what type of laser would be good for hair removal for dark and course hair

by Keyon Hagenes 10 min read

What laser would you use if I am a lighter skin tone with dark coarse hair? Answer: The Alexandrite laser is by far the best and most efficient laser today for hair removal. The combination of lighter skin types and darker hair than skin make the Cynosure Elite Plus a perfect choice.

Fair skinned people with dark hair can use an IPL device, an alexandrite laser or a diode laser; people with dark skin and dark hair can use a Nd:YAG or diode laser; and people with blond or red hair can use a diode laser. To control the spread of heat and unwanted tissue damage, short laser pulses are used.Jul 4, 2019

Full Answer

Which laser hair removal system is best for darker skin?

This Pongnas diode laser hair removal is multifunction. Select the 755nm wavelength for white skin with fine and light/golden hair removal. Choose the 808nm wavelength for natural skin hair removal. If you have dark or black skin and black hair, choose the 1064nm and remove your hair safely and painlessly.

Which laser is the best for hair removal?

The five distinct types of laser hair removal treatments are listed below. 1. Alexandrite hair removal lasers. Alexandrite laser hair removal is the most widely used technique. Additionally, it is the quickest accessible laser system. For instance, in as little as 30 minutes, the Alexandrite laser may treat a wide treatment areas, like the back.

Can laser hair removal work well for darker skin?

Mar 03, 2022 · As you can imagine, it's easier to decipher dark hair from fair skin than it is dark hair on dark skin. However, thanks to advancements in laser technology, there are now safer and more effective options available for dark skin types. Among them is the GentleMax Pro Laser.

Which is the best laser for dark fine hair?

Nov 26, 2019 · Electrolysis: Another safe and effective method for hair removal of unwanted body hair in dark skin individuals is electrolysis. Electrolysis is a great solution for those who aren’t ready for laser hair removal, especially amongst patients with darker skin who are generally more prone to folliculitis, or excess ingrown hairs. Advantages of electrolysis include permanent …

Does laser hair removal work on dark coarse hair?

People with thick, coarse, and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal. If you have dark hair and have ever been annoyed with how stubborn it can be when it comes to regrowth and removal, rejoice: "The laser is attracted to pigment, or color, in the hair follicle," explains Sharoff.Aug 8, 2018

Which laser is best for dark hair?

The first and most important thing you need to know is how the two types of lasers—Nd:YAG and diode—work for dark skin and dark hair. In recent years the Nd:YAG (or just YAG) has become increasingly popular. “The wavelength of this laser goes deeper into the skin than a diode,” says Gmyrek.Jul 14, 2020

Does laser hair removal work on coarse white hair?

In laser hair reduction the best response is seen with dark hair and light skin. While grey, white, blonde and red hair rarely respond at all. Laser hair removal works best on light-skinned, dark-haired individuals because the light from these lasers is absorbed by the dark pigment in the hair, also known as melanin.Dec 19, 2019

Is coarse hair better for laser hair removal?

Hair and Skin Type – The ideal hair type for laser hair removal is dark and coarse. However, with the changes in technology, laser hair removal can work on some types of lighter hairs. The best candidates for this type of hair removal are those who have pale skin and dark hair.

Is Soprano laser effective?

According to multiple studies, the Soprano ICE Laser system is the safest method of laser hair removal for all skin types, including darker skin tones where melanin is much more sensitive to the heat used by lasers.Nov 13, 2020

Is IPL or diode laser better?

The diode laser was more effective, although more painful than the IPL. No serious, adverse, or permanent effects were observed with both technologies. Conclusion: Both diode laser and the IPL are effective, safe, and able to produce lasting results in axillary hair removal.

Is there a laser that will remove white hair?

Many light- and heat-based therapies have been tried for white hair removal such as use of radiofrequency,[1] laser after colouring[2] or use of melanin-encapsulated liposomes[3] before laser therapy. However, none of them have proven to be an effective therapy with results varying 17%–54%.

Is there a laser that works on white hair?

Laser hair treatment is used on dark hair. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle (root) to stop growth. Unfortunately, white hair does not have pigment and thus laser hair removal is not effective.Jan 24, 2017

Is there a laser for white hair removal?

Laser hair removal is less effective for hair colors that don't absorb light well: gray, red, blond and white. However, laser treatment options for light-colored hair continue to be developed.May 22, 2020

What hair Cannot be lasered?

Because lasers are attracted to pigment, they work best on hair that's brunette or darker. “Laser currently does not work on hair that has no pigment, i.e. light blonde, light red, and white hair,” Christian says. And it's also ideal if your hair is coarse.Aug 10, 2017

Why does laser work better on dark hair?

Laser hair removal is actually most effective on very dark hair as the laser itself is attracted to the pigment in the hair follicle. The more pigment in your hair (and darker hair has more pigment) the more effective laser hair removal can be.Apr 4, 2019

Which type of laser hair removal is best?

What Are the Best Lasers for Hair Removal? Different types of lasers are used to target hair follicles and accommodate different skin tones and body areas. “The most effective is a diode laser as well as an Nd:YAG laser,” explains Dr. Orit Markowitz, an associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in NYC.Mar 2, 2022

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is basically the use of laser heat to destroy hair at the follicle. After several treatments, the hair follicle becomes too damaged and hair no longer grows in that spot. The early laser hair removal technology used IPL – or intense pulsed light – which worked well on light skin with dark hair.

Who is Jasmin from Beauty?

Jasmin is a beauty journalist and blogger with a specific interest in skincare and haircare for women with darker complexions. Her personal beauty concerns are typical to women with Afro hair type and brown skin tones: from hair straightening, body hair removal, and makeup – to creating a more diverse image of beauty overall.

Does laser hair removal cause burns?

But there was a problem: On other complexions, such as fair skin with light hair, or in laser hair removal for brown skin, the laser heated the surrounding skin too much, causing burns. Many other patients experienced permanent changes in skin pigmentation.

What does the G stand for in a laser?

The “G” stands for garnet , and the “Nd” stands for neodymium, which creates ions that react and cause the laser light in the crystal. Nd:YAG lasers can treat cancer and are used in surgery. ELOS lasers combine IPLs with radio frequencies, making for more targeted treatment.

Can laser hair removal be done on black skin?

Double check that your device is approved for dark skin. We’ve rounded up seven devices that are safe for African American laser hair removal at home, but safety is extremely important when administering laser hair removal on black skin.

What to do after laser hair removal?

After you undergo laser hair removal, there are certain things you'll want to do and others that you'll want to avoid to ensure you get the best results possible. "To reduce any redness or swelling after treatment, it is recommended to apply a cool compress, aloe vera, and topical corticosteroids morning and evening for five days post-treatment," says Murphy. Karavolas agrees, suggesting any soothing cream after laser. "This can be aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin K, or hydrocortisone 1 percent over the counter," he explains.

Who is Jodi Shays?

Currently, she serves as Marie Claire's digital beauty editor. Jodi Shays has been a licensed esthetician in California for 20 years. She is the owner of Queen Bee Salon & Spa in Culver City. A few decades ago, receiving a laser hair removal treatment would have been rather risky for a person of color. Lasers weren't made with melanin in mind, and ...

Is laser hair removal safe?

A few decades ago, receiving a laser hair removal treatment would have been rather risky for a person of color. Lasers weren't made with melanin in mind, and therefore, were safest for individuals with fair skin and dark hair follicles. The main disconnect was that the lasers did not properly distinguish hair follicles and skin pigment, ...

Who is Meghan Murphy?

Meghan Murphy, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse at Candela, an American laser company. She has over five years of professional experience working with lasers and energy-based devices. Christian Karavolas is the president of the New York State Association of Laser Hair Removal Specialists. He is also the owner of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal, ...

Is GentleMax safe for dark skin?

Among them is the GentleMax Pro Laser. " [It's] safe for darker skin types because it offers two wavelengths: one being a 755 nm wavelength or a 1064 nm wavelength," says Murphy. "The 1064 nm wavelength, also known as the Nd:YAG wavelength, is not as highly absorbed by melanin as other wavelengths.

Do you need a laser for darker skin?

So if you have darker skin, it's so important that you use the right laser for your skin tone. "If the wrong equipment or wavelength is used, your skin may get temporary burns or discoloration," Karavolas warns. "Lasers for darker skin complexions have been in existence since 2000.

What is the best IPL for dark skin?

Are There IPL Devices That Work on Dark Skin? 1 ELOS Technology: Short for Electro-optical Synergy, ELOS technology combines radio frequency (RF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) to better selectively target hair follicles efficiently and safely. This combination of ELOS makes hair removal quicker, easier, and gentler on black skin tones. 2 Colorblind RF: RF is a colorblind electric technology, making it ineffective when on its own in IPL devices. It may heat up the skin with the pulses of light, but there will be no selective targeting without ELOS. When paired with ELOS technology, it can effectively reduce hair on dark-skinned users.

Why is laser hair removal good?

Why Laser Hair Removal Favored Fair Skin and Dark Hair. When laser hair removal was first developed, doctors and technicians found that results worked best on patients who were light-skinned with dark hair. The reason for this was because of the way the technology worked: as the light goes into the hair follicle due to its attraction to ...

What wavelength is used for hair removal?

The original wavelength for hair removal were ruby and argon wavelengths, measured at 694.3 nanometers (nm) and 488 nm respectively. Since then, the Alexandrite wavelength (755 nm) has become the default wavelength for light skin. The shorter, older wavelengths are now considered dangerous for the skin. The shorter the wavelength, the higher its ...

How does laser hair growth work?

The laser emits from the device, and the light is absorbed by the melanin or the pigment in the targeted hair. This light becomes heat when absorb ed, and the heat travels down the hair follicle to its root. Due to the damage, the root of the hair follicle becomes temporarily or permanently unable to grow hair.

Is an IPL machine the same as a laser?

Many people interchange IPL machines and laser machines, but they are actually two different devices. While laser devices work on a precise wavelength, selectively targeting the skin and light hair styles that they were built to treat, IPL machines use a range of wavelengths during the procedure.

What wavelength laser is best for dark skin?

The longer wavelength lasers are known as the pulsed diode array laser at 810 nm and the Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm, which is the recommended laser for patients with dark and black skin.

How to remove body hair?

Here are other ways you can remove your body hair: Shaving : Shaving is plain and simple, however, it is an easy solution with short-term results. The hair is only gone from your body until it can regrow, and when it grows back it leaves an awkward and uncomfortable stubble that you nor your partner will enjoy feeling.

Answer: LASER hair removal

Light skin and dark hair is often the best combination for laser as it targets the color in the hair (for this reason blonde haired patients are often not good candidates). There is not a single best laser to treat hair. Each laser has its pros and cons.

Answer: Best Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Thank you for your question A wide variety of medical lasers and light systems are used to remove unwanted hair, however most lasers are not effective for all skin types and hair colors.

Answer: Laser for Dark Hair, Light Skin

In my opinion, the long pulsed Alexandrite laser would probably be the ideal laser for you.

Answer: Laser Hair Removal for light skin

There is no one laser that is ideal for all skin colors. You are wise to ask this question. In my practice, we have a laser for light skin and a second laser for dark skin. The alexandrite laser we use has been evaluated as the most effective laser for removing hair. However, this laser is ideal for light skinned individuals.

How does laser hair removal work?

First, it helps to understand how lasers work. All laser hair removal devices seek out melanin (or pigment) within the hair follicles. As the melanin absorbs the laser’s energy, light converts to heat, damaging the follicles and restricting hair growth. Within the family of lasers, different technologies cater to different skin colors.

Is laser hair removal effective?

Laser hair removal has been around since the late 1990s, offering the dream of smooth, stubble-free skin—and a blissfully razor-free future. Does the reality live up to the promise? For the most part, yes—and then some. “It’s a really effective treatment modality for hair reduction,” says Dr. Sandy Tsao, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in Boston.

Is it safe to use a laser for dark skin?

That’s because it uses a wider, less targeted wavelength of light than laser does, which means it’s less precise—and absolutely not safe for people with medium to dark skin. “In general, it’s best reserved for patients with fair skin and dark hair,” Dr. Tsao says. Even so, lasers provide more efficient hair reduction with less discomfort.

Can you laser remove dark hair?

Those with fair skin and dark hair are ideal candidates for laser hair removal. “There is very little competing pigment in the form of epidermal pigmentation,” says Dr. Tsao. “The more pigment that’s present in the hair follicle, the more effective the actual hair removal treatment will be.”.

Can you use alexandrite on brown skin?

Brown skin needs extra attention to ensure efficacy and safety. “With someone who generally tans but is on the fairer side —a Fitzpatrick type III—we could potentially use an alexandrite or diode, but I’d select lower settings and longer pulse durations, to be safer,” explains Dr. Tsao.

Can lasers be used on pigmented skin?

For many years, lasers were unable to safely treat people with deeply pigment ed skin, due to the physics at play: lasers target melanin to destroy hair, and earlier modalities couldn’t discern between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin.

Is Alexandrite laser good for dark skin?

Alexandrite lasers, it’s worth noting, are typically a poor choice for patients with dark skin —with the exception of the Motus AX. “The Moveo technology, unique to the Motus AX, slowly delivers laser heat so that there is no burn related to skin color or hair,” Dr. Frank says.

What does permanent hair removal mean?

Permanent hair removal means none of the hairs in the treated area will regrow after a single course of therapy and no ongoing laser therapy is needed. Whether hair is removed permanently or just reduced in density is influenced by: the competence and training of the person operating the laser.

How to remove unwanted hair?

Options to camouflage or remove unwanted hair include plucking, shaving, bleaching, using creams and epilation ( using a device that pulls out multiple hairs at once). Longer-term options include electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to destroy individual hair follicles, and laser therapy.

Do lasers remove hair?

They work in a similar way to lasers, albeit less effectively and they are much less likely to permanently remove hair. To minimise the risk of damage to melanin producing cells on the skin surface, the choice of laser and how it’s used can be matched to your skin type.

What type of laser is used for hair removal?

Lasers suitable for hair removal include: long-pulse ruby lasers, long-pulse alexandrite lasers, long pulse diode lasers and long-pulse Nd:YAG lasers. Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are not laser devices but flash lamps ...

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