If you have dark or tan skin, then laser hair removal tends to be a little more difficult. As you might know, laser hair removal works best with contrasted fair skin and dark hair. This is mainly due to the science behind the laser. The laser targets the melanin in your hair follicle. The laser identifies the contrast between skin and hair, so the best candidates for this treatment typically have pale skin and darker hair. This doesn’t mean that laser hair removal is impossible for those with darker skin or lighter hair. It just means there needs to be more treatments. Here are some important things to consider before beginning laser hair removal.
Stay away from the sun
If you have tan skin, make sure you stay away from the sun for a couple of weeks before beginning your treatment. This is the best way to make sure you will get the best possible results. It’s also ideal to stay away from the sun a couple of weeks after the treatment. While you’re under this treatment, the less exposure you have to the sun the better and faster your results will.
Get a patch test
Usually when you go to your first laser hair removal session, the technician will give you a test on a patch of your skin. This normally helps you see how the laser feels and the reaction it will have on your skin. If you have darker skin, it is advised to get a patch test on a small area. Have them test the laser at different energy levels in order to decide which is the best level for your skin type.
Go to the consultation
While looking online may help you answer a lot of questions, there is no better person to turn to than the laser technician. Ask them as many questions as possible. Ask the technician what is recommended for someone of your skin and hair type. At the end of the day they are the best and most knowledgeable people to ask for advice.