Laser hair removal for women and men with black or dark skin

16 Responses to “Hair removal for dark skin”

1. Archana B. says:

   August 21, 2012 at 9:33 am

   Hello,

   I have a question regarding laser hair removal. I am an indian woman who has been treated at Ringpfeil twice.

   I have had 2 laser hair removal treatments at this clinic on my upper lips and chin.

   My aesthetician who conducted treatments , Jennifer, was very nice, friendly and answered all my questions and concerns very patiently. This is no reflection on her.

   However, I am disappointed with the fact that i was not warned/informed of the possibility of more hair growth on adjacent areas. I was recently informed that especially in Indian skin, there is a huge risk of stimulating hair growth or causing fine hair to become mature hair on adjacent areas such as cheeks, etc. I was told this typically happens after the 3rd or 4th treatment.

   I was wondering why this risk was not divulged to me so I could make an informed decision regarding whether i wanted to get laser hair removal.

   Thank you,

   Archana

   Reply
   • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

     August 21, 2012 at 2:10 pm

     Dear Archana,

     I am very well aware of this risk that can occur under certain circumstances. The risk of stimulating hair growth had been analyzed further and is currently believed to be high when laser energy is low. It has been associated with treatments in non-physician supervised settings or when lack of experience dictates very conservative (under)treatments. In fact, this observation led to the development of low energy laser treatments to stimulate hair growth in a number of hair loss conditions. It has not been seen when appropriate treatments are rendered and therefore it is not considered a risk to you in our practice or other practices with experienced physician supervision of all laser operations.
     I sincerely hope that this information puts your concerns into perspective and can reverse the sudden (unjustified) disappointment you felt. I would be very glad to answer any additional questions you have.

     Sincerely, Franziska Ringpfeil

     Reply
     • Archana B. says:

       August 22, 2012 at 8:11 am

       Hello Dr. Ringpfeil,

       Thank you for responding. I appreciate it. And thank you for putting me somewhat at ease. I apologize for my blunt confrontation but I was taken by surprise when I heard about hair growth stimulation from laser hair removal. I was upset i was not informed of it. But your response has helped a lot.

       In your opinion, is it safe for me to carry on with my laser hair removal treatments without having the risk of stimulating hair growth on my cheeks etc.

       I recently moved to Dallas, TX for work or I would have come in person to speak to you or Jennifer regarding this. Thats also the reason I had to cancel my last appointment with jennifer.

       I would really appreciate it if you could refer me to a known dermatologist who does do laser hair removal. treatments in Dallas Area. Also, what settings would you recommend for me? I had scheduled an appointment with a spa to go for my 3rd treatment but after hearing about hair growth stimulation, I was nervous to keep it. And I would rather go to a known, recommended and experineced dermatologist such as yourself.

       So if you could recommend one and also recommend the proper settings to prevent the risk, i would greatly appreciate it.

       Thank you

       Archana

       Reply
       • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

         August 22, 2012 at 4:33 pm

         Dear Archana,

         When hair removal is done properly, it will be safe for you to resume. As I mentioned previously, induction of hair growth is not a side effect when in proper care. Spas are probably fine for everyone who has hardly any pigment in their skin but I strongly recommend that you choose a reputable dermatologist/laser surgeon’s office. I would love to give a specific recommendation but unfortunately I do not know any dermatologist in Dallas or surrounding area.
         Best of luck, Franziska Ringpfeil

         Reply
         • Archana B. says:

           August 24, 2012 at 9:24 am

           Dr. RIngpfeil,

           Thank you for the response. I researched dermatologists who conduct laser hair removal in Dallas area. I wanted to get your opinion before even scheduling a consultation with any of them. Do you think LightSheer DUET laser is suitable for Indian Skin (my skin type)? I thought I could only use NDYAG. They mention on their websites that it is suitable for all skin type. Is that true?

           Thanks for your consultation. I really do appreciate it.

           Archana

         • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

           August 24, 2012 at 7:15 pm

           Dear Archana,

           I have worked with the light sheer laser for 9 years and my experience is first hand. I cannot recommend that you have treatments with the light sheer diode laser. It is an excellent laser for lighter skin types but when more brown pigment is present in the skin, the energy levels must be reduced in order to avoid side effects. This may actually stimulate hair growth. Please stick with the Nd:YAG laser.

         • Archana B. says:

           August 26, 2012 at 10:16 am

           Dr. Ringpfeil,

           I really appreciate you responding. Wish I didn’t have to go through this search again and could have just completed my treatments with you, But I had to move for a job.

           I have a cousin in Dallas who has been going to a spa for some time now and is really absolutely satisfied with the results. She only goes for maintenance now. She has the same skin tone as me and they use NDYAG to treat her. I think I will be making an appointment at the same place since I have not been having any luck finding a dermatologist who uses NDYAG.

           Thanks for your consultation and guidance. I appreciate it.

           Archana

         • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

           August 26, 2012 at 6:38 pm

           Dear Archana,

           I would go with the personal recomendation of your cousin.

           Franziska Ringpfeil, MD.

2. Self says:

   October 28, 2015 at 5:26 pm

   Can laser hair removal be conducted on African American skin (I note the exchange with an Indian woman, but I suspect my skin tone is much darker). If so what is the cost to have hair removed from chin and sideburn area.

   Thanks!

   Reply
   • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

     November 2, 2015 at 11:17 am

     Laser hair removal is safe on very darkly pigmented skin when using an Nd:YAG laser. The target hair must be dark, too. There is no laser that removes white or gray hair. It takes about 6 sessions to remove 90% of the hair, except if hormonal abnormalities (e.g. polycystic ovarian trait, elevated testosterone) have created excess hair. Our current cost is $90 per session for sideburns and $90 per session for chin and upper lip. I encourage to you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our aetheticians so that you can learn about laser hair hair reduction in detail.

     Reply
3. Palmer says:

   April 2, 2016 at 8:58 pm

   Hello,
   I have dark skin and have had laser hair removal on the chin area performed by a center city dermatologist maybe 10 years ago. After about 6 months the hair returned. I received about 5 or 6 sessions. I am ready to try and have the hair removed again. In your office will a dermatologist perform my procedure or a licensed aesthetician? Thank you in advance with any assistance you may provide.

   Reply
   • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

     April 8, 2016 at 11:35 am

     Regrowth of hair within six months of laser hair removal raises the possibility of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Should you have this condition, it is best to start medical treatment at the time of laser hair removal or before. If polycystic ovarian syndrome is medically untreated, you should expect the need for maintenance treatment every 6 months. Please schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists for evaluation of polycystic ovarian trait/syndrome. Depending on symptoms, you may also need to consult with an endocrinologist or your gynecologist. If you have the trait and if you decide to treat it medically, you can set up laser hair removal once you start treatment. In our office, licensed aestheticians are directly supervised by me and perform the laser hair reduction treatments.

     Reply
4. CER says:

   June 19, 2017 at 1:03 pm

   I am a deeply toned, African American looking to have laser hair removal done to my underarms, abdomen and bikini area. Due to sensitivity from years of shaving, the skin in those areas is darker and thicker than elsewhere on my body. I’ve been getting waxed for about a year, which has helped a little with that issue. Is laser still a viable option? How much growth would I need prior to my first session? Thank you in advance for your help.

   Reply
   • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

     July 5, 2017 at 11:57 am

     Laser hair removal is an option for you. It will take about 6 treatments 6 weeks apart to reduce 90% of hair. It will probably take the skin 3-6 months after laser hair removal to feel and look close to normal. The hair needs to be in the follicles for it to be treated by the laser,. This is usually the case 3-4 weeks after waxing.

     Reply
5. Sharon LEE says:

   July 2, 2018 at 1:39 am

   I had an hysterectomy when I was 42 years old, the nurse informed me that I shouldn’t opt for estrogen replacement, because of the risk of cancer? At the time I couldn’t afford the lasers treatment. Now I’m 58 years old, soon to be 59 the 1st of August. Needless to say, I now have grey hair like, everywhere, I can dye my hair, and shave or wax other intimate parts. But my chin is the problem. Surely in the 21st century, there must be someone out there, who can help people like me? I know it would open up a whole new fleid for women like me. I have tried waxing, threading, creams, and shaving, the hair is always back by day one. Please help me. I know it is not life threatening, but I know I’m not the only person who feels this way. Thank you for your support. Sharon Lee

   Reply
   • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

     July 3, 2018 at 9:47 am

     Electrolysis is the only lasting option that is currently available for grey hair on the chin.

     Reply