Looking at the use of at home laser hair removal devices today, a lot has changed over the past 15 years. Back then, powerful laser hair removal devices could only be found in high-end salons, dermatologist’s clinics and expensive beauty spas. Even though visiting these beautiful places was a high-ticket event, many people had no choice – safety was all that mattered to them.
Shifting to 2022-2023 at-home laser hair removal trends, you can do at-home laser hair removal every day without fear of skin irritation, burns and high costs. Compared to other hair removal alternatives such as applying depilatory cream, shaving and waxing, the laser hair removal method is now more preferred.
If you’re looking for the most effective way of dealing with the fast-growing unwanted hair on your legs, face, arm, underarms, bikini area, chest or stomach, the Ulike Sapphire AIR+ IPL is the best laser hair removal at-home device.
Tips to Choose The Best Laser Hair Removal Device to use at home
New hair removal products are being released almost every day and the online market is becoming uncontrollable. Without adequate knowledge of what factors to consider when purchasing a home laser hair removal device that works is burdensome.
Fake products that promise salon-like results have flooded the market. What should you look for when purchasing an at home professional laser hair removal machine for everyday use?
Here’s what the doctor recommends;
1. Safety Checked and Tested
Is it safe to use laser hair removal at home? This question unease many. Skin burns can be caused by using substandard hair removal devices. With legally instituted government institutions responsible for testing the safety of products and devices for human use and consumption always present, you’ve no reason to buy a laser IPL without the test mark certification.
Uncertified and uncredited laser IPL devices can be unpleasant and painful, are full of misleading information, and can cause skin problems.
Go for only SGS tested FDA cleared laser hair removal devices.
2. Laser Hair Removal Rated Wavelength
IPL laser wavelength refers to the strength of pulsed light. According to dermatologytimes.com , most IPL devices emit lights with a wavelength between 560 nm and 1200 nm. The cut-off filters loaded into the IPL laser determine the pulsed light intensity that goes into your skin.
The average IPL laser wavelength for at home use should be between 750 nm and 1064 nm. Too high a wavelength will penetrate deeper into the skin and cause other skin side effects. Choose an IPL laser with too low wavelength and the pulsed light will not reach the follicles.
If you’re a light skin type, choose an IPL laser whose wavelength averages 750 nm. And if you’ve got a moderate skin tone, the diode 810 nm will work on your skin better. Dark skin tone requires a 1064 nm IPL laser.
3. Pulse Duration
You should be able to determine how long the pulsed light will last as it determines whether the energy level is enough to destroy the follicles. A very short pulse duration may not have the energy level required to penetrate into the hair bulbs and kill the follicles.
10-15 ms is a considerable pulse width or duration for fine hairs while 40-60 ms is enough duration for an at-home laser hair removal device pulse duration to heat the melanin.
How Often Do You Need to Do At-home Laser Hair Removal?
You must be over the moon after buying an at-home laser hair removal device as you think that you will be finally hair-free. But you might also be anxious to know how often you need to do at-home laser hair removal sessions and how long will it take to show long-lasting hair growth reduction. And if at-home hair removal takes as long as salon laser hair removal does.
Moreover, if you have questions like if using a laser on your skin every day will help you get rid of undesired hair quickly, you are in the right place. Because this is exactly what we are going to explain in this article.
Although at-home laser hair removal devices are safe to use, they must not be used every day. Each semi-long-lasting hair removal device has certain instructions according to which it used to be used. So, let us see when should you do your hair-removal treatment and why it should not be done more often than required.
Phases of Hair Growth
Before getting into the details of at what time period and how many laser hair removal sessions you need to do, let us know the phases of hair growth. Because there are specific phases at which laser works the best.
Anagen
The first phase of hair growth is the anagen, the period of active hair growth. Here, hair cells are dividing at a rapid rate continuously. Thus, hair grows out of the hair follicles. Up to 90% of hair is at this stage at any time.
The time period of anagen differs for different types of hair. For example, the anagen phase of our scalp hair is longer compared to facial hair. It lasts for 2-3 weeks in case of facial and body hair.
Catagen
Then comes a short transition period where hair shifts from anagen, the actively growing phase to telogen, the resting phase. This is the catagen phase. Here, the blood supply to the hair is inhibited. As a result, hair grows slowly.
About 3-5% of hair is in the catagen phase at any unit in time.
Telogen
3rd is the resting phase of hair growth, also called telogen. Here, the hair reaches its maximum length and stops elongating further. It is a long phase and about 10% of hair is at this stage at one unit in time.
Exogen
The last phase is exogen, the shedding phase. In this phase, hair is Shed out of its follicle. And the growth of new hair in the follicle begins.
At Which Phase Should You Do Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works best in the first or the rapidly growing phase, the anagen. Because in this phase, the blood supply to the follicles is increased and the laser works by destroying blood flow to the hair.
Anagen phase last for 15-20 days. So, laser hair removal is recommended once every 15 days. But, it is not a one-time thing. As not 100% of hair is in this stage of growth during your session. So, you have to wait for about 6-12 sessions to see hair growth reduction.
How Often Can You Do Your At-Home Laser Hair Removal
As stated earlier, one session every 2 weeks for 3-6 months is ideal to have your unwanted hair fall out forever. Doing more sessions than this will only waste a great number of pulses of the device. And doing fewer sessions than this would take a longer time to treat hair because you would miss the anagen phase.
And once you are done with all of your laser hair removal sessions, you only need 1 session per month as hair growth becomes slow. After 6-12 more sessions, you will completely become hairless for 1 year.
Because your device would still have pulses, you can restart your laser hair removal again when the hair starts to grow back.
Laser Hair Removal at Home vs. Salon
1. How Does it Work and what Type of Light is Used
At-home and at-salon laser hair removal devices use light to act on unwanted hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment of the hair called melanin. Then this light travels all the way from the hair shaft to the hair root and is converted into heat energy.
Heat burns hair follicles and prevents hair from growing back. Additionally, the follicles take several months to regenerate. So, you stay hair-free during that time.
However, laser works the best when hair is in a growing phase and only a fraction of hair is in anaphase at any instant in time, it takes 6-12 sessions to destroy all hair follicles. So, both types of laser work precisely the same but the light used is different.
Professional laser hair removal devices use alexandrite, diode, or YAG and at-home laser hair removal devices use intense pulse light flashed by xenon flashlamps.
2. Schedule of the Sessions
This is one of the most distinguishing factors of at-home and at-salon laser hair removal. At-home devices work at an optimal level of intensity and use mechanisms that protect the skin while at-salon hair removal devices have higher energy and make skin sensitive.
So, professional hair removal sessions are spaced at 4-6 weeks as they let the skin relax and also allow the hair to phase from the phase of rest to the phase of active growth. However, at-home laser hair removal devices need to be used several times a week to act on the hair in whichever phase they are.
With Ulike sapphire Air3 IPL hair removal device, two sessions per week are more than enough during the first 3 weeks because of its high energy output of 20 J/cm2 to reduce hair regrowth significantly.
3. How Long Do the Results Last
The more time it takes to show results, the longer the results last. At-salon laser hair removal takes 6-9 sessions meaning 6-12 months for all hair to stop regrowing completely. And because all hair follicles are destroyed, the results last for a few months or years ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
At-home laser removal takes a minimum of 3 weeks with highly-efficient devices like Ulike Air3 and a maximum of 3 months with other devices. Additionally, a few touch-up sessions are needed to destroy the hair follicles that are left behind initially. Whether it is 3 weeks or 3 months, at-home laser hair removal lasts for up to 6 months.
4. Privacy Concerns
If you are someone who is very sensitive about who sees your skin, especially the skin with hair you hide, and do not want anyone to look at it, you must be prepared to go bare in front of the salon laser professional.
Additionally, if you are someone who hates people touching you and is afraid of going into awkward positions to have your thigh or intimate hair removed, at-salon hair removal can get on your nerves.
However, there are no such fears with at-home laser hair removal devices. You can do it all by yourself, in your bathroom, or even on your couch. Just shave your skin as you do normally, switch your device on, and enjoy zapping away your unwanted hair without sacrificing your privacy and mental health.
5. Convenience
Another thing that might make you think twice about at-salon laser hair removal is a commitment to the sessions, appointments, and commuting to the salon every month. Especially, if you take a taxi or the salon is far from your place, giving several hours of your day can be difficult for people with busy schedules.
Also, there are no such things as touch-up sessions in professional laser hair removal. On the other hand, at-home laser removal devices are always in your vicinity. You can use them however and whenever you like when going through scheduling and traveling.
Additionally, IPL devices like Ulike Sapphire Air3 are compact and create in a luxurious design. It also comes in a nice package. So, you can even carry it to your vacations giving laser hair removal a new level of convenience.
6. Total Cost of The Procedure
If we only talk about the cost of at-salon laser hair removal consultations and sessions, it costs $1000-2000 for one full-body hair removal session if you are choosing a well-reputed clinic. So, on average it costs $10000-$20000 for complete treatment. However, the price can vary depending on your location and the expertise of the laser expert.
Additionally, you have to add commuting costs to have an idea of the budget. Too much, right? Is 2 years of smooth hairless skin worth 2 years of savings?
In contrast, IPL laser hair removal devices cost a few hundred dollars. If we talk about the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL hair removal handset, it is only $379. For $379, you get the complete hair removal kit in addition to the at-home IPL device. It also comes with limitless flashes giving it more than 50 years of lifespan.
$379 and full life of hairless skin. Totally worth the investment, right?
7. Hair Removal Experience
At-salon laser hair removal can be painful in addition to the compromise on privacy which is a must. Many salons use anesthetic gels to reduce the pain. But right after the procedure, the skin is red, sensitive, and irritable. So, you have to take good care of it for 2 days after each session.
On the other hand, IPL devices are only as painful as snapping a rubber band against your skin. But the exclusive ice-cooling technology of Ulike is now more advanced and upgraded in the Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL device. So, it saves you from even minor pain or such sensations. Also, the after-care is not as extreme as with professional laser hair removal.
Why Is Laser Hair Removal Not Working? Reasons and Solutions!
Laser hair removal is a go-to procedure for those seeking a long-lasting solution to unwanted hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the outcome of a laser lasts for months to years [1]. With this in mind, everyone has similar expectations from laser hair removal.
However, individual variations can occur as everyone has different skin types, hair types, skin and hair color, and body conditions. This leads to the high efficiency of the method in some people while others do not see any results.
Are you also wondering about Why is laser hair removal is not working for you? Let’s know the reason and solutions to this.
Part 1: Signs Laser Hair Removal is Not Working
Lack of Hair Reduction
Laser hair removal provides a long-term solution [2] to unwanted continuously growing hair on your body. The heat produced by laser on entering your body leads to damage of hair follicles and thus hair removal.
However, if you do not notice any results even after multiple sessions, this means laser hair removal might not be working for you.
Hair Regrowth
Laser hair removal is most effective when hair is targeted in anagen phase. However, every hair follicle has its hair growth cycle thus all the hairs are not in the same phase at the same time. So, the laser requires multiple sessions to target all hair in the anagen phase.
With every session, you will notice a 10-20% reduction in hair. But, if you see significant regrowth in the treated area then this means the laser is not working for you.
Patchy Results
While some of your hair is in anagen phase at a time, others might be in transition or resting phases simultaneously. Laser hair removal is more effective in the anagen phase so you might notice patchy areas during your sessions.
However, if there are uneven hair removal results or the hair reduction in certain treated areas is less than expected, it indicates the ineffectiveness of treatment for you.
Part 2: Why Laser Hair Removal May Not Be Working
When you see any signs of laser hair removal not working, your mind will try to think of a reason.
Short Treatment Time
Each body area requires a set time for laser hair removal. Bigger areas take more time to treat while smaller areas can be treated more quickly. For instance, the face takes less than 30 minutes while the legs take up to an hour.
If this proper time is not given during the treatment, and it is rushed the effectiveness of laser hair removal will be less. This is because the laser energy does not get absorbed in all areas equally resulting in uneven hair removal results.
Hormonal Imbalance
The hair growth in both males and females is associated with the level of hormones in the body. One of the hormones responsible for this hair growth is testosterone. Males have a higher level so the number of hair in them is more as compared to females.
In certain conditions like PCOS or menopause, the level of testosterone in females increases than the normal limit leading to excessive hair growth. Consequently, the laser shows poor effects in conditions like PCOS [3], menopause, Cushing’s disease, and other hormonal issues.
Incorrect Laser Hair Removal Practice
Laser hair removal depends upon your practitioner to a great extent. If he is an experienced worker, the process will go smoothly but if there are any wrong practices, these can interfere with results.
For instance, different lasers are used for different hair and skin types. Nd: YAG laser works best for dark skin types and Diode is best for coarse hair. But if the practitioner has chosen the wrong laser, it is going to be ineffective, or harmful.
Other wrong practices include:
- Starting the treatment without ruling out any medical conditions or contraindicated medications
- Doing the procedure at the wrong intensity for a particular area
- Using a single-treatment approach for everyone
Improper Pre-Laser Preparation
It cannot only be the practitioner’s fault but your negligence as well. So, if you are going for laser hair removal without proper preparation, the results will be variable.
For example, removing hair before laser hair removal is appreciated but only by shaving. Moreover, going for laser hair removal with tanned skin, no exfoliation, and not complying with your hair removal plan can also be the reasons for minimal to no results.
Part 3: What to Do If Laser Hair Removal is Not Working?
Now, let’s see how you can solve the matter.
Communicate with the Provider
The very first thing you can do to solve the matter is to communicate with your provider. This includes a detailed consultation with the clinic before the session and then discussing the outcomes and expectations during your sessions.
A consultation before your actual appointment can help the practitioner understand your skin and hair better and then do his work accordingly. Moreover, discussing the problems during your sessions will help him know if any alterations are required in the plan.
Adjusting Treatment Parameters
The settings at which laser hair removal is performed depend upon your skin and hair type. These settings vary from person to person. So, if laser hair removal is not working for you in certain settings, you can discuss this with your practitioner.
With a mutual discussion, the practitioner can consider modifying the laser settings according to your requirements and expectations.
