About Home Laser Hair Removal

At-home laser hair-removal devices are a quick and easy way to remove unwanted hair in the comfort and safety of your own home. Many men and women who have dealt with the hassle of laser hair-removal appointments find that at-home hair removal is a more convenient solution. While these devices cannot compare to the technology found at clinics, users have found they can reduce unwanted hair by as much as 60 percent. Still in the early stages of development, these at-home devices are not for everyone or for all areas of the body, but if the technology continues to improve, they could represent the future of laser hair removal.

Function

The home laser hair-removal systems are designed to replace office hair removal; they are used at home to permanently reduce unwanted hair. Like office visits, home laser hair removal should be used at evenly spaced intervals (every 6 to 8 weeks).

Types

Three at-home laser devices are currently available: The TRIA laser hair-removal system manufactured by Tria Beauty, Inc., the Silk'n laser hair-removal system by Home Skinovations, Ltd., and the No!No! laser hair-removal system available through Sephora and manufactured by Radiancy Inc.

Benefits

After a series of treatments, users will see up to a 60 percent reduction in unwanted hair. After each treatment, hair-free periods will last from a few weeks to a few months and any regrowth will be finer, thinner and sparser. After a complete series, users should only experience sporadic regrowth.

Warning

While these devices have FDA approval for treatments on any body area below the neck, they are not approved for facial treatments. They are also not FDA-approved for darker skin tones; treatment may cause burning or changes in skin pigmentation for darker-skinned people. As with office laser devices, home systems cannot treat blond, gray, white or red hair. Read directions thoroughly before purchasing any of these systems.

Theories/Speculation

Studies are under way for FDA approval for facial-hair reduction.

Resources

• Tria Laser Hair Removal System FAQ
• Silk'n Laser Hair Removal System FAQ
• No!No! Laser Hair Removal System FAQ
• Home Laser Hair Removal Information