Electrolysis for Darker Skin

Safe hair removal for all skin tones and hair colors

Dark skin is a challenge for some hair removal methods, but not for electrolysis. If you've heard that your skin tone means that you are not a candidate for hair removal treatments, then you need to speak to an electrologist. Electrolysis is effective on all skin colors and types of hair.

Your electrologist looks for the natural opening where the hair emerges from the skin. They do not need a significant difference in between the color of the hair and the color of your skin to do this. No matter what color of skin and hair you have, electrolysis works.

Where those with lighter skin may experience temporary redness from electrolysis, those with darker skin may experience dark spots (temporary hyperpigmentation). If you have been tweezing the hair, the irritation from that can also cause dark spots. These dark spots are a sign that the skin is doing its job and healing the irritated area; they will fade over time. Do not use a bleaching cream on these areas as this can cause light spots (hypopigmentation) when the skin returns to normal. Your electrologist can recommend an aftercare product to help speed the return to normal pigmentation.

Note: Darker skin is more prone to a special type of scarring called keloids. Your electrologist may ask you about things like piercings or vaccination scars to determine if you are prone to keloids, so that they can make the appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan.

Common Questions About Electrolysis For People With Darker Skintones

Does electrolysis work on dark skin?

Yes. Your electrologist looks for the opening where the hair emerges from the skin. They do not need a significant difference in between the color of the hair and the color of your skin to do this. No matter what color of skin and hair you have, electrolysis works.

Will electrolysis treatment cause dark spots on my skin?

Temporary hyperpigmentation (dark spots) is the darker skin equivalent of the temporary redness sometimes experienced by those with lighter skin. If you have been tweezing the hair, the irritation from that can also cause dark spots. These dark spots are a sign that the skin is doing it's job and healing the irritated area; they will fade over time. Do not use a bleaching cream on these areas as this can cause light spots (hypopigmentation) when the skin returns to normal. Your electrologist can recommend an aftercare product to help speed the return to normal pigmentation.

Why is the electrologist asking me about my pierced ears?

Darker skin is more prone to a special type of scarring called keloids. Your electrologist may ask you about things like piercings or vaccination scars to determine if you are prone to keloids, so that they can make the appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan.

Where can I get more information about electrolysis?

Answers to general questions about electrolysis are available on the FAQ page.

The information above is provided courtesy of American Electrology Association.