Hair Removal | At Home Hair Removal Devices (2024)

FAQs

Do at home hair removal devices work? ›

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent.

IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.

IPL treatments, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, show that people get 83.3% less hair growth after one month and 78.1% less after three months. Results can last for years or even permanently. This makes IPL an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy long-lasting smoothness.

An epilator is an electrical device used to remove hair by mechanically grasping multiple hairs simultaneously and pulling them out.

There is no way to remove hair permanently at home. However, it may be possible to permanently or semipermanently reduce hair growth. According to one study , intense pulsed light (IPL) devices designed for at-home use are safe, and if a person uses them regularly, they are effective for hair removal.

You can use at-home IPL devices on any area of the body where hair is found, whether that means treating your facial hair or giving yourself a full Brazilian, according to Dr. Shirazi.

After a single session of laser hair removal, some hair will grow back. However, it will be finer and lighter than before. For optimal results, patients usually undergo multiple sessions. Each session leads to a greater reduction in hair regrowth.

If you forget to shave, the effectiveness of your treatment may diminish. The laser, instead of focusing on the follicles, might target surface hair. This can lead to heightened discomfort, potential stinging, and a risk of burns. Surface impurities like dirt and oil can also reduce efficacy.

The main downsides of IPL treatment are the cost and number of sessions needed to get results. Mild pain and redness also may occur during or after treatments. How long does IPL treatment last? Skin improvements often last 6 months to 1 year.

You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.

What are the disadvantages of IPL? ›

One significant concern is the potential for player burnout due to the hectic schedule. With players participating in multiple domestic and international competitions throughout the year, IPL adds to their workload, increasing the risk of injuries and fatigue.

Some devices have settings specifically designed for specific body parts, such as the face and bikini. Using bikini mode on your bikini area helps tailor the light energy to more delicate skin, which can make treatments much gentler.

Adverse Events

Common side effects include: Skin irritation and redness: Similar to sunburn, these effects are generally mild and temporary. Pigmentation changes: You might notice dark or light spots on the treated area. These are usually temporary but can be unsettling.

For those that don't know, epilators are electrical devices that remove hair by the root in a similar fashion to waxing, says Dr. Fromowitz — and, luckily, they're more technologically advanced than they were a decade ago. "As long as you follow their instructions, they're safe for home use," he adds.