With summer around the corner, the semi-creepy targeted advertisem*nts seem to be reading your mind. They appear to know just what you need.
That swimsuit is cute. Oh, I love those sunglasses. Maybe Baxter needs a doggie slip-and-slide. Hmmm – that at-home laser hair removal device looks pretty nifty. What if I never needed to shave again? I could save so much money with this.
At-home laser hair removal does work, however, like a lot of things on social media, the reality may be different than how it appears. To help you protect your body and your wallet, we help you determine fact from fiction.
Does at-home laser hair removal work?
First, it’s important to note that most at-home hair removal devices are not lasers. They are usually intense pulsed light devices or IPL for short. It works exactly like it sounds – intense light is pulsed to the hair follicle, which disrupts hair growth. While the mechanism of action is similar to laser hair removal, it is less powerful and takes more sessions to get the desired result.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent. IPL devices are generally safe, and they have been approved by the FDA for hair removal.
If you are considering at-home laser hair removal, you may want to talk to your physician beforehand for clear instructions (like avoiding your face and eyes) and to determine if it’s right for your skin or hair color. In an interview with The American Academy of Dermatology Association, Dr. Carolyn I. Jacob, MD, FAAD, an associate clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago explains that lasers that target blond, red, gray or white hair have not been developed yet, however, strides have been made so that those with darker skin types can successfully undergo the procedure.
An article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology says that laser hair removal is available for skin types I through IV on the Fitzpatrick scale – this excludes those with darker skin types.
Want more facial hair?Here's what a dermatologist says you should know
How long does it take for at-home laser hair removal to work?
It depends on the person, but people generally see results within 6-10 treatments. As previously mentioned, the devices available for use at home are not as powerful as the devices you would find in a dermatology office, and therefore more treatments are usually needed.
Does laser hair removal hurt?Not when done properly. Here's what you need to know.
How much does an at-home laser cost?
Costs may vary from around $100 to over $1000. If an at-home laser works for you, it may be worth the investment, as it would be significantly cheaper to use at home than to continuously get treatments at the doctor’s office. However, for best results, you would have to use the device fairly often, which may make it not all that different from shaving.
FAQs
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent.
Do home hair removal lasers really work? ›
At-home laser hair removal is a viable option for unwanted hair maintenance, but it's not always effective and doesn't guarantee long-lasting results. If you want a laser treatment, you should only trust the professionals who can provide safer and more effective hair removal results.
What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›
It does not eliminate hair, it REDUCES hair
A common misconception is that laser hair removal is a permanent solution, but the reality is that its a semi-permanent solution. You can expect up to a 90% reduction in hair growth and thickness, to the point where you won't need to shave as much.
Why didn't I feel anything during laser hair removal? ›
Effective laser hair removal targets the hair follicles, and this requires a certain amount of energy. If you don't feel anything at all, it's likely the machine isn't delivering enough power to achieve the desired results.
How can I tell if laser hair removal is working? ›
Most people start to see results of laser hair removal il treatments within the first few weeks after their first appointment. Your results will be obvious as your hair begins to fall out, and while you may see hair regrowth, you should notice that hair is growing back more slowly than before.
Is salon laser hair removal better than at-home? ›
Professional laser hair removal achieves 95%+ hair removal within 7-9 sessions. In contrast, many at-home laser devices max out at 70% removal after 3 months of consistent use, necessitating more frequent maintenance sessions.
Why am I not seeing results from laser hair removal? ›
If you saw a less than stellar result on your last treatments it could have been due to not being in the hair growth stage in the cycle during time of procedure. Hormonal imbalance while undergoing laser treatments can stimulate increased hair regrowth.
Why do I still have hair right after laser? ›
And yes, you may still notice some hair a couple of days after your session, but this is often part of the natural shedding process or due to hairs that were in a different growth phase during treatment. Remember, quality laser hair removal is an investment in your confidence and well-being.
Why am I not shedding after laser hair removal? ›
It might be that not enough time has passed post-treatment for the hair to shed. Or it could mean that the laser wasn't able to effectively target the hair follicles because it wasn't in the right growth phase yet, so the laser couldn't treat it.
What do dead hair follicles look like after laser? ›
This damage signals to the body that the hair is no longer needed and will eventually be shed. In most cases, this occurs 1 to 3 weeks after your LHR treatment, and it sometimes looks like blackheads or stubble.
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
Can you still see hair follicles after laser hair removal? ›
This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time. The length of time it takes for the hair to fall out depends on the individual, but it can take even upto 10-14 days.
How long does it take for at-home laser hair removal to work? ›
The timeline for seeing results from at-home laser hair removal devices can vary significantly. Generally, users may start noticing hair reduction after three to four treatments, which typically equates to about six to eight weeks of use.
Does hair grow back after at-home laser hair removal? ›
This is because the laser may damage the hair follicle even when it fails to destroy it. If a hair follicle is damaged but not destroyed, the hair will eventually regrow. It can be difficult to destroy every single hair follicle, so most people will see some hair regrowth.
How many times should I do laser hair removal at-home? ›
Generally, it is recommended to use these devices once every two weeks. However, some sources suggest that IPL devices can be used up to twice a week over the course of 8 weeks, while others recommend doing IPL once a week.
Is laser hair removal down there worth it? ›
People may want the treatment on their underarms, back or bikini area. It's not permanent, but the results last longer than shaving or waxing. Most people need about six treatments. It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
