Comparative evaluation of different hair removal lasers in skin types IV, V, and VI

Lasers permit treatment of unwanted excess hair with less discomfort than other methods of epilation. Many lasers with different parameters are now available from which the dermatologist can choose. Improved clinical results are made possible by the high specificity and selectivity of the laser systems to pigmented hair because of the use of an appropriate wavelength with the proper pulse and duration.

We aimed to compare the results of treatment of skin types IV, V, and VI using three different laser systems.

One hundred female patients were compared using different laser systems: 35 patients underwent epilation using a Nd-Yag laser, 33 patients using an Alexandrite laser, and 32 patients using a Diode laser.

Follow up 12 months after the multiple treatments (three to six sessions) showed an insignificant difference between these three groups (35-40%).

Our findings indicate that all three laser systems tested can be used for dark skin; however, one should select a system that minimizes side-effects, primarily hypo- and hyper-pigmentation, especially when used for skin types IV, V, and VI.