For decades, the beauty and aesthetics industry has made enormous strides in innovation, yet some communities have been left behind. One of the clearest examples of this exclusion lies in the world of laser hair removal. While clinics and providers have proudly advertised “permanent hair reduction” for years, these services were often only safe or effective for lighter skin tones. As awareness around inclusion grows and technology finally catches up, we’re entering a new chapter, one where skin tone should never determine access to safe, effective treatment.
Laser hair removal was originally developed using wavelengths that worked best on a sharp contrast between skin and hair pigment — in other words, light skin and dark hair. Early devices like the ruby and alexandrite lasers were poorly suited to darker skin tones because they couldn’t effectively distinguish between melanin in the hair follicle and melanin in the skin itself. Even as advancements emerged, many clinics failed to invest in newer, safer technologies for diverse clientele. The message was clear, some skin types simply weren’t prioritized.
Despite progress, many laser hair removal providers still fail to accommodate darker skin. Some of those reasons being the use of outdated equipment and lack of staff training for treating different skin tones.
The issue in the past has been that in darker skin tones, there’s a higher concentration of melanin the pigment that gives skin its colour not only in the hair follicle but also in the surrounding skin. Traditional lasers can’t always distinguish between the two, and when the laser targets both, the risk of unwanted skin damage increases significantly.
The Risks of Using the Wrong Laser on Darker Skin Tones
When laser hair removal is performed with outdated or inappropriate technology or by an untrained technician on the wrong settings clients with darker skin tones face specific, often serious risks, which include:
Burns and Blisters: Older or unsuitable lasers are more readily absorbed by melanin in the skin, potentially causing surface burns and fluid-filled blisters.
Hyperpigmentation: One of the most common risks is where the skin becomes darker in the treated areas due to inflammation triggering excess melanin production.
Hypopigmentation: Conversely, loss of pigment can occur when the laser damages melanin-producing cells, leaving behind lighter patches that can take months to fade.
Textural Skin Changes and Scarring: Repeated trauma or burns can lead to permanent scarring, changes in skin texture, or keloid formation especially in individuals predisposed to such conditions.
This is exactly why here at The Laser Club at all four of our clinics we exclusively use the Primelase HR system across all locations it’s designed specifically to avoid these complications with its longer wavelength that bypasses the epidermal layer and targets hair follicles directly, avoiding any surface skin damage. It has a custom energy setting that minimize melanin absorption in the skin. It will also give contact skin cooling during treatment to protect and soothe darker skin throughout the session, not only this it has variable pulse durations that allow for slow, controlled energy delivery, rather than an aggressive flash of heat. With these safety features and proper training by our technicians, we ensure that all clients receive effective treatment without compromising their skin’s health and integrity.
Inclusivity isn’t just about the right laser it’s also about creating an environment of trust, representation, and education. At The Laser Club, we ensure all our practitioners are extensively trained in treating diverse skin types. We provide free consultations where safety, outcomes, and individual concerns are discussed openly, we have committed to using only top-tier medical-grade devices across all clinics and always Ensure that before-and-after care is tailored and accessible for all clients.
Laser hair removal shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a narrow demographic. It should be an empowering option for anyone seeking permanent hair removal regardless of the colour of their skin. At The Laser Club, we’re proud to be part of the change the industry needs prioritizing inclusivity, investing in proven technology, and building trust through transparency.
I’m sold – how can I go ahead?
The best way to go ahead with us is to book a free consultation here and come and see us, ask all the questions you wish and if you want to go ahead then we take payment and plan/organise and book your first session in.
We are located in Horsforth Leeds and Trafford Manchester, Just outside of Manchester City Centre, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and now, Dublin
Or, want to chat? Call us on 01613271712
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