What can higher pigmentation in skin types lead to during laser hair removal?

Higher pigmentation in skin types, particularly in darker skin tones, can absorb more light energy during laser hair removal treatments. This increased absorption leads to a higher risk of overheating the skin's surface, which can cause burns or discoloration. The laser used for hair removal is designed to target the melanin in hair, but when skin pigmentation is also high, there is a significant chance that the laser will affect not just the hair follicles, but also the surrounding skin tissues.

As a result, practitioners must adjust their techniques, such as using lower energy settings or a different type of laser, to minimize this risk. This is why understanding skin pigmentation is crucial in laser hair removal; it informs the choice of laser technology and treatment parameters to ensure safety and efficacy.