Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin
HAIR REMOVAL LASER FOR DARK SKIN
A few decades ago, receiving a hair removal laser treatment would’ve been somewhat risky for a woman of colour. Lasers weren’t made with melanin and, therefore, were safest for individuals with fair skin and dark hair follicles. The main disconnect was that the lasers did not correctly distinguish hair follicles and skin pigment, so those with dark skin could risk severe burns, scarring, discoloration, and more. Thankfully, in recent years, we’ve seen an advancement in inclusive technology, especially for dark skin tones.
Cynosure Elite IQ™ Laser is designed to be safe for darker skin types, providing a selection of wavelengths: 1064 nm and 755 nm.
The 755 nm is best for skin types I – III and the 1064 nm for skin types IV-IV.
The 1064 nm wavelength (AKA the Nd: YAG) is not absorbed by melanin as quickly as other wavelengths. This means the laser deposits the energy deeper inside the skin and doesn’t depend on melanin.
As a rule, ND: YAG lasers are the best for hair removal treatment in darker skin. This is because they have a longer wavelength than some other types of laser, so they can be adjusted to accommodate different skin tones – and were developed specifically for this purpose.
And the Elite IQ™ hair removal laser offers technicians a variety of pulse durations, which allows for more effective destruction of targeted follicles.
Precautions for Dark Skin Hair Removal Laser
Your safety is our top priority at Laser Skin Clinic. So following pre- and post-procedure guidelines are a must. That includes reviewing any medications and skin care products you use with your doctor. Those with ingredients that create photosensitivity (think: AHAs/BHAs, retinol/retinoids, salicylic acid, etc.) should be avoided for at least one week before your treatment. If you’re using Accutane, it’s recommended that you do not undergo any laser treatment for at least six months after stopping the medication from avoiding the risk of scarring.
A patch test is recommended as well. We can book you for a patch test in an inconspicuous area and wait for approximately 48 hours post-treatment. If the reaction is good, we will proceed with the entire treatment.
To figure out what laser works best on dark skin, it’s worth understanding how hair removal lasers work. The contrast between the skin’s colour and the pigment in the hair follicle allows the laser to quickly pick out what to target. It is easier to decipher dark hair from fair skin than dark hair on dark skin. However, thanks to advancements in laser technology, safer and more effective options are now available for dark skin types.
The Elite IQ™ hair removal laser is safe for darker skin types because it offers two wavelengths: a 755 nm wavelength or a 1064 nm wavelength. The 1064 nm wavelength, better known as the Nd: YAG wavelength, is selectively absorbed by the deeper levels of the dermis—bypassing the skin’s surface and only targeting deeper melanin at the hair follicle level. And since Nd: YAG essentially bypasses the epidermis, this wavelength is a safe option for dark skin.
Darker skin types are more prone to side effects than lighter skin types. So if you have darker skin, it’s crucial to use a suitable laser for your skin tone. By using the wrong laser and the wrong wavelength, your skin may get temporary burns or discoloration.
Treatable Body Areas
Apart from the eyelids, Laser hair removal can be used to treat any body part.
The most popular laser hair removal areas for women are:
- Legs
- Bikini Line
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Stomach
- Underarms
- Anal
But, you can also get the treatment on other areas even thoughabove mentioned areas are the most popular places for laser hair removal. Some if these other areas may be your:
- Ears
- Scalp
- Nose
- Eyebrows
- Forehead
- And Other Areas
What Should You Do Before Your Hair Removal Laser Treatment?
You should consult a licensed and certified professional if you’re ready to get hair removal laser treatment.
Your laser technician will explain the procedures during your initial consultation. After that, they will conduct an examination of the target area and an estimation of the number of sessions.
Removing facial hair is way less time-consuming than back hair due to the sheer size of the area. So, the number of treatment sessions needed will depend on the patient’s skin type and area size.
Ask as many questions as you can during your consultation. So that you know doing that will help you understand what to expect from your sessions. Patients often ask a common question: “Does it hurt?”
Well, the good news is that hair removal laser treatments have minimal pain. Most patients feel like having a rubber band snapping against their skin.
What Can You Expect After Your Treatment?
It’s pretty standard for a patient to feel slight discomfort after their treatment sessions. A patient might observe some swelling and redness in the area within the first few hours of the treatment session.
But what you do to prepare is as important as what you do after your treatment sessions.
Staying out of the sun is the optimal best for guaranteeing the most effective treatment results. To ensure you don’t sweat in the area treated for hair removal, wearing loose clothing and avoiding the gym routine is recommended. Avoiding working out altogether for the first 48 hours after the treatment session will be a wise precaution.
Are Hair Removal Laser Results Permanent?
Laser treatments affect everyone’s body differently. Some will only see temporary hair reduction, while others may see permanent results.
People with dark hair and light skin find the treatment bearing the most effective results. It’s more challenging to eliminate hair growth for people with dark hair and dark skin tone, as well as those with light hair and fair skin.
Some people will see start witnessing permanent hair loss once their treatment sessions are completed, while for others returning for a touch-up treatment in a year or two will be required. The procedure’s success depends on the number of needed treatments and individuals.
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Advantages of Hair Removal Laser Treatment
The most obvious benefit is saving money, time, and embarrassment because, with laser hair removal, you will never have to wax or shave again.
Not having to deal with ingrown hairs is another benefit. Many women see ingrown hairs on their legs and armpits after shaving. Hair removal laser treatments help avoid painful bumps in these areas.
Less hair means less sweat leading to a better scent. Hence, laser hair removal will make you smell better to your significant other and peers.
But is it worth doing if there’s no guarantee of a 100% effective hair removal laser?
Well, the answer is yes for most people.
For those who must deal with razor burn or ingrown hairs after shaving. Also, most people see significant or complete hair loss, which means you will need less maintenance even if you have a few inches remaining.
Maybe you’re bothered by those red bumps after shaving on your neck. Perhaps you’re tired of those ugly-looking hairs between your eyebrows, or you’re just ready to have super smooth legs in your shorts or dress.
Hair removal laser treatment is an effective and safe procedure, whatever the reason might be or no matter what the area is. Now more than ever, women are opting for laser hair removal. With some primary follow-up care and just a few treatments, you too can show off the hair-free sexy body you have always wanted for a long time.
Cynosure Elite IQ™ Hair Removal Laser
INTRODUCING THE CYNOSURE ELITE IQ HAIR REMOVAL LASER TORONTO
The Gold Standard in Laser Hair Removal
The Cynosure Elite IQ laser is the latest addition to the Elite family, the world’s first Alexandrite and Nd: YAG system. The latest Elite IQ delivers increased power and dual-wavelength versatility for fast, highly customizable laser treatments.
Elite IQ laser targets the hair follicle with intense laser light energy for thermal destruction to provide permanent hair reduction throughout a few treatments, with fast treatment times.
Its patented SkinTel technology truly separates the Elite IQ from all other laser hair removal devices. The SkinTel is the only FDA-cleared melanin reader of its kind. It can adjust to your skin type, targeting the perfect setting for every skin tone, from fair to dark, to tanned skin, and every hair texture, from very fine to very coarse.
What does this mean to our patients? Suppose you have different colours in your armpit pits because it doesn’t get as much sun, for example. In that case, you can take additional readings with SkinTel to modify the treatment parameters on the fly for a better treatment outcome.
During this unique laser treatment, two highly effective and proven wavelengths work together to eradicate unwanted hair. The laser beam may penetrate the pigment of the targeted hair follicles and disintegrate the hair shaft without harming the surrounding healthy skin tissue, regardless of the patient’s skin colour, whether lighter or darker.
- Permanent results
- Pain-free
- Safe to treat all skin types
- No downtime
- Quick treatment
The Elite IQ is a dual-platform laser made by one of the industry’s leaders, Cynosure. The Elite IQ™ is a dual-platform laser using a 755nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064nm Nd: YAG laser, allowing a wide range of treatment options.
The Elite IQ™ platform is the newest advancement in the number one dermatologist-recommended laser hair removal brand. 1 It is meant to exceed patients’ expectations and other needs, as it is built on a foundation of over 20 years of clinically Proven effectiveness across all skin types.
Increased power, speed, larger spot sizes, and short pulse durations allow for a better laser hair removal experience.
