The best home laser hair removal machines are the ones that are easy to set up, use, and maintain. They should have a large enough area of coverage without having to move or reposition the device. They should be able to cut through different types of hair, including dark or coarse hair as well as fine or blonde hair. The best home laser hair removal machines will also be able to provide you with professional results without breaking your bank.
The best home laser hair removal machine for you depends on your needs and budget. Do you want something that can be used on both legs and arms? Or do you only want it for one area? Do you want something that can cover a large surface area? Or do you need something that is small and portable? There are lots of options out there!
Read on to learn more about Best Home Laser Hair Removal Machines, Hair Removal Cream Vs. Laser Hair Removal and Laser Hair Removal RedFlags In Choosing A Safe Salon
Best Home Laser Hair Removal Machines
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There’s nothing wrong with having a little body hair, but for those of us looking for the easiest and most convenient ways to remove it at home, there are a number of options to choose from. Shaving your underarms and legs in the shower can be simple, though hair may come back quickly depending on its rate of growth. And while choosing to wax or sugar away targeted areas may ensure smooth results, the actual process can be tricky to pull off solo—which is why people are increasingly turning to the best at-home laser hair removal devices as more professional-level options. “Because using lasers offers a more targeted treatment, they reduce the potential of irritation or bumps that may be associated with shaving or waxing,” Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D, tells BAZAAR.com. “Additionally, laser hair removal provides a more long-term solution than shaving or waxing.”
Although at-home laser devices can provide highly effective results, experts advise that users shouldn’t expect this removal method to get rid of all their body hair overnight. “Complete hair removal is a challenge,” says director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., F.A.A.D. “I feel that the treatment should be called laser hair reduction rather than laser hair removal, because full removal of all of the hair may not be possible. As the hair becomes thinner and finer, it’s more difficult to completely remove it,” he explains. Some at-home devices may be designed specifically for the body or face based on the size of its hand piece, or ease of use in different locations. Garshick notes that using tools on the face should be in an extra-precise manner, with special attention being paid to avoid certain areas like around the eyebrows and general eye area.
SO, HOW DOES THE LASER HAIR REMOVAL PROCESS WORK?
While different hair removal technologies can be found in at-home laser devices, most treatments use IPL (intense pulsed light) to emit multiple wavelengths of light while using heat to destroy hair follicles. “The light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles,” Annie Chiu, a cosmetic and general dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Los Angeles, explains.
According to Garshick, aside from light-based IPL devices, other hair removal options use laser technology (known as diode lasers), which use a single wavelength of light—unlike IPL that uses many wavelengths—to target the pigment of the hair follicle and selectively absorb it while minimizing injury to the surrounding skin. “Since laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle, dark hairs tend to respond the best to laser hair removal,” Garshick says. While burns can happen, Chiu cautions that doubling up on a specific area to lessen hair density won’t speed up results and may lead to increased skin trauma.
ARE AT-HOME HAIR REMOVAL DEVICES SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TONES?
Both IPL and diode laser devices rely on the pigment of the hair follicle to lessen or completely remove it from your skin, but diode lasers are generally more precise, making them a safer option for most skin types and tones. However, it’s important to use caution when trying out any at-home laser hair removal device. Those with lighter hair or darker skin should carefully consider their options regarding their tool of choice. “I recommend that my clients first test spots in less conspicuous areas, like the arms or legs, to see if burning or hyperpigmentation occurs before proceeding to treat the face or more prominent areas of the body,” Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, says.
Having more pigment in your skin may confuse the laser, Zeichner cautions, leading to discoloration in the skin. “In general, at-home laser hair removal devices are not optimal for those with sensitive skin or skin of color as the potential risk of irritation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring is increased,” Garshick adds. “For individuals with sensitive skin and darker skin types, it’s especially important to ensure the selected device is appropriate and should always be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist prior to use.”
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO TREAT THE SKIN POST-HAIR REMOVAL?
Another pro tip? Don’t forget to take care of your skin with a soothing moisturizer following each treatment to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. According to Rossi, look for moisturizers without heavy fragrances, as they can contribute to skin inflammation. Garshick agrees, adding that wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is equally important in healing newly treated areas of the skin, since laser treatments can often contribute to increased sun sensitivity. “Generally, moisturizing creams and sun protection are both important after using laser treatment,” she explains. “A gentle moisturizer or post-procedure product, such as Vaseline Intensive Care Soothing Hydration with Aloe, can be soothing on the skin. Other options include CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream, Avène Cicalfate+, or EltaMD Laser Enzyme Gel. If the skin feels sensitive at all, it is best to opt for a mineral sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield or Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen.”
Laser Hair Removal RedFlags In Choosing A Safe Salon
When you shop for skincare products, you consider your skin type and goals. If you get lip filler, you scroll through dozens of before/afters to ensure you like the injector’s work. Well, the same due diligence should go into play when picking a laser hair removal salon.
There are many factors to consider, particularly skin tone and conditions.
So, before you purchase that laser hair removal package on Groupon, here’s what experts say you should look out for — and if the salon doesn’t meet these standards, consider it a major red flag.
Online Reviews
Karavolas says that an effective way to learn about a laser hair removal salon is to read customer reviews and referrals. These may not be available on the salon’s site, as they’d only feature positive reviews, so look on sites such as Yelp and Reddit, and even the salon’s social media pages.
Consultations and Patch Tests
Before you start treatment, your provider should sit down with you to ask about your skin type, concerns, conditions, tone, medical history, and more. Once that’s done, your provider should do a small patch test on the treatment area to test the strength of the laser to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin or hurt too much. (Laser hair removal should feel like a rubber band slapping your skin, nothing stronger.)
Doan says that if the consultation is rushed or there’s not much discussion on the process and the provider goes straight to the treatment, it’s a major red flag.
What Are Some Other Red Flags to Look For?
Karavolas says that apart from the above, another red flag is if the provider doesn’t ask about recent sun exposure (tans can effect the efficacy of the lasers) and if their equipment isn’t up to date.
A clear sign that the lasers aren’t up to date is if the provider applies gel to the treatment area before starting. “Those types of lasers only de-stimulate the hair growth while getting treatments, but once you’re done getting treatments the hairs grow back,” explains Doan. “That’s because those lasers target melanin in order to be effective. That’s also why it is a big no for people of color — these lasers can’t differentiate between natural melanin in your skin and melanin in your hair, which can lead to burns.”
Lastly, your provider should instruct you on the best pre- and post-treatment directions, as doing otherwise can cause skin irritation and decrease treatment efficacy.
Hair Removal Cream Vs. Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal creams or depilatory creams, shaving, waxing, laser hair removal treatment – there are numerous methods to get rid of the unsightly body hair on legs, arms, chin, upper lips, and genitals. Each of these methods has certain pros and cons for which either they are less or widely accepted. In this article, you will learn about the hair removal creams, the principle on which they work, their pros and cons, and their comparison with other hair removal methods.
What Is A Hair Removal Cream?
Hair removal creams, also known as depilatory creams, are chemical formulations that affect the protein structure of the hair. They dissolve the hair into a jellylike mass that can be easily wiped off from the skin. It is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get rid of the body hair, especially at the body parts where waxing is difficult.
There is an array of hair removal creams for men and women available in the market today. If you are looking for a hair removal cream for face or private parts, make sure you are choosing the right one as these creams are available in various brands and target various areas. For example, the chemical composition of a hair removal cream for face will be different from the hair removal cream for the genital area.
How Does A Cream Work For Hair Removal?
These hair removal creams work on the basic principle of breaking down the keratin structure of the hair. These creams comprise of chemicals (the combination of calcium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide) that are highly alkaline in nature and break down the protein structure of the hair. Due to this, the hair structure starts to dissolve and becomes thin and weak to fall loose from its follicle in less than 10-15 minutes.
Disadvantages Of Using Hair Removal Creams
Undoubtedly the hair removal approach from depilatory creams is quick, easy, and cost-effective. In spite of that, this hair removal method is not accepted by most of the men and women. This is because of the disadvantages they have. These disadvantages include –
- Skin irritation and burning: Due to the harsh chemical composition, these creams may cause skin burning or irritation. When used in the sensitive areas, such as genitals, it requires extra attention and care.
- Allergic reaction: The hair removal creams do not suit everyone. If your skin is sensitive, you must not use this method of hair removal at all as it may cause allergies.
- Foul smell: Almost all hair removal creams leave a very pungent smell right from the time when applied. This smell doesn’t leave for hours even when the cream has been wiped off.
- Not suitable for all body parts: As these creams comprise of strong chemicals, these are to be applied very carefully. These creams should not come in the contact of your eyes, nose, and other open areas.
- Not enough longevity: The creams do not offer a smooth skin for a longer time. The hair growth reoccurs in a few days.
- Not a permanent solution: It is not a permanent solution at all.
Hair Removal Creams Vs Laser Hair Removal
Knowing about their disadvantages, it must be clear that hair removal creams are not a permanent solution to get rid of your hair; it is just a quick fix. This section of the article is dedicated to a comparison between two hair removal techniques: Laser Hair Removal and Hair Removal Creams.