Laser Hair Removal and Tanning

When laser hair removal first hit the market, people with dark skin were unable to receive the results others were experiencing. Now though, the treatment has been refined by adding skin cooling devices and lasers with a longer wavelength to provide safer and more effective treatments for people with darker skin. The risk of burning darker skin has been reduced because of these improvements. People who tan should be aware of the effects of laser hair removal on darker skin.


Generally people with tans have been discouraged from laser hair removal because tanning changes the pigments of the skin. Laser hair removal concentrates light energy on the skin. The skin absorbs the energy of the laser before the it can reach the hair follicles. The amount of energy absorbed by the skin is dependent upon the color of the skin. Because darker colors absorb more light, tanned skin can absorb an excess amount of light energy leading to burns or discoloration. Performing laser hair removal on tanned skin should be done very carefully and at a lower intensity. Using the lower energy setting means that the treatment may need to be repeated several times because the effectiveness of the treatment is diminished.



So what's the solution?

There are two solutions for tanner that wants laser hair removal. First, a patient can wait until their tan fades before scheduling their hair removal treatment. Waiting will of course take time but it's better than wasting money on ineffective treatments. Having treatment on skin that is tan from the sun or spray tanning will not remove all the unwanted hair or it will create uncomfortable side effects (burning or skin discoloration). During the waiting time avoid spray tanning and exposure to the sun by wearing sunscreen that has SPF 15 or higher.

Secondly you can seek out a clinic using the latest and greatest in laser technology. A great laser facility will use updated equipment and methods that make it safer and more effective for people with dark skin or spray tans. The laser will be adjusted to your skin and hair type to make the procedure more comfortable. Since tanned skin attracts more light, drawing the energy away from the hair, lthe cooling methods keeps the skin cool when this occurs. Great laser hair removal salons will use a laser with a chill tip and apply ultra sound gel to the skin allowing the device to travel smoothly across your body. Not every salon will offer this technology, so make sure to check before you make your appointment. Some Denver spray tan salons offer a wonderful product called My Pink Wink. This product can be applied to intimate areas that may be darker than even the tanned skin around it. Using My Pink Wink on these areas will lighten the skin pigmentation and allow for safe, comfortable and effective laser hair removal.

What about sunless tanning products?

Sunless tanning products like spray tans an DHA creams have the same affect on skin as exposure to the sun. The creams and spray tans change the color of the skin and alter the ability of the laser to remove hair. Avoid using spray tanning for at least a month before your laser hair removal treatment.

  for several months before having a treatment.

Can I tan after receiving a Laser Hair Removal treatment?

After receiving a laser hair removal treatment, you may be eager to show off your results with a beautiful spray tan. Spray tanning after treatment, though, should be put off at least until the redness has cleared. The treated areas are sensitive and exposing them to sunless tans or direct sunlight could harm the skin. Using sunscreen after treatment is highly advisable.


Having a tan does not disqualify you from receiving laser hair removal treatments however you should speak with the technicians at their salon to make sure the procedure will be safe and effective.