Who does not want stubble-free legs, silky-smooth underarms, and a tame bikini line? Women seek an easier solution to remove unwanted body hair, spending as high as thousands of dollars. BUT gone are the days of expensive salon shaving, itchy shaving rashes, and heated Sunday morning epilator torture sessions.
With technological advancements, IPL laser hair removal has become a buzzword, from beauty salons to dermatologist clinics, and for good reason. The laser hair reduction technique really does live up to the mark of long-lasting and silky smooth skin.
The best thing about laser hair removal is that you can enjoy this treatment from the comfort of your home, as you can find several at-home IPL devices that are as advanced as those used by professionals.
But before starting at home laser hair removal, it is essential to understand how it works and what effort it takes to give the best intended results. Keeping this in mind, we have created this essential pocket guide. Please continue to learn how to be well-prepared for at-home laser hair removal sessions.
How Does At-Home laser hair removal Work?
IPL and laser hair removal at home are trending cosmetic treatments available in almost every beauty clinic, salon, and medi-spa. The word “LASER” can make you think of those high-powered rays that shoot out of an object in sci-fi movies and destroy anything they touch.
In reality, laser hair removal does not work that way, and it is a lot safer. The technique uses powerful light energy to eliminate the never-ending chore of hair reshaving and regrowth on your face and body.
This cosmetic treatment was first introduced in the late 1990s, but it is expected to hit a revenue of $1.6 billion by the end of 2028. Isn’t it impressive?
Fortunately, you can use many scaled-down versions of laser hair removal device at home. And these home devices have comfy designs and sophisticated safety features. Above all, they are able to give you ultra-fast sessions – most of them take only 30 minutes for your whole body.
After completing the recommended sessions, you can enjoy silky and free-of-coarse hair skin that you would typically find with other hair-removing techniques like waxing, tweezing, and shaving.
Additionally, the results of IPL laser hair removal are long-lasting and permanent. In rare cases, you might not get permanent results, but you will notice only a subtle regrowth instead of darker and thicker hairs.
Tips for the Perfect At-Home Laser Hair Removal Session
With the following tips on at-home laser hair removal, you can enjoy the skin you’ve always wanted:
1. Read the User Manual
It is essential to read the user manual before even buying a laser hair removal device. You can find a downloadable manual copy on the official website of the brand.
Reading that copy thoroughly helps you better understand how laser hair removal works and what precautions you should take.
2. Do a Patch Test
It is wise to do a patch test with IPL hair removal devices. To do this, shave a part of your treatment area and zap it according to the instructions specified in the user manual.
The patch test confirms that you won’t observe any side effects after the laser session. Also, you can test your device at different intensity levels to find the one that suits you well.
3. Shave for the Best Results
Before starting the session, it is advised to shave the treatment area to ensure the optimal hair length. Shaving your legs, bikini line, and underarms 12 to 24 hours before each session can help get the best results.
But wait, do you need to shave your face? Doesn’t it seem darn masculine? Yep, we agree. So, instead of shaving your facial hair, you can trim them with scissors. Also, you can use a derma planning tool on your jawline, chin, upper lip, cheeks, and sideburns.
4. Set Up for Success
The next thing is setting yourself up for success. Choosing a private spot for laser hair removal is also good if you’re going to remove bikini hair.
We understand your temptation to first treat your most glaring problem areas, like your face and bikini line. But we suggest using your laser on larger, more accessible areas, such as your lower legs, during the first few sessions. Don’t worry; after a couple of practice sessions, you will be able to treat even challenging areas like a pro.
Where Can You Use At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices?
At-home laser hair removal devices are safer to use on most body areas. However, here are some common areas both men and women MUST NOT use laser devices:
- Around the ears and eyes
- On large freckles, moles, or warts
- Over genitals, labia, or nipples, or testicles
- On tattoos
Now, let’s look at the common body areas suitable for laser treatment.
Laser Hair Removal for Women
At-home laser devices can be a life-changer for individuals with PCOS and Hursutism. These hormonal disorders can result in male-pattern hair growth. AND at-home IPL laser hair removal devices are a long-lasting and safer way to manage these embarrassing hair.
Ladies can treat the following body areas with laser hair removal:
- Feet and toes
- Lower legs and thighs
- Bikini line and bum
- Tummy
- Arms and underarms
- Neck and chest
- Jawline, chin, upper lip, sideburns, and cheeks
Laser Hair Removal for Men
The body areas for men are the same as for women. But it is worth mentioning that ALL manufacturers warn not to use laser hair removal devices on men’s face or beards due to the following reasons:
- It might leave unintended bald patches
- Can result in pain
- Unsightly or adverse reactions are possible
- Might not give the best results due to the depth and thickness of male beard hair
Final Words: Is At-Home Laser Hair Removal Right for You?
Of course, laser hair removal is the right treatment if you have light skin and thick, dark hair. Though laser is completely safe for most of your body areas, you can face skin redness or dryness due to the combination of light and shaving.
Also, make sure to use home laser hair removal treatment once every two weeks to get the desired results. You can lower the number of these sessions once you start noticing the results.
