For years, laser hair removal required an appointment with a professional for an hour or longer. It’s also not the most affordable procedure — with each treatment costing hundreds of dollars. Today, an at-home laser hair removal device can be purchased at a fraction of the cost and used again and again. Because of this, at-home laser hair removal is becoming more popular for its affordability and accessibility. This article explains everything you need to know about at-home laser hair removal.
What Is At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
At-home laser hair removal is done through a device that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to destroy hair growth on your legs, arms, stomach, bikini area, or wherever you have unwanted hair growth.1 With a laser hair removal device, you can go from doing your hair removal ritual several times a week to once every one to two months.
Different Types of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
There are three different types of lasers used most commonly in laser hair removal devices:2
- Diode
- Alexandrite
- Nd: YAG
Diode tends to be the most effective type of laser for removing hair and hair follicles. Those with diode lasers may be able to go longer periods of time before another treatment.
Alexandrite is praised for its safety with darker skin tones. It uses the laser’s heat to remove the hair while preventing pigmentation on darker skin.
The Nd: YAG laser tends to be the least hot and least effective for larger treatment areas. However, it can be perfect for smaller areas such as the chin or neck.
Benefits of At-Home Laser Hair Removal
The main benefit of at-home laser hair removal is its accessibility. With an at-home laser hair removal device, you can have a laser hair removal treatment at your convenience, on your schedule, without ever having to leave your home. You’ll never have to worry about taking time off work for an appointment or rescheduling due to the weather.
At-home laser hair removal is also affordable. Many at-home laser hair removal devices can be purchased for under $100, and you can use them as many times as you want. You could also opt to purchase a higher quality device that costs around $400.
And, of course, laser hair removal is long-lasting. Laser hair removal goes deep, reaching into the hair follicles to root out the hair at its source. While it is never a one-and-done situation, you can go for as long as 4-10 weeks without having to remove your hair again.
Who Is At-Home Laser Hair Removal For?
Everyone has the luxury of doing laser hair removal at home as long as they have a laser hair removal device. Laser hair removal is for anyone with unwanted hair growth who can’t afford to make appointments at a laser hair removal salon.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices vs. Professional Clinic Laser Hair Removal
But how does at-home laser hair removal compare to treatment at a professional clinic? It depends on what your priorities are. Let’s look at a breakdown of at-home laser hair removal vs. professional laser hair removal.
Price
When it comes to price, at-home laser hair removal is much more affordable. Treatment at a professional laser hair removal clinic can charge anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per session.3 And keep in mind that even professional laser hair removal is not permanent, so you may be paying this much several times a year. An at-home laser hair removal device typically costs more or less $100, and a high-quality laser hair removal device can cost at least $400. There are several options for any budget that still provide a cost savings over in-office laser treatments.
Lasting Effects
With professional clinic laser hair removal devices, the length of time between treatments will vary depending on the area and the patient. With hormonal growth, hair can grow back. Some may return in a matter of weeks, while others can go years without needing another laser hair removal treatment. Most experts claim that laser hair removal from a professional can last for 2-6 years, though you may need yearly touch-ups.4
Compared to at-home laser hair removal devices, professional laser treatment is definitely better in this category. At-home devices see results that can last for weeks or months, which is still a boon. However, if you’re looking for the longest-lasting impact, it’s probably best to go with a professional clinic.
Safety
When it comes to safety, professional clinics are generally a safer bet. Laser machines are manned by professionals who know the most effective, safest way to administer laser hair removal treatments. In addition, many at-home laser hair removal devices are not FDA-approved, which makes it harder to gauge their safety. Professional clinics also tend to be safer for patients with dark skin, although Alexandrite laser hair removal devices help to mitigate the risk of pigmentation.
When it comes to accessibility and affordability, at-home laser hair removal is the better option. However, if you want lasting, professional results, it may be better to stick to a professional.
How to Do At-Home Laser Hair Removal Safely
Interested in at-home laser hair removal for yourself? Here are the at-home laser hair removal tips you’ll need to take to make sure you do it safely and effectively.
- Research first. Aside from reading reviews for the laser hair removal device beforehand, you also need to research your skin type and the best type of laser hair removal device for your skin type. At-home laser hair removal devices are not one-size-fits-all, so make sure yours is the right fit.
- Do a patch test. Test a small area of hair growth first to observe the effects. If the laser is painful or has some side effects on your skin, it’s best not to continue. Take it slow to make sure this is the best plan for you.
- Know what to avoid. Do not use laser hair removal devices around tattoos or sensitive skin areas. You should also avoid areas around the eyes. Stick to parts like arms, underarms, bikini area, legs, belly, torso, or chin.
At-Home Laser Hair Removal: An Affordable Alternative
Although it may not be as high-quality as a professional clinic laser hair removal, at-home devices can provide a similar effect at a fraction of the cost and at your own convenience. It may not be the right choice for everyone, but it is helpful to know you have a more accessible option available.
For more information about skin treatments like laser hair removal, check out more My Skin Treatment articles.
SOURCES:
- Medical News Today: “What to know about intense pulsed light treatment.”
- Vogue: “Laser Hair Removal: Everything You Need to Know.”
- GoodRx Health: “ Average Laser Hair Removal Costs (and How to Save).”
- Well+Good: “Exactly How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last? Experts Explain.”
