Diode laser hair removal of the black patient

Background and Objectives: 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. Conclusion: 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.