Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

Laser hair removal should be avoided on which skin types?

1. Type II skin types

2. Type V skin types

3. Type VI skin types

4. Type III skin types

The correct answer is: Type VI skin types

Laser hair removal should be approached with caution for individuals with darker skin tones, particularly those classified as Type V and Type VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. These skin types have higher levels of melanin, which can absorb more laser energy. As a result, there is an increased risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation, burns, or skin damage when using laser treatments. In the context of the Fitzpatrick scale, Type VI skin, which is characterized as very dark skin, poses the greatest challenge for laser hair removal because the contrast between the hair and the skin is less pronounced. This reduces the effectiveness of the laser in targeting hair follicles, as the laser may not differentiate between the melanin in the hair and the melanin in the skin. Practitioners typically use specific laser wavelengths that are safer for darker skin types, but even then, the efficacy and safety margins are lower compared to lighter skin types. Hence, for individuals with Type VI skin, careful assessment and often alternative hair removal methods are recommended to minimize risks while achieving desired outcomes.