Laser hair removal for black skin was deemed impossible for a long time. Men and women with darker skin tones seemed condemned to a lifetime of waxing and shaving. Luckily, that is no longer the case!
New technologies have finally made laser hair removal for dark skin possible and safe. However, this is a brand new option for many people who for years believed that laser would be ineffective and harmful to their skin.
Understandably, many questions emerge about this new “laser for black skin.” Questions like: How it works? Are there any risks? Does it cost too much?
Well, we are here to answer all those questions and concerns.
How laser hair removal for black skin works?
Firstly, let us explain how laser hair removal works. Laser hair removal machines emit a concentrated beam of light that gets absorbed by the pigment in the hair and travels deep beneath the skin to damage the hair follicle. Since lasers target pigment, it is the contrast between hair colour and skin tone that helps the laser beam concentrate on its target. Therefore, the process works best on people with dark hair and fair skin.
Until recently, laser hair removal was a no-go for people with dark skin. In simple words, older lasers could not differentiate between the pigment in dark or black skin and pigment in dark hair which could result in skin damage.
So, if you had dark skin and you were looking to avoid problems such as:
- Burns
- Blisters
- Discoloration
- Scars
You would stay away from laser hair removal.
Modern laser hair removal for black skin works differently.
Professional hair removal usually relies on one of the two most popular and effective laser technologies.
These are the Nd: YAG and diode lasers.
Nd: YAG laser is the safest and fastest professional laser hair removal method for medium to dark skin. This laser has a longer wavelength which allows it to completely bypass the melanin in the skin surface and deposits its heat energy in the deeper layers of the skin and thus destroy the hair follicles.
Diode laser hair removal for dark skin patients causes less discomfort but makes for longer sessions. With the darker skin tones comes the necessity to deliver the laser energy in a slower manner thus allowing more time for the skin to cool. Also, they are a better option for tanned rather than very dark skin.
Thanks to a combination of light energy and radiofrequency, laser hair removal for dark skin at home is also a reality.
At home IPL hair removal devices can now reach deeper layers of the skin regardless of the amount of pigment. In this way, the laser can get to the hair follicles with little resistance and destroy it without damaging the skin.
What are the risks of laser hair removal for black skin?
Serious side effects, previously associated with laser hair removal for african american skin, are now rare.
New lasers are safe and authorized by the regulatory bodies. That is why professional hair removal providers and IPL device manufacturers can advertise their services and products as “FDA approved laser hair removal for dark skin”.
However, some risks always exist. Dark skin is prone to hyperpigmentation (darker patches) and hypopigmentation (discolouration). The reason is the high amount of melanin.
These changes do not affect the skin’s health. But, they don’t look good, and they are hard to treat.
The best way to avoid any complications is to do a test patch. Try the laser on a less visible part of your skin and wait for a day or two to see if any changes appear. Better safe than sorry!
Is Laser Hair Removal for Black Skin Expensive?
Laser hair removal for dark skin is not cheap. Furthermore, professional laser hair removal has a high cost for any skin type since providers usually charge per session.
However, darker skin and thicker hair usually require more sessions. Also, the size of the treated area dictates the price. The larger it is, the bigger the cost will be.
But, what if we tell you that there is a way to lower the cost of laser hair removal and increase your comfort? That, nowadays, you can have your laser for black skin?
Your personal IPL device will allow you to enjoy the best at home laser hair removal for dark skin at just a fraction of the professional treatment price.
Modern technology has made laser hair removal for dark skin at home more effective and safer than ever. So, if you prefer the comfort and privacy of your home and you are looking to save money, these at-home devices might be a good option, learn more.
The Bottom Line
Laser hair removal for black skin is a reality. It’s a perfect example of technology working for inclusivity. Laser treatments are no longer reserved only for people with light skin and dark hair. So finally, everyone can enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal.