What is laser hair removal at home?
The home laser hair removal from Dr. Yadav is a weaker form of professional laser hair removal. In fact, it’s a bit of a misnomer, says Dr. Hirsch, because the majority of these home devices aren’t lasers at all, but are actually IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines. More about that below.
How does laser hair removal work at home?
Most home laser hair removal devices are actually IPL machines, which use high-intensity visible light to heat the melanin, or pigment, in the hair and damage the follicle to permanently reduce growth, explains Dr. Kilgour out. It is important to note that at-home devices usually use only one form of technology to destroy the hair follicles (usually IPL, but sometimes also diode lasers), while in-office laser hair removal treatments use a range of different technologies, including IPL and diode lasers, resulting in more efficient and more effective results. That said, at-home laser hair removal devices can still be successful in reducing and controlling hair growth; they simply require more frequent treatments.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
We’ll be honest: laser hair removal certainly doesn’t feel good, but the feeling should be more uncomfortable than painful (but everyone’s pain tolerance is different, of course). And because at-home laser hair removal isn’t as powerful as in-office treatments, it’s also a slightly less intense feeling on the skin. Dr. Yadav compares it to the snap of an elastic band against the skin.
Is laser hair removal at home safe?
For the most part, laser hair removal at home is completely safe, but not necessarily for everyone. Because laser hair removal targets melanin, it’s not really ideal for darker skin tones, especially Fitzpatrick V and VI, says Dr. Yadav. Like Dr. Kilgour explains, the melanin in the hair that must be heated to destroy the follicle is the same melanin that gives the skin its pigments, putting darker skin tones at significant risk of developing hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening). of the skin) in areas treated with laser hair removal. In addition, the overall risks are significantly reduced, as laser hair removal devices for home use are significantly weaker than professional alternatives. Just make sure you use an FDA-approved device that will cover all your concerns.
Is laser hair removal at home permanent?
Laser hair removal does not remove hair permanently, but permanently decreases hair – an important difference to note. “Once a hair follicle is completely destroyed, hair can no longer grow,” explains Dr. Yadav out. “Hair removal devices can certainly destroy the hair follicles to the point that they no longer produce hair. However, with both home and professional laser hair removal, you will notice that some hair follicles are weakened and damaged. They can produce hair again, either immediately or at a later time.”
Can you shave between laser hair removal sessions at home?
You can do more than just shave between laser hair removal sessions at home; Dr. Hirsch says it’s recommended. When the hair is shaved, the only pigment the device can ‘see’ is the follicle under the skin. If the hair is longer, the energy will be tangled (and ultimately wasted) on hair that has already come to the skin’s surface, instead of focusing on the follicle.
What you need to know about laser hair removal aftercare
Because at-home laser hair removal devices are so much gentler than professional devices, many people find that they don’t need much aftercare beyond SPF. Although your skin may not feel affected, light-based treatments increase your photosensitivity and according to Dr. Yadav left unprotected can result in sunburn or hyperpigmentation. If the skin feels tender or inflamed after treatment (which, again, is quite rare), she suggests using hydrocortisone cream or taking an anti-inflammatory OTC medication.
Last takeaway
While at-home laser hair removal can certainly help reduce hair growth over time, it’s important to do your research to ensure you choose a device that’s right for your skin so you don’t cause any damage. Ultimately, it is a little more work than a quick shave or wax and will need to be treated more often. However, if you’re playing the long game for hair removal and want to save on regular visits to a professional’s office, this is definitely an option worth the investment.
