A few decades ago, laser hair removal for dark skin simply wasn’t possible. Early laser machines weren’t safe for deeper skin tones and there was a higher risk of getting burned or scarred.

Thankfully, today’s lasers are much more advanced. If you have a deeper skin tone and you’ve been thinking about laser hair removal, now’s your chance to discover a new level of smoothness.

To make sure you get the best laser hair removal for dark skin, choose a provider equipped and experienced with the proper laser technology. At SEV Laser, our commitment to excellence means that we use the industry’s most effective and inclusive lasers and that our team of registered nurses and laser technicians have the experience to deliver exceptional results for our clients with dark skin.

In this post, we cover everything you need to know about laser hair removal for clients with deeper skin tones, including how to choose the right studio to ensure safety and efficacy.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal works by using pulses of light to target melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft. The light energy transforms into heat energy as it travels down the hair shaft, causing damage inside the follicle. This disables the follicle, preventing the growth of new hairs.

This process only works on hair follicles that are in their growth phase. Not all of the hairs in your body are in this stage at any given time. This is why multiple laser hair removal treatments over a period of months are needed to treat any area of the body.

Once your series of sessions is complete, you can typically keep the follicles in that area from regenerating with annual maintenance treatments.

For clients with dark skin, laser hair removal technology has to distinguish between the pigment in the hair follicle and the pigment in the skin. While this wasn’t possible in the past, modern laser hair removal can absolutely work on darker skin tones.

Skin Type Categories in Laser Hair Removal

Before we dive into the science behind laser hair removal for dark skin, it’s important you know the terminology we use in the laser space to distinguish the different skin types, also known as the Fitzpatrick scale or skin phototypes:

  • Skin type I is very pale skin that sunburns very easily and often has freckles
  • Skin type II is fair skin that sunburns easily and is difficult to tan
  • Skin type III is light skin that tans easily to a pale brown
  • Skin type IV is light brown skin that tans to a medium brown
  • Skin type V is dark brown skin that tans to an even darker brown
  • Skin type VI is very dark brown to black skin that doesn’t sunburn

Laser Hair Removal Complications in Dark Skin

Early lasers were designed for people with light skin and dark hair. The lack of skin pigment made it easier for the light to target the melanin in the hair shaft without affecting the skin. If you had dark skin, laser hair removal was more likely to cause negative side effects, because part of the melanin-targeting energy would diffuse into melanin-rich skin.

This meant you could end up with cases of hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin), hypopigmentation (lighter patches of skin), or painful burns and blisters. No wonder people still ask if laser hair removal is safe for darker skin. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”

The right practitioner can determine your skin type, and choose a laser with the right wavelength and settings to treat you safely.

Best Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

If you have darker skin, laser hair removal success hinges on the right laser technology and the right providers. Always ask providers a few key questions before committing:

  • What is my Fitzpatrick skin type?
  • What kind of lasers do you have?
  • What type of wavelength will you use on my skin?
  • What cooling method do you use?

Any reputable laser hair removal provider should be ready and willing to answer these questions without hesitation. If they can’t, do yourself a massive favor and go somewhere else.

SEV Laser locations use the Candela GentleMax Pro or Cynosure Elite IQ, gold-standard machines for hair removal. Both platforms are dual-wavelength, featuring both Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers. These operate on different wavelengths of light, which is measured in nanometers (nm) and plays a major role in how safe each laser will be for different skin tones.

Nd:YAG Lasers

The best laser device for clients with dark skin is the Nd:YAG laser. Nd:YAG lasers operate at a longer 1064 nm wavelength. This type of hair laser bypasses surface melanin, targeting deeper hair follicles safely without endangering darker skin. This is almost always the safest and most effective choice for those with deeper skin tones.

Alexandrite Lasers

Alexandrite lasers operate at a relatively short 755 nm wavelength. This type of hair removal laser has a high penetration rate and fast pulse repetition. The Alexandrite is a terrific laser for fast, effective results on fair skin and fine hairs. However, the very factors that help it work so well on pale skin make it more dangerous for those with darker skin.

Cooling Technology

Laser devices with an integrated cooling mechanism can also help when you have a deeper skin tone. By cooling the skin, they help prevent irritation. Cooling also allows your provider to use a slightly more powerful setting for greater hair reduction.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin Tones

There are many benefits to laser hair removal when you have the right provider.

Laser hair removal removes the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps that are common if you frequently shave or wax. This can be important if you have curly hair, which is more prone to becoming ingrown, or have sensitive skin that is at risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Because laser targets hair from the root, the result is immensely smooth, clear skin without stubble.

Over time, laser hair removal’s lasting results can save you both time and money by cutting out the hours you spend shaving or the money spent at the waxing salon. It’s a one-time investment for a lifetime of greater confidence and comfort.

Before, During, and After Laser Hair Removal

Before laser hair removal, don’t expose your skin to direct sunlight for a minimum of two weeks (and ideally longer). Your skin needs to be at its natural skin tone (so no self-tanner either), and without any sun damage that could lead to negative side effects.

Additionally, don’t use retinoids or exfoliating skincare products, and skip waxing or other hair removal methods that pull the hair from the root. Make sure to shave between 24 and 48 hours before your treatment (no sooner or later!).

During your session, we’ll use tiny blasts of cold air with our cooling system to chill your skin before and after each laser pulse. If you feel anything more than a slight snap against your skin, tell us. Laser hair removal isn’t supposed to hurt!

After your laser hair removal treatment, follow the same two-week rule about sunlight, tanning beds, retinoids, and waxing. Use ice packs if your skin feels hot, and smooth on some aloe vera or a neutral cream to soothe any residual heat.

If you experience additional side effects, like persistent itching or burning, apply some hydrocortisone cream and bring it up with your nurse during your next appointment. This is valuable feedback that we’ll use to correct the laser settings, making it safer for your unique skin type. Skin comes in many different shades, so it’s important that we strike the right balance.

SEV Laser: Safe, Effective Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

When you schedule an appointment with SEV Laser, you know you’ll receive treatment using the industry’s leading machines for a laser hair removal treatment safe for dark skin. Our nurses are qualified to work with these platforms on clients of all skin tones, and they receive continuous training to stay updated on best practices. They will carefully adjust the laser settings to suit your skin type, ensuring your comfort and safety.

We’re honored that so many clients trust us with their skin. We work hard to maintain a welcoming environment where every client feels safe and pampered. Our commitment to making laser hair removal inclusive means that we keep our laser hair removal prices accessible. To book a consultation or begin treatment, get in touch with us at SEV.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Do I Need for Dark Skin?

Most of our clients need a minimum of 8 sessions to see noticeable hair results, but clients with darker skin may need more. Your consultant at SEV will choose treatment settings that are perfectly calibrated to your skin, keeping you safe while ensuring results. The gentler settings needed to treat darker skin tones can also take longer to create results. Other factors, like the area being treated, your genetic makeup, hormones, and hair thickness, also play a part in how many sessions you’ll need.

Can laser hair removal cause hyperpigmentation on dark skin?

Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are both potential side effects of laser hair removal, but the risk is directly correlated with your laser specialist’s experience and the technology they use. Modern Nd:YAG lasers like the ones we use at SEV Laser greatly minimize the risks and ensure safe, effective treatments for clients with deeper skin tones.