Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Tones in Apple Valley, MN

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Fall Laser Season

Laser Hair Removal 50% Off

Plus 2 complimentary areas. Start this fall and finish your sessions before summer.

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Skin Types Treated

Fitzpatrick I to VI

Wavelengths

755 nm + 1064 nm

First Step

Skin Type + Patch Test

Sessions Included

Unlimited for Life

Fitzpatrick I to VI · Candela GentleMax Pro Plus

Safe laser hair removal for every skin tone

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment inside the hair follicle. The challenge has always been the skin around it, because skin has pigment too. That is why so many people with medium, olive, brown or deeper skin have been told laser is not for them. The truth is that it depends on the laser, not on you.

At Aesthetic Beauty Lab in Apple Valley, MN, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, a dual wavelength platform with a 755 nm Alexandrite laser and a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. We match the wavelength and settings to your skin type, patch test before your first full session, and cool the skin with every pulse. That lets us treat every skin tone on the Fitzpatrick scale, types I through VI.

Every package includes unlimited sessions and our Lifetime Guarantee, which matters because some skin and hair types need a few more sessions to reach the same result. Results vary by individual, and hair color matters more than skin tone: gray, white and very light blonde hair does not respond to any laser.

Know Your Skin Type

The Fitzpatrick scale and how we treat each skin type

The Fitzpatrick scale groups skin by how it reacts to the sun, from type I (always burns) to type VI (rarely burns). Your type tells us which wavelength to use and how to set it. We confirm your type in person at your consultation.

  • I
  • II
  • III
  • IV
  • V
  • VI

Filled types are usually treated with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength. Lighter types are usually treated with the 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength.

Types I and II

Very fair to fair skin

Usually 755 nm Alexandrite

Burns easily and rarely tans. Dark hair on fair skin is the easiest contrast for a laser to find, so results often show early in the series. Blonde, red, gray and white hair are the limit here, not the skin.

Type III

Light to medium skin

Usually 755 nm Alexandrite

Sometimes burns and tans gradually. Many clients in this group tan in Minnesota summers, so we check for recent sun exposure at every visit and adjust settings or reschedule when the skin is tanned.

Type IV

Olive to light brown skin

Usually 1064 nm Nd:YAG

Rarely burns and tans easily. Common among clients of Latin, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and South Asian heritage. We patch test first and build energy across sessions.

Types V and VI

Brown to deeply pigmented skin

1064 nm Nd:YAG

Very rarely burns. The longer Nd:YAG wavelength passes the pigment in the top layer of skin and reaches the follicle below, which is why it is the standard choice for deeper skin tones. We use conservative starting settings, longer pulses and cooling on every pulse.

Not sure of your type? Take the Laser Quiz

Built Around Your Skin

How we customize laser hair removal for your skin tone

01

Skin and Hair Assessment

We confirm your Fitzpatrick type, look at hair color and thickness, and review medications, recent sun exposure and any history of dark spots after irritation.

02

Patch Test

We test a small area and check how your skin responds before a full session. For types IV through VI, this step is always done.

03

Matched Wavelength

We choose 755 nm Alexandrite or 1064 nm Nd:YAG for your skin, then set energy, pulse length and spot size for your hair and treatment area.

04

Cooling and Follow Up

The Dynamic Cooling Device cools the skin before every pulse. We adjust settings session by session, spaced about 5 weeks apart.

What Most Clinics Do Not Explain

Why skin tone changes laser hair removal

Many clinics use IPL (intense pulsed light) or a laser with only a short wavelength. Those devices are strongly absorbed by the pigment in the skin, which raises the risk of burns and dark spots on medium and deeper skin tones. If a clinic does not have an Nd:YAG laser, turning you away is the safe answer for them. It does not mean laser cannot work for you.

The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is absorbed far less by the pigment in the top layer of skin and travels deeper to the hair follicle. That means more of the energy goes where it is needed and less heats the surrounding skin. Paired with cooling and conservative settings, it is the recommended approach for Fitzpatrick types IV through VI.

For fair skin with dark hair, the 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength is very efficient because the contrast between hair and skin is high. Having both wavelengths on one platform means we never have to force one setting onto every client.

A tan adds pigment to the skin for a few weeks, which changes how the laser should be set. We ask about sun exposure, tanning beds and self tanner at every visit. Fall and winter are the easiest seasons to start a series, and we will tell you honestly when it is better to wait.

Every laser needs pigment in the hair to work. Dark brown and black hair respond best on any skin tone. Gray, white, very light blonde and most red hair have too little pigment for any laser to target, so we will tell you at your consultation if laser is not the right fit.

Protect Your Skin

Before and after your laser session

Good preparation and aftercare lower the risk of temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, which matters most for medium and deeper skin tones. Your provider will give you instructions for your skin at your consultation. In general:

Before your session

  • Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self tanner on the treatment area in the weeks before your appointment.
  • Shave the area the day before. Do not wax, pluck, thread or use hair removal creams, because the laser needs the hair root in place.
  • Tell us about retinoids, acne medications, antibiotics, recent peels or any new medications.
  • Come with clean skin and no lotion, deodorant or makeup on the area.

After your session

  • Use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas and limit sun exposure.
  • Skip hot tubs, saunas and hard workouts for a day or two while the skin settles.
  • Avoid scrubs, exfoliating acids and retinoids on the area for a few days.
  • Mild redness and bumps around the follicles are common and fade quickly. Call us if you notice blistering or darkening of the skin.

Beyond Smooth Skin

Laser for razor bumps, ingrown hairs and stubborn hair growth

Razor bumps and ingrown hairs

Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) happen when coarse or curly hair curves back into the skin after shaving and causes inflammation. They are most common on the beard line, neck, underarms and bikini area, and they often leave dark marks behind. Laser hair removal reduces the number of hairs that grow back, so fewer hairs can turn inward. The Nd:YAG wavelength makes this treatment available to the skin tones where razor bumps are most common.

Hormonal and PCOS related hair growth

Hair on the chin, jawline, neck, chest or stomach from PCOS or other hormonal changes can be treated on every skin tone. Because hormones keep stimulating new follicles, it usually needs ongoing maintenance sessions, which our unlimited session packages already include.

Laser for men

Men with every skin tone come to us for the beard line, neck, back, chest and shoulders, often to cut down on razor irritation. The same skin type assessment, patch test and matched wavelength apply.

Compare Your Options

Hair removal options for medium and deeper skin tones

MethodSafe for deeper skin?How long it lasts
Nd:YAG laserYes, the recommended laser for types IV to VIReduced growth after a series, with maintenance
IPL (intense pulsed light)Higher risk of burns and dark spots on deeper skinReduction after a series
ShavingYes, but can cause razor bumps and dark marks1 to 3 days
Waxing and threadingYes, but can cause irritation and ingrown hairs3 to 6 weeks
ElectrolysisYesLong lasting, but one hair at a time over many visits

Serving the Twin Cities South Metro

Laser hair removal for all skin tones near you

Aesthetic Beauty Lab is a nurse-led med spa at 15875 Emperor Ave Suite 120 in Apple Valley, MN. Clients of every skin tone come to us from across Dakota County and the south metro for laser hair removal that is matched to their skin, with unlimited sessions and a Lifetime Guarantee.

  • Apple Valley
  • Burnsville
  • Eagan
  • Lakeville
  • Rosemount
  • Farmington
  • Bloomington
  • Prior Lake
  • Savage
  • Inver Grove Heights
  • Minneapolis
  • Saint Paul

Brand Partners

Candela
Botox
Jeuveau®
Dysport
Restylane
RHA®
Revanesse Versa
Revision Skincare
SkinBetter Science
HydraFacial
SkinPen Microneedling

Full Body Treatment Areas

Laser hair removal treatment areas

From upper lip to toes. Build your package by individual area or go full body.

  • Upper Lip
  • Chin
  • Sideburns
  • Cheeks
  • Neck
  • Underarms
  • Bikini Line
  • Brazilian
  • Full Bikini
  • Lower Legs
  • Upper Legs
  • Full Legs
  • Lower Arms
  • Upper Arms
  • Full Arms
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Toes
  • Stomach
  • Lower Back
  • Upper Back
  • Full Back
  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Buttocks
  • Happy Trail
  • Full Body Package

We treat anywhere on the face and body except inside the ear canal and inside the nose. Don't see your area listed? Ask us. We probably treat it.

Not sure if laser is right for you?

Take the 60-second laser quiz

Answer a few quick questions about your skin tone and hair, and we will estimate your Fitzpatrick type, the results to expect and how many sessions you will likely need.

Take the Laser QuizBook a Consultation

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Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Tones FAQ

Yes, when it is done with the right laser and settings. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength is the recommended choice for Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI because it is absorbed less by the pigment in the skin and reaches the follicle below. At Aesthetic Beauty Lab we patch test first, start with conservative settings and cool the skin with every pulse. No laser treatment is completely risk free, and the main risk for deeper skin is temporary darkening, which careful settings and aftercare help prevent.

The Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm is widely considered the best laser hair removal option for dark and deeper skin tones. ABL uses the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, which has both the 1064 nm Nd:YAG and the 755 nm Alexandrite wavelengths, so we can match the laser to your skin type instead of using one setting for everyone.

Our Candela GentleMax Pro Plus is FDA cleared for hair reduction across Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI. We confirm your skin type at your consultation, choose the wavelength that fits and adjust settings at every session.

The Fitzpatrick scale rates skin from type I, which always burns and never tans, to type VI, which is deeply pigmented and rarely burns. Types IV to VI include olive, brown and deeply pigmented skin. You can take our 60 second laser quiz for an estimate, and we confirm your type in person at your consultation.

It can cause temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, especially on medium and deeper skin tones or skin that was recently tanned. It is usually temporary. Using the right wavelength, patch testing, avoiding sun before and after treatment and following aftercare all lower the risk.

Yes. Razor bumps and ingrown hairs happen when coarse or curly hair grows back into the skin. Laser reduces how many hairs grow back, so there are fewer hairs to turn inward. It is commonly used on the beard line, neck, underarms and bikini area.

Most people need a series of sessions spaced about 5 weeks apart. Deeper skin tones are often treated with more conservative settings, so some clients need a few more sessions to reach the same result. Every ABL package includes unlimited sessions, so extra sessions never cost more.

Most clients describe it as a quick snap, like a rubber band. Our Dynamic Cooling Device sprays a burst of cooling before every pulse, which keeps the skin comfortable on every skin tone.

A tan adds pigment to the skin, which raises the risk of side effects. We ask about recent sun exposure, tanning beds and self tanner at every visit, and we may adjust settings or ask you to wait until the tan fades. Fall and winter are great times to start.

Laser needs pigment in the hair to work. Gray, white, very light blonde and most red hair do not respond well to any laser, whatever the skin tone. Dark brown and black hair respond best.

Aesthetic Beauty Lab is at 15875 Emperor Ave Suite 120 in Apple Valley, MN, near Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville and Rosemount. We treat every skin tone with the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus Nd:YAG laser. Book online or take the laser quiz to get started.

Explore Other Treatments at ABL

Laser Hair Removal All Services ABL Memberships Take the Laser Quiz Events & Specials Results Gallery Contact Us

This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Laser hair removal reduces hair growth over a series of sessions. Results are not permanent, and maintenance sessions are usually needed. Individual results vary based on hair color, hair density, hormones, skin type, and adherence to the treatment schedule. A consultation is required before treatment. Lifetime Guarantee terms are provided in writing at your consultation.