Understand how your skin tone will work with laser hair removal
Laser hair removal works differently on different skin tones. That’s because the laser treatment targets the pigment found in hair follicles to disable the hair follicle from growing. Pigment found in the skin can interfere with results. When choosing laser hair removal systems, be sure to understand if the intended laser treatment will work with your skin tone.
As technology continues to advance, laser hair removal options for a wide range of skin tones is growing. Read on to see how laser hair removal will work with your skin tone.
Light skin tones
Candidates with light skin will have the best laser hair removal results because there is a lower concentration of pigment in their skin. That means the laser treatment will target the pigment in the hair follicles with a higher concentration. Those with light skin tones can use all laser hair removal products safely, from long to short wavelength lasers.
Medium skin tones
Individuals with medium skin tones will likely be able to use most laser hair removal systems. To be on the safe side, it’s best to consult with a laser hair removal technician before starting treatment. At-home laser hair removal systems may have a built in sensor that can test your skin tone before emitting treatment.
Dark skin tones
How does laser hair removal work on dark skin tones? Unfortunately, many laser hair removal systems will not work with dark skin tones at this time. That’s because the hair pigment in skin, the melanin, will direct the laser treatment away from the hair follicles and into the skin. This can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment, and it can also potentially burn your skin.
If you have a dark skintone, it’s important to discuss your options with a laser hair removal technician. There are lasers that use a shorter wavelength that may be safe for your skin tone.
Laser treatment on all skin tones
Before starting laser hair removal, be sure that you are choosing a laser hair removal system that will work safely and effectively on your skin tone. Besides skin tone, you should also consider the color of the hairs you will be targeting. While lighter skin tones work best for laser hair removal, individuals with darker hair colors will also see better results. Typically, laser hair removal will not work on gray, blond or red hair because there is not enough pigment in the hair follicles.
*Written by: Katie O’Hara
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