Laser Hair Removal: Is It Safe for Dark Skin?

Laser hair removal offers a quick, simple, long-lasting way to achieve smoother skin. It’s ideal if you want to shave time off your grooming routine, and means you’ll finally get to ditch those expensive razors, creams, and waxing strips you’ve relied on for years.

But traditionally, laser hair removal has been problematic for people with darker skin tones. They may have struggled to find a clinic that catered to their skin type, and any that did likely felt unsatisfied with the results.

Fortunately, technological improvements mean the latest generation of laser hair removal treatments are suitable for all skin types. But you’re bound to have questions if you’ve had a negative experience with laser-based solutions in the past or you’re nervous about trying one for the first time.

We’ll answer the biggest, most important questions about laser hair removal for dark skin below. Read on for all the details you need on how this treatment works, what results it can achieve, and how to get started.

What Problems Have People with Dark Skin Experienced with Traditional Laser Hair Removal Procedures?

Older laser hair removal devices failed to remove hair from dark skin effectively because they’re designed to target the melanin (pigment) in hair shafts. The targeted hairs absorb the laser’s energy and convert it into heat. This passes into the follicle at the base of the shafts and disrupts the growth process.

Typically, these lasers needed a clear contrast between the color of the skin and the hair to work effectively. So, while patients with dark hair on white skin could expect good results, those with dark hair on dark skin would likely be disappointed. In some cases, the laser might have even caused complications — such as mild burns or pigmentation issues.

But the most innovative brands specializing in laser hair removal technology spent years working on this problem, including Candela, which created the GentleMax Pro Laser.

What is the GentleMax Pro Laser?

Candela’s GentleMax Pro Laser is a cutting-edge device designed to effectively remove hair and treat various skin conditions (such as spider veins, beard bumps, rosacea, and more). It uses 755 and 1064 nanometer (nm) wavelength lasers to treat different skin types, and penetrates deep into hair roots to damage follicles without harming the surrounding tissue.

The 755 nm laser is optimal for skin types I, II, and III on the Fitzpatrick scale (which measures skin pigment). And the 1064 nm laser is best for types IV, V, and VI. Melanin doesn’t absorb this laser wavelength as easily as it does others, which makes it safer and more effective for people with dark skin. Essentially, the laser will target the hair while the tissue remains unaffected.

How is GentleMax Pro Laser Hair Removal Treatment Performed?

A trained technician will handle the GentleMax Pro Laser throughout your treatment. They will move the high-precision handheld device to carefully guide the laser over the target areas of skin. Melanin in the hairs will absorb the light energy, and follicles will become damaged enough to prevent future hair growth.

The energy emitted from the handheld device penetrates the skin only: it will NEVER reach deep enough to harm crucial tissue or organs.

And the GentleMax Pro Laser offers a more comfortable experience than previous solutions. Your practitioner will apply a cooling spray to skin in the treatment areas milliseconds before they trigger the laser pulse. Just lie back, relax, and look forward to having smoother skin without the usual hassle of shaving or waxing.

Can Laser Hair Removal Safely Treat Ingrown Hairs on Dark Skin?

Yes, the GentleMax Pro Laser can reduce development of ingrown hairs. That should come as a welcome relief if you often struggle with ingrown hairs after shaving or waxing your legs, armpits, or other areas prone to hair growth.

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, people with afro-textured hair are more likely to develop ingrown hairs than people with straighter hair, as tight curls become ingrown more easily. However, switching to laser hair removal with the GentleMax Pro should decrease your risk of developing painful ingrown hairs over time.

If you often suffer from ingrown hairs, tell your practitioner before they begin your treatment. They’ll offer further advice on how to look after affected skin and reduce the likelihood of experiencing them again.

What Do You Need to Know About Preparing for Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

You should take the following steps to prepare for your procedure:

• Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays for at least two weeks prior to your laser hair removal.

• Allow your hair to grow for four to six weeks before and after your treatment. Don’t try to wax or pluck hairs out during this time.

• Clean treatment areas before your procedure.

• Wear loose clothing on the day of treatment to minimize discomfort after your procedure.

We may offer further recommendations on preparing for your laser hair removal when you schedule your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about them, feel free to ask our friendly team. We’ll be happy to help.

What Should You Do After Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure?

Take the following precautions within the first 24 hours of your treatment:

• Stay out of the sunlight, as your skin will be more sensitive and at higher risk of burning.

• Avoid showering or bathing in hot water — use lukewarm water instead.

• Don’t use saunas.

• Avoid applying products containing strong chemicals to treated skin.

Your practitioner will offer further information on how to care for treated areas after your treatment.

How Can You Book a Consultation for Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment?

Astra Medicare’s team offers effective laser hair removal with the innovative GentleMax Pro Laser technology, suitable for all skin types. We also provide various laser facial treatments, including the popular Clear + Brilliant.

If you have dark skin and want to try a more cost-effective, convenient hair-removal method than shaving, plucking, or waxing, book your session at Astra Medicare today!

Here’s How a Laser can Help with Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are a common side effect of shaving and waxing, though they can develop on ungroomed areas of the body too. They form when hair grows back into the skin and appear as itchy red spots.

If you’ve experienced ingrown hairs, you’ll know how uncomfortable they can be. Fortunately, there are various ways to remove them and reduce the risk of further issues, but some are more effective than others.

One of the most powerful ways to deal with ingrown hairs is laser hair removal, but how does this actually work?

Destroying ingrown hairs with laser hair removal

Laser hair removal has become a common alternative to shaving, plucking, and waxing. It’s a faster, more effective, and more convenient way to achieve silky-smooth skin on one or more areas of the body.

During laser hair removal treatments, a technician will use a cutting-edge handheld device to target the laser at specific areas (legs, bikini line, back, etc.). The heat damages the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding skin.

Hairs become thinner during a course of treatments, and can eventually stop growing altogether.

When performed by a trained technician, laser hair removal is incredibly safe and effective. It can be used on any area of the body except the skin around the eyes.

If an ingrown hair becomes infected, seek treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could become inflamed, cause much more pain than it has already, and even lead to abscesses.

How many laser treatments will I need to remove ingrown hairs?

One laser hair removal treatment is unlikely to be enough to destroy your ingrown hair and stop it coming back.

Patients typically undergo up to eight treatments, though this can vary from one case to another.

If you experience regular discomfort from ingrown hairs and want to try a longer-lasting alternative to traditional treatments, laser hair removal could be the solution you’re looking for.

How to prevent ingrown hairs

One of the most effective ways to deal with ingrown hairs? Be proactive and do what you can to prevent them in the first place!

Here are a few pro tips to try:

• Exfoliate areas of hair growth to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layer, which reduces the risk of clogged pores and elevates hairs away from the skin

• Shavehairs in the direction of growth — shaving in the opposite direction cuts hairs at a sharper angle and increases their likelihood of becoming ingrown

• Alwayswet the skin before shaving, and use a quality shaving gel suited to your skin type

• Applya wet, cool cloth to the skin after you finish shaving, to reduce possible irritation

• Experiment with laser hair removal or hair removal cream if you have a history of shaving-related ingrown hairs

So, you can try several techniques to prevent ingrown hairs, but if you’re looking for a long-lasting, cutting-edge solution, laser hair removal is ideal.

Want to try it yourself? Contact Astra Medi Spa’s trained technicians to schedule a consultation today!

Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin: Everything You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is a fantastic way to achieve silky-smooth skin, and it’s become a common alternative to shaving, waxing, or plucking.

Sadly, though, it hasn’t always been effective for everyone.

The nature of laser hair removal technology used to heighten the risk of burning, discoloration, and scarring in people with dark skin. But the cutting-edge devices available to technicians today means laser hair removal is safer for everyone than ever before.

How does it work?

Read on to discover everything you need to know about laser hair removal for dark skin.

Making laser hair removal safe for all skin colors

Traditionally, devices used in laser hair removal treatments were highly sensitive to both melanin and the patient’s skin color. People with pale skin and dark hair saw the best results, as the strong contrast makes it easier for the technology to separate the target hair from the skin surrounding it.

Technicians may have struggled to provide safe, effective laser hair removal for patients with dark skin and hair (as well as for those with pale skin and pale hair). For a long time, this denied people with dark skin the chance to enjoy a faster, longer-lasting hair-removal solution.

But now, patients of all skin colors can take advantage of the latest laser hair removal technologies, thanks to the Nd: YAG laser.

How Candela’s GentleMax Pro laser hair removal treatment works on dark skin

Candela’s GentleMax Pro Laser is designed to be safe for darker skin types, as it provides a selection of wavelengths: 1064 nm and 755 nm.

The 755 nm is best for skin types I - III, and the 1064 nm for skin types IV - IV. 

The 1064 nm wavelength (AKA the Nd:YAG) is not absorbed by melanin as easily as other wavelengths. This means the laser deposits the energy deeper inside the skin and doesn’t depend on melanin.

And the GentleMax Pro Laser offers technicians a variety of pulse durations, which allows for more effective destruction of targeted follicles. It facilitates deeper penetration and powerful DCD cooling, which helps to protect the skin and make the entire process safer.

How to care for your skin after laser hair removal

It’s vital to take care of your skin properly following your laser hair removal, even after you’ve undergone a few sessions. Here are a few pro tips for the best results:

• Avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks before and after your treatment, as the skin will be more sensitive

• Use a cool compress on the skin to reduce the risk of swelling or redness

• Give your skin time to heal by avoiding exercise, pools, or hot environments for at least two days

Book your own laser hair removal treatment for dark skin

Laser hair removal for all skin types is available at Astra Medi Spa right now. Our expert technicians use the latest technology to achieve smooth skin, safely and efficiently.

Sounds good? Contact us to schedule a consultation and arrange your own laser hair removal today!

6 Incredible Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

There is a reason new razor subscription services are popping up across the world. Keeping up with hair removal is both a time consuming and expensive endeavor.

If you are still on the fence about ditching your razor for the laser, keep reading. Check out 6 crazy good benefits of laser hair removal you won't want to miss!

1. Cost Effective

While the hair removal treatment will cost some money up front, you need to frame it in terms of how much money you will save in the long run. By starting to use laser hair removal, you won't need to spend all the dollars on razors.

You also will no longer need to purchase shaving cream or wax.

Beyond money, you will also save time that normally would be spend shaving daily or weekly. Less time shaving means more time belting out your favorite catchy pop tune of the week while showering.

2. Not Time Consuming

If you are unsure about the benefits of laser hair removal, you will be happy to know that the treatments themselves are very quick.

Depending on the area you want to be treated, it may take less than ten minutes! While you may need more than one treatment, often after four or five, your unwanted hair will not come back!

3. Effective and Safe

Do you think laser hair removal sounds scary? It's quite the opposite. The process is very safe, as the technology has been used for years. Be sure to do your research and visit a reputable business for treatments.

Laser hair removal is also incredibly effective. The laser can treat an area with a high degree of precision to ensure only the desired area is treated.

4. Works Even on Shaved Hairs

If you have ever relied on waxing, you know how frustrating it can be to be unable to shave in between appointments.

Lucky for you, with laser treatments, you can shave in between appointments if you have some regrowth you want to remove. This should become less of a necessity over time as you get additional treatments.

5. Limit Your Chances of Ingrown Hairs

When shaving in the traditional manner, there is a high risk of ingrown hairs. But if you switch to laser treatments, you are much more likely to avoid these.

Laser hair removal treatments are actually sometimes used to treat stubborn ingrown hairs that have become painful. Thus, if you typically get razor burn or ingrown hairs, laser treatment may be the thing for you!

6. Precise and Long Lasting

As mentioned, laser treatments for hair removals are very precise. They will remove the unwanted hair without damaging the skin, even in sensitive places like the bikini line.

After a few treatments, you will have permanent results. No more shaving for you!

Reap the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal Yourself

As shown, there are many benefits to laser treatment for hair removal. Remember you won't immediately see changes, but in time, you will be left with smooth skin!

If you are ready to save some money and cut back on the time you spend on hygiene, contact us and we will be happy to help!

5 Things You Need to Know About Laser Hair Removal

Are you tired of shaving your body hair? 

Shaving hair is a time-consuming process. Razors, blades, and shave gel can be quite expensive. And worst of all, a careful shave job never stays smooth for more than a couple days and it often leaves your skin irritated, red and bumpy. 

Luckily, there's a way to have silky smooth skin without dealing with the hassle of shaving every day.

Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular option for those who want to be done with their unwanted hair once and for all. 

The procedure involves targeting a highly-concentrated beam of light into areas of unwanted hair. The laser then destroys the unwanted hair follicles by absorbing their pigment. 

Sounds awesome. Now, where do I sign up?

Even though laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment, it's still a big decision. It's best to know all the details before fully committing. Here are the top 5 things you should know about laser treatment:

It's Permanent...Sort Of

It usually takes at least a few sessions to fully remove the unwanted hair. 

However, you need to understand that even if you quit after the first session, your hair will never be the same again. Once the hair's been removed, it's gone for good. 

Make sure you are 100% committed before you actually go through with it. 

Also be aware that results are not 100% guaranteed. Some follicles are more resistant to treatment and may grow back again. However, they will grow back much finer and lighter. 

Certain People Are Better Candidates

It would be nice if everyone was the ideal candidate for hair removal. But unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. 

Those with lighter skin and darker hair are the best candidates. However, there are specific lasers that can be used on patients with darker skin. 

Unfortunately, those with blonde or white hair do not make good candidates. This is because the laser has trouble deciphering the skin from the actual hair follicles. 

Those with rashes, infections, or open wounds should also avoid getting hair removal. 

Preparation is Key 

6 weeks prior to your treatment you should limit any waxing, plucking or electrolysis.

However, it is okay to continue shaving as normal. This is because the laser targets your hair roots. If you are using another hair removal system, the laser won't be as effective. 

You should also avoid the sun as much as possible 6 weeks prior to your treatment. The sun damage can aggravate side effects (redness, swelling, sensitivity) and can also make the laser less effective. 

Know What Goes On During

The total time of the procedure will depend on the size of the area being treated. 

Typically though, it takes 30 minutes or longer. Your technician will have you lie down and will rub gel on the area to make it easier for the laser to penetrate. 

The technician will also adjust the laser according to your hair color, skin color, hair thickness, and area. The procedure is painless and you should be able to carry on with your day as normal afterward. 

Costs 

Generally speaking, the larger the area you treat, the more expensive it will be. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost per session is $235. However, sessions can range anywhere between $50-$900, depending on the area. Typically, you will need 4-6 sessions spaced 3-6 weeks apart for best results. 

Laser Hair Removal: Wrap Up 

We hope this information helps you feel better about your decision. 

If you think permanent hair removal is right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment.