Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery is one of the country’s top laser hair removal centers and has been performing safe laser hair removal treatments on all skin types, including darker skin, for over 23 years. Cultura’s founder, Dr. Eliot Battle, is considered one of the country’s top laser experts. His research at Harvard helped to pioneer the new generation of Nd:YAG hair removal lasers; the foundation for many of today’s safest and most effective treatments for all skin tones, including the technology Aerolase is based on. Dr. Battle was also involved in research for at-home laser hair removal devices. Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery performs hair removal for women and laser hair removal for men. With parent’s supervision, in appropriate situations, we will also provide laser hair removal for children. With a diverse collection of over 12 advanced hair removal lasers, Cultura tailors each treatment to patient’s specific hair removal needs, based on their unique skin tone, hair texture, and personal goals. Find the best laser hair removal treatment for you at Cultura by scheduling your complimentary consultation today through our online form or call (202) 237-9292.
20+ years
of experience & counting
100,000+
laser hair removal treatments performed
32+
culturally aware doctors
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser Hair Removal is a noninvasive treatment that uses light to destroy hair follicles. Laser light is absorbed by the pigmented hair, and the light is converted to heat, which destroys the unwanted hair itself. To achieve permanent hair reduction, you need a minimum of 8 treatments spaced 3-6 weeks apart. To achieve permanency, most patients also require to be treated with multiple types of lasers because the hair becomes thinner and lighter with each consecutive treatment. You can’t change the parameters of lasers to treat both coarse and fine hair. That requires to be treated by different layers. Cultura’s 12 state-of-the-art lasers provide our expert nurse practitioners, doctors, and Physician Associates the ability to change lasers as the hair characteristics change. This is why Cultura is renowned for its ability to consistently achieve permanent laser hair removal results.
Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery is one of the country’s top laser hair removal centers and has been performing safe laser hair removal treatments for over 23 years, treating over 100,000 patients. Cultura’s founder, Dr. Eliot Battle is considered one of the country’s top laser experts and his research at Harvard helped to pioneer the new generation of hair removal lasers that are safe for all patients, regardless of skin color.
Considering Aerolase for Skin of Color? Here’s What You Should Know
Aerolase, officially known as the 650-microsecond Nd:YAG laser, has become a popular search term among patients seeking laser hair removal for skin of color. Marketed as a safe and versatile option for treating acne, skin rejuvenation, psoriasis and hair removal, Aerolase is often promoted as an all-in-one device that works across all skin tones.
Benefits of Aerolase for Skin of Color
One of the main advantages of Aerolase hair removal is its safety profile for richly pigmented skin. Because it uses short bursts of energy that penetrate the skin quickly, it minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making it a starting point for many providers treating patients with deeper skin tones.
At Cultura, we acknowledge that Aerolase can be a reasonable entry-level option, particularly for clinics that treat a wide variety of skin concerns with a single device and with practitioner with limited expertise in treating patients with darker skin.
Limitations of Aerolase for Long-Term Hair Removal
While Aerolase is safe, our experience shows that it is not as effective as other technologies for long-term laser hair removal, particularly when treating coarser or hormonally driven hair. Many patients come to Cultura after receiving Aerolase treatments elsewhere, disappointed with their results because they find that their results have plateaued or that hair regrowth occurs more quickly than expected.
Additionally, Aerolase’s “one-size-fits-all” positioning can be misleading. At Cultura Dermatology and Plastic surgery, under the guidance of Dr. Battle, customization based on skin, hair texture, and treatment area consistently leads to better and more permanent results.
Why Cultura Prefers Other Laser Hair Removal Technologies
Cultura’s founder and medical director, Dr. Eliot Battle, is a recognized leader in laser dermatology and a pioneer in developing Nd:YAG technology, including the original microsecond YAG laser, the foundation on which Aerolase is built.
With over 23 years of experience and a diverse collection of more than a dozen advanced laser systems, we are able to tailor treatment precisely to your skin and hair type. This allows us to achieve superior, longer-lasting results while maintaining safety, especially for patients with darker skin tones.
While Aerolase hair removal for skin of color may be trending, we encourage patients to look beyond marketing and explore options with proven efficacy and clinical depth.
Explore Your Best Laser Hair Removal Options
If you’ve been researching Aerolase in Washington, DC, or searching for the best YAG laser for darker skin, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Battle. We’re happy to educate you on the pros and cons of each technology and recommend the safest, most effective path to smooth, hair-free skin.
What should I expect during a consultation for laser hair removal?
During the consultation, we will provide you with a thorough understanding of how laser hair removal works, how it feels, and the expectations you should expect. We will discuss the cost of individual laser-assisted hair removal treatments and the discounted prices we offer for packages and multiple treatment areas. Laser hair removal is not painful, but is classified more as irritating, like a multiple prick. Some of our lasers are considered pain-free lasers for hair removal. Hairs usually fall out 2 weeks after treatment and for most patients, they won’t see hair in between treatments. The hair bulb down deep requires a minimum of 8 treatments, but it doesn’t usually have enough energy to keep growing hair during your treatments with us. Post-treatment, there is usually no redness, and most patients can return to work or be seen immediately after treatment. Additionally, the heat from the laser shatters dark spots and makes more collagen, so your complexion and texture will dramatically improve.
Our laser hair removal treatment plans are meticulously customized to meet the distinct needs of each patient, considering various critical factors such as skin color, ethnicity, tan level, skin sensitivity, hair color, and hair diameter.
As Dr. Battle continues to educate physicians both nationally and internationally on the use of lasers for various hair removal methods and epilation, he ensures that the Cultura team remains at the forefront of the latest hair removal tools, techniques, and procedures. As he aptly puts it, “Permanent hair removal results can be achieved with most patients by combining skin expertise with the right laser and the right hair.”
self care is self love!

Our Expertise Makes a Difference.
Cultura has safely performed over 100,000 laser hair removal treatments. At Cultura, our expertise in laser hair removal and 23 years of clinical experience are unmatched. Dr. Eliot Battle, a pioneer in the field of laser energy, and our team of seasoned professionals use their vast knowledge to tailor treatments for patients of all ethnicities and skin types. With over a dozen specialized lasers at our disposal, we ensure effective and safe hair removal to give you the results you desire.
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Why Choose Cultura
Choose Cultura for a world-class laser hair removal experience. Our award-winning clinic, built on the innovations of Dr. Battle and his Harvard-backed research, has conducted hundreds of thousands of hair removal procedures. We provide personalized treatments in a welcoming environment where your comfort and goals are our top priorities. Any patient, regardless of skin color or ethnicity, can be safely treated at Cultura. Cultura has multiple lasers, including lasers that are effective for finer, thinner hair.
Read moreAdvantages Of Laser Hair Removal
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Long-term Results
Say goodbye to the hassle of having to constantly shave and wax. Our laser treatments offer long-lasting hair reduction, keeping your skin smooth for years to come.
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Reduced Ingrown Hairs and Smoother Skin
Thanks to our precise laser technology, our patients can enjoy the dual benefits of fewer ingrown hairs, dramatically decreasing dark spots and creating silky-smooth skin. Both your complexion and your texture, if that's an issue, will improve dramatically.
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Tailored Treatments
Tailored for every skin type and hair color, our advanced lasers target hair at the root, ensuring precision in every session. Again, Cultura has over 12 laser hair removal lasers to pick from. Any area of the body can be treated including laser hair removal for the face, laser hair removal for the underarms, laser hair removal for the bikini area, including Brazilian laser hair removal, laser hair removal for the legs, laser hair removal for the arms, laser hair removal for the back, laser hair removal of the chest and laser hair removal back of the neck and scalp in men.
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Typical Treatment Time
Spend less time in the clinic and more time enjoying the benefits of smooth skin. Our fast and efficient laser treatments are perfect for patients who lack the free time for lengthy procedures. Most treatment areas can be treated under 30 minutes. You can easily fit an entire session into your day and return to your usual activities immediately, with no required downtime.
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Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Save on a lifetime of shaving supplies and waxing appointments by investing in our pioneering laser hair removal treatments today. Laser hair removal is the only treatment that gets rid of not only the hair but also the associated dark spots and texture issues from ingrown hair, shaving, and irritation from waxing and using depilatories.
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Risk
With any medical or aesthetic treatment, there is always a risk of a side effect. That's why you should choose your experts wisely. Cultura has that expertise. Risks or very rare but can include erythema (redness), edema (swelling), blistering, ulcerations, and scarring. If these rare side effects do unfortunately happen, they usually are temporary, and Cultura's expertise will be there to assist in resolving issues. Again, side effects are very rare.
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The Advantages of Choosing Laser Hair Removal at Cultura
Cultura has been at the forefront of laser treatment for hair removal for more than two decades, performing over 100 treatments each week, over 100,000 since they started 23 years ago. Unlike many facilities that employ a “one size fits all” approach to remove hair with a single device, Cultura boasts a diverse range of hair removal systems and has the best laser for hair removal for all skin types, colors and ethnicity, including eight (8) Nd:YAG lasers, two (2) Alexandrite lasers, three (3) Diode lasers, and three (3) IPL based systems. The treatment is not only effective for those with light skin tones and dark hair like other hair removal methods, but can also remove unwanted hair for individuals with dark skin tones.


Treatment Protocol
At Cultura, we strive to make sure our laser hair reduction process is safe, and simple, but powerful. You’ll typically undergo a series of eight treatments, with each session spaced three to eight weeks apart depending on your individual hair growth cycle. The number of treatments you’ll need can vary due to factors such as your hormone levels and hair type. As your hair becomes finer and lighter after each treatment, we use different lasers and make appropriate adjustments to our laser parameters to ensure each treatment is ideal. This precise process allows us to consistently deliver the most effective treatment for your future hair growth, and skin type, aiming for the best possible long-term results
Read moreWhat are the risks of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal, but we are very good at it, and most of our patients achieve it. However, as patients encounter hormonal changes, like pregnancy or menopause, new hair can regrow. Although side effects are very rare, possible laser hair removal side effects include, temporary irritation of the skin, mild swelling and redness of the treated area, which usually resolves in hours. Very rare side effects can result in blistering and crusting which can lead to temporary hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring. One of Cultura’s true expertise is our ability to treat darker skin safely and effectively, regardless of skin color and ethnicity. Angry-tanned skin from intense sun exposure or having received a recent spray tan or recently visited a tanning booth should wait 1-2 weeks before seeking treatments. These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your consultant or provider. People with white hair are not candidates for laser hair removal and should seek out alternatives to laser hair removal like waxing, shaving, electrolysis, or depilatory creams.
Read moreDr. Eliot Battle
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.