Most at-home laser hair removal devices don’t actually utilize lasers; rather, they use intense pulsed light (IPL). Lasers emit only one wavelength while IPL devices use multiple frequencies.
Home devices designed for skin tones and hair colors of various hues work effectively; however, their success lies in consistent use of these devices.
Preparation
Hair removal can be an intimate, personal process. While shaving, waxing and tweezing may be effective methods of hair removal, they often come at the cost of time, money and side effects like ingrown hairs and redness. Many women are turning to at-home laser hair removal as an easier and less stressful solution – with proper preparation and care it is possible to eradicate even thick and darkest hairs without being exposed to strangers in a medical spa setting.
Searching online reveals there are various at-home laser hair removal devices on the market and not all are created equal. So how can you select one that’s appropriate for you and ensure it will actually work? For assistance we consulted experts at Brides and the SKIN Institute who provided all of this vital information about how to get optimal results at home.
Experts agree that at-home laser hair removal works by emitting high-intensity light that’s absorbed by melanin in your hair, then converted into heat, damaging its follicle and rendering it incapable of growing hair once treated. Unfortunately, many at-home options out there don’t employ true laser treatments which use multiple wavelengths to penetrate deeper into skin layers and are therefore more effective with darker skin tones.
Keep in mind that at-home laser hair removal requires patience and commitment. Results may take anywhere from four to eight sessions (depending on the device chosen and individual needs), but with regular usage, soon you may no longer require bikini bottom tweezers or razors!
Before using your device, it’s also essential that the area to be treated is clean, dry and free from lotions or oils; this ensures the laser’s energy is directed solely at hair follicles rather than harming surrounding tissue (which could result in burns).
If you’re uncertain whether an at-home device can safely meet your needs, seek advice from your dermatologist. They can help identify the optimal device and treatment regimen based on your skin type and tone, along with providing recommendations regarding number of treatments needed to reach desired results.
Avoid tweezing and waxing the area that needs treating for at least a week prior to beginning treatments in order to protect the hair follicle from becoming damaged, which could compromise their success and hinder their effectiveness.
Treatment
To use a laser hair removal device safely at home, be sure to follow the directions and be cautious not to burn yourself. Furthermore, ensure your skin is free of lotions, oils or soap residue as this could hinder light energy from the device reaching hair follicles. When activated, the device emits a flash of very bright light targeted toward areas containing dark pigmentation – similar to an invisible heat-seeking missile targeting dark spots – then transfers this energy directly into each follicle, damaging them so they cannot grow hair again in future.
While this procedure may sound painful, its pain levels are actually very tolerable. The device’s flash of light may feel similar to rubber band snapping against your skin – some individuals may find this uncomfortable more than others; thankfully though, most individuals become less sensitive over time.
At-home laser hair-removal devices should be treated carefully for one important reason – each hair-removal device differs. In-clinic treatments utilize more powerful machines with medical oversight that are better at covering a wider surface area on the body (including back and legs) more effectively than their counterparts at-home devices.
If you prefer DIY solutions, an IPL device might be your ideal solution. Similar to lasers but more flexible in that it delivers multiple wavelengths of light instead of just one. IPL devices can target melanin both on hairs and skin. They may be difficult for at-home devices to achieve this feat as a result.
IPL devices may also help those suffering from hormonally-based hair growth, like PCOS patients. However, these devices may not work if your skin tone or hair color are very light; furthermore, using one could potentially damage it further.
Laser hair removal results take time. On average, five to eight treatment sessions will likely be needed before you can see visible effects – patience is key! Otherwise you could find yourself constantly fighting against unwanted hair. But if you persevere through this journey you’ll soon be glad you stuck with it!
Laser hair removal is a fantastic way to quickly rid yourself of pubic hair. Before trying it at home, however, it is wise to conduct your own research and be ready for results to take time. An in-office treatment might be better for long-term solutions; experts perform in-office laser hair removal treatments so that they provide optimal care tailored specifically to each person’s skin type and tone.
