Laser hair removal vs. at-home hair removal devices
Convenience is a fundamental luxury of life. But does that always mean it’s the best option?
Laser hair removal is a popular choice for many. It’s an option that can ultimately eliminate the need for a razor or wax. And while successful treatment will make shaving essentially obsolete, professional laser hair removal can also be a little pricey, but that isn’t the only option available to you.
At-home laser hair removal is another option. You’ll save a few bucks and you can do it in the comfort of your own home, but is it your BEST option? We’ve gathered the facts so you can make the safest and most sensible choice with at-home hair removal treatments.
What should I expect with an at-home laser hair removal device?
A lot of options! And many of them feature intense pulsed light (IPL) technology, which isn’t a true laser. It might reduce the amount of hair, but it won’t give you permanent results. Those devices use broad-spectrum light to damage the hair follicle at the root, which will dramatically slow the hair’s growth.
The other option is true at-home laser hair removal. It can produce high-energy levels during treatment and can be used on light and dark hair, but not white hair.
Both options are less powerful than what you would find at a laser hair removal clinic or spa. At best, with at-home treatment, you would be looking at about an 80% reduction in hair and won’t be COMPLETELY hair-free.
And remember, with a smaller device, you are unable to cover as much skin as you would in a professional clinic and the power tends to be a lot less. The lasers may never be strong enough to help you fully attain your hair-free goals! Also, treatment by yourself will be much longer, and the area you can treat will be much smaller than it would be in a clinic.
Safety is the most important factor, and with at-home treatment, there is a very real risk of burning yourself. Do your research and familiarize yourself with the instructions, which can be rather complex. Be sure to read through them a few times before use just to be extra careful.
… treatment by yourself will be much longer, and the area you can treat will be much smaller than it would be in a clinic.
How much does at-home hair removal cost?
The less money spent on at-home care, the fewer capabilities accompany the product, and sometimes a weaker laser or pulse, which means more treatments will be needed in the future.
Depending on which brand and model you choose, you could be spending anywhere from $100 to $500, and that doesn’t even factor in the future cost of replacement parts and batteries. The more expensive models have higher-energy laser pulses, and some even have Food and Drug Administration approval, such as the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X, which goes for $459. It has FDA approval and can be used on both light and dark hair—however, it’s not safe to use on darker skin tones.
And don’t forget, these devices need to be charged. Larger body areas may not get a complete treatment if the battery dies before you’re done. That can be a time-consuming and inconvenient ordeal if you aren’t properly prepared.
Is at-home laser hair removal the right choice for me?
It’s all about you, the consumer, and what makes you most comfortable! And it’s about safety. Information is your best friend here. We’ve outlined some of the specifics of at-home laser hair removal treatment. If you’re still unsure about going hair-free at home, you may want to set up a consultation at a reputable clinic to get the finer points about professional treatment. This subject is a large topic that we’ll be covering more in future blog posts.