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Can You Do Laser Hair Removal on Dark Skin or Black Skin?
Yes, you can do laser hair removal on black skin or dark skin. Laser hair removal may have an unwarranted reputation for damaging darker skin, but the truth is that advances in laser technology and techniques have made it possible to treat nearly all skin tones and types of hair with very few adverse side effects. One such laser is the GentleYag (a long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser) which effectively and safely treats black and brown skin tones. If you are looking for laser hair removal for dark skin or black skin near you, we at Minars Dermatology in Hollywood FL can perform laser hair removal on all skin types and colors.
- How is skin of color determined? Which laser is right for me?
- Fitzpatrick classification – Which best describes your skin?
- Experience in Laser Hair Removal for Black and Dark Skin
- The Gold-Standard In Laser Hair Removal on Black and Dark Skin
- What is the Cost of Laser Hair Removal on Dark Skin?
- Interested in Laser Hair Removal for Black Skin or Dark Skin Near You? Book a Consultation To Learn More
How Is Skin of Color Determined? Which Laser Is Right for Me?
You might be asking yourself, do I have dark skin? In dermatology, we classify all patients as having a certain “Fitzpatrick Skin Type (1 thru 6)”. Whether you need laser hair removal for black skin, or whether you need laser hair removal for dark skin, the doctor will choose the best laser for your skin type. When we say “dark skin”, we mean patients with skin types 4, 5, or 6 (see chart below). This includes many patients of Latin, Asian, or African descent.
Fitzpatricks Classification – Which Best Describes Your Skin?
| Type I | (very white or freckled) – Always burn, Never Tan |
| Type II | (very white or freckled) – Always burn, Never Tan |
| Type III | (white to olive) – Sometimes burn, Average Tan |
| Type IV | (brown skin) – Rarely burn, Tan with Ease |
| Type V | (dark brown) – Very rarely burn, Tan Very Easily |
| Type VI | (black skin) – Never burn, Tan Very Easily |
Experience in Laser Hair Removal for Black and Dark Skin
Experience matters. All of our providers have the expertise and extensive experience in treating brown and black skin. Darker skin requires special consideration. For example, African-American women often develop pigmentation on their faces (especially their chin) from plucking and shaving. You may need laser hair removal AND a strong prescription fading cream from a specialty pharmacy to achieve the even tone that you desire.
The Gold-Standard In Laser Hair Removal on Black and Dark Skin
The doctors’ interest and experience in treating dark skin are further exemplified by the fact that they own a laser that is specifically designed to remove hair from dark skin: the GentleYag (a long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser). The key to laser hair removal in brown and black skin is to use a laser that is both SAFE and EFFECTIVE. A long-pulsed Nd:Yag laser is the “gold standard” for safe and effective hair removal in black skin. It is the ONLY laser they would use on type V or VI skin (see above).
