Introduction
Getting rid of unwanted body hair has been a common beauty pursuit since the dawn of time—but who says it has to be a hassle? Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular option for getting rid of those pesky hairs once and for all, but if you’re not keen on going to the salon, laser hair removal at home is a real option.
The key is understanding how it works and setting realistic expectations. Before you take your hairpin to the nearest tech store, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about laser hair removal at home. From dos and don’ts to step-by-step instructions, this comprehensive guide can help you make an informed decision about whether or not DIY laser hair removal is right for you.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, you’re in luck: now you don’t have to leave your home to get perfectly smooth skin. Laser hair removal at home uses devices that target hair follicles and prevent them from growing new hairs—all without any waxing, plucking or shaving.
At-home laser hair removal devices use either lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL). The devices are compact, easy to use, and considered a safe alternative to in-office treatments. Their technology has advanced over the years and has already become a popular approach for people looking for more permanent solutions.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
If you’re ready to try laser hair removal at home, you should know how it works. Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicles with a concentrated beam of light. When the targeted light is absorbed by the melanin in the follicle, it destroys them and significantly reduces hair growth. This process is called Selective Photothermolysis.
At-home laser hair removal devices are specifically designed to reduce unwanted hair on parts of your body like your legs, arms, underarms, bikini line and face. You can even use these devices for smaller areas that other treatments may not be able to target, like for upper lip or chin hairs.
It’s important to remember that after each laser hair removal session at home and between each device use, you’ll need to allow the skin on your chosen area time to recover and heal before using the device again. And because everyone’s skin is different, it’s best to take breaks between treatments if you’re noticing irritation or sensitivity after use.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Hair Removal at Home?
When performed correctly, laser hair removal at home can be incredibly cost-effective and give you long-lasting results. Laser hair removal sessions at home can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, depending on the number of sessions you purchase—which is much cheaper than the thousands you’d likely spend in the clinic setting.
As well as this, you can expect to see results in no time since the laser beams bypass the surface of your skin and reach down deep into the hair follicles to destroy them, preventing new hair from growing back. Plus, as laser treatments are done in six to eight week intervals, you don’t have to worry about plucking or waxing every few weeks like with traditional methods.
What are some other advantages?
Some other advantages of laser hair removal at home include:
- Quicker results – treatments usually take about 15 minutes
- Easier maintenance – compared to traditional methods like waxing and tweezing
- Less prone to irritation and ingrown hairs – since lasers potentially reach deeper into the skin than other methods
- No risk of burns – unlike when using an epilator or hot wax
Choosing the Right Laser Hair Removal Device for Your Needs
It’s important to choose the right laser hair removal device for your needs, as different devices work best on different skin tones and body parts. To make sure you’re getting a quality product suitable for your specific needs, there are several points to consider:
- Skin sensitivity: Dermatologists advise that the best at-home laser hair removal devices should treat sensitive skin carefully by cooling off the heated area with special cooling systems.
- Skin color: It’s also important to choose a device that works on your skin tone and hair color; dark-skinned people with coarse, dark hair will find most devices effective for their needs. Those with pale skin or lighter hair should look for devices that work well with their unique needs, as some lasers may not be powerful enough for lighter shades of hair.
- Treatment area: Different devices have varying treatment areas and power settings, so you need to make sure you’re choosing one that is capable of treating the areas of your body you want it to treat — from face and underarms to arms, legs, bikini line and more. This way you can get maximum results in one session!
Overall, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist before purchasing an at-home laser device in order to ensure that you are getting the right product for your specific needs and skin type.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Laser Hair Removal Device at Home
Now that you’ve determined your skin type and read up on the safety tips, you’re ready to start laser hair removal at home. Before starting, it’s important to remove all visible hair in the area to be treated with a razor or depilatory cream.
Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process for using a laser hair removal device:
Preparing the area
Make sure that the skin is clean and dry; apply some cooling gel if recommended by your device’s manufacturer. From there, you’re ready to start.
Applying the device
Holding the device firmly in both hands according to manufacturer instructions, move it slowly over the treatment area in a circular motion until all of the hair follicles have been exposed to laser light. Don’t overlap too much, as this can result in missed areas.
After Use
Once you are done, clean and store your device according to manufacturer instructions. It is recommended that you test a small patch of skin first before applying it over larger areas of skin – this will help ensure there are no adverse reactions.
Tips for at-Home Laser Hair Removal Safety and Best Results
When it comes to laser hair removal at home, there are few important tips to ensure you get the best results, and stay safe.
Start with clean skin and a close shave
Before you start be sure your skin is freshly-cleaned and free from any creams, oils or other cosmetics that might interfere with the treatment. A close shave is also essential as this gives the laser direct access to the root of the hair follicle.
Avoid pulsing the same area twice in one session
It’s important that you don’t blast any single patch of skin more than once in a session – doing so can cause over-treatment and make your skin more sensitive. It’s important to mark off each section as you go so you can be sure not to go over it again.
Skin type is important
Light skin with dark hairs will give you best results when it comes to at-home laser hair removal – dark pigments absorb the light beams emitted from the device for maximum effect on stubble. If your skin is darker or fairer than average, it’s worth considering a home IPL device with an adjustable beard trimmer rather than one that’s fixed on one setting.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal at home is an appealing option for those looking for a lasting, convenient solution to the problem of unwanted hair. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively use lasers to remove body hair and enjoy the results for many years to come.
Whether you choose to do laser hair removal at home or visit a professional, it is important to do your research and find the right option for you. Make sure to consult a doctor if you are concerned about any potential health risks and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Laser hair removal can be a great choice, but only if you take the time to make an informed decision that works best for your individual needs.