What a phototype is (the Fitzpatrick scale)
A phototype classifies skin by how it reacts to the sun — from very fair to very dark. In practice we use the Fitzpatrick scale from I to VI:
- I–II: very fair and fair skin, burns easily, tans poorly.
- III–IV: olive to brown skin, tans well, burns less often.
- V–VI: dark and very dark skin, with a lot of natural pigment (melanin).
The higher the phototype, the more melanin in the skin — and melanin, like ink, absorbs the laser's light. That's the key fact when planning tattoo removal.
Why skin type matters
The laser removes a tattoo because the ink absorbs its light and breaks into tiny fragments that the body then clears. We cover the mechanism in our guide on how laser tattoo removal works. The catch is that the skin's natural melanin absorbs that light too. The more of it there is, the greater the risk that energy lands not only on the ink but on the skin.
That's why each phototype calls for different parameters — above all the right wavelength, fluence (energy dose) and pace. Settings that are safe for very fair skin can be too strong on dark skin.
Darker skin — why it needs a different approach
On darker skin (phototype IV–VI) we work more cautiously and usually more slowly:
- A different wavelength: chosen to focus on the ink and spare the skin's melanin.
- A lower, carefully raised dose: we start safer and watch how the skin reacts.
- A longer plan: more sessions spread over time may be needed to avoid overloading the skin.
- Careful cooling and protection: to limit the strain on the epidermis.
This doesn't mean darker skin "can't" be treated — it can, and it's done safely. It only means the margin for error is smaller, so precision counts.
Possible pigment changes
When parameters are wrong and the skin absorbs too much energy, pigment changescan occur:
- Hypopigmentation — lightening of the skin, leaving the spot paler than its surroundings.
- Hyperpigmentation — darkening of the skin around the treated area.
These are more common on darker phototypes and with treatments run by an unskilled hand or on outdated equipment. They can be temporary, but they can also persist. The same applies to the risk of a mark on the skin — we cover it in a separate guide: does tattoo removal leave scars.
“A very professional approach and deep expertise. The service was done very thoroughly.”
The role of the test and experience
That's why with us the treatment is always preceded by a phototype assessment and a test patch — a small area where we check how your skin reacts to the chosen parameters before we treat the whole tattoo. It's the simplest way to avoid surprises.
On darker skin, what decides the outcome isn't the name of the laser but an accurate read and the experience of the person operating it. If you're unsure of your skin type, come in for a free consultation or call us: +48 733 640 892. What you can realistically expect on the safety side is covered in our guide on whether tattoo removal is safe.