Being smooth and hairless is a universal beauty standard that can easily be achieved through laser hair removal. However, Indians and other people of color have a difficult time finding a laser hair removal device that can work safely and effectively for their darker skin tones.
So which laser hair removal option is best suited for Indian skin? The most appropriate laser type Indian patients should use is an Nd:YAG laser. As one of the latest lasers available in the market today, the Nd:YAG can work on a wide range of skin types and remove very thick, unwanted hairs.
In the past, laser hair removal was inaccessible for men and women of color because of how laser removal technology worked. The earliest laser types like ruby and alexandrite lasers were ineffective and harmful when used on patients with darker skin.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair. Melanin is what gives hair its pigment; the darker the hair, the more melanin it contains. When the lasers beam light on the hair follicle, the melanin absorbs the light and transforms it into heat. This heat is responsible for destroying the hair growth center in the follicle.
Older laser models could focus on the “bullseye” and remove unwanted hairs more accurately only when there is a contrast between dark skin and light hair. However, this made laser hair removal dangerous for tanned or darker-skinned patients, as their skin contained a high concentration of melanin as well.
Because outdated laser models could not distinguish between pigment in skin and hair, they presented a risk to dark skinned patients. These risks include hyperpigmentation, burns, blisters, scarring, and spots in the skin around the follicle.
As Indian patients have medium to darker colored skin and dark, thick hair, they would need to find a clinic that has invested in the right type of equipment. The laser their provider uses should be able to differentiate between the hair and skin. As darker skin requires cooling in between beams, the laser should come with a cooling function as well. These factors would make the procedure more comfortable for Indian patients.
Patients with darker skin tones have very sensitive skin. As Indian skin tones range from lighter olive to darker shades, it’s especially crucial to identify the specific laser that can work safely and effectively for each patient. There are two types of laser that work for darker skin and dark hair: diode and Nd:YAG.
The diode laser is good at treating thicker, coarser hair compared to the Nd:YAG. Most diode lasers are less painful because they have an instant cooling function that protects the skin from overheating. However, the Nd:YAG is the safest option for Indian patients because it can bypass the melanin in your skin.
The Nd:YAG works at a higher wavelength than other lasers so it can pass through the epidermis and target the follicle directly. Since it no longer targets the color, the Nd:YAG is great at targeting resistant hairs and treating darker-skinned patients.
Do keep in mind that the Nd:YAG may be more painful than other lasers because it penetrates more deeply. It also hasn’t been around as long as other FDA-approved lasers so you may have trouble finding a provider who uses this type of laser.
There are a lot of at-home devices and laser kits available in the market but they are not recommended for Indian patients. Most of these products are safer for lighter skin types as they have shorter wavelengths. For Indian skin and hair, these short wavelengths are neither safe nor effective.
Many home laser kits also include screening questionnaires to check if the device can be used on particular hair and skin types -- but most Indian patients will not be able to pass this test. For patients who do meet the criteria, they may find that the results are not satisfactory as the power of a home laser won’t be strong enough to remove thicker hairs.
Although laser hair removal can be costly, letting an experienced, certified provider will save you money and time in the long run.
Historically, people with dark hair and fair skin were ideal choices for professional laser hair removal. Advancements in technology have challenged this standard and many people with various skin and hair types can now undergo laser hair removal treatments. Patients who have met the following criteria are most likely suitable candidates for laser hair removal:
After a laser hair removal session, your skin will be sensitive. Aftercare is imperative to prevent any issues and to maximize results. Here are a few tips to follow after getting laser hair removal:
Ethos Spa is the leading laser hair removal center in New Jersey. We offer the latest laser hair removal services bikini lines, underarms, shoulders, legs, upper lip, back, stomach, and other areas.
As every patient has unique needs, we spend a lot of time with them to ensure they have a safe experience and amazing results. Let the experts at Ethos Spa prepare a treatment plan for you. Book a free consultation with us today.
Read more: 4 Reasons Why Laser Hair Removal Costs a Lot