This product is a home laser hair removal system that can be used on large areas, such as the legs or arms. It uses FDA-approved lasers and is safe for all skin types. It has a low-pain level and does not require any downtime. It is also suitable for use on sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms.
This product uses a dual-mode laser that works in both pulsed mode and continuous wave mode, with adjustable power settings to allow you to customize your treatment according to your preferences. The unit features an ergonomic design that makes it easy and comfortable to use, even for extended periods of time, and comes with a built-in safety timer that automatically shuts off after 30 minutes of continuous operation.
Read on to learn more about Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Legs Large Areas
Best Home Laser Hair Removal For Legs Large Areas
From the cost of professional in-office treatments to the effectiveness of at-home devices, here’s everything you need to know about laser hair removal, according to the experts.
The season for baring one’s legs, underarms, and bikini line has officially descended upon us. And regardless of whether you find yourself reaching for a razor, a waxing strip, or neither, there’s no denying the fact that women spend a lot of time and money on the process of removing hair from various parts of their bodies. It’s easy to understand then why a growing number of women each year continue to ditch their preferred method of temporary hair removal and opt for something a little more permanent. We’re talking of course, about laser hair removal.
Once considered a luxury practice, the popularity of the in-office treatment has been helped along in recent years by both lower price points and celebrities — Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham among them — who have become increasingly vocal about the wonders of the hair removal procedure. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long before beauty companies started unveiling their own at-home laser hair removal devices promising similar professional-grade results, but from the comfort of your own home and at a fraction of the cost. But are these at-home laser hair removal devices really just as effective as the real thing? Are they even safe?
To help you decide if an at-home device is the right option for you, we tapped two of New York’s most sought-after hair removal professionals, cosmetic dermatologist, chief medical officer and founder of the PFRANKMD™ Brand, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, and Christian Karavolas, owner of the Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal clinic, to help us break down everything you need to know about laser hair removal—both at home and in-office. See their expert advice and the best at-home laser hair removal devices to shop now below.
What is laser hair removal?
“Laser hair removal is a procedure in which a beam of light is used to destroy the root of the hair follicle to permanently prevent the hair from growing back,” explains Dr. Frank. “A trained professional will use a laser to emit a specific wavelength of light to target pigmentation in your hair, which, after a few treatments, will stop your hair from growing altogether. “Once the energy of the light is absorbed by the pigment in your hair, it’s converted into heat, which destroys the hair cells that produce the hair,” adds Dr. Frank. Laser hair removal treatments can only be done by a certified dermatologist or trained professional, and usually take several sessions in order to achieve the maximum results.
How do at-home laser hair removal devices and in-office treatments differ?
It should come as no surprise then to learn that perhaps the biggest difference between an in-office treatment and the kinds practiced at home is simply the strength and effectiveness of the lasers used. “In-office devices are simply more powerful,” says Dr. Frank. “They are actual lasers with specific wavelengths of light that target the pigment in the hair follicle. Most at-home devices are weak IPL or Intense Pulsed Light devices, which is a broader spectrum of light, and tends to be much, much weaker.”
What this essentially means for your own hair removal needs is that if you’re looking for permanent results across larger areas of the body (think your arms, legs, and stomach), chances are you’ll most likely want to consider booking an appointment with a trained professional. “In-home lasers are usually underpowered devices with small spot sizes and low output,” says Karavolas. “As such, they do not give permanent results. Generally speaking, at-home devices can never give the same level of results as in-office equipment—they just can’t rival that of a true laser.”
Dr. Frank agrees, adding that “for safety reasons, an at-home laser hair removal device is going to have a much lower rate of permanent hair reduction. It’s also much slower and can’t be used on large areas at one time. In that case, the at-home devices are going to be much more appropriate for touching up or treating very small areas.”
What does laser hair removal cost?
While the cost of an in-office treatment can vary depending on where you decide to book your appointment and what areas of the body you’re looking to treat, there’s no denying that a professional-grade treatment is going to cost you more in the long run. According to Dr. Frank, a typical in-office treatment can range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per session, depending on the area of skin being treated. Likewise, Karavolas says that his leg treatments can cost anywhere from $500 to $700 a session. It’s also important to note that on average at least four to six treatments are needed (spaced four to six weeks a part) in order to see the best results.
Comparatively, the average cost of an at-home laser hair removal device can range anywhere from $250 to $600, which is significantly less. That said, Dr. Frank is quick to note that while the overall cost may be less, it’s the long-term results where you’ll ultimately pay the price. “When it comes to the staying power of laser hair removal treatments, you’ll only see dramatic permanent reduction with in-office treatments. The at-home devices are definitely going to require much more maintenance. If you invest in an at-home device, first consider what your expectations are. If you want to make a dramatic difference, go for a series in-office treatments, and then use the at-home device for touching up, if necessary.”
Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe to use?
While at-home devices are nowhere near as powerful or sophisticated as the type of lasers used in a professional setting, the question still remains whether or not they are safe enough for everyone to use without the guidance of a trained practitioner. After all, as Dr. Frank puts it, “there are risks for the stronger in-office lasers as well, which is why it’s necessary to go to someone with a lot of laser experience, particularly a physician, nurse practitioner, a physician assistant or registered nurse with experience.”
According to Karavolas, one of the biggest risks to look out for when operating an at-home laser hair removal device is unexpectedly causing harm to the eyes. “At-home lasers can be dangerous as the light that they emit may be harmful to the eyesight, which is why proper eyewear is needed.” Additionally, because “most devices are IPL’s—meaning Intense Pulse Light—and they work on the surface of the skin, there is a risk of causing temporary burns on darker skin.”
Unfortunately, while most at-home devices are effective for those with dark hair and pale skin (the laser can easily “see” the contrast of color and is thus, better able to target it), they don’t always cater to those with very dark complexions or grey hair. In that case, Karavolas admits it’s best if those with lighter hair types or darker skin reconsider at-home laser hair removal entirely, as today’s devices are simply not “fully developed” enough to effectively treat their trickier skin and hair types.
Does at-home laser hair removal hurt as much as an in-office treatment?
Sadly, if you were thinking of opting for an at-home laser hair removal device in the hopes that it would hurt less than a session at your go-to dermatologist’s office, you may be sorely disappointed (no pun intended). While at-home lasers are in fact less powerful than their in-office counterparts, they can still cause every bit as much discomfort. Add that to the fact that an at-home treatment may actually take you longer to get through, simply because you don’t have a professional there to help you power through, and you might actually be causing yourself even more heartache and discomfort in the long run.
What are the best at-home laser hair removal devices?
While both Dr. Frank and Karavolas agree that an in-office treatment is far more preferable and effective than an at-home device, they aren’t opposed to recommending them to those who are looking to supplement their professional treatments with additional touch-ups. Their device of choice? The Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X. Launched in 2013, the FDA-approved device is said to be “powered by the same in-office Diode Laser Technology used by dermatologists,” and “delivers over 3 times more hair-eliminating energy than any other at-home hair removal device, making it the most powerful at-home hair removal technology.”
Unlike in-office treatments, the Tria 4X can also be used to treat an area once every 2 weeks (versus four to six) until the desired result has been reached, and at $449, costs just a fraction of the price. Other promising at-home laser hair removal tools include the LumaRX Full Body Hair Removal System, the Ora Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System, and the Silk’N Flash & Go Jewel Hair Removal Device for smaller touch-ups.
The Final Say
While select at-home laser hair removal devices have been proven effective, they are ultimately best for a very select group of people, as they are unable to cater to specific skin types and hair colors. Additionally, while these devices may aid in overall hair reduction, they can not guarantee permanent hair removal, which means that you may not be able to throw out your razor or hair wax entirely (and really, isn’t that the point here?). Dermatologists and other trained practitioners, on the other hand, will have sophisticated enough lasers to not only target all skin types (a bonus for those with either light hair or darker skin) but also address larger or harder to treat areas. As a rule of thumb, we’d say at-home lasers are worth the investment if you’re looking to target small areas (think the face and armpits), as they’re easy to use accurately and quickly. For larger areas like the legs, arms, and bikini line, however, you’re better off seeking out a professional who has the skills and know-how necessary to get you the desired results. Either way, you should be prepared for a few months of treatments and just a bit of pain.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin. Melanin is a dark brown or black substance that is naturally found or forms a part of people’s skin, hair, and eyes.
The Laser beams a high-intensity light on the hair follicle that is absorbed by the pigments cell of the follicle (which causes hair to grow), and the heat from the light energy damages the sacs within the skin that produce hair.
The damage done to the sac can either inhibit or delay future hair growth.
Laser hair removal is effective in either preventing or significantly reducing future hair growth. But multiple removal and maintenance treatments are needed to get the optimal results.
The success of the procedure is greatly influenced by a person’s hair color and skin type. The procedure is most effective for those with light skin and dark hair. This is because the light absorbs better on dark hair and light skin.
If you have darker skin, laser hair removal might not be the best choice for you.
Shop The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
All three professionals that we spoke to recommended the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X as it is currently one of the only FDA-approved devices for at-home use. With five energy-level settings and an LED display that guides you through each treatment, the Tria is easy enough for those new to at-home laser hair removal to use, while still providing professional-level results. “The Tria uses a diode laser to create a specific beam of light that targets the root of the hair,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It’s the same technology that I use in my professional-grade laser in the office.” If the safety of such a powerful device has you worried, don’t be. When you turn the device on, it actually scans your skin and won’t unlock unless your skin tone and hair color are confirmed safe matches.
TRIA Hair Removal Laser 4X available at Tria Beauty for $449.00
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device For All Skin Tones
Like the Tria device, the Ora Illuminage Touch is an FDA-cleared, at-home hair removal device that is clinically proven to permanently remove unwanted body and facial hair in two weeks across all skin tones and hair colors, including white, blonde and red. As Dr. Zeichner explains, “this device combines intense pulsed light with radiofrequency technology to target the root of the hair. The combination of technologies gives greater versatility across skin types.” The system works quickly and gently to disable hair follicles so that hair falls out without growing back. It also features an unlimited number of flashes that enable you to have a near lifetime of hair removal treatments, making it well worth the investment.
ORA Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System available at Dermstore for $449.00
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device For Larger Areas
Despite their names, the majority of at-home hair removal devices don’t actually use lasers, but rather Intense Pulse Light (IPL), a technology that targets your hair’s melanin to permanently destroy the hair follicle after repeated treatments. “Intense pulsed light is a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths,” explains. Dr. Zeichner. “This is useful in being able to address different skin tones using a single device.” The great thing about this device is that not only does it give off a total of 30,000 pulses before it needs to be replaced, but its design also allows for the easiest and fastest treatment of trickier areas like the legs and arms. “The large head on this laser makes it useful to address larger body surface areas,” agrees Dr. Zeichner. According to the brand, you can expect up to 94% hair reduction in just three treatments, making it a great option for those who are looking for fast results. It is worth noting, however, that this device is not safe to use on darker skin tones, as the device can’t differentiate between hair and skin, resulting in a higher risk for burning.
REMINGTON IPL6000Q iLight Pro plus Quartz At-Home IPL Hair Removal System available at Amazon for $389.68
Best Customizable At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
While the Silk’n Infinity 400,000 also uses IPL light, unlike the Remington device, it is safe to use across all skin tones. “The Silk’n Infinity combines light and electrical energy to target the root of the hair,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “Unlike traditional lasers, this device emits a broader spectrum of light allowing it to treat a variety of skin types. This device also has a large-sized head, making the treatment of larger surface areas more convenient.” Beloved for its handheld size, this at-home device is also equipped with five energy-level settings, making for a genuinely customizable experience.
SILK’N Infinity Hair Removal Device available at Silk’n for $399.00
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device For Small Areas
Targeting the hair in those harder-to-get-to areas can be tricky, which is why we—and dermatologists alike—love the Tria Precision Hair Removal Laser. “The small, pointed applicator on this device is ideal for treating smaller areas on the face,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It also allows you to address hard to reach areas or those with curves, like the underarms, bikini and upper lip.” Equipped with the same professional-grade diode technology as the aforementioned 4X laser, this travel-friendly device is also great for touch-ups and is proven through dermatologist-led clinical studies to be both safe and effective.
TRIA Hair Removal Laser Precision available at Tria Beauty for $329.00