Is Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Blonde Hair At Home
The business of hair removal is serious. Several of us have wondered if we can remove hair at home as the period between waxing treatments has increased. Indeed, that is the case. Today, a variety of home hair-removal options are obtainable. But you should know what you’re getting into before you start shaving or buzzing your body hair off.
If you have blonde hair and are considering laser hair removal at home, this article will tell you all you need to know, including how it works, how long it takes, and how much it costs.
There are a number of options for doing hair removal at home. Laser hair removal is one method that is gaining popularity. The health risks associated with home laser hair removal for blonde hair are the topic of today’s conversation. Read on to learn more on permanent hair removal blonde hair/best home laser hair removal for grey hair.
Is Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Blonde Hair At Home
Many of our own editors are among those who are firm believers in laser hair removal. Although the treatment can be time-consuming and costly, proponents often point out that once it is complete, the client no longer needs to shave or have monthly waxes. You may still need to have maintenance treatments, but hopefully not as frequently. It’s not bad, is it?
But, the idea of a laser being that close to my body causes me some anxiety. I decided to learn more about the procedure itself by reading up on it. What happens during laser hair removal, according to the Mayo Clinic: “The laser’s light is absorbed by the hair’s melanin, making it possible to remove the strands one by one. Hair follicles, tiny tube-shaped sacs beneath the epidermis, are damaged by the light’s converted heat energy. Because of this damage, new hair won’t grow as quickly or at all.” The Clinic also notes that certain treatments only temporarily halt hair growth and require more sessions for permanent removal.
While most people have their laser hair removal done in a dermatologist’s office, do-it-yourself (DIY) devices are now available. Like how it makes me scared just to think about laser hair removal, doing it myself in the comfort of my own home? I was very skeptical.
Jennifer Herrmann, MD, FAAD of Moy, Fincher, Chipps was recommended as an expert source to answer my questions on the efficacy and proper usage of these devices. While they can be useful, you won’t receive the same level of speed and efficiency as you would in an office, according to Herrmann.
To boost their safety profile, she says, “I think the most essential thing to remember is that they are low-energy devices.” “There is a high threshold for pain during treatment, and the devices may not be powerful enough to achieve desirable results on finer, lighter hair. Safe and effective for almost all skin types, in-office treatments typically require five or six sessions to achieve noticeable hair removal. If you’re a person who is always on the lookout for a more efficient way to get things done, then you’re probably at the right place. Moreover, inaccessible locations that are difficult to treat on one’s own are sometimes better suited for in-office treatments.”
How to Choose a Device
When researching devices, Herrmann says you should look into specifics because many aren’t suitable for darker skin or red or blonde hair. She adds that none work on white hair. And you should think about the area you’re going to use the device on.
“Depending on the area you wish to target, some have larger or smaller treatment hand pieces,” she explains. “If you’re aiming at hairs on the lip, for instance, a smaller device with a precise tip for targeting this small area is preferred. Depending on your own skin type, it’s also important to look at the device’s safety profile and what skin tones it’s safe for. Most of these devices are actually not lasers but based on IPL (intense pulsed light) technology, which can’t be used on dark skin safely.”
Application Tips
Before you begin lasering, make sure the area is well prepared. Makeup, moisturizer, and sunscreen can all absorb heat from the gadget and cause burns, therefore Herrmann recommends washing the skin thoroughly before using it. Even though it seems counterintuitive, given that the device itself removes hair, you should shave before using it.
She notes that having an abundance of facial hair might reduce the efficacy of a laser treatment and perhaps put the patient at danger for burns. “Avoid procedures like plucking and waxing that remove all of the hair at once. For the device to be effective, the hair’s root must be in contact with the skin. When activated, the gadget converts the light energy into heat by reacting with the hair’s pigment cells, which are responsible for the hair’s color. After several treatments that target hairs at different stages of the development cycle, the hair-producing cells are permanently damaged by the heat.”
Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Grey Hair
Black, brown, blonde, red, and white are the five natural shades of hair (this includes grey too).
The hair follicle contains two different forms of melanin pigment, which determine the hair color. It’s eumelanin and pheomelanin that do the trick.
Both black and brown eumelanin exist. Hair turns either black or brown depending on the amount of melanin present. The presence or absence of these pigments in the hair creates a wide range of dark hair colors. Even though it’s not as abundant, eumelanin can be present in blond and red hair as well.
Your hair color is determined by the different forms of melanin found in your hair and follicles.
Both yellow and red forms of pheomelanin exist. As could be expected, it alters hair color to blonde or red. In addition, there is a wide range of tones present. There is a wide spectrum of reds, from titian to copper to orange/ginger to red to deep red. Adding more brown eumelanin causes a range of auburn tones from light to dark.
Some eumelanin and the yellow pigment pheomelanin are responsible for the blonde tones. Yet, the total pigment levels are substantially lower than in dark hair. The different proportions of these pigments provide a plethora of additional tones, from black to white blonde.
When eumelanin predominates, the result is a cooler range of medium to dark blonde. A larger pheomelanin ratio, on the other hand, results in blonder, sunnier awrm tones. Both need to be in modest quantities to produce a light to white blonde.
Using both yellow and red pheomelanin, you can achieve the stunning and unusual strawberry blonde hue. The highest concentration of pheomelanin is seen in this golden blonde and red combination.
Also, white hair lacks colour because of this. Follicles devoid of melanin give the hair its “colorless” appearance. The hairs seem silvery to white due to light bouncing off of them. As we age, the cells in our hair follicles gradually slow down and stop creating any colour, resulting in a greying of our hair.
Gray and white hair lack any coloration.
It’s possible to have distinctively varied hair colors on your head and body, and even inside the same body part. Hence, before deciding between laser and IPL, you should evaluate the hair color in the targeted areas.
Why most laser & IPL won’t work on fair hair
Black or brown body hair with lots of black or brown eumelanin responds best to home laser and IPL hair reduction. That’s because the eumelanin absorbs the strong IPL and laser light energy, which then heats up and damages key areas of the hair follicle. After several sessions it slows and stops your hair growth.
Pheomelanin in blonde and red hair doesn’t absorb the light energy. So, IPL and laser won’t work on hair colours with mostly these pigments.
So, at-home brands use colour charts to help you understand which hair colours have enough eumelanin for their devices’ work on. Like this one, from Sensica:
Check your hair color against this sample Sensica hair color chart.
Colors ranging from black and dark brown to light brown and dark blonde can be seen on the charts (1 to 4 above). Blondes with a lot of highlights, reds, and greys/whites will not see results (5 to 7).
Now, this is useful if the color of your body hair is nearly identical to a swatch on the chart. Hair color and eye color aren’t the only things that matter when it comes to looking well in public. Some of them may even exhibit functional levels of eumelanin.
While though black and dark brown hair have the most melanin and are the most responsive to treatment, several brands note in their frequently asked questions that the process can be successful with other hair tints and colors as long as they include adequate eumelanin. Hence, various variations of blonde and auburn hair are included.
Auburn hair colors may be candidates for IPL hair removal.
IPL hair removal is effective on medium to dark blonde hair and may be successful on light blonde hair (but not white blonde).
IPL hair removal is effective on ash blonde hair of all tones, including light, medium, and dark (but not white blonde).
Light blonde hair may have sufficient eumelanin pigment to employ Smoothskin’s strong Muse model, the company said a few years ago (but not on white blonde hairs). Nevertheless, darker hair may require more than one more session to achieve the same effects. They recommended giving it a shot for a few months to see whether it works, and then sending it back for a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) removal therapies have increased in popularity and accessibility in recent years. Major companies have begun to invest in their own products, including Remington and Philips, which has increased consumer confidence in this new at-home beauty tool.
At-home IPL systems are comparable to traditional laser hair removal systems used in clinics and beauty parlors like Primas Medispa; however, they use highly concentrated light to kill hair follicles instead of a laser light beam.
Despite the increase, concerns about safety have often discouraged individuals from trying it at home. They may not be persuaded that the benefits outweigh the expensive cost of a single device.
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.
DO AS INSTRUCTED
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.
Before doing anything, make sure you’ve read the directions carefully. 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 pay close attention to the device’s specific instructions, including the recommended session length, intensity levels, skin and hair care tips, and preparation procedures.
The region to be treated should be shaved before the light is adjusted to the proper intensity. Some devices may also suggest applying an exfoliant in between sessions to prevent in-grown hairs.
Last but not least, always refer to the manufacturer’s skin and hair charts. Trying to get results despite the fact that you have a darker skin tone or your hair is really light is a bad idea, especially if it requires more sessions than usual.
Is there a change in the technology?
IPL devices dominate the market for use at home. Unlike laser, IPL uses a spectrum of light and wavelengths to progressively slow hair growth.
In contrast, a laser device, available at most clinics, salons, and spas, emits a single wave of red light to destroy hair follicles in a single treatment. As professionals who are well-versed in assisting clients in achieving their goals are constantly present, the procedure is typically lot quicker and safer.
In most cases, regrowth of hair after using an IPL machine is inevitable, and touch-ups may be necessary in some locations. With conventional laser lighting, this would happen far less frequently.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL IN THE HOME VS. THE SALON
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. Get in touch with Primas Medispa today if you’re looking for a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment, as this is exactly what we offer.
Permanent Hair Removal Blonde Hair
Traditionally, the answer has been no – laser hair removal is not effective and is potentially dangerous for patients with blonde hair. However, recent advancements in laser hair removal have started to make this possible. Yes, laser hair removal works for unwanted blonde hair growth.
Laser hair removal has traditionally been a treatment for patients with fair skin and dark hair tones. This is simply because of the way older laser machines were built, using the contrast of pigmentation between the dark hair color and the fair skin tone to let the laser heat damage the hair follicles effectively.
Many patients ask, “does laser hair removal work if I have blond hair”? Traditionally, the answer has been no – laser hair removal is not effective and is potentially dangerous for patients with blonde hair. However, recent advancements in laser hair removal have started to make this possible. Yes, laser hair removal works for unwanted blonde hair growth.
Why Traditional Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Work with Blonde Hair
The pigmentation of hair is necessary for the effectiveness of conventional laser hair removal. When a laser is aimed at the skin, it releases laser heat energy, which can be harmful to the treated region.
The laser is drawn to the pigmentation of the hair, and a cooling gel is administered to the skin to prevent any burns. The laser’s heat is drawn to the pigmentation and then travels down the hair shaft to the hair follicle, where it damages the bulb of the hair follicle.
Because of this, hair pigmentation—something that blonde hair lacks—is crucial. If there isn’t enough pigment in the skin, the laser can’t penetrate to the hair follicle, and instead just burns the skin up top. For individuals with fair skin, this not only reduces the treatment’s efficacy but also increases the risk involved.
Yet, recent developments in laser technology have paved the path for blonde patients to have access to laser hair removal.
Blonde Hair and the Science of Laser Hair Removal
Laser scientists and engineers have spent the better part of the last few decades perfecting a method for safely and effectively removing lighter hair with lasers. The primary issue is the laser’s narrow concentration on pigmentation, which prevents it from penetrating the hair and destroying the follicle, instead damaging the epidermis or the patient’s skin.
Fortunately, this issue has been alleviated to some extent by recent developments in laser hair removal technology. For example:
Inkjet Printing
As laser hair removal works by attracting pigment in the hair, blonde hair is more challenging to cure. Some lasers have been created to get past this problem by first artificially pigmenting the targeted facial or body hair with a dye before the laser energy is delivered onto the skin. Although the results aren’t as good as they would be with naturally black hair, this has shown some promise.
Long Pulse Lasers
Traditionally, lasers for laser hair removal were built with short pulses, meaning shorter wavelengths. Over the last few years, laser technologists have found that lasers that shoot longer pulses create a safe environment for patients in general, making the procedure safer for individuals with blonde hair. Long pulses are safer for the following reasons:
- Less Melanin Selective: Melanin is found in the epidermis, and the struggle with laser hair removal is ensuring that the laser energy is absorbed by the follicle rather than the skin. When absorbed by the skin, this leads to damage. This means that with longer wavelengths, there is less need for a strong pigmentation from the hair for the laser heat to avoid damaging the skin.
- Deeper Penetration: Longer wavelengths naturally travel deeper than shorter wavelengths, meaning there is an even lesser chance for the heat to stop at the epidermis. With longer wavelengths, the laser can more easily bypass the top surface of the skin and travel down to the dermis where the follicle bulge or bulb is located.
- Greater Cooling Time: Lasers that emit longer pulses and wavelengths also allow for greater cooling time for the skin between each pulse. This extended cooling time has been found to be crucial towards increasing the overall safety of the procedure for the patient.
It is important to remember that while recent advancements in laser technology have made it easier for patients with lighter hair to get the procedure safely, there is no guarantee that you will experience the same results as what someone with darker hair might experience.
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?
Expert laser hair removal is a form of laser therapy that penetrates the skin and sends pulses of highly concentrated light to the hair follicles. Because of the hair’s cyclical growth pattern, treatments are often planned every four to six weeks. It can be used to permanently or temporarily get rid of undesirable hair on most of the body. Legs and arms, as well as minor areas including the bikini line, underarms, upper lip, and chin, are frequently treated.
Several home hair removal devices employ powerful pulsed light rather than laser therapy, which is used in professional treatments (IPL). Tony Adar, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York City, says, “First thing to understand is that although these devices are widely referred to as ‘home lasers,’ most are not actually lasers.” Intense pulsed light is a well-known technique used in many products. Intense pulsed light (IPL) delivers a wide spectrum of light, while lasers produce only one color of light at a time.
Although both laser hair removal and intense pulsed light (IPL) are used to treat unwanted hair, their efficacy varies. Both are effective because “the light radiation destroys the melanin pigment in the hair follicles, which eliminates the discolouration,” as he explains. Hence, “in other words, they function similarly to the in-office professional machines yet utilize 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.
Home Laser Hair Removal: Advice from the Pros
To remove hair in the comfort of one’s own home, Dr. Adar suggests either the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X or the Silk’n Infinity. Both are reasonably priced and FDA-approved, but they serve separate purposes. The Tria uses diode laser technology to more nearly simulate professional treatments, whereas the Silk’n uses IPL. Both are effective for those with complexion tones between fair and light brown, and hair colors between light brown and black.
Here are some tips for optimizing your device use after you’ve made your selection:
FIRST, THINK ABOUT YOUR SKIN AND HAIR COLOR
Laser hair removal is most effective on people with light complexion and black hair. Dr. Adar warns those with lighter hair (think blond, gray, and hues of red) that these gadgets are useless for them. Be sure to check with a board-certified professional before commencing treatment, since many at-home devices are not appropriate for persons with darker skin tones.
- BE SURE TO DO A PATCH TEST
Dr. Adar advises patients to first perform a small test area and wait a few days to see any adverse reactions from their skin. Never, he says, “double pulse” on the same location. “Most gadgets only activate when in complete touch with skin, thanks to built-in sensors,” That sensor also serves to shield your eyes. Warning: “Never point any laser toward your eyes,” he advises, because doing so can harm the light-sensing cells in the retina, which can lead to irreversible blindness in the worst-case scenario.
Third, NEVER HAVE LASER HAIR REMOVAL IF YOUR HAIR HAS BEEN PLUCKED OR WAXED. The lasers work by destroying the pigment in your hair follicles. If you remove hair by plucking or waxing, the light can’t focus on the follicle’s root. Instead, Dr. Adar advises shaving before each treatment to reduce the device’s efficacy by reducing the amount of light energy absorbed by hairs above the skin.
Fourth, maintain clean skin.
It’s probably apparent, but it bears repeating: thoroughly cleanse the skin before applying any treatment. If you want to know how to make your skin look better, all you have to do is use your mind. Yeah, and don’t bother sunbathing. Tans, with their increased skin pigmentation, might be problematic for medical interventions.
- DIG IN AND WAIT
Home laser treatments should be spread out just like medical visits. Dr. Adar says you may need four to eight treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart (depending on the brand and the area of the body being treated; read the manual that came with the device for specifics). A home hair removal regimen is more of a marathon than a sprint, he warns. Don’t immediately turn the dial to the highest level. It’s best to begin with the lowest possible setting and gradually increase it. - BE READY TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE
At-home choices typically have fewer negative impacts on the user because of the lower energy levels required. Patients typically report a zap (similar to the snapping of a rubber band) and sometimes some slight soreness. Dr. Adar suggests numbing the area with a topical anesthetic, chilling it before the procedure, or directing a cold fan at it during the procedure.
7: PREVENTATIVE CARE IS VITAL
Permanent hair reduction is possible with IPL hair removal, while touch-ups may be required to keep the treated region smooth and hair-free. After the first 4–8 sessions, you can wait 4–6 weeks before returning for touchups. Dr. Adar says this periodicity is caused by the hair follicle’s life cycle. Hair that grows back after each treatment is thinner and lighter because “the follicle is destroyed in place,” he explains. Hence, “laser hair reduction” is a more accurate term than “laser hair removal” for these treatments.
STEER CLEAR OF THESE ZONES
It is important to seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist before attempting to treat any skin lesions, including those near the eyes, on the body, or in the hair.
Is It Cost Effective to Use a Laser Hair Remover?
At-home laser hair removal systems are highly effective for those with the right skin tone and hair color. The device may be purchased for between $200 and $500, which is cheaper than a series of professional hair removal procedures. Dr. Adar notes that while “these devices have a favorable pricing point relative to in-office lasers,” the DIY method requires a significant time commitment. This is because “the gadgets’ smaller spot size and lower energy” are to blame.