Never having to tweeze, wax, or shave ever again is a very appealing idea for many people. This is one of the reasons why laser hair removal is more popular today across all genders. But it is vital to understand fully how laser hair removal affects your skin tone, to ensure that you get your desired results.
Understanding how laser hair treatment works
A laser hair removal destroys the hair follicles permanently. The laser light targets the melanin in the hair follicles, which converts the light to heat to prevent them from growing hair. Since dark hair has more pigment or melanin, it is easier and faster to see the treatment results.
Effects of laser on darker skin
As mentioned, a laser is drawn to melanin. However, melanin is present in the hair and skin. The earlier versions of laser hair removal machines only work on fair-skinned people with dark hair. Thus, people with darker skin tones can experience some side effects of the hair removal treatment. In addition, if the laser technician uses the wrong wavelength, the patient could have skin lightening.
Classifying skin tones
Dermatologists classify skin according to its reaction when exposed to the sun. They came up with six types, with Type 1 classified as very fair skin. Laser hair removal specialists could also use this skin classification to predict how their patient’s skin color will react to the treatment.
The best candidates for laser hair removal are typically those whose skin color is lighter, under Types 1 to 3. This condition is due to the calibration of most lasers, set for people whose skin tones are lighter but with hair that is darker. But due to the initial calibration of the devices before, laser hair removal for people with darker skin did not work.
Technological advances
Laser hair removal for dark skin is now possible due to technological advances. In the past, laser hair removal was suitable for people with fair skin and dark hair because it minimizes the laser’s effect on surrounding skin (fairer skin has less melanin). With innovations, all skin tones can have laser treatments. However, the technician should be trained to use the correct setting for the laser hair removal device. Experts recommend using a device with a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), diode, or alexandrite. These machines are suitable for removing hair from people whose skin tones are in the medium to darker range or skin type four to six on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Different wavelengths
According to experts, people with lighter skin can hold more heat; thus, the laser technician uses a particular laser suitable for this skin type. The most suitable are lasers with shorter wavelengths.
The technician should use lasers with longer wavelengths for people with medium to darker skin tones. This type of laser can penetrate the hair follicles deeper. With this process, the laser beam will avoid the melanin in the skin, preventing the laser from targeting them, which can cause the skin to lighten.
Remember that for medium to darker skin tones, the clinic should use a different laser machine. Before committing to the procedure, ensure that the clinic has the correct type of laser hair removal machine to fit your skin tone.