Laser hair removal sounds like an ideal solution–one session and never having to pick up another razor again! However, professional laser treatments cost hundreds of dollars per session and you may require multiple sessions in order to permanently eliminate all your hair.
At-home devices may cost less, but are they as effective? Unfortunately, no large studies have been done to test out these home laser hair removal machines.
How do they work?
Hair removal lasers utilize specific wavelengths of light that emit specific wavelengths to target and heat dark, hair-producing cells in order to damage them and permanently eradicate unwanted hair from its source. Although laser hair removal lasers offer more efficient hair removal compared to shaving or waxing, there can be potential downsides when used at home devices.
Arash Akhavan, MD of Dermatology explains that home light devices only work on certain skin tones and types of hair. They use IPL (intense pulsed light), rather than true laser technology which is much more powerful. IPL machines may use IPL rather than true laser technology which requires medical professionals for operation while wearing protective eyewear; at-home light devices don’t come equipped with cooling devices to protect the skin from its intense heat production like medical-grade lasers do.
Although laser hair removal devices have their limitations, a quality device can still help reduce unwanted hair and stop future growth. Consumers looking for at-home solutions should look for FDA approval as well as strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Silk’n is a best seller for good reason with this at-home IPL device that delivers impressive results while remaining easy to use. Simply plug it in, adjust its power settings for your skin tone (medium users should not exceed level two) and use it one or two times weekly over three or five months for best results.
This device comes equipped with various modes, including facial mode to treat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an app that reminds you when to treat yourself.
This FDA-cleared laser device is an ideal choice for dark skinned beauty enthusiasts. Though more costly than some alternatives, its ability to target more melanin-rich follicles and provide smooth skin is well worth its additional cost. Furthermore, its skin rejuvenation mode uses lower frequencies that stimulate collagen and elastin production make this laser device truly exceptional.
What are the risks?
If you’re hoping to save yourself time and money by purchasing an at-home laser hair removal device, a few things should be kept in mind. One is that these gadgets may not be as advanced as what professional dermatologists use – this means less powerful laser beams which may result in subpar results as well as increased redness and irritation from using an unlicensed device at home.
One major drawback of at-home laser devices is that not all are suitable for every skin tone; certain devices don’t work well on darker skin tones and could potentially cause burns or scarring. Others may not work effectively in certain locations such as around genitals or near eyes.
Before using your device, it’s essential that you read its user manual carefully and conduct a patch test (shaving or waxing a small area of the treatment area and then using an electrical current to zap it) in order to detect any adverse side effects. Also avoid any hair removal methods like shaving or waxing on the day prior as these could disrupt follicles and cause further hair growth; self-tanners and sunlight should also be avoided prior to sessions.
At-home laser hair removal devices can take some time to show significant results, as you will probably require several sessions before realizing a significant decrease in hair. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance sessions may be necessary if your hormonal cycle is more active;
Home laser hair removal devices don’t compare to their professional counterparts when it comes to facial use, though some models offer skin rejuvenation mode which uses lower frequencies to stimulate collagen and elastin production, soften wrinkles, and improve skin texture – this feature could make an interesting way for you to experiment! To see if it works for yourself, look out for devices equipped with such features.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
At-home laser hair removal devices may or may not be right for everyone, depending on several factors. As they’re often less powerful than professional treatments, results may take longer to show and they may cause some discomfort on sensitive parts of the body. Most popular devices offer adjustable power settings so you can tailor them according to your comfort level.
Be mindful that most at-home laser hair removal devices do not work on darker skin tones due to pulsed light not distinguishing between your dark pigmented hair and skin tones and burning you with its pulses. But there are new technologies and devices available which use intense pulsed light (IPL) instead of laser technology for dark skin tones – such as those that utilize IPL (intense pulsed light).
Before using an at-home device for hair removal, it’s crucial to shave the area where you plan on treating. Shaving will allow your IPL or laser device to more precisely target the pigment of your hair follicle rather than skin pigment, and will make laser devices more likely to target hair follicles rather than other parts of the body. Furthermore, plucking or waxing should be avoided before laser hair removal because these methods can rip out melanin pigment which makes targeting hair follicles impossible and prevent laser devices from accurately targeting hair follicles and properly removing unwanted hair effectively.
Some at-home devices come equipped with skin numbing creams to reduce discomfort during your treatment, although it’s always wise to follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully and be cautious. Once finished, moisturize the area afterwards while using sunscreen to protect it from further sun damage.
At-home laser hair removal devices have grown increasingly popular, but they should not be considered permanent solutions. While they may reduce hair growth, most users will need to repeat the process several times for desired results. Still, at-home devices may provide a great option for people looking for quick ways to get rid of unwanted hair without incurring the expense or hassle of visiting a salon; additionally they provide valuable tools for people living in areas where professional laser or IPL hair removal services may be difficult or unavailable.
How much do they cost?
At-home laser hair removal devices may cost more initially, but can save money over time. While they require multiple sessions to achieve permanent results, many users find lasting relief with them.
At-home laser devices typically utilize diode laser or intense pulse light (IPL) technology, both of which work by targeting hair follicles to damage them and stop future growth. Devices with more pulses tend to be more effective since they cover larger surface areas quicker.
At-home laser hair removal devices may offer more affordable alternatives to professional treatments; however, some individuals do not live near clinics offering professional laser and IPL treatments that provide longer lasting results for all skin tones–including darker ones.
Good news is that at-home laser hair removal devices are being developed that are effective on all skin tones, including those with deeper complexions. We tested several top models such as Tria Beauty laser-hair-removal device which combines true laser with radio frequency – IPL heats the follicle, then the radio frequency targets its heat before dissolving it completely for truly amazing hair-removal results across a variety of Fitzpatrick skin tones from one to six (light to dark).
This device can be especially beneficial to those with darker skin tones, as it is the only at-home tool tested to treat true type-six Fitzpatrick skin tones – the highest level. As always, however, prior to using any tool at home it’s essential that a patch test be conducted prior to starting treatment and that you limit sun exposure during sessions.
This at-home laser hair-removal device is easy and straightforward, featuring a built-in app to remind you when to schedule a session. There are five power settings ranging from gentlest to most powerful; we tried out on its highest setting and only experienced slight heat and some brief zapping sensations that were quite tolerable.
