Concerns · Skin of colour
Unwanted Hair
Smoother skin, without the irritation or the dark marks
Understanding your skin
Unwanted hair in skin of colour
Unwanted hair can affect confidence, comfort and skin health. Frequent shaving, waxing or threading may lead to irritation, ingrown hairs and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in melanin-rich skin.
Long-term hair reduction offers a safer, more effective alternative. At Dr Mélanin, we are preparing to offer dermatologist-led assessment and safe laser hair reduction in Grays, with specialist expertise in treating darker skin tones while minimising the risk of pigmentation.
Beneath the surface
Why do some of us grow more hair?
Hair growth is shaped by several factors working together. Understanding which play a part for you helps us set realistic expectations from the very beginning.
Genetics
Some people naturally have thicker or darker hair, passed down through their family. This is entirely normal, and simply shapes how your hair grows.
Hormones
Hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase facial or body hair. Hormonal hair often appears on the chin, jawline and upper lip.
Ethnicity
Hair density, thickness and colour vary naturally across ethnicities. It is part of what makes every client's skin, and every treatment plan, unique.
Shaving, waxing & threading
Why temporary methods can backfire
Shaving and waxing remove hair at or above the surface of the skin, but do not affect the hair follicle. Over time, this repeated trauma can lead to:
In melanin-rich skin, inflammation from ingrown hairs often leaves long-lasting pigmentation, particularly along the jawline and bikini area.
Why our approach is different
Melanin-rich skin requires careful laser selection, and genuine expertise.
Laser hair reduction works by targeting pigment within the hair follicle. In darker skin tones, the surrounding skin is rich in pigment too, so incorrect laser selection or settings can increase the risk of burns or pigmentation changes.
That is why we are taking our time. When our laser service launches, every treatment will be planned around your skin, with parameters tailored specifically for darker skin tones.
- The right technology
- Tailored settings
- Safety first
In the meantime
Caring for your skin today
While our laser service is on its way, we can already help with the skin concerns that hair removal so often leaves behind.
Where we always begin
A dermatologist-led assessment
We look closely at your skin, your hair and the methods you currently use, so we can understand what is causing any irritation, bumps or marks, and how best to calm them.
For razor bumps & ingrown hairs
Medical-grade skincare
The right skincare can gently exfoliate, reduce inflammation and help prevent hairs from becoming trapped beneath the surface, so the skin settles and stays calmer between hair removal.
For dark marks & uneven texture
Gentle chemical peels
Carefully selected peels can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and refine rough, uneven texture, using protocols designed specifically for skin of colour.
Coming soon
Laser hair reduction at Dr Mélanin
Laser energy gently heats and damages the hair follicle, reducing its ability to regrow hair. Because hair grows in cycles and laser works best during the active growth phase, results build gradually over a course of sessions.
- i.Consultation & assessmentWe assess your skin, hair and medical history to choose the right approach for you.
- ii.A course of sessionsMost clients need 6 to 8 sessions, spaced several weeks apart, with hair becoming finer and lighter each time.
- iii.MaintenanceHormonal areas such as the face may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions over time.
For clients prone to razor bumps or pigmentation, laser hair reduction often brings a significant improvement in overall skin clarity.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
01How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair reduction works by targeting pigment within the hair follicle. The laser energy heats and damages the follicle, reducing its ability to regrow hair.
Because the treatment targets pigment, selecting the correct laser type and settings is essential in darker skin tones, to avoid affecting the surrounding skin. Hair grows in cycles, and laser is most effective during the active growth phase, which is why multiple sessions are needed. When performed correctly, it leads to long-term thinning and reduction of hair growth.
02How many sessions will I need?
Most clients need between 6 and 8 sessions spaced several weeks apart, depending on the area treated and hair thickness. Hormonal areas such as the face may need maintenance sessions over time. Gradual reduction is expected, with hair becoming finer and lighter after each session.
03What are the benefits of laser hair removal?
Long-term hair reduction offers several advantages, including fewer ingrown hairs, less irritation, improved skin texture, fewer dark marks from inflammation and greater convenience. For clients prone to razor bumps or pigmentation, laser hair reduction often significantly improves overall skin clarity.
04Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser provides long-term hair reduction rather than complete permanent removal. In some cases the results can be permanent, but maintenance sessions may be needed.
05Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes, when performed using appropriate technology and settings. Specialist experience is essential to minimise risks, which is why our treatment parameters will be tailored specifically for darker skin tones.
06Is it painful?
Most clients describe the sensation as a mild snapping or warmth. Any discomfort is usually brief and manageable.
07Can you treat facial hair safely?
Yes. Facial laser treatment is common, and particularly beneficial for clients experiencing ingrown hairs or hormonal hair growth.
08When will laser hair removal be available?
Our laser service is coming soon. If you would like to be among the first to hear when it launches, please get in touch. In the meantime, we are very happy to help with ingrown hairs, razor bumps and dark marks through skincare and gentle peels.
Can't find your answer? Please reach out to us.
Disclaimer
Your results, side effects, treatment plans, downtime and recovery may vary, as all our clients are unique. The information provided on this page is based on the average client experience. If you would like more detail about how your experience may differ, please book an in-person consultation.
Begin your journey
Book your consultation today
Let us calm your skin now, and be the first to know when laser hair reduction launches.