Laser Hair Removal: It Shouldn’t Be Hard for People with Skin of Color

Recently Christiana Mbakwe, a researcher for The Daily Show, sought laser hair removal at a med spa in Los Angeles and was told that they couldn’t safely perform the treatment on her darker skin tone.

She shared this unnerving experience on social media, and most commenters couldn’t understand how a practice that offers laser hair removal didn’t have technology to cater to all skin types.

Similarly, many aesthetic experts are perplexed by this situation and firmly believe that dermatologists should be trained to treat patients of every skin tone and ethnicity.

In other words, patients and providers both agree that laser hair removal shouldn’t be hard for people with skin of color.

What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that can result in a 60-90 percent of hair growth in the treated area. It works by focusing light-based energy on the melanin in hair follicles to weaken and destroy them.

In the past, the “ideal” candidate was considered a patient with very fair skin and dark coarse hair.

However, with advancements in technology, education, and training, laser hair removal should be a safe and effective treatment for men and women of all skin tones.

Why Is It Important for Cosmetic Practices to Have Inclusive Devices?

In Christiana’s case, she was told that the laser, which was a diode, was not safe for darker skin tones and that they only had that machine.

This is a problem because practices that specialize in laser treatments should have at least one device that can reliably and effectively treat all skin types and ethnicities.

Or, they should possess several different classes of lasers, including an Nd:YAG, to offer a more customized approach to laser hair removal treatments.

Why Is Experience Treating All Skin Types Essential?

According to aesthetic experts, in addition to a lack of inclusive devices, many dermatologists and providers don’t have adequate experience treating darker skin tones.

That’s why it’s essential that patients with skin of color seek a board-certified dermatologist that has the skill-set and expertise to know how an individual’s skin type and genetic make-up will respond to a particular device or treatment.

This knowledge is invaluable to achieving positive outcomes and avoiding side effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, burns, and scarring.

To learn more about laser hair removal and skin of color, please call our office today.

Dr. Eliot Battle has the expertise and skill-set to provide safe and effective skin care for all cultures.

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.