Hair tends to grow where it isn’t wanted. When this happens, laser hair removal can help you remove pesky hairs, but should you seek professional help or use at-home treatments?
If you’re interested in at-home laser hair removal, does it work? Continue reading to learn more about laser hair removal, including the effectiveness of home treatments and how professional care can help.
What is At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
If you have hair in unwanted places, laser hair removal can help. A laser emits light that the pigment in your hair absorbs. This light converts into heat which damages your hair follicles, preventing or delaying future hair growth.
This hair removal isn’t typically permanent. You’ll likely require multiple treatments to completely remove your hair and potential maintenance to help prevent future growth.
You can receive laser hair removal professionally, or you can use at-home treatments on your own. The concept is the same no matter your choice, but there are a few differences between at-home and professional laser hair removal.
How Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Work?
At-home laser hair removal has two options for devices. One is a laser, and the other utilizes intense pulsed light. Whatever your choice, at-home laser hair removal can help you manage unwanted hairs, but does this treatment work?
Is At-Home Laser Hair Removal Effective?
At-home laser hair removal has both good and bad qualities.
A benefit of laser hair removal is that the equipment used is less powerful than in a professional office. You have less of a chance of potentially hurting yourself because of this. However, a less powerful laser means your treatment is less effective.
You may see some results from multiple uses, but it’s unlikely you’ll be hair-free with at-home laser hair removal. Another downside of at-home treatments is their difficulty covering large areas.
At-home laser hair removal equipment is typically a smaller device. This lack of size can make it harder to cover larger areas, like your entire leg.
One of the most significant downsides to at-home laser hair removal is that devices may not be as effective depending on your hair and skin colour. The lasers in these treatments target the pigments in your hair follicles; however, results are only as effective as the contrast between your hair and skin.
At-home hair removal is most effective for light skin and dark hair.
Use Caution With At-Home Treatments
Be careful with at-home laser hair removal if you have darker skin. There are risks of burns, but many devices have sensors to prevent this. No matter your skin colour, you should use caution when using these devices.
Never use at-home laser hair removal devices in the following areas:
- Near your eyes
- Over tattoos or pigmented areas like moles
- In the genital area
At-home laser hair removal can save you some money, but the results may not be worth it. Professional hair removal has more effective equipment, and a trained professional can help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
The Benefits of Professional Laser Hair Removal
Professional laser hair removal can effectively treat several areas of your body, including your face, legs, chin, arms, and bikini line. In-office treatments offer the most effective way to remove hair from unwanted areas.
The benefits of professional laser hair removal include:
- Precision
- Speed
- Predictability
Professional laser hair removal can effectively treat any skin or hair colour, unlike at-home treatment options. Most patients see a 90% reduction in hair growth after professional treatment. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, what should you expect during your appointment?
What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal may require 2 to 6 appointments, depending on your desired results. A laser technician will heat the follicles in the treatment area to remove hair and prevent future growth. Before you can undergo this procedure, you’ll need a consultation and preparation for your treatment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You’ll have a consultation before your official appointment, which includes speaking with a certified laser technician. This consultation covers several points, including your medical history and the risks, benefits, and expectations of this procedure.
This consultation will cover what you should do to prepare for your treatment. Preparing for your appointment may include:
- Staying out of the sun
- Avoiding other hair removal products
- Avoiding blood-thinning medications
- Shaving the treatment area
During Your Treatment
Your technician will press a hand-held laser to your skin during treatment. You may receive cooling gel to help protect your skin depending on the type of laser used.
The laser beam passes through your skin to your hair follicles, with heat damaging them and preventing future hair growth. You may feel some slight discomfort as the laser warms your skin.
After Your Treatment
You may experience swelling and redness after your treatment is complete. While these side effects are only present for a few hours, you can use ice to reduce any discomfort.
You may not notice immediate results, but your hair will begin to shed over a couple of days to weeks. Results are difficult to predict, and you may require follow-up appointments.
No matter the number of appointments you need, your laser technician can help you achieve your desired results. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, contact your local expert.
