The safety of at-home laser hair removal
Going hair-free is a journey, and many prefer to take that quest under the care of trained professionals at a reputable clinic or spa.
But not everyone.
Some elect a different path to reach those hair-free goals by way of at-home laser hair removal. It may be a more convenient option, being able to treat certain areas from the comfort of your own home, but there are other variables to consider, especially when it comes to safety.
If you’re thinking about at-home laser hair removal and have questions, read on for a better understanding of what’s ahead. And don’t forget to check out our other blog that examines the technology used for at-home laser hair removal treatment.
Is it safe to do at-home treatment anywhere hair grows?
Great question! And the answer is no. The laser can’t be used just anywhere on the body. Don’t use the laser near your eyes, over tattoos or pigmented areas like moles or in the genital area, although the bikini line is ok to target.
… burning of the skin is among the top risks you should be concerned about with at-home treatment.
Are there risks to trying laser hair removal at home?
There are, yes, and with safety as a top priority, burning of the skin is among the top risks you should be concerned about with at-home treatment.
Also keep in mind the range of skin tones and hair colors that can be successfully addressed with at-home treatment is rather limited. The laser focuses on pigment in the hair follicle, and the best results will come when there’s an obvious contrast between the skin and hair color. That means people with light skin and dark hair are more likely to see positive results. Most other skin-hair combinations would be better-suited for a professional clinic, which has far more sophisticated technology, and some clinics have devices with a skin-tone gauge and will lock if the skin tone isn’t deemed treatable with the technology.
Don’t forget that getting hair-free is a longer task at home. Treatment is far more time-consuming than it would be at a clinic because at-home devices have a much smaller pulse area.
What else should be considered with at-home laser hair removal?
The specifics of the laser should definitely be learned so that the device’s capabilities can be fully understood.
If the device is battery powered, make sure the battery is fully charged before treatment starts. The last thing you want is to run out of power in the middle of a treatment. Some devices can hold a charge up to two hours, but many at-home devices use batteries that can handle only a 15- or 30-minute charge, saying that that is enough time to address multiple small areas like the upper lip and underarm regions or one larger area like the lower leg. Some lasers contain cartridges that will need replacement. But note that increasing the power will drain the battery much faster.
And remember, while getting hair-free skin is the ultimate goal, that may never be fully achieved with at-home treatment. Most at-home devices will get you, at best, approximately 70% hair-free.
Do the rewards outweigh the risks with at-home laser hair removal?
It depends. Cost, understanding and time should figure into the decision. With regard to cost, remember if you don’t see the results you want, you’ll still be spending money on temporary hair-removal methods.
Also, don’t forget about the option of laser hair removal in a clinic performed by trained professionals. More money will be spent upfront, but a client will also be under the care of experts who give the gift of a hair-free life for a living.
BUT, should at-home treatment be the choice, do proper research for the right product. The more inexpensive an item is, the less sophisticated and capable the device will be to get those hair-free goals. And remember, if at-home hair removal is preferred, bring patience. Each treatment takes longer, and many treatments and much upkeep will be required in order to maintain a hair-free look. Results won’t be as good as they would be in a clinic, and there’s no guarantee you’ll get completely hair-free, especially in some of the more hard-to-reach areas.