Efficacy and safety of 808 nm diode laser hair reduction in Sudanese women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI.

Purpose: Unwanted hair growth can cause significant cosmetic and psychosocial distress, particularly in women with darker skin types, for whom safe and effective long-term hair reduction options are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of 808 nm diode laser hair reduction in Sudanese women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, with a focus on documenting adverse effects.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, ten Sudanese women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI underwent three sessions of 808 nm diode laser hair reduction (20 W, 12 mm spot size, 8-9 J/cm² fluence, 36 ms pulse width, 1 Hz frequency) with integrated sapphire cooling. Treatments targeted the underarm (n = 6) and chin (n = 4) areas at three-week intervals. Efficacy was assessed by quantifying hair reduction, while safety was evaluated through systematic documentation of adverse effects. Patient satisfaction was measured using a 10-point Likert scale.

Results: After three treatment sessions, the mean hair reduction was 57.9% (range 45.7-66.7%) in the underarm group and 56.7% (range 45.5-70.8%) in the chin group. Hair texture changed from coarse to fine, and skin at treated sites appeared smoother and lighter. Side effects were minimal and transient: one patient (skin type VI) reported pain during the first session, and one developed a mild, superficial blister at 9 J/cm², with no further complications after fluence adjustment. No cases of keloid formation, scarring, wound infection, prolonged erythema, purpura, or pigmentary changes were observed. All patients (100%) reported satisfaction with the treatment, attended all follow-up visits, and would recommend the procedure; 80% rated their results as excellent (> 6/10), and 20% as good (4-6/10).

Conclusion: The 808 nm diode laser is a safe and effective modality for hair reduction in Sudanese women with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, producing high satisfaction and minimal side effects. These findings provide valuable evidence for the use of diode lasers in darker-skinned populations, who are traditionally at higher risk for laser-related complications. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is recommended to optimize treatment protocols.