by Louis Silberman
The ability to gain self-confidence by ridding oneself of hair in embarrassing places and freedom from the monotony of shaving are just some of the benefits individuals seek through laser hair removal.
Unfortunately, Latin, African American, Asian, and other ethnic groups with dark skin tones are often discouraged from choosing laser hair removal because of the procedure’s early reputation for damaging darker skin. Because of poor quality control and lack of trained laser technicians during this period, it is still a common misconception that laser hair removal treatments are not safe for individuals with darker skin. The truth is that advances in laser technology and technique have caused an explosion in the demand for these treatments by consumers with dark skin types, creating a market that is currently outpacing the number of professionals with the training to perform this procedure.
Medical aesthetic professionals face a wide variety of concerns in conjunction with different skin tones and types. The key to overcoming each concern and ensuring a safe and effective treatment for prospective hair removal candidates relies heavily on education. Laser technicians must inform clients on the science behind laser hair removal and the advancement of cosmetic lasers; furthermore, continuing to educate themselves on proper laser hair removal techniques and skin tone concerns in order to better suit the client’s unique skin needs.
In The Beginning:
The U.S. FDA cleared the first laser for hair removal in 1995 with the hope it would penetrate the hair follicle for permanent hair reduction. Results quickly proved otherwise as the treatment was soon diagnosed as ineffective with full re-growth of all hair. In 1998, the U.S. FDA cleared the first cosmetic laser to target melanin in hair follicles. This type of permanent hair reduction was only available to individuals with light skin tones. At the time, only a limited number of laser light wavelengths had been approved, all of which were damaging to darker skin tones because of their inability to safely target only the melanin in hair shafts.
This prevented many darker-skinned individuals from taking advantage of the latest high-tech beauty trend. Since that time, cosmetic lasers have progressed into precision tools with the ability to project light from across the light spectrum in a variety of new ways. The roles of melanin and hair growth are clearly defined throughout laser hair removal, making laser hair removal treatments much safer and more effective for ethnic skin tones.
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Louis Silberman is president and founder of National Laser institute, the largest cosmetic laser and medical aesthetic training center in North America. As an expert in medical aesthetics, a medical spa owner and nationally recognized author, marketing speaker and business consultant, Silberman has been a driving force behind the organization of advanced laser safety and clinical practice courses for professionals who use cosmetic lasers. 800-982-6817, louis@nlionline.com
