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Are you a candidate?

With the advent of new technology, those who were once considered poor candidates for laser hair removal (African American skin tones or darker skin, or people with blonde, red, or gray hair) can now receive laser hair removal treatment and achieve outstanding results. In fact, treatments have become so successful, we've had to update our candidacy chart to include virturally everyone.

This being said, if you've been considered a poor or "iffy" candidate for laser hair removal in the past, your success with treatments today depends on the laser hair removal technology utilized by your aesthetic professional. While we classify these special cases as "Neutral," you'll want to attend a consultation with 2-3 different providers to determine what laser system will give you the best possible results.

Skin Type Description Hair Color Candidacy

I

White, always burns never tans

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Excellent

Excellent

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

II

White always burns, sometimes tans.

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Excellent

Excellent

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

III

White sometimes burns, always tans

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Excellent

Excellent

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

IV

White rarely burns, always tans

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Excellent

Excellent

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

V

Brown, moderately pigmented

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

VI

Black Skin

Black
Brown
Red
Blonde
Grey

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

Neutral

Remember, certain lasers have been developed to work with your skin and hair combination. However, some laser clinics do not employ this technology. Once you find the right laser hair removal provider, your results will be determined by:

  • Your unique characteristics (hair type and skin type)
  • Your willingness to be accepting of a probable outcome (you may only achieve a 40% reduction in hair)
  • Your willingness to work with a practice that prescribes a treatment plan that is designed with you in mind (common practice is 3-4 sessions, but you may need 5 or more with darker skin tones or light hair).
  • The practice’s investments in technology and new lasers.
  • The practice’s skill in working with new laser technology.
  • The practice’s investment in research and medical trials with dark skin tones and light hair.

In unique circumstances where laser hair removal is not recommended (normally due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes or lupus), understand that a referral to an electrolysis practice may be given, and there are plenty of effective (if not permanent) at-home hair removal treatments.

The chart above describes common thinking about candidates for laser hair removal. It is a guide to decision making, and nothing more.

Find a laser hair removal specialist here >>

For more about hair growth cycle, read this information >>

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