, including:

Melasma: Commonly affecting over 5 million individuals in the U.S. alone, it occurs primarily in women with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III to V and worsens with sun exposure.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is common among people of color, particularly those with Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI. Research indicated that 45% to 87% experienced PIH following skin inflammation caused by acne or other skin conditions.

Solar Lentigines: Most common of all are age or liver spots, known formally as solar lentigines. Data varies, but age spots can be seen across skin types in adults who have accumulated sun damage over time.

Due to diverse factors and limited research, it can be difficult to find concrete information about the prevalence of hyperpigmentation across different populations. For example, melasma is nine times more common in women and most prevalent in people with light brown skin, such as those of Hispanic, Asian, or African descent.

This is why it’s important to address this discrepancy during discussions involving hyperpigmentation and laser hair removal. At SEV, we recognize that some people are more at risk for hyperpigmentation, and tailor every treatment to reduce inflammation.

Preventing Hyperpigmentation During Laser Hair Removal

The decision to pursue laser hair removal should not be made impulsively. Instead, do your research and follow these guidelines to improve your chances of success.

Choose the Right Laser Technology

Before proceeding with any kind of laser hair removal, you need to make sure your provider uses the right technology for your skin type. Hair removal lasers emit light at different frequencies and wavelengths, and treatment with the wrong one can lead to hyperpigmentation.

For example, the Alexandrite laser often used on fair skin uses short, intense bursts of light in comparison to the Nd:YAG laser, which has a relatively long wavelength of 1064 nm. Longer wavelengths are safer for people with darker skin tones, allowing the light to pass harmlessly through the epidermis and target the hair follicles.

Another important factor for people with darker skin is the pulse setting of the laser. Shorter pulses up to 300 microseconds are more likely to cause visible skin damage on darker skin. Longer pulses lasting for more than 300 microseconds are safer and more effective.

Select a Trusted Provider

The laser is just one aspect of treatment. The skill of your provider also plays a large part in the efficacy and safety of laser hair removal. When selecting a med spa, seek out providers with inclusive laser platforms and experience adjusting that system based on all skin tones.

At SEV Laser, our nurses and technicians are trained to use the Candela GentleMax Pro or Cynosure Elite iQ platforms. These are dual-wavelength systems that contain Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers. By having access to both in a single system, it’s easier to tailor treatment to your exact skin type.

Prepare for Your Appointments

If you’re unsure about which laser will suit you best, ask for a consultation at SEV. Our nurses will be able to determine your skin type and decide what laser settings will suit you best. If you feel confident that the correct laser and setting will be used, you can schedule your treatment and follow the pre-care steps.

Try to avoid direct sunlight in the days leading up to each session, and discontinue skin care products that contain retinoids or chemical exfoliants. Sun damage and harsh skincare use can leave your skin vulnerable to damage from laser hair removal, which puts you at risk of hyperpigmentation.

Does laser hair removal help with hyperpigmentation?

Lasers aren’t just used for hair removal. While laser hair removal can heighten your risk for hyperpigmentation, under certain circumstances it can help reduce discoloration.

By eliminating your need to wax or shave and reducing ingrown hairs, laser hair removal can allow your skin to repair itself. Over time, your hyperpigmentation could clear away.

If you’re interested in improving skin tone and texture, our team at SEV can help you find treatments that address those issues specifically, including SkinPen and Potenza microneedling.

Post-Treatment Care to Avoid Hyperpigmentation

In most cases, exposure to lasers is only one contributing factor to hyperpigmentation. Others like heat, friction, and sun damage can increase your risk of skin discoloration following laser hair removal. Here’s how to care for post-treatment skin and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Sun Protection

There’s a reason darker spots on your skin are often referred to as “sunspots.” Photoaging is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation, and it’s worse when your skin is vulnerable. You should wear sunscreen every day, but it becomes especially important following laser treatment. Make sure to use a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent UV-induced pigmentation.

Gentle Skin Care

Your nurse or laser technician will let you know how to care for your skin after laser hair removal. Typically, we recommend fragrance-free products containing aloe to naturally soothe and hydrate your skin.

Avoiding Triggers

The treatment area may be sensitive for a few days or a week after each session. During this time, try to avoid heat and friction (for example, certain underwear can be unpleasant after a bikini line laser hair removal.)

Steer clear of heavy perfumes or fragrances, even in creams. Don’t use exfoliants or harsh products for a couple of weeks. Your pores need time to heal, and irritating the skin will only prolong the process.

Alternatives for Individuals at High Risk

If you have skin that is at high risk for hypo or hyperpigmentation, bring it up during your first visit and ask for a skin test on a less visible part of your body. We encourage customers to ask questions, undergo skin tests, and do their research so they can make well-informed decisions.

The Nd:YAG laser is the gold standard for darker skin, but if longer wavelengths and pulses are still too risky, you have other options for hair removal. You can return to waxing and shaving, invest in an epilator, or try electrolysis — just keep in mind that these methods also come with a risk of causing hyperpigmentation.

You can also combine laser hair removal with depigmenting agents under professional guidance. The most common depigmenting agents lighten hyperpigmentation by suppressing melanocytes. Some of these creams or gels can be used in tandem with laser treatments as long as you don’t use them too soon before or after a session.

Learn What Makes SEV Special 

Serious about laser hair removal, but have concerns about your skin tone? These three steps are vital to avoiding hyperpigmentation caused by laser hair removal:

1.Find a provider with the proper technology for darker skin phototypes

2.Make sure your med spa has expertise in treating people with your skin tone

3.Follow aftercare protocols to minimize post-treatment hyperpigmentation

Personalized treatment plans can allow you to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal without worrying about hyperpigmentation.

At SEV Laser, we look forward to finding the perfect settings for your needs. Once we’ve determined your skin type and cleared you for treatment, we can begin tuning our platform to suit you. This includes adjusting the laser’s pulse, wavelength, and using an air-cooling device.

To learn more about laser hair removal and find out if it’s right for you, schedule a consultation at SEV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does laser hair removal help with hyperpigmentation?

Done right, laser hair removal can lower the risk of hyperpigmentation. You simply need a provider with the right staff, equipment, and expertise to accurately treat your skin type.

Can laser hair removal cause hyperpigmentation?

If the wrong laser or setting is used, particularly in darker skin tones, laser hair removal can and does cause hyperpigmentation. This is why skin testing and adjustable lasers are necessary.

Does laser hair removal reduce hyperpigmentation?

If you already have hyperpigmentation, specific types of laser hair removal treatments might even out your skin tone. There are also other ways to reduce hyperpigmentation, such as radiofrequency treatments and microneedling.