Most at-home laser hair removal devices only work effectively on lighter Fitzpatrick scale skin tones, as they’re not safe for darker complexions. Furthermore, large studies have yet to assess how effective these devices compare with professional in-office treatments.
Many are left wondering, is it safe to use a laser at home? While yes, you should still take certain precautions.
What to Expect
Laser hair removal uses light waves to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles responsible for growth, making at-home devices capable of emitting various amounts of heat depending on your skin tone and the hair follicle’s location. Before choosing at-home laser hair removal as the best choice for yourself, it is important to understand all its variations and how each device operates before making your decision.
At-home laser hair removal devices rely on darkened follicles containing pigment to be effective; the device then directs its laser light directly towards these darkened follicles, targeting and damaging them without impacting surrounding skin tones. Lighter colored hair and lighter skin tones tend to work best with at-home devices due to the contrast in colors allowing safe targeting of individual follicles without harming nearby tissues.
Home devices typically aren’t suitable for treating larger areas, like an entire leg or back of neck, as they might not deliver enough power to effectively kill all hair follicles that grow there. Furthermore, using such devices for prolonged periods may be uncomfortable as skin must remain exposed while light energy is emitted by them – another reason some opt for clinic treatments where professionals can control how long devices remain on skin surface.
Before using your home device for self-tanning at home, be sure to follow its manufacturer’s guidelines for prepping the area properly. In particular, avoid any form of tanning (sunless or UV), self-tanners with UV energy and any form of self-shaving for at least a week before shaving the area that will be treated – shaving ensures there are no long hairs above the surface which could absorb light energy and damage follicles; plucking and waxing treatments could disrupt follicles so it’s best avoided altogether.
Some at-home devices offer a numbing cream to be applied before using them, however this doesn’t always provide long-lasting relief if its effects wear off too soon. Therefore, it’s important to get an understanding of how numbing products affect your skin prior to trying them; speak to either a dermatologist or device manufacturer to gain more information.
If you’re in the market for an at-home laser device, our selections for the top 5 at-home laser hair removal devices on the market have all received FDA clearance and should be used accordingly according to manufacturer instructions for safe at-home hair removal.
Lauren Balsamo has nine years of experience researching and testing everything from detanglers to laser treatments for acne scars. Working closely with Cosmopolitan’s top dermatologists, Lauren works to evaluate new technologies and devices for effectiveness and safety before providing her tips via Instagram. For more tips and tricks follow Lauren on social media!
Preparation
Preparing for laser hair removal will have a direct impact on its success and outcome. To maximize effectiveness, avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight or tanning beds prior to your appointment and avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching your hair; doing this allows more hair roots and pigment to remain intact so the laser can identify hair follicles quickly and destroy them permanently.
If you must use self-tanner or sunscreen prior to receiving laser treatment, be sure to allow at least 24 hours between applications and appointments. Any lotions, oils or products on the skin could increase risk for side effects caused by laser. This also includes any topical treatments like numbing creams.
Before your laser hair removal treatment, it is wise to avoid exercising or engaging in activities that raise your body temperature in the weeks before. Excessively warm skin can prevent laser beams from penetrating to reach hair follicles effectively. Furthermore, direct sunlight exposure (e.g. tanning on a beach or pool deck) should also be avoided since many laser professionals won’t treat you if your skin has become sunburnt; light exposure alone may even result in permanent discoloration of the treated area.
Before going in for laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential that the area be shaved cleanly in a single direction so the laser can easily locate and target hair follicles without burning the skin and causing burns. Be sure to shave all areas that will be treated; at least 24 hours should pass between each shave.
Waxing and razoring can be time-consuming methods of hair removal that often leave redness, cuts or ingrown hairs behind. Laser hair removal offers the fastest, least painful way to rid yourself of unwanted hair; an alternative to more time-consuming methods such as shaving and waxing.
Laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal works by targeting melanin in both your hair and skin, heating it up when laser light hits, then dissolving hair follicles through thermal damage. Similar to how sunburn works, but much safer and more effective; furthermore it makes shaving or waxing much less convenient and effective than laser/IPL hair removal – in fact there are even FDA-approved devices available online that enable at-home laser/IPL hair removal if followed appropriately; more powerful machines than those used by professional aestheticians; nonetheless they can still work if used according to these tips!
Treatment
Traditional hair removal methods, like shaving, waxing and creams can be painfully labor-intensive and increasingly costly over time. Now there is permanent hair reduction available right at home thanks to lasers! Laser hair removal targets unwanted follicles with heat to destroy them permanently leaving skin smooth and hair free – its goal being preventing future regrowth. After just a few treatments of laser hair removal from Spring Street Dermatology NYC dermatologist Dr Gabrielle Hartman states “You should experience an overall reduction in hair” however; please be aware that this treatment cannot replace permanent loss treatments like surgery etc
If you’re contemplating DIY laser hair removal at home, be aware that its technology has been approved for use by cosmetic dermatology doctors; however, at-home devices have yet to account for different skin and hair types, which could result in burns, scarring and hyperpigmentation.
At-home devices may not be appropriate for people with true type six Fitzpatrick skin tones (think blond, gray and shades of red) since most devices on the market are only designed for hair that grows darker than its surrounding skin tone.
Plucking and waxing should also be avoided before your initial laser session as these activities temporarily remove hair follicles that will be targeted with laser therapy treatments. Shaving is acceptable and even recommended since it helps the laser locate hair follicles more accurately. In addition, sunscreen must be worn over the treatment area along with pre-procedure photographs taken using a consent form in order to document its progress and the progress of your therapy journey.
Most patients can achieve long-lasting results after four to eight treatment sessions, with occasional touch-ups required yearly to maintain them. You should expect a sensation similar to snapping rubber bands or sunburn, while laser energy vaporizes unwanted hair from its root source. It is suggested to apply ice after treatment in order to minimize discomfort and any swelling that might occur as part of this treatment process.
Beth Gillette is a beauty editor at Cosmopolitan magazine who has been covering skincare stories for nearly five years, from bikini trimmers to laser hair removal. Over this period, she has tested many at-home laser-hair-removal devices, interviewed top dermatologists and consulted the FDA regarding safety issues. Beth’s favorite device from Epilady SKIN PRO XL has been clinically proven safe and effective; for more information visit the company website.
