Call us lazy, but after experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving and waxing (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), we’re contemplating alternative methods of hair removal this spring.
And since professional laser hair removal isn't the most budget-friendly option (initial sessions can cost upwards of £200), we're looking at the next best thing: at-home laser hair removal gadgets.
We'd like to add though, that body hair is a completely natural, normal, wonderful thing, and you should absolutely not feel compelled to remove it if you don't want to—it's a personal choice.
But if you're into the idea of laser hair removal, and you're a little freaked about the idea of doing it at home, we've got you covered. Here we tell you everything you need to know about at-home hair removal.
The Two Types of Laser Hair Removal Technologies
There are two types of technology that are typically used for hair removal devices. They are IPL and laser hair removal. Both are long-term procedures for reducing hair growth, work in similar ways, and can both be very effective.
In addition to preventing hairs from re-growing, both treatment methods can significantly reduce the growth speed of remaining hairs, as well as hair thickness.
What's The Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?
Laser and IPL hair removal both work on the same principle. That is that light energy is absorbed by areas of high pigment such as hairs, which are therefore heated up. The heat damages the follicle, slowing hair growth and even preventing it completely.
The main difference between IPL and laser hair removal devices is the light source used. IPL uses broad-spectrum visible light whereas laser hair removal utilises the properties of a laser.
For more information on the differences see our blog IPL vs Laser Hair Removal.
How Does IPL Hair Removal Work?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a source of broad-spectrum, visible light. This light is specially controlled to remove shorter wavelengths and devised to target specific structures.
In hair removal, it is designed to target the melanin pigment in the hairs, while in other uses such as the treatment of spider vein it targets the hemoglobin in the blood. The light energy is absorbed, transferring as heat energy which warms the hair, causing damage to the follicle.
Benefits of IPL Hair Removal
As broad-spectrum light naturally spreads out, the coverage of IPL hair removal devices is greater than laser hair removal devices. It, therefore, may mean that treatment times may be quicker because larger areas can be treated at once.
As well as treatment times being quicker, they may also be considerably cheaper, but you may find that you need more sessions to achieve the same results.
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light, which means it can have different uses. It can be used to treat a variety of different skin conditions very successfully and be altered specifically to match different skin and hair types within a treatment type.
For example, a variation of IPL called VPL, which stands for Variable Pulsed Light, has been developed.
VPL enables the user to modify the settings of the light pulses to best suit the skin and hair they are aiming to treat. This is because the developers recognise that not only do different skin tones have different requirements for light-based hair removal devices and also that thick, course bikini line hair will require different treatment to thinner arm hair.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal also uses the ability to heat hairs and damage follicles by blasting them with light energy. However, it is slightly different to IPL in that is utilises the specific properties that lasers possess.
Lasers can be extremely controlled so that they can be focused into a small area and travel a large distance without spreading out like light normally would. They can also produce beams that only contain one colour of light.
These characteristics of lasers can, therefore, be utilised for the benefit of laser hair removal. The laser can travel deeper down into the pore, giving a concentrated blast of light to the follicle, and can therefore be more specific in the treatment it gives.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
The nature of lasers means that laser hair removal devices can focus light down into the pores of the skin, getting closer to the follicle to treat it and ultimately prevent regrowth.
This can mean that laser hair removal can achieve much quicker results than IPL because single hairs are heated to damaging temperatures quicker. Therefore, you may need fewer treatments of laser hair removal to achieve the same results.
Being more specific also means that laser hair removal can be more suited to people who have darker skin. This is because darker skin also absorbs more light than paler skin due to the amount of melanin (pigment) it contains, like darker hairs absorb more light than paler hairs. Therefore, there is a risk that the darker skin can be heated up.
The nature of lasers being more focused, smaller areas of light mean that they are more suited to treating people with darker skin because they greatly reduce the risk of burning compared to IPL. Having said that, some IPL systems are still suitable to be used on darker skin.
Does Laser or IPL Hurt?
For Laser it varies per user. Users can control the intensity of the Diode Laser. On the higher settings, some users might feel the sensation of a rubber band snapping against the skin or a warm pricking feeling, while others report no discomfort.
For IPL, once again, it varies per user. Because IPL uses various wavelengths in each pulse and also diffuses on the skin surrounding the hair follicle, some users may feel an increased level of discomfort.
Who is At-Home Hair Removal Suitable For?
It's important to make sure using IPL or laser devices is safe for you and your skin type. You can find out more about working this out from visiting our post on the Fitzpatrick skin type scale.
The ideal combination for many of these devices is dark hair and fair skin. Many do not work if your skin is dark or hair is light (blonde, grey, white or red). Be sure to read the handbooks thoroughly as they detail all instructions, including where you can and can’t use the machines.
Which Product Removes Hair Permanently?
Permanent hair reduction can only be achieved through laser. The only device to use laser technology found in salons is the Tria 4X.
The technology used in the Tria Hair Removal 4X gives you permanent hair removal, not hair reduction.
The Diode Laser contains a particular wavelength that is optimised for permanent results. Its energy is specifically targeted to the hair follicle, giving you accurate results that are permanent.
The Tria Laser 4X is suitable for most skin tones and hair colours. More effective than IPL technology, it is a safe, effective treatment that offers you permanent results.
