Can people with darker skin types use laser caps?

Do you have a darker skin tone curious if laser hair therapy can help you restore your hair? Or have you heard a crazy rumor that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) only works for people with light skin?

The short answer is laser hair growth therapy DOES work for people with dark skin. Best of all, you may even see better results than people with fairer complexions! Just check out these before-and-after photos for a few examples.

So where do these misconceptions come from? And why will people with dark skin potentially benefit even more from using the Kiierr for hair growth? To answer these questions, we need to understand what the Fitzpatrick scale is.

Understanding the Fitzpatrick Scale

Harvard dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick developed the Fitzpatrick scale in 1975. Today it is recognized as a standard tool in dermatology. So what exactly is it?

Essentially, it is a numerical scale that classifies skin type according to your pigmentation level and your skin’s reaction to ultraviolet sun rays. It was created to help people protect against skin cancer and other damage from the sun.

The more pigmentation your skin has (meaning the darker in color) the higher you are on the Fitzpatrick scale.

Types I, II and III all correspond to fairer skin tones, pale white to cream white. People who classify as type I, specifically, are characterized by ivory skin, light blue, gray, or green eyes, red or blond hair, and skin that always freckles, burns, or peels when exposed to the sun instead of tanning.

When it comes to type IV you can think of a Mediterranean complexion – olive or light brown skin that tans easily with dark brown eyes and hair. Finally, people who classify as types V and VI have dark brown skin that always tans, brownish black eyes, and dark brown to black hair.

What’s Behind the Myth that Laser Light Therapy Only Works on Light Skin?

So where does the misconception come from that Kiierr devices only work on light skin? Here’s where it gets interesting. Kiierr is FDA cleared for people with skin types I through IV on the Fitzpatrick scale. However, that’s only because there weren’t enough test subjects with skin types V and VI. This is actually the case for most clinical studies on the effectiveness of laser hair therapy.

As a result, some people incorrectly assume that LLLT only works for light to medium skin. In reality, it simply means there isn’t enough data yet on how well LLLT works for skin types V and VI to satisfy the FDA’s incredibly high standards. However, because of the way laser hair therapy works, it is scientifically more effective for people with darker skin tones. Let’s look at why that is.

Why Kiierr is Even More Effective for Darker Skin Tones

Low-level laser therapy works by delivering a highly concentrated dose of energy to your hair follicles’ mitochondria. Mitochondria are your cell’s power plants. When your hair follicles die, it’s because they don’t have enough energy. By stimulating them with the precise right wavelength of light, you can re-invigorate them and restore hair growth.

Now, would you go outside wearing black clothes on a sunny, sweltering 100º F day? No, you wouldn’t because dark colors absorb more light, and thus more energy. When it comes to your comfort that’s a bad thing because more light = more energy = more heat.

When it comes to hair growth, however, this works in your favor! More light = more energy = more bio-stimulation at the mitochondrial level = more hair growth. And no need to worry about overheating if you choose a high-quality LLLT device.

Choosing a High-Quality Laser Hair Growth Device that Actually Works

Now that you know that low-level laser therapy works to restore hair for people with darker skin tones, you’re likely excited to get started! There are a lot of options out there, including cheap products that don’t actually work.

So how can you choose a high-quality device that will get you results?

1. Step one, make sure you choose a device that uses only laser diodes and no LEDs. Simply put, LEDs are not lasers and they are not powerful or concentrated enough to stop or reverse hair loss.
2. Step two, ensure that your device delivers lasers of at least 650 nm wavelength. According to the Dermatology Times, 650 nm is one of the focus wavelengths for optimizing stimulating hair follicle cells.
3. Step three, make sure your device has a pulsing method. This means it flashes on and off the entire treatment time. This helps maintain optimal energy output without becoming too hot.

Why Choose Kiierr for Dark Skin Hair Growth

Kiierr’s Pro148 and Premier272 laser hair caps feature high-quality laser diodes that are made to achieve the optimal 650 nm wavelength. Additionally, our caps are discreet and can be used anywhere.

So if you have dark skin and you are experiencing hair loss, Kiierr laser hair cap can help. Find out more about how Kiierr works. 

Check out Brandon’s story. Interested in learning more about if you are a candidate for laser light therapy (LLLT)? Check out this article.