Diode laser hair removal of the black patient.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The 810-nm wavelength diode laser can safely and successfully treat all skin types, including dark pigmented skin.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Eight Fitzpatrick level V-VI skin type patients, four of which presented with the diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae, were treated with the diode laser for hair removal using low-energy settings and long pulse duration.

RESULTS

All eight patients had excellent results with unwanted hair greatly reduced, and pseudofolliculitis barbae resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Diode lasers can be used on dark pigmented skin with positive outcomes. Complications such as hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation occurred, but all were transient and resolved within a few months.