Some DIY beauty tricks are totally worth it. You can save time and money by dyeing your roots or plucking your brows in the comfort of your bathroom. But laser hair removal?
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While the procedure used to only be available in the dermatologist’s office, these days you can buy small devices to zap away hair yourself.
But before you kiss your razor goodbye, find out what dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, has to say about the safety and effectiveness of these devices.
Permanent hair removal
Laser hair removal devices work by killing the hair follicle. But hair grows in cycles, and the lasers only damage follicles during an active cycle of hair growth. So it takes multiple treatments, about a month apart, to completely stop hair from regrowing.
For some people, laser hair removal is not entirely permanent. You might need a maintenance treatment every year or so to keep stray hairs from cropping up.
The process doesn’t come cheap. Professional laser hair removal can cost a couple hundred bucks per treatment, and it might take half a dozen sessions (or more) to knock out every follicle. You could rack up more than a thousand dollars in pursuit of a bald bikini line.
Meanwhile, you can order an at-home hair removal laser for somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 or $500. At first glance, it seems like a better investment. But there are some important caveats, Dr. Ward says.
At-home laser hair removal: Pros and cons
There are two types of at-home devices for hair removal. One is a true laser, and the other uses intense pulsed light. Both types remove hair, and both are less powerful than the device you’ll find at the dermatologist’s office, Dr. Ward explains.
That’s good and bad. On the one hand, with less power comes less responsibility. These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don’t have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.)
But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don’t work as well as the pro models.
More downsides: It’s hard to cover a lot of territory — like an entire leg — with the small at-home devices, Dr. Ward says. And they might not be strong enough to get completely hair-free. “Over multiple sessions, you’ll reduce the amount of hair you see — but it probably won’t be a home run,” she says.
Who should try at-home laser hair removal?
One of the biggest drawbacks to at-home laser hair removal? The tools only work on a narrow range of hair and skin colors. The lasers zero in on pigments in the hair follicle and are only effective when there’s a lot of contrast between skin and hair. That means the systems are recommended for people with light skin and dark hair.
In people with darker skin, there’s a risk of burns — though to prevent that, many at-home devices have sensors that block them from working on darker skin.
If you don’t have the pale-skin/dark-hair combo, professional lasers are the only option. “The lasers we use in the dermatology office are more sophisticated and can be used in patients with skin of any color,” Dr. Ward says.
Laser hair removal safety
If you have the right hair and skin tones, the devices are generally safe to try, Dr. Ward says. But it’s important to use them correctly.
DON’T use them:
- Near your eyes (though the upper lip is OK).
- Over tattoos or pigmented areas, including moles.
- In the genital area (but you can safely target the bikini line).
When doing the math, consider that at-home devices might have limited battery power or contain light cartridges that will need to be replaced, Dr. Ward says. And no matter how often you use them, you might never achieve total hairlessness.
“It depends on the person, but professional hair removal usually gives you a bigger bang for your buck,” she says.
FAQs
These devices are safe for amateurs to use at home, so you don't have to worry about singeing yourself in the name of smooth skin. (Still, make sure you follow the directions exactly — because laser.) But with less power also comes less effectiveness: The at-home devices don't work as well as the pro models.
What are the negatives of at home laser hair removal? ›
Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment
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.
Is it good to use laser hair removal at home? ›
At-Home Laser Hair Removal
You can buy tools to remove hair at home, but since this is a medical treatment, it's better to have a professional do it. There aren't any long-term studies on the safety or effectiveness of at-home devices.
Are laser hair removal home kits safe? ›
Short answer: yes. “At-home laser hair removal is typically safe as long—if you follow directions and use caution to avoid burning,” says Dr. King. However, it's also important to note that at-home laser hair removal isn't for everyone.
Are home laser hair removal as good as salon? ›
Professional laser hair removal stands out as the more effective option. The laser technology used by professionals is far more powerful, ensuring that all pigmented hair follicles are adequately addressed. The result of professional hair removal is over 90% hair-free skin.
What are 3 disadvantages of laser? ›
Disadvantages of Laser :
- Costly for Patients – It is costly and consequently more consumption to the patients requiring laser-based medicines.
- Costly for specialists – ...
- Increases intricacy – ...
- Less uses in Dental method – ...
- Higher forces during the cutting cycle – ...
- Destructive –
IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you may irritate your skin.
What is negative to laser hair removal? ›
Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal.
How often should you laser your hair at home? ›
How Often Can I Try the Home Use Laser Hair Removal Treatment? Most experts recommend using the device 3 times per week to reap maximum results. On the other hand, you can also use your IPL machine at home once every two weeks and still remove hair effectively. But, don't exceed the recommended use range.
What happens if you don t shave before at home laser hair removal? ›
If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.
Overdoing laser hair removal can result in skin irritation, redness, and swelling. This can happen if the skin is exposed to too much laser energy, causing damage to the surrounding skin tissue. The skin can become sensitive, making it more prone to burns and hyperpigmentation.
Which at home laser hair removal is the best? ›
The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Of 2024
- Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5.
- Best Value Laser Hair Removal Device: RoseSkinCo. ...
- Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Coarse Hair: Nood The Flasher 2.0.
- Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Large Areas: SmoothSkin Pure Fit.
IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.
What are the cons of at home laser hair removal? ›
More downsides: It's hard to cover a lot of territory — like an entire leg — with the small at-home devices, Dr. Ward says. And they might not be strong enough to get completely hair-free. “Over multiple sessions, you'll reduce the amount of hair you see — but it probably won't be a home run,” she says.
Is home laser better than clinic? ›
It might seem like a great investment at first. However, the at-home lasers available offer less power than a laser you'll find at a professional center. You can choose between two different types of at-home hair removal devices. These include true lasers and lasers that use intense pulsed light.
How long does it take at home laser hair removal to work? ›
Patients received six biweekly treatments with the device, and clinical results with hair counts and pictures were performed at four weeks and three months following the last treatment. Ninety-five percent of the patients noted hair count reduction at the end of this clinical trial.
Can anything bad happen from laser hair removal? ›
Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to your skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor who is extremely skilled in using lasers and has in-depth knowledge of the skin.
Is laser hair removal safe long term? ›
For most people, laser hair removal is safe. The procedure also isn't linked to any long-term side effects. Still, discussions about the side effects of laser hair removal abound. Although temporary and minor side effects can occur after the procedure, other effects are rare.
Why is laser hair removal not effective? ›
As hair grows in stages, hair follicles can only be damaged when they are in the anagen – or growing – phase. This is why you need multiple laser hair removal treatments, as not all hair grows at the same rate, or is in the same stage as other hairs.
