Laser hair removal is a great option for those who want to get rid of their unwanted body hair for good. However, not everyone has the time or energy to go to clinics for professional treatment sessions. Fortunately, at-home laser hair removal devices have made things easier for everyone.
Do you also want to buy an at-home device but are afraid that you will not be able to understand its functioning? Well, no more worries! This article will provide you with a detailed guide on how to use a laser device at home.
Understanding At-Home Laser Hair Removal
At-home laser hair removal devices use light energy to burn the hair follicles and prevent hair growth. The light is dependent on the concentration of melanin in the skin for entering the body. Once it detects hair, it travels down the roots, transforms into heat, and burns the hair follicles. This stops hair growth for a long time.
The higher the amount, the more light energy is going to enter the body. This means, that it has darker skin tones, it must be handled carefully. In addition, lighter hair does not have any melanin so laser might not work for them.
Preparation for At-Home Laser Hair Removal Sessions
You must be thoroughly prepared to use a laser hair removal device at home. Here are some guidelines you must consider before using a laser handset.
Skin Preparation
Skin preparation is the basic requirement to achieve beneficial laser hair removal results. For this:
- You must cleanse and exfoliate it regularly. This ensures that no dirt or dead cells hinder the way of laser from reaching hair depth
- Use a moisturizer regularly on the skin so that it is smooth enough for the laser device to move on it easily
Skin Protection
Skin protection is as important as skin preparation to prevent skin damage during the treatment session. Hence:
- Do not over-expose yourself to the sun as it increases the concentration of melanin in the body. Excessive melanin darkens the skin and increases the risk of skin burns. Wear sunscreen to keep your skin protected in daylight.
- Tanning before laser is also contraindicated as it can also cause skin burns during treatment.
- Avoid using harsh products on your skin before treatment as they can increase skin sensitivit.y
Using the Laser Device at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)
Choose the Right Device
Choosing the right device is important to ensure the hair removal session is completed safely. For this, you must take into account:
- Your Skin Type: Some devices might work for darker skin tones while others may not. Ensure the device you are buying is compatible with your skin tone.
- Expectations: Some devices are a bit slow to show results while others are faster like Ulike Air 10 which shows results just within 2 weeks. So, if you want quick results, choose your device accordingly.
- Needs: Carefully consider your needs before finalizing the device. For example, some devices only work for the face and some can be compatible with the whole body.
Shaving is Necessary
The hair present on your skin may affect the productivity of a laser device. Therefore, you must remove your hair before using a laser device to make sure that the laser targets hair follicles and not the unwanted hair above the skin.
- Shaving is mostly recommended for this purpose. It gets rid of hair above the skin surface while keeping hair below the skin intact. As a result, the light can easily travel to the roots by targeting the hair below the skin surface.
- Waxing is not the right choice for pre-laser hair removal as it removes hair from roots. Thus, rendering it difficult for light to find a pathway
Turn on the Device
After shaving, hold the device in your hand and turn it on.
- Some devices are wireless which means all you need is to turn on their switch to start them. The button may be located on the side or at the front
- Some devices may need to be plugged in. Ensure that the switch is on and then turn on the button on the device as well
Goggle Up
The laser beam emitted by a laser device can be harmful to your eyes, especially if there is continuous exposure. Hence, it is essential to wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from harmful laser rays.
Usually, you need to buy them separately so make sure that you are choosing a reliable product. There are also companies like Ulike that offer goggles along with their laser device to enhance user comfort and convenience.
Set the Right Intensity Level
Now, it's time to set the intensity level. Each area of your body has different sensitivity so the intensity must be adjusted accordingly.
- Areas like the bikini line, underarms, and upper lip are more sensitive so they need to be treated at a low-intensity level
- The back, legs, and chest have coarser hair so they require a higher intensity level so that all the hair are targeted effectively
Start Your Hair Removal
Position the device on your skin such that its outlet faces the targeted area. Most devices usually flash automatically once they touch your skin.
- First, you need to do a patch test. Try the device on a small area and see if you are comfortable.
- If everything goes fine, start from one side and glide the device slowly across your skin surface.
- Evenly cover all the areas without moving the device over and over in the same area
Keep in mind that, for some devices, you may need to press the button once. While for others, you may need to keep holding on to the button. So read the instructions manual carefully to ensure that you are doing everything right.
Store the Device
Once you are done with hair removal, clean it carefully with a cloth or a towel to wipe out all the hair thoroughly. Then, put the device in its box and store it in a dry place away from the reach of children.
Storing the device carefully increases its lifetime and makes it work effectively for a long.
Post-Treatment Laser Hair Removal Care
Apply a Moisturizer
Laser hair removal treatment can make your skin sensitive and compromise the protective skin barrier. Applying a moisturizer will help the skin heal properly. Not only this, but it will also keep the skin supple and hydrated until the barrier is repaired completely.
- The product you are using must be light, fragrance-free, and chemical-free
Protect the Treated Area
The treated area becomes sensitive and easily vulnerable to damage. This damage includes:
- UV Exposure: Exposure to sunlight after laser treatment can damage the skin. So, avoid going out for at least 48 hours after the treatment. Even after that, wear sunscreen, protective hats, and full-coverage clothes to avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- Infection: Bacterias can easily invade the skin as the barrier is compromised. To avoid infection, cleanse your skin regularly and avoid touching the treated area repeatedly.
The Right Choice of Clothes Matters
Do not wear tight or short clothes. It is because,
- When tight clothes come in contact with freshly treated skin, the fibers can irritate it thus leading to redness and itching
- Short clothes expose the uncovered area to sun rays thus increasing the risk of skin burns and hyperpigmentation
FAQs
Is At-Home Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Yes, at-home laser hair removal is safe as long as you are following all the safety instructions. For example, buy an FDA-cleared device, choose a device compatible with your skin type, and ensure proper pre and post-care treatment.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
A single treatment session of laser is not enough to see results. It takes multiple sessions depending on the device you are using. For instance, in the case of Ulike Air 10, using it for 14 days only will show you significant results.
Do At-Home Laser Hair Removal Show Permanent Results?
No, laser hair removal is not permanent even though it is done at a clinic or home. It only damages hair follicles thus reducing hair growth until the follicles repair. However, maintenance sessions every 3 to six months can make the results last longer.
Is At-Home Laser Cost-Effective?
A single laser hair removal session at clinics costs around $200 to $500. But it can go up to $1000 or more as laser requires multiple sessions. In contrast, you can buy at-home laser devices for $300 to $500 which equals one professional treatment. But, these devices can work for several years thus making at-home lasers a better option.
Conclusion
Using an at-home laser device is not difficult. All you need to do is turn it on, place it at the right angle against the skin, set up the intensity level, and start hair removal. However, this is only possible if you have chosen the right device. So, be very mindful before making your decision.
Do thorough research, and find a device that is compatible with your skin tone, and is FDA-cleared.
