posted 30.09.2022
Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices a Waste of Money?
In recent years, there’s been a surge in the popularity of laser hair removal. The treatment uses a concentrated laser to target hair follicles, destroy them and prevent regrowth. Laser hair removal has been widely available since the late 1990s. Initially, it was only a professional service, but now, at-home devices are growing in popularity.
If you’ve spent time browsing the beauty aisle, you’ll probably have seen at-home laser hair removal devices. These devices often promise professional-level results from the comfort of your own home. But do they really work, and are they worth the money?
At Body Lipo Lincoln, we pride ourselves on ensuring our customers are in the know about all aesthetic procedures. If you’re thinking about investing in an at-home laser hair removal device, this guide is for you. It has everything you need to know about the differences between professional and at-home devices so that you can make the best decision.
Jump to what you want to know:
- What are home laser hair removal devices?
- How do home laser hair removal devices work?
- Are home laser hair removal devices safe?
- 5 things to consider before buying a home laser hair removal device
- Are home laser hair removal devices a waste of money?
- Book a consultation with a laser hair removal expert today
What Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices?
In the last decade or so, there has been a growing trend of people using home laser hair removal devices to remove unwanted body hair. While the initial cost of these devices may be expensive, many people find that the long-term savings and benefits of laser hair removal make them worth the investment.
Home laser hair removal devices offer several advantages over traditional methods such as waxing or shaving. For example, they are much less likely to cause skin irritation or ingrown hairs. In addition, you can use them on a variety of body parts, including the face, legs, and bikini area.
How Do Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Work?
Home laser hair removal devices have been on the market for a while now and continue to grow in popularity. If you’re considering one for yourself, it’s essential to understand how they work and what to expect.
Laser hair removal targets the pigment in the hair follicle with a concentrated light beam. The heat from the laser damages the follicle and prevents it from regrowing. Most home laser devices use an intense pulsed light (IPL) system, similar to a laser but using a broader range of wavelengths. IPL is effective for most hair types, but it may take more treatments to see results and is more effective on dark hair and light skin.
Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?
If you’re looking to ditch your razor and avoid the cost of professional laser hair removal treatments, one of your biggest concerns is probably their safety.
Home laser hair removal devices are considered generally safe. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully is essential to avoid potential side effects, such as skin irritation or burns.
It’s also important to note that home laser hair removal devices can be dangerous if misused, so it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional before using one.
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home Laser Hair Removal Device
Laser hair removal devices have been on the market for a few years now, and their popularity only seems to be increasing. If you’re considering taking the plunge and buying one for yourself, you should know a few things.
1. Less Powerful than Professional Devices
If you’re thinking about at-home laser hair removal, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the devices used by professionals and the devices available for purchase. Professional devices are classified as medical devices and must meet strict guidelines.
As a result, they tend to be much more powerful than at-home devices. This difference in power means that professional treatments are usually much more effective than at-home treatments. Alongside this, professional devices are more effective on a wider range of skin tones and hair colours.
2. Not Technically Laser Devices
While most at-home devices are described as laser devices, it’s not technically true. As we’ve already explained, most home devices use an intense pulsed light (IPL) system, similar to a laser but using a broader range of wavelengths. This wider range of wavelengths means that IPL devices are less targeted than laser treatment, and the device’s unfocused energy can cause skin irritation.
While some professionals still use IPL hair removal methods, many now use Advance Laser Hair Removal devices. These are far more targeted and use a cooled laser to target the hair follicle and leave the surrounding skin undamaged, minimising any side effects of laser hair removal.
3. Incorrect Use Can Be Dangerous
While at-home devices may be a more affordable alternative to professional treatments, it’s important to note that these devices can be dangerous if not used correctly. Incorrect use can lead to burns and permanent skin damage.
Therefore, it’s essential to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. It is also important to avoid using the device on sunburned or otherwise damaged skin. This is particularly true if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, varicose veins or psoriasis. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional before using a home laser hair removal device.
4. Takes More Time than Professional Hair Removal
All forms of laser hair removal require multiple sessions spaced out by several weeks. However, due to home laser hair removal devices being less powerful and the treatment not being performed by a professional, it’s likely that at-home hair removal will take significantly longer.
Alongside taking longer to see results, it’s also likely that at-home results will be less consistent. Unless you’ve used at-home devices for a while, you will likely miss areas. It’s a bit like shaving, you spend ages trying to make sure you got everywhere, but then you find that random long hair. With professional hair removal, you can be sure your clinician will cover the entire treatment area and get to places you might struggle with.
5. An Expensive Investment
At-home laser hair removal devices are often promoted as a more cost-effective way to achieve silky-smooth skin compared to professional treatment. The quality and cost vary drastically, with at-home devices costing anywhere from £50 to £5000, depending on their effectiveness.
If you’re considering an at-home device, we recommend carefully researching your choices. At-home devices can have serious side effects so take your time choosing. It’s also worth considering professional treatment if you’re leaning towards the more expensive end-of-home devices. Professional hair removal starts from as little as £40 per session, so you could save in the long run and get better results.
So, Are Home Laser Hair Removal Devices a Waste of Money?
It really depends on your individual needs and expectations. You’ll probably be disappointed if you’re looking for perfect results with zero effort. But if you’re willing to put in a little time and effort for long-term results, a home laser hair removal device could be a good investment. Just remember to do your research and consult with a professional before making any decisions.
While home laser hair removal devices are not quite as powerful as their professional counterparts, they can still be an effective way to achieve long-term hair reduction.
Book a Consultation with a Laser Hair Removal Expert Today
At Body Lipo Lincoln, we understand that dealing with unwanted hair can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. That’s why we offer laser hair removal services to help you achieve the smooth, flawless skin you’ve always wanted.
Using cutting-edge technology, our expert technicians will carefully target and remove unwanted hair without causing any damage to the surrounding skin. And because our laser hair removal treatments are tailored to your individual needs, you can be sure you’ll get the best possible results.
To book your consultation and patch test, call us on 01522 523777 during office hours or click the link below:
