Some people may be confident in keeping unwanted body hair, but we must concede that there's nothing like feeling our hairless skin.
Pain, cost, and the temporary nature of laser hair removal techniques prevent us from embracing peace of mind. People have been inclined toward laser hair removal to cope with transient results.
Can laser hair removal really be better than its already excellent counterpart? At-home laser hair removal is certainly possible. Of course, anyone considering using at-home lasers for hair removal is also concerned with the effectiveness of the results. Does at-home laser hair removal work?
We will answer this in detail in this post, ideally clearing up any doubts or confusion you may have!
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What is At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 2: How is At-Home Laser Hair Removal Different From In-Office Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 3: Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Work Permanently?
- Part 4: How Long Do the Results of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Last?
- Part 5: Which Factors Determine the Duration of At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
- Part 6: How to Prolong the Results of At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
Part 1: What is At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a radiation-emitting device to target hair follicles. These rays either destroy the hair follicles or put them into dormancy.
You should also be aware that laser hair removal follows selective thermolysis technology.
"Selective" basically means that the laser targets just a section of the skin, specifically one with pigment (like the hair). In thermolysis, light energy is converted into heat upon hitting its target, which is then used to destroy it.
Thus, at-home laser hair removal is a permanent hair removal method using a handheld laser that can be used at home.
Part 2: How is At-Home Laser Hair Removal Different From In-Office Laser Hair Removal?
A. Energy Output
The energy output of a laser device determines how deep the rays of the laser energy reach the hair follicles and how effective the treatment is.
- The energy output for salon and clinic laser hair removal machines is 40 – 100 J/Cm².
- Traditionally, at-home laser hair removal devices use a laser that outputs 4 to 10 J/Cm².
- Thankfully, with technology now, there are more powerful at-home devices. For example, devices from the Ulike IPL hair removal series have power ranging from 19 to 26 J/Cm².
B. Type of Light Used
Laser hair removal machines of both types use the energy of light emitted in a spectrum of 600 to 1200 nm. But here are the differences in these lights:
- In-office lasers use a single spectrum of coherent beams of light, whereas at-home lasers use a broad spectrum of non-coherent light rays.
- The light window required for in-office lasers is small and round for high precision, while a rectangular light window is used in at-home lasers for better coverage and speed.
C. Number of Sessions and Treatment Interval
The number of required sessions for hair removal using in-salon lasers or at-home laser hair treatments has been shown to be comparable. However, the treatment intervals are different. For example:
- 9 to 12 sessions of in-office laser, with an interval of 1 month between sessions, are needed.
- Around 15-20 sessions of at-home laser hair removal provide the same results. For these, you need sessions on alternate days in the first month and then biweekly or once-a-week sessions for the next 2 months. However, as far as the duration of the treatment is concerned, at-home treatments with laser devices are completed within three months, whereas clinical treatments typically last twelve months.
D. Cost
What stands out the most is the price of home devices for laser hair removal, which is far below the price of salon treatments. One device, which costs approximately £400, can be used on the entire body.
This is in stark contrast to the costs associated with salon laser removal procedures, where clients must pay for each individual area, often costing hundreds of pounds for each part.
E. Duration of Results
As in-office laser hair removal takes a longer time to show results, its effects last longer as well. You can expect:
- The results of in-office laser treatments to last for several years.
- The results of at-home laser hair removal to last for 6 months or more.
Part 3: Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Work Permanently?
The term "permanent" laser hair removal is commonly used by many brands. It literally refers to the "prolonging and reduction of chances of unwanted hair reappearance for a significant duration."
Applying the same understanding, it can be said that laser treatment can reduce hair growth but cannot completely and permanently stop it. Therefore, one should be realistic in understanding that the results of using at-home laser hair removal devices will be long-lasting but not forever.
In simple terms, this means that with the right number of treatments, at-home laser hair removal can prevent hair from appearing for several months or even years. However, it is not guaranteed that an individual will remain hair-free permanently.
Part 4: How Long Do the Results of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Last?
The duration of the results of at-home laser hair removal depends on:
- Whether you are following the hair removal schedule as per the guidelines
- Your consistency with the treatment sessions
- If you have any hormonal conditions that can cause excessive hair growth, such as PCOS
In general, the results last for several months to a few years. The average duration of your skin staying hairless with at-home laser hair removal devices is around 6 months.
Part 5: Which Factors Determine the Duration of At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
The duration of results with at-home laser hair removal devices is variable and depends on the following factors:
A. Efficacy of the Device The more effective the at-home IPL hair removal device is, the longer the results will last. Devices with higher energy output are more damaging to the hair follicles, leading to longer-lasting effects. However, lower-energy devices will require more follow-up sessions for comparable results.
B. Compatibility with the Skin and Hair IPL hair removal devices are much more effective when there is good contrast between hair and skin. Darker hair absorbs more energy, leading to better follicle destruction. However, at-home laser devices might not be as effective for dark skin tones or lighter hair, often yielding unsatisfactory results.
C. Any Underlying Conditions If you have naturally thick hair without any hormonal imbalances, you can enjoy longer-lasting hair removal. However, conditions like PCOS, pregnancy, or a family history of hirsutism may lead to hair regrowth as hormonal levels fluctuate. While regrowth may occur, follow-up sessions can help maintain hair-free skin.
Part 6: How to Prolong the Results of At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
While laser hair removal results are not permanent, you can extend the duration of smooth skin and prevent patchy hair growth by following these guidelines:
A. Schedule Hair Removal and Stick to It Each device comes with specific treatment instructions, such as using it weekly or every other day. The hair growth cycle and laser device power will dictate the schedule. Stick to the regimen to ensure all hair follicles in the active growth phase are treated effectively.
B. Be Consistent in Your Treatment Hair regrowth may appear within 2 to 4 weeks, but do not stop the treatment. Skipping sessions can increase the likelihood of regrowth, requiring more sessions to achieve the desired results. Set reminders to ensure you remain consistent for long-lasting smoothness.
C. Go for Regular Follow-Up Sessions Even after the majority of hair has been removed, you may notice some patches of regrowth. To keep your skin smooth for longer, schedule follow-up sessions every 1 to 2 months.
D. Do Not Pluck the Hair If you experience regrowth, resist the urge to wax the hair. Waxing can stimulate further hair growth and will make the IPL rays ineffective, as they will not be able to reach the follicles. Instead, shave the regrown areas and continue using the at-home laser to target the follicles.
E. Improve Your Lifestyle If you have underlying conditions like excess weight, diabetes, PCOS, or hirsutism, addressing these issues can help control unwanted hair growth. Here are some lifestyle changes to consider:
- Engage in physical activity throughout the week to maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce fast food intake and focus on consuming nutritious foods.
- Ensure proper hydration to support healthy skin and overall health.
Conclusion
At-home laser hair removal offers a convenient and effective way to achieve smooth skin in the comfort of your own home. However, some unwanted hair may regrow after a few months or weeks. The duration of results can vary based on factors such as device effectiveness, skin and hair type, and consistency with treatments. By adhering to the recommended treatment schedule and making the necessary lifestyle changes, you can enjoy long-lasting results.
