Unwanted body hair is a permanent problem for many people and that is why individuals are always looking for solutions to get rid of unwanted hair permanently. Diode laser hair removal is an effective solution that helps hair growth reduction and it will stop unwanted hair growth in the long-term. However, this hair removal method may have different results based on the skin type. In this blog article, the effect of diode laser hair removal on different skin types will be explained.
What is diode laser hair removal?
Diode laser hair removal is an effective method of removing unwanted body hair permanently. This method uses the beam of light and sends it to the deeper layers of skin for targeting hair follicles. The laser emits a specific wavelength which can be absorbed by the melanin in the hair. It disables the hair follicles which lead to prevent future unwanted hair growth.
UV light suitability for different skin types
The effectiveness of diode laser hair removal can be different depending on the skin color. To explain more, there is the Fitzpatrick skin type scale which classifies and explains the different responses of 5 skin types to UV light like diode laser hair removal.
Fitzpatrick skin color and UV light response scale:
- Type I: Very light skin, always burns, never tans
- Type II: light skin, burns easily, tans minimally
- Type III: Medium skin, sometimes burns, tans constantly
- Type IV: Olive skin, rarely burns, tans easily
- Type V: Brown skin, very rarely burns, tans very easily
- Type VI: Dark brown or black skin, never burns, deeply pigmented
Effectiveness of diode laser hair removal based on skin type
Based on the Fitzpatrick skin type scale provided above, the effectiveness of the diode laser hair removal based on the skin color tones can be categorized as below:
Light skin tones (Type I to III)
Diode laser hair removal is highly effective for people with light skin (types I to III) because the contrast between skin and hair color is significant and the laser can target the hair follicles more precisely without affecting the surrounding skin area. These skin types always have the best result after finishing the hair laser removal sessions.
Olive skin tone (Type IV)
Individuals with olive skin tones (type IV) can still benefit from the diode laser hair removal, but the procedure needs more accuracy to avoid any possible damage to the surrounding skin area. Advanced diode laser hair removal machines have longer wavelengths with cooling systems which increase the efficiency of this hair removal method for olive skin type.
Darker skin tones (Types V and VI)
Diode laser hair removal for darker skin tones (types V and VI) is more challenging as the pigmentation in hairs and skin are both high and it is difficult for the laser to recognize hairs. However, this treatment is still effective for individuals with darker skin colors if the service provider (laser operator) is experienced enough in treating darker skin tones with less or no skin damage. The laser machine settings must be done in the right way to optimize the result and reduce the risks of hyperpigmentation and skin burns.
Is diode laser hair removal right for your skin tone?
The decision about selecting a diode laser hair removal method not only depends on your skin tone but also on other considerations like budget and medical conditions should be taken. To make the right decision before going for this method, it is highly recommended to book a skin consultation appointment with an experienced dermatologist or laser specialist. They can assess your hair color and medical history to see whether this hair removal treatment is the right choice for you or not.
Besides the impact of hair color and medical history on your treatment, you need to consider that multiple sessions of diode laser hair removal are required to get the best result. So, it is important to be patient and respect the regularity of monthly hair removal sessions.
After assessing your hair color and medical situation, if you are not a suitable candidate for diode laser hair removal treatment, there are other alternatives like Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and electrolysis which may be a better choice for you.
📝 If you are interested in knowing more about diode laser hair removal and traditional hair removal methods along with their advantages and disadvantages, we recommend you to read our article “Diode laser hair removal vs. traditional methods: Which is best?”
Conclusion
Diode laser hair removal is an effective unwanted hair reduction method that helps to get rid of them almost permanently. This hair removal method has the best result on lighter skin tones with a high hair color contrast. However, the significant difference between diode laser machines and other machines is their high effectiveness in individuals with darker skin tones. Therefore, by having a consultation with laser specialists or dermatologists and selecting this method of hair removal, you can be sure that you will get the best result. Purify Skincare Clinic in Melbourne offers you diode laser hair removal. So, simply schedule a free consultation with our experts before starting the treatment.