Laser hair removal for darker skin?

[Anonymous]

I am interested in getting some laser hair removal done, but I have heard that it's sometimes not as great for those with darker skin. I am really tired of the whole wax/shave/epilady routine, but I don't want to look funny either. Does anyone have any recommendations, preferably in Fairfax/Arlington? TIA!

[Anonymous]

it doesn't work.

the laser "attacks" the dark pigmentation of the hair that's why it won't work in light colored hair and dark skin.

sorry

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP. Laser hair removal works best for someone with pale skin and dark hair. Until the technology improves maybe try electrolysis. Electrolysis is tedious and painful but more permanent than laser. GL!

[Anonymous]

electrolysis can scar, be aware of this!

[Anonymous]

Yikes - OP here, I thought I had heard about some places that specialize in working with darker skin - are even those places bogus? Does that mean I have no options to permanently get rid of hair? Man, that would be disappointing!!

[Anonymous]

OP again - do you think it would be too risky to even try someplace like underarms, where it wouldn't be a huge deal if there's a little scarring?

[Anonymous]

OP, have you done your research? there's no real permanent hair removal. Some people are a better fit for the treatment than others but even the best candidates have to go back every year or so for a few more sessions.

[Anonymous]

So true, OP...I'm the "perfect" candidate for LHR--dark hair and light skin. I have had 5 bikini treatments last summer, and while they lasted for about 4 months (woohoo!), I now have lots of wispy ones back again (boo!). True, they aren't as coarse and gorrila-like as they were before but it's definitely not permanent. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

There are newer lasers out there that do work better on the dark skin/dark hair combo; it's worth a consult. While the treatment does not permanently remove all the hair, it reduced mine by over 80% and what does grow back is much more manageable than what I had.

[Anonymous]

14:04 - do you mind sharing where you went? I know it's not completely permanent, but I have read that it reduces the hair greatly.