Worried laser hair removal might make your pigmentation worse? A lot of patients ask us: “Can laser hair removal worsen pigmentation or cause dark spots?” Especially if you’ve struggled with melasma, acne scarring, or post-inflammatory pigmentation in the past… it’s a fair concern.
Can laser hair removal worsen pigmentation or cause dark spots?
Laser hair removal can trigger pigmentation issues. Especially if it’s done incorrectly or with the wrong type of laser. But in expert hands, with medical-grade devices and personalised settings? It can actually help fade pigmentation over time. So how do you know the difference?
The truth about pigmentation and dark spots
Here’s what’s really happening under the skin. Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair follicle. That’s how it disrupts the follicle’s ability to regrow hair. But… if the laser settings are too high for your skin tone, or if the wrong wavelength is used? It may also heat up the melanin in your skin, not just the hair.
That’s when side effects like hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) can happen. People with medium to deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI) are more at risk if not treated with the right technology. This is why it’s critical to go to a laser hair removal clinic in London that specialises in all skin types.
At our clinic, we use Cynosure Elite+, a dual-wavelength medical laser with both Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) options. This allows us to customise treatments based on your unique skin tone, hair type, and sensitivity level, safely.
How to prevent laser-induced pigmentation?
If you’ve ever been left with dark spots after waxing, shaving, or previous laser sessions, it’s understandable to be cautious.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid tanning before and after sessions. Laser on tanned skin = higher risk of burns or pigmentation.
- Trust only medical-grade lasers. IPL (often confused with laser) is not safe for darker skin types and often misused in salons.
- Stick with consistent aftercare. Wearing SPF daily, avoiding heat (saunas, workouts) and staying off active skincare (like retinols) for a few days can make all the difference.
- Don’t price shop when it comes to your skin. Bargain basement deals often mean underpowered devices and under qualified practitioner, which leads to patchy results or worse, burns.
So… is laser hair removal safe for pigmented skin?
Yes, when done right. Laser doesn’t have to worsen pigmentation. It can actually reduce inflammation, prevent ingrown hairs, and even fade dark marks caused by shaving or irritation, if it’s tailored to your skin.
We’ve treated hundreds of patients who came in feeling worried… and walked out glowing.
Because the truth is, laser hair removal shouldn’t just be about hair, it should be about skin health, too.
Need help choosing the safest option for your skin?
Come in for a free consultation at our Oxford Circus clinic. We’ll analyse your skin, explain the science, and design a laser hair removal plan that works with your complexion, not against it.
Let your skin finally feel as smooth, even, and clear as you’ve always wanted.
