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Got a question about home laser hair removal devices or IPL hair removal devices? Find here answers to some of the frequently asked questions about these permanent hair removal devices here.
Home Laser / IPL Hair Removal Devices – FAQ
A lot of the same questions keep popping up again and again about home laser hair removal devices. Instead of replying and answering on a one by one basis, We have decided to document the answers here so that you can find the answers to all your questions in one place
What is a Home Laser / IPL Kit?
A home laser hair removal kit is a device that you can use at home to self administer laser treatments for the purpose of hair removal.
Until only a few years ago, you could only get laser hair removal done if you went to an approved clinic and if the laser treatment was carried out by a trained personnel
Since 2006, the FDA (the organisation responsible for public safety) has approved a small number of home laser / IPL kits so that they can be sold directly to the consumer as permanent hair reduction tools. These devices contain certain safety features that prevent the user from doing unsafe things that may cause physical harm.
Home Laser hair removal devices are becoming more and more popular among customers due to cost savings (as compared with professional laser hair removal or electrolysis) and convenience factors.
Do Home Laser Hair Removal Really Work?
Home hair laser devices do work but it is not an instant fix for hair removal.
If you fit the correct profile (that is you are type 1-IV on the fitzpatrick scale and you have the right hair color type) and you use the home laser hair removal device consistently, the chances are very good that it will work.
For you to get the full benefits of the laser home laser hair removal system you will have to be consistent in your use. Studies do show that the best results are obtained through consistent use of the device.
Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?
Home laser hair removal devices are safe to use especially if you get one that is FDA approved.
The FDA approved devices are safe as numerous safety features are required for FDA approval and the conclusion of studies looking at the safety of home hair removal devices is that they are safe for home use.
The FDA, which is the US Federation for Drug Administration is responsible for regulating the use and sale of laser equipment. Therefore, providing a laser device is FDA registered and approved for commercial use, you can be sure that it has been rigorously tested for safety.
Some of the home laser hair removal devices also now come with a lot of safety features to help keep the user safe. An example of a safety feature is the “skin sensor” which helps ensure that only people with the right skin tone can use the device.
Another example of a safety feature is that some of the home laser hair removal device have today is the
“solid surface detector” – which prevents the device from emitting a light unless the unit is pressed up against a hard surface. This helps prevent unintentional firing of the laser hair removal device and any form of eye damage that can occur from looking directly at the light.
It must be said though, that there are also a number of non FDA approved products trying to break into the home laser hair removal space. I strongly recommend that you avoid these products – most don’t work and some could be dangerous.
Are Home Laser Devices Painful To Use?
There is a certain level of discomfort during treatment when using any form of hair laser removal device. Many users do describe the feeling of treatment as being more “tolerable” than those used in professional clinics.
Most people describe the feeling as that of a slight burn and that it feels like an elastic band being hit against the skin repetitively.
Home laser hair removal devices typically operate at a much lower fluence (power setting) than the ones used by professionals or in a doctors clinic. This is why home laser hair removal treatments cause less discomfort than professional laser hair removal.
What Skin Types Can Home Laser Hair Removal Work on?
Until only a few years ago, you could only get laser hair removal done if you went to an approved clinic and if the laser treatment was carried out by a trained personnel
In order to get FDA approval, the power of these home based hair removal devices is a lot lower than the lasers that are used professionally. Home laser hair removal devices are mainly marketed for people with light skin, that is people with skin tones I – IV on the Fitzpatrick scale.
If you have a darker skin type that is higher than Scale IV on the Fitzpatrick scale, you will either need to consider professional laser hair removal with the Nd:YAG laser or electrolysis.
What Is The Fitzpatrick Scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is used to classify skin types.
Most home laser hair removal devices are only approved to work on skin types that fit between Type 1 – Type IV on the scale.
Home laser hair removal is not suitable for skin types V or VI on the Fitzpatrick scale. Professional laser hair removal is the only option for people with these skin types
You can use the chart below to determine your Fitzpatrick number:-
What’s the Difference between a Home Laser and Home IPL Machine?
In terms of efficacy and safety, there haven’t been any conclusive studies that have shown one type to be better for hair removal purposes than the other.
IPL (intense Pulse Light) Home hair removal devices are similar in use to Laser Hair Removal devices as both use light energy to attack the hair follicle.
There is, however, a difference in the underlying technology and how these devices work. Home laser hair removal machines use a diode laser that operates at specific wavelength whereas IPL machines apply pulses of light at different wavelengths (you can consider it as being like a shotgun approach to hair removal).
For a more complete look at the differences between an IPL and laser, read our article about it here.
How Often Would I Need To Perform Treatments?
Manufacturers provide specific guidelines regarding the regularity of treatments. In most instances, you should apply treatment bi-weekly.
One of the most popular brands, the Silk’n SensEpil advises the following:-?
“Schedule your first 3 – 4 sessions are two weeks apart. The following three sessions should be approximately 4 weeks apart and thereafter you should use the product if and when needed until long-term results are achieved.”
Are There Any Possible Side Effects?
Side effects are less than professional laser hair removal due to the lower power ratings of the home devices and are all temporary.
A recent study analysed the side effects experienced by patients that self administered home laser hair removal treatments.
Side effects noted during the study were all temporary and included erythema (redness), edema (swelling), hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin), crusting, hypopigmentation and blistering.
Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Difficult to Use?
No, home laser hair removal devices are incredibly easy to use and no training is required. All that is required is patience.
Each device comes with operating instructions that are easy to follow.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
The size of the treatment area and the device that’s being used greatly affects how long the treatment will take.
Some devices, such as the Silk’n Flash and Go have been specifically designed for smaller treatment areas. The head size is much smaller and it allows the patient to achieve accuracy that would be required for treating areas such as the bikini area.
Other devices, such as the Silk’n SensEpil or Tria 4X have a large head size for full body hair removal?. As a guideline, here’s a quote from the Silk’n web site about how long treatments can take:-
“The time can vary depending on the area of the body treated. A two full legs can take up to 30 minutes, or two underarms could take less than 10 minutes. Since the device runs on regular electric power it can be used for as long as needed to complete a full treatment of the desired area(s) for hair removal.”
Do Home Laser Hair Removal Work On All Hair Types?
Laser hair removal (whether done professionally or at home) only works on hairs that contain melanin. White, blonde and grey hairs don’t contain enough melanin for the laser to target and therefore the treatment is ineffective.
If you have light hair with low melanin levels, then home laser hair removal as a whole will not work for you and you may want to consider electrolysis as an alternative.
How Much Do Home Laser Hair Removal Kits Cost?
Home laser hair removal devices typically cost between $200 and $700 to purchase and are becoming more and more popular among customers due to cost savings (as compared with professional laser hair removal or electrolysis which can cost in excess of $10k for a full series of treatments over a relatively large treatment area).
Given that home laser hair removal devices come at a one off cost, a significant cost saving can be had. The cost saving, convenience factor and privacy of doing it in your own home advantages make it all worthwhile owning your own home laser hair removal device
Some devices do require “Refills” though – so do your homework and make sure that you understand how many treatments can be had from a single cartridge and how much new cartridges are.
Can I Shave Between Treatments?
Yes, you can shave the treatment area between treatments, however for best results, we recommend that you don’t do any form of waxing.
Waxing removes hair from the root and by waxing before a laser hair removal session there is less chance for the light energy to be absorbed by the hair in the follicle. Shaving, however, does not remove hair from the root, only from the surface, and so can be used between treatments without jeopardising laser results.
How Long Will It Be Before I see Results?
If you are using a home laser removal kit, it is most likely that you will start to see results within 2 – 4 weeks of your first treatment.
Can Both Men & Women Use Home Laser Hair Removal Devices?
Both men and women can use home hair laser removal device to remove unwanted hair.
Do however note that in some instance the hair on men might be more resilient (like chest hair) so more sessions are likely to be required.
However, in terms of safety and efficacy, home lasers can be used successfully by both men and women.
Can I Use A Home Laser Hair Removal Device if I’m Tanned?
If you have had recent exposure to sunlight and are tanned as a result then it’s highly recommended that you don’t use a home laser hair removal device. This is because the home laser hair removal devices are built to work safely with light skin tones (fitzpatrick scale I-IV types)
It is also worth noting that you should try to avoid too much giving the treatment area direct exposure to sunlight in the 24-48 hours following a treatment?
Can I Treat the Upper Lip Area with a Home Laser?
If you want to get rid of unwanted hair in the upper lip area, you can safely use a home laser hair removal device, however you should take precautions to make sure that your lips aren’t exposed to the light from the laser device.
Lips contain a large amount of melanin and if not covered during treatment it can be burnt from the laser. We recommend that you cover your lips with white surgical tape to ensure they aren’t affected by the laser.
Will Home Laser Hair Removal Work For Me?
If you have light skin and dark hair then the chances of home laser hair removal working for you are really quite good.
There have been numerous studies performed and most of the participants have achieved in the realms of 50 – 75% hair reduction of the course of the treatment.
It is important that you are consistent with the treatment and that you follow through to ensure that all the hair follicle in the targeted area is fully treated.
Are There Any Home Laser Kits That Work For Darker Skin Tones?
If you have a skin colour that is darker than Type IV on the Fitzpatrick scale, then there are currently no home laser hair removal machines on the market that will work for you.
However, there are certain types of lasers that are used professionally in laser hair removal salons that are designed to work with such dark skin types.
Learn more about professional laser hair removal with dark skin.
Got Any More Questions?
For more answers to your laser / IPL hair removal questions, then check out this full list of Laser Hair Removal FAQ’s. We’ve tried to be as exhaustive as possible with our FAQ’s, but if you have any more questions about home laser hair removal devices then let us know in the comment box below and we will get back to you with an answer!
