Life hacks are among the most viewed content online. Everyone wants to learn something new that makes life easier or find a way to get professional results without the professional price tag. Amongst the most popular topics are self-care and beauty hacks.
There are a few that might be worth your time. If you haven’t tried using lanolin nipple cream for dry lips… you’ve gotta try it!! Kylie Jenner and Margot Robbie were right in saying that is one of their best-kept beauty secrets!
But, in most cases, and especially when it comes to trying to mimic the effects of medical grade skincare and medical aesthetic treatments, the age-old saying “you get what you pay for” is true!
Today, we want to discuss a “make life easier” at-home treatment many are curious about– laser hair removal devices. There are two types available for purchase. One is an actual laser, and the other uses intense pulsed light (IPL.)
Both promise smooth, hair-free skin, but do they really deliver similar results to professional laser hair removal, or will they end up collecting dust on a shelf? Let’s compare!
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Whether using an at-home device or visiting a professional, the basic principle of laser hair removal is the same: using light energy to target the pigment (melanin) in the hair and damage the hair follicle.
When the laser is applied, it emits light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles, converts to heat, and then damages the hair follicle. That damage is what slows or halts future hair growth.
The more advanced the laser, the deeper it can penetrate and the more likely it is to effectively damage or destroy the hair follicle, which results in longer-lasting hair reduction.
Professional lasers are much more powerful and designed to penetrate the skin more effectively, making them far more likely to result in long-lasting hair reduction compared to at-home devices.
Because laser hair removal is most effective during the active growth phase of the hair cycle, no matter the laser you use, you will need multiple sessions to see optimal results.
With professional lasers, you will see noticeable results after only one session, but to reach all hairs in the proper growth cycle, you will need about 6-8 sessions, spaced every few weeks. Home lasers and IPL devices vary, but many suggest you use them 1-2x a week for 12 weeks or more before you can expect results.
Comparison: Home Laser Hair Removal Devices vs Professional Lasers
Both at-home laser hair removal devices and professional laser hair removal use light energy to damage hair follicles and claim to be a long-term solution for a smooth, hair-free body.
But can a device purchased on places like Amazon that you operate yourself really be as effective as the laser at a medical spa operated by a professional?
We think you know the answer…
No, it’s not possible for an at-home laser hair removal device to work as well as a professional laser because they aren’t as powerful, and with less power comes less effectiveness.
And if you are curious, you can’t legally purchase a professional-grade laser machine unless you are licensed to do so. These devices are classified as medical devices by the FDA, meaning they are subject to strict regulations.
Only medical clinics with licensed professionals, such as dermatologists, nurses, or trained technicians working under a medical director, can purchase and operate professional lasers.
Is it possible that you will see some hair reduction from using an at-home hair removal device? If you purchase a really high-end laser or IPL device that sets you back hundreds of dollars, your hair might become thinner, and growth might slow a little bit after continuous use.
However, there isn’t a single at-home laser on the market that is powerful enough to damage hair follicles enough to facilitate long-lasting hair reduction.
Not to mention, at-home lasers require months of consistent use to achieve only a fraction of what can be achieved in a professional setting in only a handful of sessions. Most people only need 6-8 professional laser hair removal treatments.
You will have to use a home laser up to 2 times a week for many months. Then, any hair loss you experience will most likely require regular touch-ups to maintain results. With professional laser hair removal, most people go months or even years before needing a single touch-up.
The bottom line: while some people claim at-home lasers work, there really isn’t a comparison in terms of effectiveness. Sure, if you consistently use an at-home laser, you might have hair that grows back a little thinner and slightly slower.
But in the end, you will likely still have to shave or wax. You aren’t really saving any time, which is the reason most people seek laser hair removal. Not to mention, unless you are trained to use a laser, you risk burns or skin damage.
Pros and Cons of At-Home Laser Hair Removal
If you are still considering purchasing an at-home laser. It might help to see a list of pros and cons of at-home lasers compared to professional lasers.
Pros of At-Home Lasers
Cost-Effective
At-home laser hair removal devices are generally cheaper than paying for a series of professional laser treatments. This isn’t always the case though, as many home laser devices can set you back an amount similar to a series of professional treatments.
Convenient
You can perform treatments from the comfort of your home at any time that fits your schedule. There’s no need to make appointments or travel to a clinic.
Private
For those who feel self-conscious about a stranger seeing their body, especially in areas such as the bikini line, at-home devices allow you to laser your body without anyone else involved.
Cons of At-Home Lasers
Safety Concerns
Just because home lasers aren’t as powerful as professional lasers doesn’t mean you can’t potentially hurt yourself. If you do not carefully follow instructions, you risk burns and skin damage.
Additionally, many home lasers do not have customized settings. When they do, users are often confused about which setting is best for their skin and hair type. Professionals are trained to customize laser settings, which minimizes these risks.
Less Powerful and Effective
At-home devices don’t have the same strength as professional lasers, making them much less effective. Reduced power means that treatments are not as thorough, and results will likely be more spotty, subtle, and not as long-lasting.
Requires Consistency
At-home devices need frequent and consistent use to see any results. Unlike professional treatments, which are spaced out over several weeks, you’ll need to use the device regularly over a longer period.
Additionally, you will need to continue using the device regularly (likely at least once every week or two) to maintain results. With a professional laser, you could go for years without needing a touch-up session.
Limited Coverage
At-home lasers typically aren’t designed to cover large areas. So, if you want to laser your legs or back, it will require a lot of time. Also, treating hard-to-reach places by yourself can be challenging, resulting in frustration and missed spots.
Pros and Cons of Professional Laser Hair Removal
Pros
More Powerful and Effective
Professional laser hair removal uses advanced, medical-grade lasers that are significantly stronger than at-home devices. This means better results in fewer sessions. Most patients only need 6-8 treatments to achieve their desired results.
Fast
Professional-grade lasers can treat large areas at once. This means that even if you treat a large area, such as your legs or back, your appointment shouldn’t last longer than 30 minutes to an hour. Smaller areas like the upper lip or underarms can be lasers in as little as 10-20 minutes.
Customizable for Your Skin and Hair Type
Professionals are trained to adjust the laser settings based on skin tone and hair type. This helps to ensure optimal results while minimizing risks like burns or hyperpigmentation. This level of customization isn’t possible with at-home devices.
Longer-Lasting Results
Because professional lasers are more effective at damaging the hair follicle, the results last much longer. Many people go months or even years without needing touch-ups, offering a far more permanent solution than at-home alternatives.
Performed by Trained Professionals
Having a licensed expert perform the procedure ensures that you are in safe hands. They know how to handle different skin and hair types, reducing the risks of burns, scars, or other side effects.
Cons
Higher Cost
Professional laser hair removal is more expensive upfront compared to at-home devices. However, the long-lasting results often mean you’ll save money in the long term by avoiding purchasing dozens of razors or ongoing wax appointments.
Requires Multiple Sessions
Though the results are superior, you will need several sessions to target hair during different growth phases. However, after the initial treatments, maintenance is minimal, with most people only requiring an occasional touch-up.
Mighty Be Slightly Uncomfortable
Most people say professional hair removal lasers are not painful, describing the sensation as similar to a rubber band mildly snapping against the skin. However, some treatment areas are more sensitive than others, and some people have a lower pain tolerance. The good news is that most clinics offer numbing creams or cooling devices to minimize discomfort.
Conclusion
We get it— the idea of tackling unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule, at a lower price tag, is tempting.
But here’s the reality: while at-home devices can offer some convenience, they simply don’t compare to the power and effectiveness of professional laser hair removal treatments. Instead of long-term hair removal, these devices typically work more as hair-growth “delayers.”
At-home options use lower-energy light sources, whether it’s IPL or diode lasers, which means they aren’t as efficient at targeting and destroying hair follicles. This makes the process much slower, and the results are often not what people hoped for. They’re also best for smaller areas and might not be safe for all skin tones.
On the other hand, professional laser treatments provide faster, longer-lasting results, and are customized to your skin and hair type for maximum effectiveness. If you’re serious about having smooth, hair-free skin, professional laser hair removal is the way to go.
At Relive Health, we use advanced lasers operated by highly skilled technicians, giving you the best (and safest) possible results. Give us a call today to schedule a complimentary laser hair removal consultation at a Relive Health clinic near you.
