Laser hair removal works when the laser light is attracted to dark pigment.  The closer you are to having dark, coarse hair and pale skin, the better your chances of achieving success with laser hair removal. 

Today, there are many more different types of lasers available that can work for just about every skin and hair type.  For darker skin there are many different lasers that will work.

Light hair, such as gray or white hair is considered untreatable by hair removal lasers because there is not enough pigment present for the hair to be successfully treated.  If you are still set on permanent hair removal and you have lighter hair, then electrolysis is always an option for you.

During your laser hair removal consultation, your skin type will be classified based on what is called the Fitzpatrick Skin Chart.  Your skin classification is based on the skin's response to sun exposure and will be helpful for determining how effective laser hair removal will be for you. Realistic expectations make a big difference in laser hair removal success rates.

If you have darker skin, you may want to accept the fact that your skin type might prevent permanent hair removal, but you may be able to achieve a tremendous hair reduction.

Below are the 6 types of skin:

Type 1:  Highly sun-sensitive.  Always Burns.  Never Tans.  Examples of this type of skin include very pale Caucasians, freckles, Albino

Type II:  Very sun-sensitive. Burns Easily.  Tans Minimally.  Examples include fair-skinned Caucasians.

Type III:  Minimally sun-sensitive.  Sometimes Burns.  Slowly Tans to Light Brown.  Examples include darker Caucasians or European mix.

Type IV:  Minimally sun-sensitive.  Rarely Burns.  Always Tans to Moderate Brown.  Mediterranean, European, Asian, Hispanic and Native American

Type V:   Sun-insensitive.  Never burns.  Deeply Pigmented.    Examples include Hispanic, Afro-American and Middle Eastern

Type VI:  Sun insensitive.  Never Burns, Deeply Pigmented.  Examples include Afro-American, African and Middle Easter.