Laser hair removal for all skin types, including dark skin
For a long time, laser hair removal was mainly suitable for light skin with dark hair. With the Soprano Titanium we now safely treat all skin types, from very fair to very dark. Here you can read how that works and what we pay extra attention to.
Free trial treatment First experience for yourself how the laser feels, with no obligation. Join the waiting list
- Skin type
- I to VI
- Wavelengths
- 3 in one
- Cooling
- ICE Plus
Which skin type do you have?
To carry out laser hair removal for all skin types safely, we first determine your skin type. For this we use the Fitzpatrick scale: the medical standard based on skin colour and how your skin reacts to the sun.
Very fair skin. Always burns and hardly tans.
Fair skin. Burns easily and tans slowly.
Lightly tinted skin. Sometimes burns and tans gradually.
Olive, Mediterranean skin. Rarely burns and tans well.
Dark skin. Almost never burns and contains a lot of pigment.
Very dark skin. Practically never burns and is rich in pigment.
Why dark skin needs extra attention
Dark skin contains more melanin. That pigment also absorbs laser light, and with older lasers or IPL this more easily caused burns or pigmentation. The Soprano Titanium solves this in three ways.
Nd:YAG wavelength
This wavelength works deeper in the skin and largely spares the pigment in the top layer. So the heat reaches the follicle, not the skin.
Gradual heating
Instead of one powerful pulse, the laser heats the follicle with many short pulses. That is safer and more comfortable.
Continuous cooling
The sapphire tip cools the skin during every pulse. This keeps the epidermis protected.
Which wavelength for which skin type?
The Soprano Titanium combines three wavelengths. Per skin type the emphasis is on a different wavelength, so the treatment works well for every skin colour.
| Skin type | Main wavelength | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I to III | 755 nm (Alexandrite) | Strongly absorbed by the pigment in the hair, ideal for fair skin |
| III to V | 810 nm (Diode) | A good balance between depth and absorption, for most skin types |
| V and VI | 1064 nm (Nd:YAG) | Works the deepest and spares the pigment in the skin |
You can read more about the wavelengths and the cooling on the page how laser hair removal works.
Your hair colour matters too
Laser hair removal for all skin types does not mean it works equally well for every hair colour. The laser reacts to the pigment in the hair.
Dark hair
Gives the best result, with every skin type.
Blonde or red hair
Contains less pigment, so the effect is smaller.
Grey or white hair
Contains practically no pigment, so unfortunately it cannot be treated.
How we make sure the treatment is safe
With every skin, but certainly with dark skin, we take our time. This is how a course at First Wax works.
- Intake and skin typeAleksandra looks at your skin, your hair and any medication, and determines your skin type.
- Test patchWe first test a small patch of skin, so we can see how your skin reacts.
- Tailored settingsWe adjust the wavelength and power to your skin type and the area.
- AftercareAvoid the sun and sunbeds around each session and use factor 50. This prevents pigmentation.
Questions about laser hair removal for all skin types
Is laser hair removal safe for dark skin?
Yes, with the right laser. The Soprano Titanium uses, among others, the Nd:YAG wavelength of 1064 nm, which works deeper and largely spares the pigment in the top layer of the skin. Together with the continuous cooling, this makes the treatment safe for skin types IV to VI.
Which skin type do I have?
We determine this during the intake using the Fitzpatrick scale, based on your skin colour and how your skin reacts to the sun. We then adjust the wavelength and power accordingly.
Does laser work on light hair with light skin?
The laser reacts to the pigment in the hair. With blonde or red hair the effect is therefore smaller, whatever your skin type. Grey or white hair unfortunately cannot be treated. During the trial treatment we look honestly at what is achievable.
What is the difference with IPL for dark skin?
IPL uses a broad spectrum of flash light and is harder to direct. On dark skin this more easily causes burns or pigmentation. A laser with fixed wavelengths is therefore safer.
Do I need to take extra care with dark skin after treatment?
Avoid the sun and sunbeds in the weeks before and after each session, and use factor 50 on treated areas exposed to the sun. This prevents pigmentation.
You can find more answers on the FAQ page.
Not sure whether laser suits your skin? Try it for free first.
During the free trial treatment you experience how the laser feels, and together we check whether laser suits your skin and hair. The studio is temporarily closed, so join the waiting list now. In early November you will be the first to hear when you can book again.
Join the waiting list
Have a question first? Send us a WhatsApp.