Is laser hair removal recommended for clients with tanned skin?

Laser hair removal is generally not recommended for clients with tanned skin due to the increased risk it poses. When the skin is tanned, whether from sun exposure or artificial tanning methods, the melanin content in the skin increases. The laser specifically targets pigmentation in hair follicles, but it can also affect the surrounding skin if it has a higher concentration of melanin. This results in a greater chance of adverse effects such as burns, hyperpigmentation, or skin damage.

The goal of laser hair removal is to create a distinction between the hair follicle's darker pigmentation and the lighter skin. With tanned skin, this distinction is diminished, which can lead to complications. To ensure safety and efficacy, most practitioners advise clients to avoid tanning and wait for their skin to return to its natural tone before undergoing laser hair removal treatment.