Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin

In the past, women and men with skin of color were cautioned against laser hair removal.

This was due to the fact that older technology was not equipped to distinguish between pigment in the skin and pigment in the hair.

But thanks to increased awareness and technological advancements, led in part by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eliot Battle, patients are now able to undergo safe and effective laser hair removal for dark skin.

If you are interested in laser hair removal for dark skin, continue reading to learn how to select the best provider, practice, and laser.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that directs beams of light at unwanted hair. This energy is absorbed by melanin in the follicle and used to irreversibly damage its growth center.

As a result, the follicle can no longer produce hair.

Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin – Why Your Choice of Provider Matters

When it comes to laser hair removal for dark skin, your choice of provider is essential.

That’s why women and men of color should insist on a board-certified dermatologist who has extensive experience with laser technology and melanin-rich skin.

This knowledge enables the provider to understand your skin and successfully predict how it will respond to light-based energy.

Receiving treatment from an inexperienced or unqualified practitioner can put patients with darker skin tones at increased risk for burns, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation.

What Is the Best Laser for Hair Removal on Dark Skin?

Understanding how laser hair removal works and its attraction to melanin is key to choosing the appropriate device.

An Nd:YAG laser is often recommended for laser hair removal on dark skin because it has a longer wavelength than other modalities. This ensures that laser energy bypasses melanin in the skin and only acts on pigment in the follicle.

Accordingly, an Nd:YAG laser is extremely safe for patients of all skin types and tones.

Learn More

If you are looking for a more permanent and effective way to eliminate unwanted hair, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eliot Battle.

Dr. Battle has unparalleled expertise in laser hair removal on dark skin and helped pioneer the new generation of “color blind” cosmetic lasers.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.