Which skin types are more at risk of complications from laser hair removal?

Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI are more at risk of complications from laser hair removal primarily due to their higher melanin content. Melanin absorbs laser energy, which can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and burns. These skin types generally have darker skin and can experience overreaction to the heat generated by the laser.

In contrast, Fitzpatrick skin types I to III have lighter skin and typically reflect more laser energy rather than absorbing it. Therefore, they face a lower risk of the complications associated with the thermal effects of the laser. It's essential for practitioners to take into account the Fitzpatrick scale to tailor the treatment and choose appropriate laser settings, thus minimizing risks for patients with darker skin types.