Laser Hair Removal For Dark Skin
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle with laser light, this energy damages and goes on to destroy the hair follicle, thus stopping the follicle from producing further hairs. The newest lasers on the market now have the ability to target the melanin in the root of the hair without dispersing into the surrounding dark skin with its high melanin content allowing laser hair removal to work effectively on dark skin.
Dark skin and hair need to be treated slightly differently from Caucasian skin due to the high melanin content found in the skin. Unfortunately, because of this, it lagged behind in its ability to have lasers used on it, because lasers of the past picked up on the melanin in the skin and did not only hit the hair follicle.
This had unpleasant side effects and wasn’t workable. Luckily with advances in the laser industry, there are now lasers out there that can effectively and safely target only the hair follicle leaving your skin safe and sound.
There are a few different lasers available for darker skin but the one we use, and most recommend is the Soprano Titanium which has the Nd:Yag laser built in. This laser penetrates deeper into the skin picking up only on the hair and not the pigment in the skin, this is vital for darker skin as it allows you to miss the melanin and only hit the hair follicle.
Without this, you would see lighter patches where the melanin has been destroyed in the skin, definitely not what you want. With this advanced technology, you can safely receive laser hair removal with no risk to your skin.
At Dermaesthetics Clinic, we have been treating darker skin since these safe lasers came out on the market. We are very experienced and do understand any concerns you may have.
Come in for your free consultation and we can answer any questions you have. Meaning that you can get your treatments happy with the knowledge that you are in safe hands.
Laser hair removal works effectively for fine, thick or facial hair.Â
The Soprano Titanium Laser hair removal method is unlike any other laser hair removal treatment. Featuring its exclusive 3D technology, Soprano Titanium combines the three most effective laser wavelengths into a single applicator, simultaneously targeting different tissue depths and anatomical structures within the hair follicle.
By combining the absorption and penetration levels of different wavelengths, along with extended treatment coverage, increased comfort and low maintenance requirements, Soprano Titanium is the safest and most efficient hair removal treatment available today.
A consultation is important to primarily discuss your needs and expectations. Our aesthetic practitioner will assess your medical history and suitability for the treatment and ask you to give informed consent for the treatment course.
A patch test is required at least 24 hours before commencing your first treatment. This is to assess the amount of melanin (colour) in the hair and determine the correct settings to use for an effective, virtually pain-free treatment. You will be asked to shave the area on the morning of your first treatment to achieve the best results.
During the treatment, the laser is passed over the skin in a slow, fluid motion. This movement gradually heats the hair follicles in the sub dermal (lower) layer of the skin using pulses of energy that are absorbed into the melanin (brown colour) in the hair. This stops the blood supply to the hair, so it can no longer be produced. All you will feel is a warm, comfortable sensation whilst this magic is happening!
After your treatment, your hair will start to grow as though it’s been shaved. The hairs can remain in the skin and often become attached to the epidermis (upper layers of skin). They will fall out within 19 to 30 days after the treatment as the skin naturally renews itself. As the blood supply to the hair has been stopped, the follicle starts to miniaturises, resulting in the hair being eradicated or depigmented and fined to vellus hair. Treatment intervals vary from 4-8 weeks apart depending on the treatment area.