Is At Home Laser Hair Removal Effective>If you don’t want to spend the money on professional laser hair removal services but still want to get rid of undesirable facial and body hair, consider trying out at-home laser hair removal. Advantages of at-home laser removal include conserving money and the ability to have the procedure done when it is most convenient for you.
Yet there are also drawbacks to consider: You can’t get as much done in a single sitting as you would at a clinic, and it can be up to six months before you can try again.
You’ve probably seen an advertisement for at-home laser hair removal if you’ve been on the internet recently. You may have been persuaded by the advertisements, but at-home laser hair removal has more drawbacks than benefits. Read on to learn more on best laser hair removal at home/permanent hair removal at home.
Is At Home Laser Hair Removal Effective
Some DIY beauty tricks are totally worth it. You can save time and money by dyeing your roots or plucking your brows in the comfort of your bathroom. But laser hair removal?
While the procedure used to only be available in the dermatologist’s office, these days you can buy small devices to zap away hair yourself.
But before you kiss your razor goodbye, find out what dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, has to say about the safety and effectiveness of these devices.
Permanent hair removal
Laser hair removal devices work by killing the hair follicle. But hair grows in cycles, and the lasers only damage follicles during an active cycle of hair growth. So it takes multiple treatments, about a month apart, to completely stop hair from regrowing.
For some people, laser hair removal is not entirely permanent. You might need a maintenance treatment every year or so to keep stray hairs from cropping up.
The process doesn’t come cheap. Professional laser hair removal can cost a couple hundred bucks per treatment, and it might take half a dozen sessions (or more) to knock out every follicle. You could rack up more than a thousand dollars in pursuit of a bald bikini line.
Meanwhile, you can order an at-home hair removal laser for somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 or $500. At first glance, it seems like a better investment. But there are some important caveats, Dr. Ward says.
At-home laser hair removal: Pros and cons
There are two types of at-home devices for hair removal. One is a true laser, and the other uses intense pulsed light. Both types remove hair, and both are less powerful than the device you’ll find at the dermatologist’s office, Dr. Ward explains.
That’s good and bad. On the one hand, with less power comes less responsibility. These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don’t have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.)
But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don’t work as well as the pro models.
More downsides: It’s hard to cover a lot of territory — like an entire leg — with the small at-home devices, Dr. Ward says. And they might not be strong enough to get completely hair-free. “Over multiple sessions, you’ll reduce the amount of hair you see — but it probably won’t be a home run,” she says.
Who should try at-home laser hair removal?
One of the biggest drawbacks to at-home laser hair removal? The tools only work on a narrow range of hair and skin colors. The lasers zero in on pigments in the hair follicle and are only effective when there’s a lot of contrast between skin and hair. That means the systems are recommended for people with light skin and dark hair.
In people with darker skin, there’s a risk of burns — though to prevent that, many at-home devices have sensors that block them from working on darker skin.
If you don’t have the pale-skin/dark-hair combo, professional lasers are the only option. “The lasers we use in the dermatology office are more sophisticated and can be used in patients with skin of any color,” Dr. Ward says.
Laser hair removal safety
If you have the right hair and skin tones, the devices are generally safe to try, Dr. Ward says. But it’s important to use them correctly.
DON’T use them:
- Near your eyes (though the upper lip is OK).
- Over tattoos or pigmented areas, including moles.
- In the genital area (but you can safely target the bikini line).
When doing the math, consider that at-home devices might have limited battery power or contain light cartridges that will need to be replaced, Dr. Ward says. And no matter how often you use them, you might never achieve total hairlessness.
“It depends on the person, but professional hair removal usually gives you a bigger bang for your buck,” she says.
Permanent Hair Removal At Home
There is no way to remove hair permanently at home. However, it may be possible to permanently or semipermanently reduce hair growth. According to one study , intense pulsed light (IPL) devices designed for at-home use are safe, and if a person uses them regularly, they are effective for hair removal.
A technician will perform electrolysis by using needles to apply short wave radio frequencies to the hair follicles to destroy them. They will then remove the hair with tweezers.
A technician can perform electrolysis on nearly any part of the body. Electrolysis also works on any type of hair, including light-colored hair.
Due to the growth cycle of hair, a person typically requires multiple sessions of electrolysis to achieve the desired effects. The number of sessions can vary depending on the area of the body, the sensitivity of the person, and the amount of hair present.
However, once the technician has removed all of the hair from the specified area, a person will not require any additional appointments.
Side effects
After electrolysis sessions, a person may experience stinging, redness, or irritation at the site of the hair removal. They may also develop an infection or excessive scar tissue around the site, but this is rare.
Some at-home electrolysis kits are available. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend that an experienced technician perform electrolysis for the best results.
Cost
The cost of electrolysis varies depending on the number of sessions, as well as several other factors, such as the skill level of the technician and how much hair needs removing.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal involves the use of a high-heat laser to destroy the hair follicle. A technician can use laser hair removal anywhere on the body, except for the area around the eyes.
According to the AAD, a person can expect to see a 10–25% reduction in hair after the first session. When the hairs do grow back, they tend to be a lighter color and less thick. Once the hair has stopped growing, it may not return for months or years.
Laser hair removal works best on hair that is dark and coarse. It is not effective for light, gray, or red hair.
Laser hair removal usually requires a course of multiple sessions to remove all of the hair from a specific area of the body. These sessions will take place 4–6 weeks apart.
Side effects
Laser hair removal does have some risks, especially if an inexperienced or poorly trained technician performs it. The laser can cause some minor pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Following the treatment, a person’s skin may become red or irritated for a few days. Rarely, blisters or scarring may occur at the site of the hair removal.
Laser hair removal makes the skin temporarily more sensitive to sunlight. It is important that people undergoing laser hair removal protect their skin from the sun during their course of treatment. They can do this by:
- avoiding direct sunlight exposure
- refraining from using tanning beds
- wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
In recent years, IPL or intense pulsed light removal treatments have become incredibly popular and much more accessible than in the past. This is partly due to the fact that major brands, such as Remington and Philips, have started to invest in their own products, bolstering consumer confidence in this new home beauty tool.
While similar to classic laser hair removal systems offer at clinics and places like Primas Medispa, at-home IPL systems work by using highly concentrated light to destroy the hair follicles, rather than laser light beam technology.
Despite the trend, questions around the safety of doing this at home has often put people off, not convinced that the potential benefits are worth the high price tag for an individual device and the potential risk to safety.
RISK OF BURNING AND SKIN IRRITATION
The biggest risk is always burning when it comes to laser hair removal. This is the same with laser technology in the clinic, as well as with at-home devices. While it is rare for such accidents to occur, it is still wise to follow precautions and make sure you are always attended by a qualified physician.
In the case of home technology, you will have to take on the responsibility yourself to make sure you avoid any damage caused to your skin through burning.
One thing to remember is at-home devices are not as sophisticated, so it may not be ideal for darker skin types or lighter hair. There is a great risk of burning when users are not aware of the technologies limitations and opt for increased sessions or overuse, to achieve the results they want.
Also, redness and skin irritation are common side effects in laser hair removal. This increases when you are performing it on sensitive areas. In a clinic or Medispa, your consultant will be able to inform you of precautions and help you to either treat the affected area afterwards, or reduce the intensity of your treatment.
Those who perform this treatment themselves at home won’t have this luxury and may experience acute sensitivity in certain areas. The best thing to do if you experience redness, skin irritation or swelling would be to stop and seek advice from a doctor or skincare expert.
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
The biggest risk with at-home devices is that using this technology happens without supervision. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young children who happen to get a hold of their parent’s equipment.
It is important to read the instructions completely before you proceed. There should also be some information on the types of skin and hair the device can effectively treat. It would be a mistake to approach every device the same way, and you should always pay attention to things like recommended session durations, intensity settings, skin and hair advice and suggested preparation methods.
Generally, you should always shave the area you wish to treat first and carefully change the light setting to the suitable volume. Some machines may also recommend using some kind of exfoliator between treatments, in order to reduce the risk of in-grown hairs.
Ultimately, you should always check the brand’s skin and hair charts. Many do not work if you have a darker skin tone or your hair is extremely light, so endeavouring to achieve results despite this would be a mistake – especially if this involves a greater frequency of sessions than usual.
IS THE TECHNOLOGY DIFFERENT?
The majority of at-home devices are IPL. IPL isn’t the same as laser, but instead a spectrum of light and wavelengths that reduce hair growth gradually.
A laser device on the other hand, like you would find in most clinics, salons and spas, delivers one single wave or red light to directly eliminate hair follicles. This is generally a much quicker and safer process, as it is always attended by experts who are experienced in helping clients achieve certain results.
Anyone using an IPL machine will typically find that there will be some regrowth of hair, with certain areas needing to be redone. This would be much less frequent with traditional laser light technology.
AT HOME VS. SALON LASER HAIR REMOVAL
At-home laser hair removal devices can be great for people who might be shy about visiting a clinic or for those with hectic lifestyles. Also touching up your regular laser hair removal sessions with frequent at-home IPL sessions is one popular method.
However, a laser light removal treatment in a clinic is much stronger and the results are much more reliable, due to the knowledge and experience you’ll have access to when dealing with professionals.
Safety is a strong and important consideration for any clinic that uses hair removal technology, so you won’t have to worry about the potential side-effects or dangers that come with home laser removal options. This is what we can provide you at Primas Medispa, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want a safe and reliable laser hair removal treatment.
Best Laser Hair Removal At Home
Laser hair removal is a popular form of hair removal that uses lasers to target hair follicles and destroy them. It is considered one of the most effective methods for removing unwanted body hair.
Laser hair removal at home can be done with a variety of devices, including at-home laser systems, IPL devices and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices. These devices are available from a variety of manufacturers and generally use the same technology as the professional laser systems used in spas and clinics.
The procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The process involves applying a cooling gel to the area being treated before applying a protective barrier over it. The device is then pressed against your skin so that it can target the follicle with its laser or light source.
The procedure typically takes between eight and 15 minutes per treatment area, depending on how much hair needs to be removed. Treatment sessions are spaced several weeks apart to allow time for new growth of hairs to emerge after each session.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular forms of hair removal and it is a very safe and effective method of removing unwanted body hair.
Laser hair removal is not permanent, but it can reduce the amount of hair that grows back. The results last longer if you follow the aftercare instructions carefully. Laser hair removal does not work for everyone and there are some people who should not have it done at all.
What to expect from laser hair removal at home
Most people are worried about having side effects from laser hair removal at home. However, there are no side effects or risks associated with DIY laser treatments in your own home as long as you follow the instructions carefully and use only FDA-approved products. It’s important to remember that you are using a device that emits concentrated light onto your skin, so there is always a risk of burns or infection if you don’t follow instructions carefully or use products that aren’t intended for use on human skin.
The best way to ensure that you get good results from your DIY laser treatments is to buy FDA-approved products from reputable retailers who offer warranties on their products.
Needless to say, hand-held hair removers are not as powerful as their in-office counterparts. But, as I look at my dull razor, I can’t help but wonder: Do at-home hair removal devices live up to the hype?
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Professional laser hair removal is a type of laser therapy that employs pulsating, highly concentrated light deep into the skin to target and destroy the hair follicles. Treatments are scheduled around the hair growth cycle, which is why sessions tend to be scheduled every four to six weeks. It can be used on most parts of the body to remove unwanted hair with semi-permanent to permanent results. Larger limbs like legs and arms are commonly treated, as are smaller areas like bikini lines, underarms, the upper lip, and chin.
AEDITPRO
Before & Afters: Professional Laser Hair Removal
Contrary to the laser therapy used in professional treatments, many at-home hair removal devices utilize intense pulsed light (IPL). “First thing to understand is that, although these devices are commonly referred to as ‘home lasers,’ most are not actually lasers,” says Tony Adar, MD, a board certified dermatologist in NYC. “Most products utilize a well-known technology called intense pulsed light. IPL provides a broad spectrum light while lasers emit monochromatic (i.e. single spectrum) light.”
The concept behind laser hair removal and IPL for unwanted hair treatments is similar, but the potency is different. “Both work on the same principle of the light energy targeting the melanin pigment in the hair follicles to destroy them and thus eradicate discoloration,” he shares. “In other words, they work similar to the in-office professional machines but use smaller energies.”
Are At-Home Hair Removal Devices Safe?
First things first: If you are considering investing in an at-home hair removal device, make sure it is approved by the FDA. When used properly, the tools are safe for home use. But following the directions is key for achieving the best and safest results. “At-home lasers generate light energy that, when not used properly, can also burn the skin,” he says. “Because lasers must pass through our skin to reach the hair follicle, the skin necessarily absorbs some of that energy.”
Because of this, Dr. Adar recommends avoiding photosensitizing medication (think: antihistamines, tetracycline antibiotics, oral contraceptives) and skincare and minimizing sun exposure four weeks before introducing the at-home hair removal device and for an additional two weeks after.
Expert Tips for At-Home Laser Hair Removal
When it comes to choosing an at-home hair removal device, Dr. Adar recommends the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X and the Silk’n Infinity. Both are cleared by the FDA and are similarly priced, but they do work differently. While the Silk’n device utilizes IPL, the Tria features a diode laser technology that more closely mimics professional treatments. Both work on fair to light brown skin and light brown to black hair.
Once you’ve decided on a device, here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TONE & HAIR COLOR
Lighter skin with dark hair performs best for laser hair removal. Dr. Adar says that if you have lighter hair (think: blond, gray, and shades of red), save your money — these devices won’t work. Additionally, many at-home devices are not suitable for those with darker skin tones, so be sure to consult with a board certified provider before beginning treatment.
2. DON’T FORGET A PATCH TEST
As a best practice, Dr. Adar recommends doing a small test spot and waiting a few days to see how your skin reacts. “Never double pulse on the same spot,” he warns. “Most devices have sensors that will only allow you to fire it when there is full contact with the skin.” That sensor is also meant to protect your peepers. “Never point any laser toward your eyes, as the back of the eye (i.e. the retina) has light-sensing cells that can be damaged and in extreme cases cause permanent blindness,” he says.
3. NEVER PLUCK OR WAX
Since the lasers target the pigment in the hair follicles, they need to be present in order for the treatment to be effective. If you pluck or wax, the light will not have a way to hone in on the hair follicle root. Instead, Dr. Adar recommends shaving before each treatment to prevent the hairs above the skin from being too long and absorbing the light energy, thus diminishing effectiveness of the device.
4. START WITH CLEAN SKIN
It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: Make sure skin is squeaky clean before treating. Ahead of using the device, remove any skincare products, which can interfere with the devices efficacy, from the face or body. Oh, and skip sunbathing. Increased pigment in the skin from a tan can interfere with treatment.
5. TAKE YOUR TIME
As with professional treatments, you should space out your at-home laser treatments. Depending on the brand and body part being treated, Dr. Adar estimates it could take four to eight sessions, spaced anywhere from two to four weeks apart (check the instructions that come with your device) for results. “Remember, removing hair at home is a marathon not a sprint,” he says. “Don’t crank up the device to the maximum setting right away. I recommend starting at the lower setting and working your way up.”
6. PREPARE FOR SOME DISCOMFORT
Since the energies used in at-home devices are lower than in-office options, they are generally better tolerated with lesser side effects. Most patients feel a zap (similar to snapping a rubber band), and some mild discomfort may be involved. Dr. Adar recommends icing the area beforehand, pointing a cool fan at the targeted area during treatment, or applying a topical anesthetic to ease pain.
7. MAINTENANCE IS KEY
IPL hair removal delivers long-term hair reduction, though maintenance will likely be needed to keep the target area free of fuzz. After your initial four to eight sessions, touch-ups can be spaced out four to six weeks apart. Dr. Adar explains that this timing is due to the life cycle of the hair follicle. “Each treatment destroys the hair follicle in place, and the hair that regrows comes in thinner and lighter,” he says. “So, these procedures are better named ‘laser hair reduction’ rather than ‘laser hair removal.’”
8. AVOID THESE AREAS
When it comes to treating skin around the eyes, tattoos, moles, or other types of skin lesions, be sure to consult with a board certified dermatologist first to avoid any unintended damage.