What does laser hair removal mean in skin of colour?

Laser energy is aimed at pigment in the hair follicle, but surrounding skin pigment can absorb some of that energy too. The aim is to create enough follicle heating while limiting unwanted irritation or pigment change. Recent tanning, inflammation, and the natural tone of the treatment area can alter the safest approach.

A consultation should cover your usual skin tone, recent sun exposure, history of dark marks or light marks after irritation, and the colour and thickness of your hair. A test spot can show how your skin responds before a larger area is treated.

Choose a qualified practitioner who regularly treats a wide range of skin tones. Follow their instructions about shaving, sun avoidance, and skincare products. Do not treat recently sun-exposed, sunburned, or inflamed skin. After treatment, use gentle skincare and protect the area from sunlight while it settles.

Read more about the overall process in [Laser Hair Removal](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-hair-removal/). Ask how the device, cooling method, test spot, and treatment schedule will be adapted for you rather than relying on a generic setting.

Contact the treating clinician if redness becomes more painful, blisters form, swelling worsens, or the treated skin develops marked darkening or lightening. Urgent assessment is needed for eye pain or vision changes after treatment near the face. Do not repeat a session over a reaction until the skin has been reviewed.

Ask which wavelength and cooling approach suit you, whether a test spot is recommended, how recent tanning changes the plan, which products to stop, and what pigment changes should prompt a review.