At-Home Laser Hair Removal
At-home Laser Hair Removal
Shaving, waxing, plucking, depilatory creams and natural home remedies—just what works, and why? The market offers an abundance of choice, but laser hair removal is guaranteed to permanently rid you of unwanted body hair. If you could do it at home, for a fraction of the cost, wouldn’t you want to give it a try?
If you’re curious about how at-home laser hair removal works, then look no further. This article will guide you through the process, so you understand how the most popular devices work and how you can prepare your skin for treatment. We’ve also included a series of tips on aftercare. But with so much hair removal information out there, where do you begin?
Where to Start
First, you’ll need to find a device that works for you. There’s a wide expanse of products all claiming to provide the same effortless results. The Tria 4X is a popular device that utilizes the same technology as professional spa treatments—but because of this, it’s quite costly. Another device is the Me Chic, which claims to work on all skin tones and all hair colors.
We recommend that you read through reviews for a more accurate understanding of how effective the devices are and what actual users experienced while using the products. Take all reviews with a grain of salt though – positive and negative alike. Instead use reviews as a general barometer as to how effective the various products are for other people.
These two products use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to work quickly, safely, and better than professional hair removal technologies. Silk’n Flash&Go uses its own patented and FDA cleared Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology to permanently remove hair.
This article will focus on how HPL technology works and will advise you on how to care for your skin after laser treatment, no matter which product you choose to use.
How HPL Hair Removal Devices Work
Home Pulsed Light (HPL) utilizes optical light energy to heat the hair follicle down to the root. The optical energy damages the follicle, preventing the hair’s regrowth. Silk’n Flash&Go does this without affecting the surrounding skin, so treatment is painless. The optical light energy uses short bursts of energy with high peak power, while regular treatments use long, high power bursts of energy.
With HPL technology, you’re given plenty of freedom—for one, you don’t have to schedule appointments or wait for a spa to open. You can use it in the safety and comfort of your own home. If you’re traveling, the compact devices can be taken with you wherever you go.
It’s important to keep in mind that hair removal requires multiple treatments, and results may vary. There are dormant hair follicles under your skin. Growth can be stimulated by a variety of factors, like a change in medication, hormone imbalances, and stress. You’ll have to keep using the device every 2 to 6 weeks until desired results are achieved.
HPL technology is not for everyone—it’s ineffective for those without a contrast in skin and hair color. The device’s optical light targets the melanin in the hair follicle, and because of this, there needs to be a contrast between the hair and skin for the device to work.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by the sound of laser hair removal before, then you don’t have to worry. The Flash&Go is FDA cleared—meaning it’s safe for use at home.
Preparation
Regardless of the hair removal device you ultimately choose, you’ll need to prepare your skin in advance. HPL technology is most effective when there isn’t hair blocking the follicle, so you’ll need to shave—but don’t wax or pluck your hair. If you do, there won’t be anything for the device to target, and treatments will be ineffective.
When preparing for laser hair removal, make sure to keep your skin clean. It’s recommended you use laser treatment after showering. Gentle exfoliation is encouraged since it opens your pores and loosens the hair follicles. Avoid any product that might block your pores. Limit your sun exposure and keep from tanning your skin. The device differentiates between your hair and skin pigments, so the more contrast there is, the better.
Aftercare
Although HPL technology is extremely gentle, first-time users may experience mild skin discomfort. It’s best to ensure you have a soothing moisturizer on hand to calm any redness. Any anti-inflammatory formula will work, but we suggest Aloe Vera gel.
Laser treatment leaves your skin sensitive to heat, so avoid exposure to the sun if you can, and apply sunscreen if you can’t. Scented lotions and perfumes may irritate your skin, so be wary of the ingredients in your products. Exfoliation should wait until 3 to 4 days after—in fact, it’s recommended you exfoliate in between sessions to avoid the formation of ingrown hairs.
Additionally, you should avoid applying deodorant straight away. Most deodorants are scented, so they may aggravate your skin. You can shave in between treatments to take care of any stray hairs but be sure not to wax, as the device won’t work otherwise. In general, treat your skin with care, so you’re prepared for the next session.
Conclusion
The important thing to remember with at home laser hair removal is that it’s not effective for all skin types, and you’ll need to be prepared to adjust your skin care regime to include the new steps involved with the hair removal treatments.
We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of HPL technology, and why it’s such a popular method of hair removal. Give it a try and start enjoying the benefits of at-home laser hair removal today!
