Laser Hair Removal – At Home or Professional?

Laser hair removal may be one of the greatest innovations of our time. Ok, well, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but it certainly is convenient! It allows you to stop shaving, and while it used to only be available from doctors, laser hair removal is now something you can do in the privacy of your own home. The question is, should you? Let’s look at the pros and cons of at-home laser hair removal.

If you want to try laser hair removal at home, you’ll need a device. There are two different types of devices available, one that uses a true laser, and another that works using intense pulsed light (IPL). Both remove hair, but neither is as powerful as the devices available to dermatologists. On the one hand, this is good news, because less power makes them safer to use, as long as you carefully follow directions. However, less power also means the devices are less effective than the professional models. What’s more, it can be hard to do large areas with a small device, and at-home laser treatments are unlikely to completely remove the hair. Of course, if you have the device at home, it’s much easier to quickly zap new hair growth, rather than having to make another appointment.

Another drawback of at-home laser hair removal is that it does not work on all skin tones. Because the lasers target pigments in the hair follicle, they really only work effectively when there is high contrast between the skin tone and the hair color. So, while they can be useful for people with light skin and dark hair, people with darker skin won’t get good results. Worse, there is a risk of burns for people with dark skin. The lasers used by professional dermatologists, however, work on any skin tone.

Having laser hair removal done might seem more expensive than doing it at home, but at-home devices often have light cartridges and batteries that need frequent replacement. What’s more, using a laser hair removal device at home is labor-intensive and time-consuming, while having it done professionally requires no effort on your part. And while at-home devices will greatly reduce the amount of hair, you will probably never achieve total hairlessness unless you go in for professional laser hair removal. The bottom line? Having your laser hair removal done by a pro is more effective and provides better results.

For best results with laser hair removal, seek the services of a professional dermatologist. If you’re looking for a dermatologist, Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology is committed to providing superior, professional hair and skin care in a manner that’s practical, efficient, and compassionate. With over 30 years of experience providing dermatological services in Salt Lake City, we provide a variety of services, from cosmetic skincare to treatment for skin cancer. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and licensed cosmetic service providers are here to provide you the care you need in a comfortable, professional atmosphere. Call (801) 682-4715 or contact us through our website.