Today I am reviewing the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X – the only FDA-cleared laser technology available for home use.
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For many years, I have struggled with the upkeep of shaving. A large part of my pre going out routine consists of exfoliating, shaving and moisturising – all for silky smooth legs that last as long as Cinderella’s dress did at the ball.
I’ve become so fed up with ingrown hairs, dryness and itchiness. Not to mention, constantly buying new razor heads – I don’t even want to think about how much I’ve invested in them over 15 years). Laser hair treatment has been something on my mind for a while now (I once blogged about it) but money and busyness has always held me back.
That’s why, I was SO excited and happy when Tria approached me about a partnership to experience their latest hair removal device.
What is the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X?
In short: “The first and only clinically-proven laser available for home use.” Tria’s hair removal laser targets and permanently disables the hair follicles to stop hair growth for permanent results. With the laser, you can expect:
- The best at-home results. Tria has three times more hair eliminating energy than any other home hair removal device.
- 70% of your unwanted hair removed after just 2 treatments.
- Clinically-proven results – Tria uses the same diode laser technology preferred by dermatologists to reduce hair growth.
Laser hair removal vs IPL
In recent years, there’s been a surge of laser hair removal devices on the market. Most however, are not laser – they are in fact IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The energy in IPL technology is not as focused as a laser, which means it involves more treatment and less permanent results.
Where and who can use it?
The laser device works on dark blonde through to black hair and on fair through to olive skin tones. To operate, you need to hold the base of the device against your skin. There is a sensor at the base that will only activate if the laser is safe to use on your skin type.
Tria’s laser can be used on legs, face, bikini line and underarms.
Using the device
When I removed the laser from its box, I was delighted to find it was already charged and ready to go. Setting it up was quick – I simply switched the power button on at the top, placed the sensor where I wanted to use the device, and then waited for the beeps to signal I could start.
Now, while I would love to tell you that the laser meant I could instantly throw away my shaver, you have to actually shave before using any type of laser device. It’s advised to only shave and not wax or pluck.
After cleansing and shaving, I switched on my device, waited for it to be activated and then used the power button to select my treatment level – 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. Tria recommends using the highest level you can for best results. I found level 2 to be ideal, though I will try moving up different levels as my treatment continues.
To start the laser process, I held the laser down on my skin and waited for the noise to signal it had worked, before moving to the next section. If you move the laser too quickly, you’ll hear a noise that will tell you it hasn’t worked and you have to try again. You need to create an overlapping movement that’s small – you want to avoid going over the same area multiple times but you also want to ensure you cover all sections. The laser really requires your full attention.
Before the battery ran out (it lasts for 30 minutes) I managed to laser both of my lower legs.
Pros:
- Simple to use – You can find device instructions in the manual with the laser, and you can also watch online tutorials demonstrating the process.
- Fast results – I’ve already noticed my hair is taking much longer to grow back and my legs in general feel much smoother.
- Convenient and cost effective – while the laser is costly, in comparison to salon laser treatment for multiple body areas, Tria offers a much more affordable solution. Being wireless, the device offers you the luxury of using when and where. There are no dermatologist appointments to schedule in.
- Permanent results – it’s nice to know that once you’ve bought the device, it’s a long-lasting investment that you will reap the benefits from for many years to come.
- 60-day money back guarantee.
Cons:
- Time consuming – it requires patience to cleanse, shave and towel dry, then sit and wait for the laser to cover each spot of skin you want hair removed from. Particularly on your legs.
- Discomfort – I struggled to use the laser past level 2.
Overall Summary of Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X:
I’ve been shaving for nearly two decades and in that time, I’ve dealt with many ingrown hairs and have wasted a lot of time going over my skin with a razor. So while the Tria hair removal laser 4X isn’t exactly the most fun device to use and is certainly time consuming, the fact that it offers me the ability to have permanent smooth skin without constantly dealing with razors, makes the product worthwhile and a great investment.
There is a worry sometimes that home devices are not up to scratch, but Tria’s technology is very impressive. The device has fantastic safety measures and straight-forward instructions to follow.
Have you considered laser treatment? See what others are saying on Instagram.
Before I even knew what sex was, my family had already decided I was going to have children. ‘One day, when you have kids of your own’, they’d remarked. And I’d play along and comment on their names (Rosie was a popular choice at the time) and what they’d wear. It seemed so planned and prepared, like time was the only gap between me and my future. But then the future came knocking and Rosie is still waiting to be born. How do you really decide if you want kids?
An article on Forbes states the ‘average age of first-time mothers in America is now up from 21 to 26 with age 31 being the average in developed countries. I’m in my late twenties and only know a handful of parents, many of whom I no longer have contact with.
Throughout my twenties, babies have changed close friendships. During a phone call with an old friend, I realised how different our lives had become when we unburdened our problems. Mine centred around a lack of clothes and a demanding client, hers involved stress over parenting two young kids in a pandemic while juggling full-time work. Although I admired her incredible organisation and natural flair as a mother, I felt little desire to share her experiences.
The social pressure to have babies
Despite the increase of childless women, the social pressure to conceive hasn’t shifted in society. Perhaps only with celebrities like Meghan and Harry, who have advocated no more than two kids to reduce their environmental impact. Now that I’m approaching thirty, I feel the question of children is one I have to answer. It doesn’t help that I’m in a stable relationship – this has only increased the expectation that I’ll soon be ready.
In my mind, it’s a juggling thought. Yes, I like the idea of being a mum and raising a family, but no, I can’t picture this scenario right now and I’m not sure if in a couple of years, I’ll magically be ready. I feel that when I imagine children, it’s this unrealistic fantasy of a girl similar to me who is well behaved and easy to manage.
Parents often say, ‘just wait till you have them’ or ‘you’ll never want to go back to your old life’ but rarely does anyone confront the biggest taboo of regret. The Independent published survey results that found 1 in 12 Britons regret becoming parents. Rarely as well, do people acknowledge the impact children have on relationships. As publication Fatherly reported, the majority of research shows a decline in marriage satisfaction after having a child.
When you reach your ‘conceiving years’, society expects you to automatically want a baby and a marriage with a three-bedroom house in a green neighbourhood. This notion of happiness is one some people my age can’t connect with, even though Facebook, family members and parents say it’s the most rewarding, fulfilling outcome. Friends have described how they want to still go out and be ambitious and career-minded. Maybe it’s our ideals of what it means to be a parent that feels most stifling?
So, how do you actually decide if you want kids?
From what I know (having researched and spoken to others) fear is the biggest concern surrounding the baby debate:
- Will I regret not having them?
- Am I going to be okay losing some of my freedom?
- Will I still like my life? If I’m happy right now, do I want it to change?
Vox spoke to a therapist who specialises in helping couples decide whether or not to have kids. One of her recommendations is to temporarily focus on desire and ignore any decision-making pressure. Which means, pretending there isn’t a huge expectation to conceive, you don’t have parents asking when they’ll be grandparents, and there is no insecurity on your part.
It’s natural for some of us to go to that doubtful place where we tell ourselves we’re rubbish with kids; we won’t look after them properly and we’ll be bad parents. It’s important to look at these types of thoughts and ask if they’re really true or just insecurity getting the better of you.
In The Atlantic, a writer described an old column she read where the author, Cheryl Strayed, noted that loss will be inevitable regardless of either decision. There will always be an unknown hole whether you have kids or decide to live child-free. It’s comforting in some ways to know that loss is inevitable. It makes the decision feel more balanced.
It’s also comforting to know that in England, 45% of pregnancies are unplanned. Which means, many parents had likely no clue what their choice was until the inevitable, at which point they’ve hopefully experienced the pregnancy with no regret.
The ticking time bomb
Last yearchildren
At present, I don’t 100% know which side of the fence I’m on. Having finished this article, I feel I sway towards wanting them, even though I’d like to think I could be happy with either scenario.
What are your thoughts? How do you decide if you want kids?
