Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For All Skin Tones?
You would be shocked by just how often we receive this question and by how many clients never thought that Laser Hair Removal was even an option for them. The long and and sometimes complicated answer is yes, it is safe for almost all skin types and tones so long as you are doing your research and making sure you find the right combination of Laser and Provider.
Read on to find out more about our lasers and the providers that allow us to treat such a variety of skin types as well as some questions to ask if you can’t see us here in Chicago!
When it comes to hair removal there are so many different methods available to you. So often women of color think that Laser Hair Removal is simply not an option for them or that the risks of burning, which can be higher for darker skin tones, outweigh the benefits of the kind of smooth skin that only Laser Hair Removal can provide. We are here to dispel the myth that Laser Hair Removal is only for those with light skin and dark hair, that in fact Laser Hair Removal is a great option for women of all skin tones! Here is a guide to asking the right questions to make sure that you find the right fit for your skin type.
What is your skin type?
Many Medspas, Lapiel included, use a handy guide called the Fitzpatrick Scale to set the guidelines for how they treat people of all skin tones. It is important to know where you skin falls on this scale and be able to ask whether or not the provider has successfully treated women with your skin type in the past. It is also important to answer your questionaires as honestly as possible, many women may come in thinking they are are a Skin Type III or IV when in reality they may be closer to a I or II.
We recently read an article on Refinery 29 that further dispels the idea that Laser Hair Removal is not for women of color.
“What’s even more frustrating is that women who have darker complexions, particularly those from African and Caribbean backgrounds, make the best candidates for laser hair removal, for several reasons. Firstly, their hair density is often greater than in other racial groups, and “the larger the hair follicle, the more a receptive target it is for treatment,” adds Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a dermatologist from the Royal Gwent Hospital. Moreover, their skin type doesn’t fare well with other types of hair removal: waxing, epilation and shaving can cause ongoing skin damage in ways that don’t affect lighter skin tones as much.”
What Lasers Can Be Used on Darker Skin Types?
Not all lasers are created equal. It is very important to make sure that you are choosing the right laser for your skin type.The most common laser used to treat darker skin types is the Nd:YAG laser. This particular Laser uses a wavelength that absorbs a very low amount of melanin in the skin, so there is little risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring, which is ideal for people of color.
The GentleMAX by Candela is the Gold Standard for Laser Hair Removal in all Fitzpatrick skin types. Our providers have used this technology to safely and effectively treat our clients for over 14 years.
Who is doing the Laser Hair Removal?
Perhaps the most important part of the entire Hair Removal process is making sure you do your homework when it comes to selecting the right place to be treated. Here at Lapiel our treatments are performed exclusively by trained Nurses to ensure the safest possible outcome. You want to be sure that the person operating the laser has successfully worked with your skin type and knows what the proper settings should be. Don’t be shy, you should feel comfortable enough with your provider to ask any and all questions regarding your treatment.