First of all, while darker skin no longer poses the problem it once did for laser hair removal, it is nevertheless best to avoiding tanning before your laser hair removal session.
It is also a good idea to make an assessment of your hair removal goals before you begin the laser hair removal process. Are you interested in simply thinning out an area, or are you ready to make a commitment to permanent hair removal? If your goal is permanent hair removal, be sure you have the time in your schedule to make a commitment to multiple sessions spread out over several months. Keep in mind, however, that you will still be free to shave and wax during the course of the process without sacrificing the effectiveness of the procedure.
You should also take stock of what the exact hair growth areas you would like to focus on are. Having a plan and being aware of what you want will allow you to put together a package that will take care of all the areas at once. Addressing one area at a time will increase the cost of the procedure significantly and make the process longer than it should be.
One of the most important things to keep in mind about laser hair removal is that quality laser hair removal clinics always own their own lasers, so make certain that the first thing you check is that the clinic you are considering owns its own equipment. If a clinic rents its lasers, it is typically a sign that the clinic is more interested in profit than medicine. It also means that the clinic probably does not keep up to date with the latest advances in laser hair removal technology. Educating yourself about the technological advances in laser hair removal is always a good idea. In almost every case, newer lasers will be safer and more effective.
Finally, be sure to schedule a pre-procedure consultation. Even if you are still not sure if you are interested in laser hair removal, consultations are normally free and are a great way to get concrete answers to all your questions and concerns. A consultation will also give you a feel for the clinic, and help you understand what exactly the laser hair removal procedure will involve.