Many individuals have become accustomed to shaving, waxing, and tweezing as part of their skin and body care routine. However, these hair removal methods only get rid of hair at the skin’s surface, so it’s not uncommon to see new hair growth within days or weeks. Laser hair removal treatments are the answer if you want a more permanent hair reduction.
So can you do laser hair removal at home? Yes, laser hair removal devices make it entirely possible to manage unwanted hair from the comfort of your home. While it’s a promising solution, it has several drawbacks and may be less effective than professional hair removal treatments. Having a professional laser technician administer your hair removal is still the best option to guarantee a safer experience and more optimal results.
What To Know Before Trying At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Anyone looking for a longer-lasting hair removal solution has probably heard of laser treatments. It uses laser energy to heat and destroy the hair follicle, which disrupts the hair growth cycle and results in permanent hair reduction. For this reason, it’s become one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in many med spas and aesthetic centers across the United States.
But like most cosmetic treatments, laser hair removal at a dermatologist’s office or medical spa may be relatively costly, especially considering that you need more than one session to see its results. You might consider at-home laser hair removal if you want to save money.
You don’t need to spend several dollars with at-home laser treatment for multiple procedures. This method is cheaper since you only have to pay the full price of the laser hair removal device once. Once you own it, you don’t have to worry about additional costs, and you can remove body hair anytime you want.
Aside from the one-time investment, here are other reasons why people are trying at-home laser hair removal treatment:
1) Easy to use
Most at-home laser hair removal devices are designed with your convenience in mind. You don’t need any special training or qualifications to use the laser hair removal machine in your home. It comes with a detailed instruction manual that shows you how to effectively and safely use the device to target unwanted hair. Additionally, most laser hair removal devices are built so that you can treat hairs in smaller and hard-to-reach areas in the body.
2) Lightweight and portable
Laser hair removal devices are typically handheld and come in compact shapes and sizes. If you’re traveling to the beach or flying for an important event, you can easily bring your laser hair removal device in your bag. This way, you can perform quick touch-ups to ensure smooth and hair-free skin before you go out.
3) Good for long-term hair maintenance
Regular use of at-home laser hair removal devices may also result in permanent hair removal. It uses the same technology as professional laser treatments, so you can expect a permanent reduction in hair growth and thickness as you use it repeatedly. Additionally, at-home laser devices can help keep your skin smooth and eliminate ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
4) Comfortable hair removal experience
Shaving and waxing can hurt a little bit and have higher risks of damaging your skin if you aren’t used to them. At-home laser hair removal is almost as pain-free and comfortable as professional treatments. If you have lower pain tolerance levels, you may experience mild discomfort as the laser energy destroys the hair follicle.
Repeated use of at-home laser hair removal devices can help you get used to the tingling sensation. Some at-laser hair removal machines also have built-in cooling mechanisms to minimize discomfort.
Types of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Machines
Two primary laser hair removal devices can be used at home: true laser and intense pulsed light (IPL). Although they both provide the same results, these machines have some differences. Here’s an overview of how true laser and IPL technology differ from one another:
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<p><strong>True laser technology </strong></p>
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<p><strong>IPL technology </strong></p>
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<p><strong>How it works </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It emits a single, focused beam of monochromatic light that targets the hair follicle to prevent new hair from growing. It creates an intense beam of light that goes in a single direction to destroy the follicle completely. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This type of laser hair removal sends a broad spectrum of light to get rid of the hair follicle. The laser energy is delivered in short, gentle pulses that penetrate the skin surface in varying depths until the follicle absorbs it. </span></p>
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<p><strong>Safety </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">True laser hair removal devices are generally safe for most individuals with dark hair and light skin type.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Intense pulsed light devices are also safe for at-home hair removal and can treat a wider range of skin tones and hair colors. However, hyperpigmentation and burns in individuals with darker skin tones may be possible.</span></p>
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<p><strong>Efficiency </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">True laser hair removal machines emit a more powerful beam of light to precisely and accurately destroy the follicles at the treatment area. This may produce faster results than IPL devices. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IPL treatment may produce slower results since the light it emits is more scattered and diffused. While it can effectively remove hair, you may need more regular treatments to achieve your desired outcome. </span></p>
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Best Devices You Can Use For Laser Hair Removal At Home
There are several laser hair removal products that you can use for hassle-free hair maintenance at home. These devices have varying features and distinct designs, but they all promise to provide the same excellent hair removal results. Here are some of the popular at-home laser hair removal machines in the market:
1) Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
This laser hair removal device uses IPL technology to achieve permanent hair reduction. It has a special sensor that allows the device to adapt to your skin tone so you’ll experience fewer side effects. This FDA-cleared device comes with three different sensitivity modes to ensure your comfort during hair removal. It promises to provide visible results within four weeks, and its effects can last up to 6 months.
2) MiSMON Laser Hair Removal
Individuals with dark hair and light to medium skin tones can use this IPL laser hair removal device. It has a built-in automatic sensor that minimizes damage to the surrounding skin and ensures that it effectively targets the melanin in the hair follicle. It can remove unwanted hair in the arms, underarms, legs, chin, back, and bikini lines.
3) Tria Beauty Laser Hair Removal
The FDA has cleared this true laser hair removal device for home use. It uses the same technology as the one used by professionals in an office or medical spa setting. This advanced laser machine can provide more power than IPL devices and is effective for hair removal in smaller areas such as the upper lip.
4) Babonir Skin Treating Hair Removal
This at-home laser hair removal device uses state-of-the-art IPL technology with five adjustable energy levels and two comfort modes, so it adapts to your skin type and tone. It also has three interchangeable heads with additional functions, such as promoting collagen, clearing acne, and targeting precise areas.
5) SmoothSkin Pure IPL Intelligent Hair Removal
This laser hair removal machine features powerful IPL technology with a specially-designed head that allows for safe and convenient treatment of unwanted hair in small areas. It also has dual safety sensors that prevent burns and a UV filter from minimizing harmful light. It can be used for visible hair on the underarms, upper lip, and lower legs.
Do Home Laser Hair Removal Systems Really Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair?
Yes, at-home laser hair removal devices are a great alternative to shaving, waxing, and tweezing. Since it targets the follicles, your body hair won’t grow back as quickly as before. You may still see some hair growth after a few months, but it’ll appear thinner and lighter. You can use home laser hair removal machines in different areas, such as:
- Underarms
- Legs
- Arms
- Bikini area
- Upper lip
- Chin
Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment
As cheap and convenient home laser hair removal systems can be, they also have some disadvantages. Here are some of the cons of using at-home laser removal treatment:
1) Risk of irritation and burns
Although the FDA clears most at-home laser hair removal devices, there’s still some risk of side effects such as injuries, burns, and skin irritation. The risk is especially high if you use a machine that’s incompatible with your hair color and skin tone. You may also be prone to redness and irritation if you treat sensitive skin and delicate areas such as pubic hair.
2) Narrower range of skin tones
While some devices claim to work on most skin types and tones, there’s no guarantee that they can effectively and safely remove your body hair. Most home laser hair removal machines work best if there’s a significant contrast between the skin tone and hair color. Unsupervised or prolonged use of these devices may pose a burn risk for individuals with darker skin tones.
3) Precision and accuracy in the treatment area
At home, laser hair removal devices also generally have a low intensity, so they may need to be more accurate and precise in removing unwanted hair. If you aren’t used to the laser system, you may miss out on certain spots and notice patches of untreated or ingrown hair. This makes home laser hair removal treatments more time-consuming and requires multiple regular sessions.
4) Commitment to follow instructions
If you want to perform at-home laser hair removal, you should read the manual to know how to use the device safely. You must be committed and diligent in following the instructions to avoid the risk of burns and irritation. If you’re impatient and tend to avoid reading the manual, you may find the whole process tedious and complicated.
Is There A Difference In The Devices Used For At Home and Professional Laser Hair Removal?
The main difference between home and professional laser hair removal devices is the intensity settings. Most med spas and aesthetic clinics offer IPL and true laser hair removal treatment, but it has higher intensities than the ones used in handheld home devices. This means that professionals can treat unwanted hair more accurately and efficiently for longer-lasting and more permanent hair reduction results.
Here are the other benefits of professional laser hair removal procedures:
- They’re safer, and you don’t have to worry about adverse side effects and pain during or after the treatment.
- Professional laser systems are more advanced and more suitable for treating all skin types and colors, including darker skin tones. Some of the laser systems used for all skin tones are the Nd: YAG laser and Alexandrite laser.
- They have a broader treatment coverage, so removing the unwanted body or facial hair takes less time and fewer sessions.
- Professionals can also provide aftercare instructions to help you deal with common side effects and ensure a smooth recovery.
Laser Hair Removal Comparison: Results of At-Home vs. Professional Treatments
Although both home and professional laser hair removal systems use the same technology, there are still some differences in their results. Here’s a look at how effective professional and home laser systems are in removing unwanted hair:
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<p><strong>Professional Laser Hair Removal </strong></p>
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<p><strong>At Home Laser Hair Removal</strong></p>
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<p><strong>How many treatments are required to see results </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You’ll need around 6 to 8 laser hair removal sessions to achieve smoother and hair-free skin. Treatments are typically done every 4 to 8 weeks. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Home laser systems may take anywhere from 5 to 8 treatments, but you’ll need to do them at least once every two weeks to keep new hairs from showing. That said, they may require more work and maintenance than professional treatments. </span></p>
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<p><strong>How long will its effects last </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After your series of laser treatments, you can enjoy its results anywhere from 6 months to a year. You may need annual maintenance treatment to retain its effects. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As professional treatments, at-home laser hair removal results may only last for a short time. On average, they can keep you hair-free for several weeks to months. </span></p>
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<p><strong>Which areas can it effectively treat </strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It can eliminate hair in the legs, underarms, upper lip, chin, bikini line, back, and pubic area. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Home laser hair removal machines treat the upper lip, chin, jawline, underarms, and legs best. It’s not entirely safe for delicate areas such as the pubic region. </span></p>
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BHRC: The Trusted Med Spa For Safe and Effective Laser Hair Removal
At-home laser hair removal is a viable option for unwanted hair maintenance, but it’s not always effective and doesn’t guarantee long-lasting results. If you want a laser treatment, you should only trust the professionals who can provide safer and more effective hair removal results.
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center is a leading med spa that offers advanced laser treatment for permanent hair removal. We use only the best laser systems to help control your hair growth and leave you with smoother, fuzz-free skin. Call us today to learn more about our services, or book your consultation with one of our providers.
