The Brown Girl’s Guide to Laser Hair Removal

There was a time when laser hair removal, and lasers in general, weren’t recommended for darker skin tones.

However, thanks to technological advancements, education, and provider expertise, laser hair removal can now safely and effectively treat skin of color.

Nevertheless, patients with richly pigmented skin should be sure to seek a board-certified dermatologist that has extensive experience with different ethnicities.

It’s also important to understand how laser hair removal works, its risks, and which laser is right for you.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal uses light beams to destroy and weaken hair follicles in the underarms, bikini line, face, legs, and arms. More specifically, the laser’s energy targets and is absorbed by melanin in the roots of hair.

However, for patients with more naturally occurring melanin, there’s an increased risk of the laser affecting pigment in the skin, and not just the hair.

If this were to happen, the skin may experience burns, blisters, scars, hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), and hypopigmentation (lightening of skin).

Which Devices Are Commonly Used With Laser Hair Removal?

Diode and Nd:YAG lasers are commonly used to permanently reduce and thin unwanted hair growth.

Nd:YAG is considered by many aesthetic experts to be the safest option for darker skin tones because its wavelength penetrates deeper than a diode.

As a result, it bypasses melanin in the skin and focuses all of the energy on pigment in the hair follicle.

That being said, diode lasers have their own advantages and can work well on richly pigmented skin when energy is delivered at a slower rate.

This adjustment prevents overheating and allows skin enough time to cool between each laser pulse.

Diodes also have a cooling mechanism that helps avoid burns and increases patient comfort.

Why Is It Important to Seek a Skilled and Experienced Provider for Laser Hair Removal?

Both Nd:YAG and Diode lasers can be appropriate for skin of color in the hands of a skilled and experienced provider.

For this reason, it’s essential to seek a reputable dermatologist or plastic surgeon that understands how different skin tones and ethnicities respond to laser hair removal.

This knowledge will allow him or her to assess not only the appearance of your skin, but also your background, to determine which laser and settings will provide the best and safest results.

To learn more about laser hair removal for skin of color, please call contact Cultura in Washington DC today to schedule a consultation.

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.