The amount of time it takes depends on how much hair needs to be removed and its thickness. It usually takes about 30 minutes for each area treated but this may vary depending on each person’s skin type and condition. After treatment, it is recommended that you avoid going out in direct sunlight for 12 hours after treatment because this could cause sunburn or irritation on your skin if it’s sensitive enough.
Laser hair removal is a process that uses laser light to target and kill the cells in the hair follicle. This process can be used to treat unwanted hair on any part of the body, including: legs, underarms, bikini line, upper lip and chin, face. The treatment takes place in a clinic/spa where you will have to lie down on a massage bed. The laser light is applied directly onto the skin by an experienced professional who will guide you through the procedure.
Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal 2021, Hair Removal For Indian Skin and Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
Best Laser Hair Removal 2021
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Dealing with unwanted body hair is never fun. Take waxing, for example. It can hurt like hell and leave your skin looking red and angry. Though shaving is usually painless, it’s still a pain in the metaphorical sense, as regrowth happens way too quickly and ingrown hairs are always a threat. That’s where at-home laser hair removal comes in. Sure, you can get it done by a pro, but that can get pricey, not to mention that in-person appointments aren’t as easy as they used to be.
However, many people don’t even realize that DIY laser hair removal is a viable option. Even if you have heard of this solution, you may have a lot of questions about the safety and process. To help answer all of your questions about at-home laser hair removal, we tapped Lucia Miranda, Medical Aesthetician at the Shafer Clinic in New York City.
In addition, we’ve selected the best laser hair removal devices for home use. If you’re ready to put down the waxing kits and razors for good, then keep reading for our FAQ and product selection.
How does at-home laser hair removal work?
“At home laser hair removal occurs due to the concept of selective photothermolysis, which allows for the destruction of a target through the delivery of light of a single wavelength that is absorbed by the skin,” Miranda says. “In laser hair removal, the target chromophore is melanin in the hair follicle, which produces heat and damages the follicle. This will delay growth posteriorly, resulting in permanent hair reduction over time.”
When applied to the skin, laser light is absorbed by your body’s cells, and the resulting reaction can be used in the treatment of skin diseases, tattoo removal and hair removal.
What does the “IPL” in IPL hair removal stand for?
When you shop for DIY laser hair removal devices, you will see that many of these products are called IPL hair removal devices. IPL stands for “intense pulsed light,” and technically this technology differs from the laser lights used in professional hair removal clinics. (Despite this, IPL devices are commonly referred to as laser hair removal devices, and that is how we refer to them in this piece.) Intense pulsed light operates in a very similar manner to laser light, but at a lower intensity. IPL wavelengths are wider and less focused than laser light, which makes it safer for DIY hair removal.
At-home laser hair removal devices that use actual laser light, such as the Tria beauty device, are more expensive than IPL hair removal devices. They also tend to be more effective.
How does at-home laser hair removal differ from getting it done by a professional?
“Office-based hair removal systems use a number of wavelengths and technology to achieve results that last longer.” Most importantly, “there is less of a risk of sustaining skin damage in a clinic.” Emphasis added. Miranda also says that patients with darker skin tones will have better results in professional clinics, as DIY laser hair removal devices will not be as effective.
Are most at-home laser hair removal devices safe?
“These devices are designed for safe and easy usage with different energy and intensity levels that are gentle enough to use on different skin types and areas… The Diode lasers were cleared by the FDA and have longer wavelength, active cooling and longer widths, therefore individuals with darker skin can be treated.”
What should you look for in an at-home laser hair removal device?
“When choosing an at-home device, it is important to consider the skin and hair tones the device works on, if it’s designed for smaller or larger areas of the body, how many pulses the device will last for and the use of diode laser or intense pulsed light technology.”
What should consumers know before trying at-home options?
“It is important for consumers to understand that home lasers operate at a lower fluence than the lasers used in-office,” Miranda says. Fluence is a measure of the radiation the skin is exposed to during this process. For safety reasons, at-home laser-hair removal devices will have lower fluence. “Therefore, they will require more treatments and they have in-built safety mechanisms to ensure that light is not emitted if it detects that the skin is not suitable. The lasers are not effective in treating gray, white or light hair.”
What is the best way to use them?
“Users should use the device on clean, dry skin and shaven beforehand,” Miranda says. “Shaving helps the laser reach the follicles directly. The user should start out on a small, unobtrusive area several days prior to treatment to minimize potential risks, and ensure the laser is set correctly for their hair color and skin type.”
What common mistakes should be avoided?
“Avoid tweezing and waxing four to six weeks prior to treatment; instead you can shave… Not all laser hair removal devices are designed for use on all areas of the body. For targeting hair on the face, use devices that are specifically designed for that purpose. Avoid using laser hair removal devices on tattooed, damaged or tanned skin.”
Are the results different for men and women?
“Yes, men who have their hair removed will need touch up sessions every few months. Hair in men is located deeper and the dermis is usually thicker. Lasers that work the best for them are those with a longer wavelength, longer pulse length and a larger spot size.”
Hair Removal For Indian Skin
Being smooth and hairless is a universal beauty standard that can easily be achieved through laser hair removal. However, Indians and other people of color have a difficult time finding a laser hair removal device that can work safely and effectively for their darker skin tones.
So which laser hair removal option is best suited for Indian skin? The most appropriate laser type Indian patients should use is an Nd:YAG laser. As one of the latest lasers available in the market today, the Nd:YAG can work on a wide range of skin types and remove very thick, unwanted hairs.
What Makes Laser Hair Removal Risky For People of Color
In the past, laser hair removal was inaccessible for men and women of color because of how laser removal technology worked. The earliest laser types like ruby and alexandrite lasers were ineffective and harmful when used on patients with darker skin.
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair. Melanin is what gives hair its pigment; the darker the hair, the more melanin it contains. When the lasers beam light on the hair follicle, the melanin absorbs the light and transforms it into heat. This heat is responsible for destroying the hair growth center in the follicle.
Older laser models could focus on the “bullseye” and remove unwanted hairs more accurately only when there is a contrast between dark skin and light hair. However, this made laser hair removal dangerous for tanned or darker-skinned patients, as their skin contained a high concentration of melanin as well.
Because outdated laser models could not distinguish between pigment in skin and hair, they presented a risk to dark skinned patients. These risks include hyperpigmentation, burns, blisters, scarring, and spots in the skin around the follicle.
As Indian patients have medium to darker colored skin and dark, thick hair, they would need to find a clinic that has invested in the right type of equipment. The laser their provider uses should be able to differentiate between the hair and skin. As darker skin requires cooling in between beams, the laser should come with a cooling function as well. These factors would make the procedure more comfortable for Indian patients.
Which Type of Laser Hair Removal Tool Is Best For Indian Skin?
Patients with darker skin tones have very sensitive skin. As Indian skin tones range from lighter olive to darker shades, it’s especially crucial to identify the specific laser that can work safely and effectively for each patient. There are two types of laser that work for darker skin and dark hair: diode and Nd:YAG.
The diode laser is good at treating thicker, coarser hair compared to the Nd:YAG. Most diode lasers are less painful because they have an instant cooling function that protects the skin from overheating. However, the Nd:YAG is the safest option for Indian patients because it can bypass the melanin in your skin.
The Nd:YAG works at a higher wavelength than other lasers so it can pass through the epidermis and target the follicle directly. Since it no longer targets the color, the Nd:YAG is great at targeting resistant hairs and treating darker-skinned patients.
Do keep in mind that the Nd:YAG may be more painful than other lasers because it penetrates more deeply. It also hasn’t been around as long as other FDA-approved lasers so you may have trouble finding a provider who uses this type of laser.
Should You Try At-Home Laser Removal Devices?
There are a lot of at-home devices and laser kits available in the market but they are not recommended for Indian patients. Most of these products are safer for lighter skin types as they have shorter wavelengths. For Indian skin and hair, these short wavelengths are neither safe nor effective.
Many home laser kits also include screening questionnaires to check if the device can be used on particular hair and skin types — but most Indian patients will not be able to pass this test. For patients who do meet the criteria, they may find that the results are not satisfactory as the power of a home laser won’t be strong enough to remove thicker hairs.
Although laser hair removal can be costly, letting an experienced, certified provider will save you money and time in the long run.
The Ideal Candidate For Laser Hair Removal
Historically, people with dark hair and fair skin were ideal choices for professional laser hair removal. Advancements in technology have challenged this standard and many people with various skin and hair types can now undergo laser hair removal treatments. Patients who have met the following criteria are most likely suitable candidates for laser hair removal:
- Individuals who aren’t pregnant or nursing: Pregnant and nursing women should postpone their laser hair removal plans for the safety of the child. While no one can say for sure if any harm will happen to the baby, it’s better to exercise caution.
- Patients who can withstand pain: It may be best to reconsider laser hair treatment if you have a low pain tolerance. The process is not entirely pain-free and the laser may feel like a rubber-band snap on the skin. However, most clinics do offer topical numbing cream and pain relievers to keep patients comfortable during the procedure.
- Someone who has realistic expectations: You may be weary of waxing and shaving already but you should know that laser hair removal is not permanent. It’s more like long-term hair reduction because your hairs will grow back slower, thinner, and finer than before.
Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
Imagine a hot summer day with your gal pals, and you’re all going to the beach. You go to your wardrobe, pull out your favorite itty-bitty bikini, only to find excess hair growing around your lady bits – yikes! Everyone knows that summer, bikinis, and body hair do not match. Unless, of course, body hair is your thing – which we are totally here for – but if you’re like most people, unwanted pubic hair is the bane of your existence. That’s where Brazilian laser hair removal steps in. But what exactly is this popular procedure, and how can it be done safely at home?
Keep reading to find out!
What is Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
When it comes to removing unwanted hair in delicate areas, laser hair removal is the best solution. Shaving around your bikini or buttocks is tricky work and often results in painful side effects like cuts, bumps, and ingrown hairs. Waxing is another popular method but involves ripping and tearing at your hair follicles with hot wax, which can be quite painful, to say the least.
Brazilian laser hair removal is an effective method to remove unwanted pubic hair – without any razors or hot wax. It also solves the complicated issue of reaching around back blindly with razors to catch every last stray hair. Not to get confused with a bikini laser treatment, a Brazilian removes all the hair in your pubic area where a bikini laser treatment only includes the sides of your pubic area.
We may call it a “Brazilian,” but the custom of removing all the hair from your most intimate areas hails back to 400 BC. Even the ancients considered a clean look down there to be aesthetically pleasing. These days, getting rid of unwanted hair has become increasingly popular as clothing has come to cover less and less of the body.
How Does Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Work?
Brazilian hair removal treatment takes care of all your unwanted hair in the bikini region; we’re talking your whole bikini plus between the cheeks, so your buns won’t ever have to see a razor again! The Brazilian area is sensitive, but treatment is fast and the lasers used are gentle.
Okay, so how does it work?
Laser hair removal treatment works through a focused, coherent beam of laser. That focused laser light pulse is directed to the exact area you want to remove the excess hair from. It’s set to give a specific wavelength that will seek out the dark melanin pigment in the hair follicle. The melanin will absorb the laser’s light energy, causing it to heat up and destroy the follicle. Since follicles are responsible for producing new hair, it inhibits future hair growth when they are destroyed.
What Are The Benefits of Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
Brazilian laser hair removal is a popular procedure due to its high effectiveness. In fact, when it comes to effectiveness on the beauty of your skin and the reduction of unwanted hair, it outperforms other methods of pubic hair removal by a long-shot! There are many benefits to going bare down there. Here are some of them:
Saves Time. Brazilian laser hair removal treatments are super handy, quick, and efficient. You get down to business, get your treatment over with, and go out and on with your day like nothing ever happened. Plus, you don’t have to spend all that time each week trimming the unsightly pubic hair around your lady bits since the results are permanent.
Saves Money. Additionally, think of just how much of your hard-earned money you spend each and every time you have to go in for monthly waxing appointments. Add that up over the course of your adult life, and you’re well above how much a Brazilian laser treatment will cost. Sure, it might cost a little more upfront, but you’ll save much more money with laser in the long run.
Eliminates Ingrown Hairs. As if the woes of waxing and shaving weren’t enough, when those pesky ingrown hairs emerge, many people are left to think, “what’s the point?” Well, Brazilian laser treatments can significantly reduce the occurrence of those pesky painful bumps in your pubic region. Plus, it’s excellent for those who have very sensitive skin and tend to experience irritation after waxing or shaving.
Brazilian Laser Hair Removal At Home
Brazilian laser hair removal treatment has come a long way over the years and is a safe, highly effective, and relatively painless way to remove undesired pubic hair on a long term or even permanent basis. Back in the day, to achieve hair-free skin in your bikini area, an appointment with a laser specialist was required. Today, at-home options are now available, making it easier than ever to combat frustrating pubic hair once and for all.
However, with literally hundreds of home laser hair removal devices available on the market, it can be a little tough to find which is best for your sensitive nether regions. Here’s what to look for:
Energy Levels. Most laser hair removal devices offer different energy levels to suit various skin sensitivities. The basic models have three to five energy levels, from one being the weakest to five being the strongest. For your very first use or if you happen to have sensitive skin, start at the first level (level 1) and move your way up as you get more comfortable with a higher energy level.
To ensure that the device finds the right energy level for your specific skin type, look for a device with a high number of energy levels like the KENZZI IPL Hair Removal Handset. The Kenzzi has five different power settings to suit your unique skin tone or skin’s sensitivity while still producing incredible results at any level.
Light Pulses. The lifespan of the device depends solely on the amount of light pulses it delivers. The higher the number, the higher the lifespan. The KENZZI IPL Hair Removal Handset has over 10+ years of flashes when used as recommended so you’ll be able to stay hair-free for a very long time!
Warranty. You can never really be too sure of the product’s quality that you’ll be purchasing until you’ve put in some time using it. For your peace of mind, look for a device like Kenzzi’s that is backed by a warranty. A manufacturer is much more confident with the quality of its product if it offers a money-back guarantee.
Window Size. The window is the glass area that will touch your skin during the hair removal treatment. The bigger the window, the bigger the coverage area. Choosing the right window size depends on the particular body area that you want to treat. For Brazilian laser hair removal, a small window measuring around 2-3 cubic centimeters is enough to get the job done.