Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Work? We Asked A Dermatologist
At-home laser hair removal is convenient and relatively painless, but it can take time and ... More consistency to see results. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: BRAUN
At-home laser hair removal devices generally cost between $150 and $450. They feature different laser types with multiple intensity levels, and they're meant to target specific skin tones. (For more on at-home hair removal, check out our guide to the best laser hair removal devices and our in-depth review of the Nood Flasher 2.0.)
'Yes. When used as directed, FDA-cleared at-home laser devices are generally considered safe,' says Hoffman. 'Side effects are typically mild and may include temporary redness, swelling, or irritation.' However, it's important to follow skin tone guidelines, perform a small spot test first, and avoid use on tattoos, moles or broken skin. People with darker skin tones should use devices specifically designed for their skin type, as certain devices can increase the risk for burns or hyperpigmentation, according to Hoffman.
The first at-home laser hair removal devices became FDA-approved in the late 2000s, and they have slowly become more readily available. They work by targeting pigment (melanin) in the hair using either diode laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to slow and reduce hair growth over time. 'Using a principle called selective photothermolysis—a scientific way of saying light is used to safely heat and destroy a specific target—these devices send light into the hair shaft, which then travels down to the root (or follicle),' says Hoffman. 'The light is converted into heat that damages the tiny blood vessels feeding the follicle. Without that blood supply, the follicle loses its ability to grow new hair.' These treatments work best when there's a contrast between skin and hair color—typically lighter skin with darker hair—and they don't work well on very light, blonde, or gray hairs.
'No hair removal should be thought of as truly permanent, but rather as hair reduction ,' says Hoffman. If used consistently, at-home devices can help decrease hair growth over time. Like with many beauty treatments, though, results vary and long-term, regular maintenance is typically needed. In-office treatments are much more likely to deliver more complete and longer-lasting results—and typically in far fewer sessions, according to Hoffman. The problem is that in-office treatments are usually significantly more expensive, costing up to $600 per session and requiring three to eight treatments. Can You Do At-Home Laser Hair Removal When Pregnant?
It's generally recommended to avoid laser treatments—both at home and in-office—during pregnancy, just to be safe. 'While there's no strong evidence that laser hair removal is harmful during pregnancy, we don't have enough data to confirm that it's completely safe, either,' says Hoffman. 'Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also make hair growth more unpredictable, potentially reducing the effectiveness of treatment during that time.'
The Forbes Vetted beauty team has researched, reported on and tested a variety of beauty and grooming devices, including the best LED face masks, the best hair straighteners and the best electric razors for men. Molly Calhoun, the author of this piece, is an experienced lifestyle journalist who has written about fashion, beauty, home and entertainment for 20 years. Some of her recent work for Forbes Vetted includes the best hair dryers, the best retinol creams and the best neck firming creams. She has done both at-home and in-office hair removal.
Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung oversaw the publishing of this piece. She is a beauty industry veteran who has covered lifestyle topics for two decades.
Calhoun consulted Dr. Chelsea Hoffman, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, for her expertise on laser hair removal and the effectiveness and limitations of at-home treatments.
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