Dark Skin Types Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal for dark skin types is generally more complicated than for lighter skin types, but it is not impossible.
Hair removal by laser works by attacking melanin (pigment) within hair – but high levels of melanin are also contained in dark skin, so there is a risk that the skin may also be affected.
It is therefore essential to obtain expert advice to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for laser hair removal. Skin Medical can assess this and recommend the best course of action for your personal situation.
In all laser hair removal cases, the chances of success are greater when the consultation and procedure are conducted by clinical experts. Skin Medical employs qualified medical professionals, so you can be sure that your treatment will be properly devised to suit you.
This will include assessing your skin and hair; choosing the correct laser and settings for the procedure; how many treatments you need; and any steps you can take before and after treatment which will improve your chances of success.
We will never proceed if we think the treatment will be harmful to you.
To book a free consultation today, or request a quotation by telephone, please visit our Contact page.
The best technology for dark skin types
Skin Medical’s experts use diode lasers for hair removal: the LightSheer ET and the Lumenis One.
Diode lasers are widely believed to be the safest and effective models in existence – and are particularly recommended for use with dark skin types.
This is because the diode laser has a longer wavelength than most other types of laser, which means it penetrates more deeply and is less likely to damage the skin at surface level.
A small percentage of patients with dark skin when using methods such as waxing or plucking.
It is important to note that anyone with a history of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formations is not suitable for laser treatment. However, Skin Medical’s experts may be able to offer alternative advice.
Cool tip technology
Skin Medical’s Lumenis diode lasers have a cool tip, which makes the procedure far more comfortable for patients.
As the laser is applied to the skin, the gentle, cooling contact reduces the sensation caused by the laser light.
For more information about the process, please visit our Technology and treatment page.
Your skin type
Skin types are determined by the Fitzpatrick system, which was created by Thomas B Fitzpatrick (MD, PhD) of Harvard Medical School in 1975, by measuring responses to sun exposure.
It has six categories:
FITZPATRICK SKIN TYPE |
CLASSIFICATION |
SKIN DESCRIPTION |
HAIR COLOUR |
POTENTIAL FOR LASER HAIR REMOVAL? |
NOTES |
VI |
African descent |
Black |
Black/brown |
Poor |
To book a free consultation today, or request a quotation by telephone, please visit our Contact page. The skin in this group absorbs a very large amount of laser radiation, which raises the risk of burns, scars and keloids. |
V |
Middle Eastern |
Brown, moderately pigmented. |
Black/brown |
Difficult |
To book a free consultation today, or request a quotation by telephone, please visit our Contact page. Skin colour in this group varies from dark white to medium brown and absorbs more laser radiation than groups I to IV. |
IV |
Eastern Asian |
White, rarely burns, always tans. |
Black/brown |
Excellent |
This group usually features good candidates because skin pigmentation is minimal and hair is dark. |
III |
Caucasian |
White, sometimes burns, always tans. |
Black/brown |
Excellent |
This group generally features the best candidates. |
II |
White, always burns, sometimes tans. |
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I |
White, always burns, never tans. |
To book a free consultation today, or request a quotation by telephone, please visit our Contact page.
Skin Medical carries out all procedures at its superbly-equipped clinics, based in Manchester, Leeds, and consultations in Liverpool and Sheffield. For more details, please click here.