The global laser hair removal industry is growing and is expected to
be worth $3.4 billion by 2026, according to market experts Acumen
Research and Consulting.1
Despite this buoyant growth prediction, laser hair removal has
historically been a subject of avoidance for patients who have darker
skin tones, specifically those identified as skin types IV, V and VI on
the Fitzpatrick skin type scale.2,3 Predominantly, this can be attributed
to many professional laser hair removal devices being unsuitable
for use on these skin types due to the possibility of certain adverse
effects. These include (but are not limited to) hyperpigmentation,4
hypopigmentation,5 blistering and scarring.6
The previous inability within the aesthetics industry to treat patients
with skin types IV, V and VI has been problematic to patient and
practitioners alike. This treatment exclusion meant that patients
were not…
