When choosing a machine for home use, look for one that uses a long-lasting battery or power cord that doesn’t require frequent charging. Safety features such as auto shutoff timers, temperature controls and safety sensors are also important features to look for in order to ensure your safety while using this device on yourself or others in your household
Lasers are the most effective way to remove hair at home. The laser targets the pigment in your hair follicle, which causes it to become damaged, die, and eventually fall out. This process takes time, but it is a permanent solution. Laser hair removal works best on people with light skin and dark hair. If you have dark skin and light hair, you will need to use a specialized laser called a Nd:YAG laser. This type of laser produces a beam of light that can remove hair from people who have darker skin tones than those who can use regular lasers.
Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal At Home, Brazilian Laser Hair Removal and Hair Removal For Indian Skin
Best Laser Hair Removal At Home
Laser hair removal has become my preferred way of removing my body hair of late. Though hair on your legs, in your armpits and ~everywhere~ else is absolutely normal, I’ve always favoured a silky hair-free finish. And shaving was always my go-to hair removal method.
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why. Shaving (and waxing kits, for that matter) have so many pitfalls – from causing ingrown hairs to itching, redness and irritation. So, when lockdown happened and we all had a little more time to experiment with our beauty routines, I cast aside my trusty razor and landed on laser hair removal at home.
The best laser hair removal devices have improved tenfold over the past five years, and laser devices now allow you to reap the permanent hair reduction benefits of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) safely – and pretty painlessly – from the comfort of your own bathroom. Here’s everything you need to know.
What does IPL stand for?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. IPL laser hair removal is arguably the most effective hair removal technique around (even more so than your epilator) – namely because it’s a permanent hair removal system for both legs and hard-to-reach areas.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
“First and foremost IPL is not a laser, but there are similarities between the two technologies in that both their functionalities are based on light and both require several initial sessions to achieve optimum long-lasting results,” Chloé told us. “Neither technology can offer permanent hair removal, but both are great options for achieving long term hair reduction.”
“Laser technology is based on a single, concentrated wavelength that precisely penetrates the skin. The light from the laser goes through the melanin (the pigment that colours your hair) in the hair into the root. The light converts to heat and destroys the hair follicle and hair bulb to prevent future growth. Laser treatments are carried out either in salons or by dermatologists and require top-up maintenance sessions.
“IPL on the other hand can be carried out either in salon or in the comfort of your own home with a product like Philips Lumea,” Chloé continued. “IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is made up of a wide spectrum of light, and can treat larger areas at a time vs a laser.” IPL also uses lower energy levels in comparison to full laser treatments, so it takes a little longer to work.
“At-home IPL kits do not come with goggles but can differ for each device, which indicates how low the light technology is compared to in-clinic laser hair removal,” Barbara added.
How does at-home laser hair removal work?
“With IPL technology, pulses of light are applied to the skin and are absorbed by the roots of hair in the ‘growing’ phase,” Chloé said. “This light is absorbed by the melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation in the hair. This light energy becomes warm and stimulates the hair follicle to go into a resting phase, which causes hair to naturally shed and inhibits regrowth. As only the hairs in the growth stage are treated this way, a few sessions are required to target all the hairs to reach the required results.”
Repeated use of this technique means that, over time, regrowth is reduced. Even when it does grow back in the early days of treatment, it will grow back at a significantly slower rate. You can use IPL technology to banish hair on your legs, bikini line and in smaller areas like your underarms.
Is laser hair removal at home safe?
Yes, at-home laser hair removal devices tend to be safe. Take the Philips Lumea, for example. “It has been designed and developed with dermatologists and leading skin scientists. It has a number of in-built safety mechanisms, and when used correctly shouldn’t have any implications to the skin health.”
The biggest risk with cheaper devices is scarring – though the best way to avoid this is to avoid zapping sensitive skin, avoid using the treatment for facial hair or over your neck, and do a patch testing on a small area before committing to your larger areas like your legs. Wait for three-four weeks post-patch test to check you experience no side effects.
When you start using an IPL hair removal device, you should add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your whole-body skincare routine, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Also, avoid anything that can irritate your skin like deodorant, hot showers, scented body lotions and perfumes for at least 24 hours after a zap.
Does laser hair removal work on everyone?
Sadly not. “Hair colour and skin tone influence how suitable IPL treatment will be on an individual level, meaning that it won’t be for everyone,” Chloé told us. “IPL is most effective when there is a greater contrast between the hair colour and skin tone. Individuals with fairer skin and darker hair, have a greater contrast meaning more of the light will be absorbed by the hair rather than the skin.
As with all other IPL based treatments, this light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. When there is not enough melanin present in the hair, for example in light blonde, white or grey hair, then IPL will not work. Equally, red hair has a different type of melanin present, which cannot absorb the light so again is not suitable for IPL treatment. IPL treatments are also not recommended for those with the darkest skin tones.”
IPL and laser can cause skin discolouration in dark skin if the wrong type of machine is used. In fact, when there is little to no contrast between the hair and the skin, your skin will absorb the light which converts to heat and causes pain, blisters and burns. Ouch.
How should you prepare for laser hair removal at home?
Firstly, “the area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment,” Barbara told us. “Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long. And do not tweeze, wax, or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area.”
“Fake tanning products cannot be used for three-four weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues,” Barbara added.
Anything else? Avoid skincare products that can be irritating, such as retinal or brightening ingredients and acidic cleansers prior to your treatment.
Which laser hair removal machine is best?
- Best at-home laser hair removal device overall: JOVS Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation and Hair Removal Device, WAS £319 NOW £250, CurrentBody
- Best at-home laser hair removal device for sensitive skin: Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device, £379, Boots
- Best laser hair removal device for legs: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL, WAS £599.99 NOW £247.99 Amazon
- Best laser hair removal device for face and intimate areas: Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision ‘Dove’, £235, Cult Beauty
- Best laser hair removal device for on-the-go: Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device, £379, Current Body
- Most inclusive at-home laser hair removal device: iluminage Touch ELOS Quartz Permanent Hair Reduction System, £391.19, Amazon
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.
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.