GOT A QUESTION, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US
Enter your contact details below and we will be in touch to assist with your query within 48 hours.
Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin
Laser Hair Removal for Darker Skin Tones
A lot of clinics turn darker skin tones away for laser hair removal, or treat everyone on the same settings and hope. Neither happens here.
At Hannah Clarke Advanced Skin and Beauty in Rainford, every client's skin is assessed with a Fitzpatrick skin type device before treatment, and the machine is set to that reading.
Treatment is carried out by Leah using the SMARTdiode Pro, a medically graded laser suitable for all skin types.
See laser hair removal in St Helens for how a course works, the free patch test and the full price list.
What the Fitzpatrick assessment actually is
A two minute step that decides how the machine is set for you specifically.
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin from type 1, the fairest, through to type 6, the deepest. Rather than guessing from a look, Leah uses a small device placed on the skin that reads which of the six types you are.
That reading is what sets the laser to the correct settings. It is the difference between a treatment planned around your skin and a treatment planned around an average, and it is the reason darker skin tones do not need to be turned away.
The other half of the answer is the patch test. Every new client has one, on their own settings, before any full area is treated. If the skin reacts, for example with blistering, treatment does not go ahead. That is the point of doing it on a small test patch rather than finding out afterwards.
One thing worth being clear about, because it is often confused: what decides whether laser works is your hair colour, not your skin colour. Dark hair responds. Blonde, red and grey hair does not, whatever your skin tone.
Your consultation and your appointment
Every new client has a consultation and patch test before any treatment. It is a requirement, both for insurance and to establish that laser is safe for you specifically.
Your consultation covers:
- What you want treated, and what you are hoping for. Your expectations matter as much as the areas.
- Medical history and medications. HRT and hormonal medication, for example, can increase hair growth, which changes what to expect from a course.
- A Fitzpatrick skin type assessment, using a small device placed on the skin that reads which of the six types you are, so the machine is set correctly for your skin.
- A patch test, a small test area on your settings. If your skin reacts, for example with blistering, treatment does not go ahead.
How to prepare. Shave the area, and do not wax or pluck it. The laser targets the follicle, so the follicle has to still be there. Avoid tanning and sunbeds before and after treatment, and mention any sun holidays so your sessions can be planned around them.
Every session that follows runs the same way: your medical history is checked again, the area is checked for rashes, redness or soreness, protective eyewear goes on for both of you, the area is treated on your settings, and aftercare is talked through before you leave.
Afterwards, some redness or soreness is normal. Aloe vera gel helps if the area feels irritated, and you should stay off sunbeds and avoid tanning the treated area.
BOOK TODAY
Meet Leah, your laser technician
Laser hair removal at Hannah Clarke is delivered by Leah, from her own treatment room upstairs at the Rainford clinic.
- Registered dental nurse, who has completed additional specialist training to qualify as a laser technician.
- Continuing training, kept up to date specifically around laser safety, different skin types, and getting the best results for each client.
Her approach is straightforward. She will tell you honestly whether she thinks the treatment will work for you, and she will say so if she thinks it will not. In her words: "I'd never want someone paying for treatment I don't think will benefit them."
You can ask her as many questions as you want, and you will have her number between appointments.
Please note that the treatment room and the machine are upstairs, so you do need to be able to manage the stairs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I have laser hair removal with dark skin?
>Yes. All skin types are treated. Your skin is assessed with a Fitzpatrick skin type device, which reads your type from 1 to 6, and the machine settings are matched to that reading.
What is a Fitzpatrick skin type?
>The standard scale for classifying skin from type 1, the fairest, to type 6, the deepest. Leah measures yours with a small device placed on the skin and uses the result to set the laser correctly for you.
Does skin colour affect whether laser works?
>No, hair colour does. The laser targets pigment in the hair follicle, so dark hair responds and blonde, red or grey hair does not, whatever your skin tone. Skin type determines the settings used, not whether the treatment works.
What does the patch test check?
>How your skin reacts to the laser on your own settings, before a full area is treated. If there is a reaction such as blistering, treatment does not go ahead.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde, red or grey hair?
>No. Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, and blonde, red and grey hair does not carry enough pigment to respond well. Leah will tell you at your patch test if she does not think your hair will respond.
Do I need a patch test?
>Yes, every new client. It is required for insurance and it establishes that treatment is safe for you. If your skin reacts to the test, for example with blistering, treatment does not go ahead.
How should I prepare?
>Shave the area rather than waxing or plucking it, because the laser needs the follicle intact to target. Avoid tanning and sunbeds before and after treatment, and mention any sun holidays at consultation.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
>It gives permanent hair reduction rather than permanent removal. After a course you are left with significantly less hair, growing finer and slower, and most people keep it that way with a maintenance session every three to four months.
How much does it cost?
>Per session, £19 for a micro area such as the upper lip, £39 small, £69 medium and £89 for a large area such as full legs. Packages start at £99 for underarms and Hollywood, £129 with half legs and £139 with full legs.
Is there step-free access?
>No. The treatment room and the laser machine are upstairs, so you do need to be able to manage the stairs.
Hannah has always been a perfectionist, i have been using her for the past 2 years and wouldn't change for anything. She has just started using the gel bottle nails and its amazing.
Stacey Wright
Always 100 % happy with my gel nails with Hannah. Being a beauty therapist myself , I know she uses the best quality products and constantly updates her skills X
Jane Tracey
Been going to Hannah for a few years now, she’s innovative and creative with any design ideas I may have and we always have a good chat and laugh whilst she’s doing my nails!
Sarah Wilson
Hannah is the only nail technician I go to and trust. She is brilliant and her work never disappoints. 100% would recommend.
Claire McGrath
Hannah is so lovely, friendly and professional. I wouldn't trust anybody else with my nails or my eyebrows - nails that last forever! She is a perfectionist! I am always receiving compliments about how good my nails and eyebrows look! I cannot reccomend her enough!
Stephanie Catterall
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE IN STORE
Our gift vouchers are available via our online store - Shop now today.
