Dark skin has much more melanin than fair skin, which can make laser hair removal a challenge. The contrast between the color of the skin and the color of the pigment in the hair follicle is what allows the laser to easily select what to target. As a result, it's easier to decipher light-skinned dark hair than dark-skinned dark hair. Although both the GentleYAG laser and the intense pulsed light therapy are capable of effectively removing any unwanted hair from the treatment area, there are some key differences between the two technologies that can influence the optimal treatment to produce the desired results.
Not only does laser hair removal reduce unwanted hair on the body, but as a result, it can also be used to treat common skin problems, such as bumps caused by razors, hyperpigmentation (dark areas of the skin), and hypopigmentation. Before the development of the GentleYAG laser, there was a great risk associated with laser hair removal in patients with darker skin tones. Olive skin and dark hair or combinations of fair skin and dark hair are the most effective when it comes to laser hair removal. The main disadvantage was that the lasers did not correctly distinguish hair follicles and skin pigment, so people with dark skin could risk serious burns, scarring, discoloration, and more. As an expert in medical aesthetics, owner of a medical spa, and nationally recognized author, marketing speaker, and business consultant, Silberman has promoted the organization of advanced courses on laser safety and clinical practice for professionals who use cosmetic lasers.
Laser skin tightening procedures are completely safe when the treatment is performed in the office of a board-certified dermatologist or other similar medical professional. A few decades ago, receiving laser hair removal treatment would have been quite risky for a person of color. To understand how to safely perform laser hair removal on dark skin tones and coarse, dark hairs, it's important to understand how lasers work. Laser technology works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle. The laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by melanin in the follicle.
This energy is then converted into heat which destroys the follicle and prevents future growth. The intensity of the laser beam can be adjusted depending on the type of skin being treated. Removing leg hair is probably more expensive than removing it from the upper lip area, for example. However, there are techniques available that will allow even people with fine, light-colored hair to enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal. The ability to gain self-confidence by removing hair in embarrassing places and freeing yourself from the monotony of shaving are just a few of the benefits people seek with laser hair removal.
People with these conditions often benefit from procedures that permanently remove unwanted hair from the body.