Laser hair removal is on the rise in Nigeria, but is it safe for dark skin? Aesthetician and co-founder of Dermaspace, Franca Ebuzome, tells us everything you should know before booking your first treatment.
Long before laser hair removal, removing unwanted hair meant a weekly ritual of shaving, the sting of waxing, or the slow method of plucking. Now, a growing number of Nigerians are opting for the more permanent solution. Laser hair removal treatment — once reserved for high-end medspas abroad — has evolved rapidly and is carving out its own space in the country.
Clinics, particularly in cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, are investing in newer, safer devices. More importantly, people are asking the right question: Is laser hair removal safe and effective, especially for darker skin tones?
We spoke to Franca Ebuzome, a CIDESCO-trained medical aesthetician and co-founder of Dermaspace, about safety, preparation, side effects and the latest laser hair removal technologies for melanin-rich skin. She also demystifies the process and explains what clients need to know.
The evolution of laser hair removal and today’s market
Laser hair removal is still relatively new in Nigeria, but globally, the treatment has been around since the mid-1990s when the first FDA-approved devices hit the market. In the West, it quickly became one of the most requested non-invasive cosmetic procedures. By 2022, the global laser hair removal market was valued at over $900 million, with forecasts suggesting it could cross $3,247.1 million by 2030.
In Africa, with its more established aesthetics industry, South Africa has led the way. Nigeria is now catching up fast, thanks to a growing appetite for aesthetic and non-invasive treatments over the last five years. Social media visibility, and a younger population eager to explore beauty tech are fuelling the demand. Analysts place Nigeria’s laser hair-removal device market at $5.84 million in 2024 and project it to reach $22.94 million by 2033.
What makes this shift interesting is the cultural backdrop. For decades, Nigerian women have relied on shaving methods passed down through generations. However, as global beauty conversations evolve across the media, there’s a growing desire for longer-lasting, tech-driven solutions. In a way, laser hair removal represents convenience. It also represents a merger of local beauty traditions with global beauty standards.
That change is visible on the ground too. “Since we opened Dermaspace in 2019, we’ve seen customers become more informed — they ask about machines, wavelengths and safety first. That’s progress,” says Franca Ebuzome.
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Is laser hair removal safe for darker skin tones?
For many Black women — and anyone with pigmented skin — the first question about laser hair removal is almost always, “Is it safe for me?” That concern isn’t unfounded. Early generations of laser technology were primarily designed for lighter skin types. On darker skin, those same devices often struggled to distinguish between melanin in the hair and melanin in the skin, increasing the risk of burns, scarring, or hyperpigmentation.
“Yes,” Franca says without hesitation when asked if today’s procedures are safe. “Laser hair removal is safe for dark skin tones — but only when the right technology and parameters are used.” She explains that the key lies in wavelength and pulse design. Devices with longer wavelengths and carefully adjusted pulse durations reduce the risk of injury to heavily pigmented skin.
Dermatology research supports this. Long-pulse 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers and advanced Diode systems are the gold standard for darker skin. Their deeper penetration makes them less likely to be absorbed by melanin in the epidermis, significantly lowering pigment-related risks. This means clients with darker complexions no longer have to fear burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As long as a professional using the right device carries out the treatment, they’re safe.
However, safety is only one part of the equation; results are the other. “Because hair grows in cycles and each follicle must be treated in its anagen (growth) phase, most people need multiple sessions,” Franca explains. “I tell clients to expect around five to seven sessions as a rule of thumb, though individual health, hormones and hair type make a difference.”
Treatments are usually spaced several weeks apart to target new hairs as they enter the growth phase. Patients report a significant long-term reduction of hair after a full course. However, those with hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may require occasional maintenance sessions to keep the results consistent.
Laser hair removal prep and aftercare — an expert-approved practical checklist
Achieving good results with laser hair removal begins with preparation before the procedure and continues with proper aftercare. Neglecting either side of the process risks irritation, uneven results, or even complications. For darker skin tones, especially sensitivity to burns and hyperpigmentation is higher. Franca shares steps that make all the difference between a smooth experience and an unhappy one.
Before your first appointment:
Book a proper consultation, so the clinician can assess skin type, hair type and medical history.
Avoid waxing or plucking for at least two weeks. Franca advises clients to let their hair grow for a month beforehand so that different hair stages reach the surface.
Skip strong exfoliants a week before treatment and avoid sun exposure.
Wear loose clothing to your appointment.
Avoid exercise and hot showers immediately beforehand.
During treatment:
Some clinics ask you to shave the day before, but Franca prefers to shave during the appointment so she can inspect hair type and set parameters precisely.
Keep an open mind and trust the expert.
Aftercare:
Avoid hot showers and strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
Be cautious about exfoliation. While some online sources recommend 24 hours, Franca advises waiting longer if your skin is sensitive.
Use an anti-bump serum if you’re prone to razor bumps.
It is important to follow these practical and conservative steps, especially when treating melanin-rich skin.
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Side effects, PCOS and special considerations
Like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal isn’t without risks, though the most common issues are temporary and preventable. Franca adds candidly, “Ingrown hairs, temporary irritation, and, in rare cases, hyperpigmentation or scarring can occur — usually when the device or settings are not appropriate for the skin tone.” This is why consulting a qualified clinic with the right machines is non-negotiable.
For women living with PCOS or other hormonal conditions, lasers can be transformative. “It can help reduce unwanted hair, but more sessions are often necessary, and it’s important to set realistic expectations,” Franca explains. The key, she stresses, is honest consultation, so clients understand the likely treatment plan before committing.
With pregnancy and breastfeeding, Franca is cautious. “In my professional opinion, I don’t advise laser hair removal during any of these. Wait until after breastfeeding. There isn’t enough data, and we need to avoid unnecessary risks.” While laser energy is targeted only at hair follicles and doesn’t enter the bloodstream, medical organisations still recommend postponing elective laser treatments until after delivery and breastfeeding due to limited long-term safety data. In practice, most reputable clinics will not treat pregnant or breastfeeding women, and clients are better off waiting.
The benefits of laser hair removal — and emerging trends to know
People often compare laser hair removal to shaving, waxing, or using an epilator. Franca explains the difference: “Laser is more expensive up front, but the long-term reduction, smoother skin and fewer ingrown hairs make it cost-effective in the end.”
Unlike shaving, which can leave razor bumps, or waxing, which pulls at the skin again and again, laser hair removal targets the follicle directly. It slows regrowth, leaving the treated area looking smoother and, over time, brighter. Many clients notice fewer ingrown hairs and a more even skin tone which is something traditional methods struggle with.
The technology itself is also evolving quickly. Newer technology now combines several functions, allowing practitioners to adjust treatments more precisely for different skin tones and hair types. This flexibility is essential for darker skin, where using the right wavelength and settings makes all the difference.
Another emerging trend is the use of laser treatments for rejuvenating facials that improve texture and glow. These newer protocols are still relatively new in Nigeria, but are gaining popularity as clients seek multi-benefit treatments that save time and deliver visible results.
Compared with shaving and waxing, laser hair removal offers longer-lasting results and healthier-looking skin. Also, with today’s innovations, treatments are becoming safer, more effective, and more versatile than ever.
The new era of hair removal
What strikes me most about laser hair removal in Nigeria is how it mirrors the evolution of our wider beauty culture. We’re moving away from quick fixes towards treatments that respect skin health and deliver lasting results. It’s also about convenience and embracing beauty technology that finally takes darker skin seriously.
Franca’s advice matters. “Do your homework. Ask about the machine, get a proper consultation, and choose a trained operator. If the technician can’t explain why a particular device or setting is right for your skin, walk away.”
It’s essential to note that the success of the procedure depends as much on the practitioner’s skill as on the device itself.
If you’re considering laser hair removal in Nigeria, here are the non-negotiables:
Choose the right clinic — look for practitioners with medical or advanced aesthetic training.
Ask about the machines — Diode and Nd:YAG systems are safest for darker skin.
Be realistic about sessions — expect 5–7 or more for lasting results.
Know when to wait — postpone treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Laser hair removal is worth the hype, but only when done safely, professionally, and with your skin type in mind. Smooth, glowing skin may not solve all of life’s problems, but it certainly makes the ride a little more beautiful.
