Is At Home Laser Hair Removal Worth It
When it comes to getting rid of excess hair, many people turn to the tried-and-true method of laser hair removal. Face, legs, arms, and the genital area are just some of the places where this method has proven effective. What is the price tag on this laser hair removal service? Should I bother?
We think so because we looked into it. See how much one session of laser hair removal typically costs, as well as how that number can go up or down depending on factors like your location, the size of the region you want treated, and the number of sessions you want to undergo.
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around. It is considered a medical treatment where a laser is aiming at removing unwanted hair from the body. It can be used on multiple areas including both women and men’s faces and bodies. However, there are some myths surrounding this procedure that might make it seem less appealing to some people, including the cost and pain factors. Read on to learn more on does at home laser hair removal cause cancer/can you use at home laser hair removal on pubic hair.
Is At Home Laser Hair Removal Worth It
Every year around this time, we begin to think about getting laser hair removal. Even though summer has just begun, you’re already frustrated by the need for constant hair care. Even after hours spent researching alternatives to laser hair removal, we’ve come full circle. Nonetheless, we do recognize your concerns and respect your hesitation. Putting aside the discomfort involved, waxing and shaving both produce visible results right away, while laser hair removal—whether performed at home or in a dermatologist’s office—requires numerous sessions and is often quite costly. All this makes you wonder: where should your money go? We ran the numbers, and here are the results.
Despite the fact that there is no way to avoid an upfront expense of $250-$500, the long-term savings are substantial. The typical cost of professional sessions is $400 for both legs, and it is recommended that you seek six to eight sessions, so using an at-home device can save you around $2,000. Such a sum of money, really. The Silk’n Flash&Go Express is an excellent entry point because it is both fast and easy to use. We recommend the $549 LumaRx Pro since it can be used on both the face and the body and comes with a Precision Treatment Cap attachment that has a smaller window, making it more suitable for the delicate contours of the face.
Durability: The LumaRx Pro may remove 94 percent of hair in as short as three treatments, and after three treatments, participants had, on average, 66 percent less hairs when examined a year later. At $445, the Illuminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System promises a 94% reduction in hair growth after just seven weeks of use (the same amount of sessions a professional course averagely recommends). Compared to visits to a professional, an at-home session costs only $64. Also, you may touch up as needed rather than having to pay for expensive professional help (although there is the counterargument that after visiting a dermatologist, you won’t have to touch up as often).
Downsides
Accuracy: Just like at-home waxing, where you notice tufts of hair you missed, it’s hard to be as accurate as a professional with at-home laser devices (understandably). So if you are doing large or hard-to-reach areas like legs, back, or bikini line, at-home devices can leave you frustrated and returning back to your razor for the bits you’ve missed.
Time-consuming: It’s not just fiddling about with accuracy that makes at-home devices time-consuming, but, as Dr. Shereene Idriss of Union Square Laser Dermatology also explains, “Don’t underestimate the self-inflicted pain from at-home sessions, which also adds more time to each treatment.” We second that. As opposed to having a professional help you power through it, you may find yourself having to take frequent breaks (we sure did), which means you often lose your placing, miss patches, and add minutes to each session.
Commitment: If you have a graveyard cabinet full of half-used beauty products and discarded tools, then we’d suggest thinking twice before committing to an at-home laser hair removal device. To see results, you must use them at least once a week for seven weeks in a row. Dr. Idriss also tells us that at-home treatments will require many more treatments compared to in-office sessions because the power level is lower on at-home devices, so you need to be prepared to be in it for the long haul. If you tend to have beauty commitment issues, it probably isn’t worth investing.
Skin Safety: “At-home devices aren’t as sophisticated as in-office lasers, so they’re not necessarily safe for darker skin types. The risk of burning is always the number one risk you should always be aware of,” advices Dr Idriss. For example, while more devices are very effective for dark hair on pale skin (the laser can “see” the contrast of color), they don’t always cater for black skin or grey hair.
While at-home devices have been proven effective, they are best for a very narrow window of people and don’t cater for specific skin types and hair colors. Dermatologists, on the other hand, “will have sophisticated enough lasers to target all skin types,” explains Dr. Idriss. That said, if you do have light skin and dark hair, they are a great alternative if you are prepared to commit and put in the hours. As a rule of thumb, we’d say at-home lasers are worth the investment if you want to target small areas (face and armpits), as they’re easy to use accurately and quickly. Particularly true when you consider it can take as little as under 60 seconds for a derm to do your top lip, so not worth the trek down there, or the money. But for larger areas like legs and bikini line, we’d recommend seeking a professional appointment, as it requires a lot of skill to get the results you want.
Does At Home Laser Hair Removal Cause Cancer
The lasers used in hair removal or other skin procedures have such a minimal amount of radiation. Plus, the minimal amount is only being exacted on the surface of the skin. So, they don’t pose a risk of cancer.
Minor side effects are common
Laser hair removal works by using small, high-heat lasers. The laser may cause temporary side effects immediately after the procedure. Skin irritation and pigmentation changes are the most common side effects.
Redness and irritation
Hair removal via laser can cause temporary irritation. You may also notice slight redness and swelling at the treated area. Still, these effects are minor. They are often the same effects you might notice after other types of hair removal, such as waxing.
Your dermatologist might apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure to minimize these effects.
Overall irritation should disappear within hours of the procedure. Try applying ice packs to help reduce swelling and any pain. You should call your doctor if you experience symptoms beyond slight irritation or if the side effects worsen.
Pigmentation changes
After laser treatment, you may notice slightly darker or lighter skin. If you have light skin, you’re more likely to have darker spots from laser hair removal. The opposite is true of people with dark skin, who may have lighter spots from the procedure. However, like skin irritation, these changes are temporary and aren’t usually a cause for concern.
Check out: How to treat and prevent ingrown pubic hair »
Severe side effects are rare
Rarely, laser hair removal can lead to more severe side effects. Your risk increases if you use at-home laser kits or if you seek treatment from a provider who isn’t trained and certified.
Rare side effects of laser hair removal include:
- Excessive hair growth in the area of treatment: Sometimes this effect is mistaken for hair shedding after the procedure
- Changes to overall skin texture: You may be at an increased risk if you have tanned recently.
- Scarring: This is most common in people who tend to scar easily.
- Blisters and skin crusting: These effects may be caused by sun exposure too soon after the procedure.
Discuss these side effects with your doctor. Although they’re extremely uncommon, it’s still a good idea to be aware of them. Call your doctor if you show any of these symptoms after laser hair removal.
Can laser hair removal be used while pregnant?
This procedure isn’t recommended during pregnancy. This is primarily due to the fact that no human studies have proved the safety of laser hair treatments during pregnancy.
You may want laser hair treatments for excessive hair that has grown during your pregnancy. Common areas of increased hair growth include the breasts and stomach. However, in most cases, these hairs fall out on their own, so you may not need any medical treatments if you wait until after your pregnancy has ended.
If you’re pregnant and looking at laser hair removal, consider waiting until after delivery. Your doctor will likely recommend that you wait several weeks to be safe.
Can laser hair removal cause cancer?
The idea that laser hair removal raises the risk of cancer is unfounded. The Skin Care Foundation reports that the technique is sometimes used to treat precancerous lesions.
Sun damage and wrinkles can be treated using a variety of lasers. Radiation levels from lasers used for hair removal or other skin procedures are quite low. Also, the minimum amount is being extracted exclusively from the epidermis. There is therefore no danger of cancer from them.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) removal therapies have increased in popularity and accessibility in recent years. The fact that large companies like Remington and Philips have begun to invest in their own products has helped to increase public acceptance of this innovative home beauty aid.
While similar to traditional laser hair removal systems like those found in clinics and spas like Primas Medispa, IPL systems may be used in the comfort of one’s own home by utilizing highly concentrated light to destroy hair follicles.
Notwithstanding the trend, concerns about safety have often discouraged individuals from trying it at home. They may not be persuaded that the expensive cost of a single gadget is justified by the possible benefits.
RISK OF BURNING AND SKIN IRRITATION
When it comes to laser hair removal, the largest danger is accidental burns. This holds true for both in-clinic laser treatments and DIY options. Even while catastrophes like that don’t happen often, it’s always smart to take safety measures and have a doctor on hand just in case.
With domestic technology, you must take personal responsibility to safeguard against skin damage from overexposure.
Keep in mind that home devices are not as advanced, so they may not work as well on people with darker complexion or hair. When consumers choose longer sessions or misuse to get the desired effects, they greatly increase the danger of burning since they are unaware of the limitations of the technology.
Redness and inflammation of the skin are common laser hair removal after effects. This is especially true if you’re targeting very delicate spots. A specialist in a clinic or Medispa can provide you advice on how to handle potential side effects, treat the region thereafter, or modify your treatment plan altogether.
Individuals who opt to treat themselves at home won’t have this option, and they may find that specific places become quite sensitive afterward. Stop what you’re doing and consult a doctor or skincare specialist if you notice any redness, irritation, or swelling in your skin.
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
The absence of adult supervision is the primary source of danger when it comes to home electronics. Little children who gain access to their parents’ electronics could be in grave risk.
Please read the directions carefully before beginning. The device’s efficacy on various skin and hair types should also be specified. It would be a mistake to treat all devices in the same manner; instead, you should always pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions, including the recommended session lengths, intensity levels, skin and hair care tips, and preparatory methods.
The region to be treated should be shaved before the light is adjusted to the proper intensity. In-grown hairs can be avoided by applying an exfoliant in between sessions, as suggested by some machines.
Last but not least, always refer to the manufacturer’s skin and hair charts. Trying to get results despite this would be foolish, especially if it requires more sessions than usual and you have a deeper skin tone or your hair is extremely light.
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
Those who are uncomfortable going to a clinic, or who simply don’t have the time, can benefit greatly from using an at-home laser hair removal device. One common practice is to supplement professional laser treatments with repeated sessions of IPL performed at home.
A laser light removal treatment at a clinic, on the other hand, is significantly more effective and yields much more reliable results due to the access to expert expertise and experience that you’ll have.
Hair removal clinics place a premium on patient safety, so you can relax knowing that you won’t be exposed to any of the risks associated with at-home laser treatments. If you’re looking for a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment, Primas Medispa is the place to go.
Can You Use At Home Laser Hair Removal On Pubic Hair
Home laser hair removal is safe enough for the bikini area but should be avoided in the genital region. Using a hair removal laser on the genitalia is more excruciating since the skin there is more delicate than elsewhere on the body.
Laser hair removal is a risk-free, minimally intrusive method of permanently reducing hair growth in a variety of body locations. The bikini area, underarms, legs, and face are the most frequent spots.
More and more people have been employing at-home laser hair removal systems for the pubic region in recent years. Although a home laser could be used, only a professional with appropriate training and experience should attempt to treat this condition with a laser.
While shaving or waxing the pubic area, it’s important to be gentle. Consult a physician or dermatologist before using a laser hair removal device on your pubic hair at home.
Safe pubic hair removal can only be accomplished using a medical-grade equipment used in a doctor’s office, such as Phenolase or NeoGraft. Because to the complexity and sensitivity of the area, no home laser has been approved by the FDA for use on this part of the body.
Unwanted hair can be eliminated with laser hair removal. The laser heats up the dark pigment in the hair follicle, which the light then travels through and kills.
Those with fair skin and dark hair are the greatest candidates for laser hair removal. Those with dark skin, light hair, or an easily tanned complexion may not see good results from using it.
There’s a reason why people use lasers to target melanin: it’s a proven method. Melanin is the pigment found in our skin and hair, and it is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Over time, less hair will be seen growing since the laser radiation will have injured these melanocytes, killing them and preventing them from developing new pigment.
Depending on how many spots you’re treating and the thickness of your hair, the process can take up to an hour. Some discomfort is to be expected during treatment, but it should subside soon afterward.
About a decade has passed since the introduction of the first FDA-approved laser hair removal system for use in the comfort of one’s own home. While salons and doctors’ offices that provide professional hair removal treatments were closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, those who choose to keep their hair have seen a renaissance of sorts.
Obviously, home hair removers are much more effective than their portable versions. Yet I can’t help but worry if the at-home hair removal equipment live up to the promise as I stare at my dull razor.
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.
Are Laser Hair Removal Devices Worth It?
For people with the optimal complexion and hair color, at-home laser hair removal systems can deliver quite a bit of bang your buck. The one-time investment of $200 to $500 for the device is less than the cost of a series of professional hair removal sessions, though patience will be key. “Although these devices have a favorable price point relative to in-office lasers, there is a considerable time investment for the DIY approach,” Dr. Adar says. “This is due to the smaller spot size on the devices and the lower energies.