How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I Need for Dark Skin?

You can use laser hair removal treatment to get rid of unwanted body hair, wherever it bothers you! Facial hair, leg hair, underarm hair, and more can be effectively addressed with this type of treatment. You can even treat your bikini area.

And, today’s laser hair removal treatment is also effective for people with all skin shades and types. In the past, darker skin posed more of a challenge for laser hair removal treatment. That’s no longer the case.

At Apex Dermatology, our talented providers provide laser hair removal treatment to patients with all skin colors, including dark skin. 

If you need laser hair removal and have darker skin, here’s what you can expect from the treatment process at our Westlake Village, California, dermatology center, and when you should see your full results.

Laser hair removal with dark skin

Many people with darker skin shades would like to get rid of areas of unwanted body hair. And, with laser hair removal treatment, you can!

Your provider at Apex Dermatology uses top-of-the-line equipment for your treatment, giving you the best possible results in the shortest possible amount of time, all the while minimizing side effects. The Vectus® Laser system by CynoSure® is the apex of cosmetic laser technology, which we prioritize at Apex Dermatology.

This laser system can address a larger treatment area in a shorter amount of time. And, it’s also highly effective on darker skin shades.

How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal uses laser energy to lastingly stun the follicles that your hairs grow out of. After a follicle is targeted, it’s likely to stop producing hair, giving you lasting results.

The laser reacts with the pigment in dark body hairs, causing them to absorb thermal energy that stuns the follicle under the surface layers of your skin. That’s why it’s important that you don’t shave, wax, or pluck your desired treatment area before laser hair removal procedures.

Your provider at Apex Dermatology may need to calibrate your treatment for your skin shade, in order to keep the hair removal effective while protecting your skin. We advise that you not tan before your treatment in order to give you the best results.

The time it takes for lasting hair removal results

Because your body hair grows over a multi-week period, just one treatment session won’t effectively target and deactivate all the hair follicles in a treatment area. Most patients need between 3-6 treatment sessions, spaced apart to give your skin time to recover, in order to complete hair removal results.

How much time will you need to completely get rid of unwanted body hair in your targeted treatment area? Talk to your Apex Dermatology provider about what you can expect in terms of the number of treatment sessions. We make sure you understand the procedure and treatment process, that your expectations are realistic, and that you’ll be satisfied with your results.

To learn more about how laser hair removal could benefit you, no matter your skin shade, contact Dr. Harp and the Apex Dermatology team today. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone now.