Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin Tones
Older lasers struggled on darker skin because they could not tell hair pigment from skin pigment. The Candela GentleMax Pro solves this with two wavelengths — a 755 nm Alexandrite for lighter skin and a 1064 nm Nd:YAG that penetrates past surface melanin — making safe, effective treatment possible for Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types.
Why the Nd:YAG matters
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG bypasses surface melanin to reach the follicle, which lowers the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation on richly pigmented skin.
A dynamic cooling burst before each pulse protects the skin surface and improves comfort.
What to expect
Settings are matched to your Fitzpatrick type at consultation, and a test spot confirms tolerance before a full session. Published Nd:YAG studies report substantial hair-density reduction in Fitzpatrick IV–VI with minimal side effects.
Frequently asked questions
- Is laser hair removal safe for dark skin?
- Yes, with the right device. The Candela GentleMax Pro’s 1064 nm Nd:YAG is designed for Fitzpatrick IV–VI and bypasses surface melanin.
- Will it cause dark spots?
- Properly dosed Nd:YAG treatment lowers that risk; we set parameters to your skin and start with a test spot.
- Does it work as well as on lighter skin?
- Studies report 80–90% hair-density reduction in Fitzpatrick IV–VI with the Nd:YAG when treated correctly.