At PeachFuzz Laser Studio, we believe that melanin is magic—but it takes the right laser to treat it safely. Hence the reason why understanding Fitzpatrick skin types for laser treatment is very important for choosing effective laser hair removal for darker skin tones. We’ll break it down in this blog so you can glow up with confidence.
What Is the Fitzpatrick Scale and Why Does It Matter
The Fitzpatrick scale is a dermatological tool used to classify skin according to how it reacts to sun exposure. The range of classification is between Type I (very fair) to Type VI (deeply pigmented). This scale or classification helps laser specialists tailor treatments to your skin tone. And it is very important for skin safety since melanin absorbs laser energy. Therefore, the darker your skin, the more careful we need to be with your treatment.
How Darker Skin Reacts to Laser—And Why Expertise Matters
Darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Types IV to VI) are more susceptible to complications like burns, hyperpigmentation, or scarring if treated with the wrong laser technology or by inexperienced technicians. This is why you must be careful with your choice of studio. Ensure to go with a studio that has inclusive laser technology and experienced staff who know how to handle that technology.
Why We Use the Candela GentleMax Pro (Nd: YAG Laser)
The Candela GentleMax Pro is a laser system known for its effectiveness when it comes to laser hair removal. It uses two different wavelengths, namely Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm), to address a wide range of skin tones.
At PeachFuzz, we’ve invested heavily in Candela GentleMax Pro to ensure gold standard laser safety for dark skin. As an Inclusive laser technology, the Nd:YAG wavelength used by this laser bypasses the melanin in the epidermis to target the hair follicle safely with minimal risk of surface skin damage.
What Fitzpatrick Types I–VI Look Like in Real Life
Now, let’s talk about the scale/classifications used in the Fitzpatrick skin types for laser treatment and what they look like in reality.
- Type I: This skin type is very fair. It always burns and never tans. E.g. Irish descent
- Type II: Also very fair. It usually burns and tans minimally. E.g. Northern European
- Type III: Medium white to light brown skin, sometimes burns, gradually tans (e.g., Mediterranean)
- Type IV: Olive to medium brown skin, rarely burns, tans well (e.g., Latinx, Middle Eastern)
- Type V: Dark brown skin, very rarely burns (e.g., South Asian, Afro-Caribbean)
- Type VI: Deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin, never burns (e.g., Sub-Saharan African)
Understanding your skin tone and knowing where it falls on the spectrum helps our team to personalize your treatment with the best settings that will yield safe and excellent results.
Warning Signs of Unsafe Practices
One of the ways to avoid serious safety issues is to watch out for the signs when you visit a clinic. Since not every clinic is equipped with inclusive laser technology, if you see any of the following, that should be your cue to walk away.
- Use of intense Pulsed Light (IPL) on Fitzpatrick skin tones V-VI
- No consultation or Fitzpatrick evaluation with you before treatment.
- No cooling system to protect your skin
- No visible before/after photos of diverse skin types.
Our Training, Technology, and Real Results
At PeachFuzz, we prioritize laser safety for dark skin, and we’re proud to be one of the few Brooklyn studios that do this. Our certified and experienced laser technicians undergo continuous training to stay up to date with the latest inclusive laser technology. Regardless of your Fitzpatrick skin type, we’ve got your back – and your bikini line, beard, and underarms too.
Our community and client base are filled with men and women of color with different success stories on how they found safe and life-changing treatments with us after years of searching elsewhere.
Ready for Laser Done Right?
If you’ve been searching for a laser studio that understands your melanin, your hair texture, and your skin safety needs, welcome to PeachFuzz. Book your consultation today and experience inclusive laser technology NYC residents trust.
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