While there are several cosmetic procedures that can easily be performed in the comfort of your home, one treatment that we recommend performing professionally is laser for hair removal. The advancement of laser technology has led to the invention of DIY laser devices, making it possible to perform laser for hair removal treatments on yourself. However, there are several downsides to opting for DIY laser removal over professional treatment.

 

In this quick read, we’ve compiled some of the most notable pros and cons of performing laser treatment at home and why we think a professional laser for hair removal may make more sense and offer vastly improved results. Interested in knowing more? Keep reading to get clued up on the ins and outs of laser treatment.

 

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How Does At-Home Laser For Hair Removal Work?

 

Before we unpack the way in which at-home lasers work, it’s important to understand where they came from. The arrival of the first DIY handheld laser device came in 2008, created by a cosmetic company called Tria Beauty. At the time, this invention was a breakthrough in the cosmetic world, as it used the same laser technology that specialists were utilising in professional clinics. The Tria Laser 4x was the pioneer for many at-home handheld lasers that would later be released as laser technology continued to develop.

 

At-home lasers come in two distinct types: intense pulsed light (IPL) and true lasers. Today, most handheld lasers available on the market are a weaker form of IPL, which is considerably less powerful than the lasers used at professional clinics. Unlike true lasers, IPL lasers pulse gentle beams of light at the root of the hair, which are then absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles. This is because the light emitted by IPL lasers creates heat energy that stunts the regrowth of the hair cycle, smoothing the skin and causing hair to grow back slower and finer.

 

One of the key differences between at-home lasers and professional lasers is the intensity at which they are both used. As true lasers are more powerful, the procedure of laser for hair removal is performed by trained laser specialists for both safety and accuracy. Commercial handheld lasers operate at a much lower intensity to ensure safety for at-home use.

 

The Pitfalls Of At-Home Laser Devices

 

While at-home handheld lasers offer users the convenience of achieving smooth skin from the comfort of their homes, there are several downsides that may outweigh their accessibility. From overall precision to the number of sessions required, there are various reasons why opting for at-home laser treatments may not garner the same benefits as their professional counterparts. Here are some of the major drawbacks that come with using handheld lasers intended for at-home use:

 

Short Term Results

 

One of the key reasons why so many people undergo laser for hair removal is the long-lasting results it offers. While using a handheld laser device may provide greater benefits than most shaving or waxing treatments, the effects of an at-home laser don’t last nearly as long as the professional lasers used at aesthetic clinics.

 

Laser clinics, like us at NuSkinnovation, implement top-of-the-line laser technology that is guaranteed to leave you with semi-permanent to permanent results, depending on your affinity to the procedures. Despite their convenience, the effectiveness of even the most impressive at-home lasers will always be outweighed by the machines used by laser specialists.

 

 

Price

 

Many people opt for purchasing their own handheld lasers, as they are believed to be a more cost-effective alternative to undergoing laser for hair removal treatments. The argument that at-home lasers are cheaper than professional treatment, however, turns out not to hold as much weight as some may have originally thought. While several at-home lasers available for purchase are reasonably priced, many of these lasers are not 100% safe to use or nearly as effective as advertised.

 

Tried and tested lasers tend to be on the pricier side, and while they may seem like a worthy investment at first, the treatments they offer are far less effective. Financially, paying for an at-home laser over a professional laser session may seem like the better option of the two, but you may not end up with your desired results. Additionally, if you compare the cost of purchasing a high-end at-home laser set to that of a few laser hair removal treatments every now and then, there is less discrepancy than you might think – professional procedures could work out to be cheaper in the long run.

 

Lack Of Precision

 

As you won’t have the assistance of an experienced laser specialist to aid you during your at-home laser session, you’re likely to miss more than a few spots. At cosmetic clinics, like us at NuSkinnovation, laser for hair removal treatment is administered by trained laser specialists. These professionals are guaranteed to provide impeccable service as well as precise application during treatment.

 

If there is a specific area of the body you’d like to target, it may be better to consult a laser specialist to tackle those hard-to-reach areas. Attempting to use an at-home laser device on yourself may result in uneven patches of hair regrowth, especially if you’ve never worked with laser hair removal technology before.

 

Multiple Sessions

 

One of the major drawbacks that come with using an at-home laser device is the number of sessions required to remove unwanted hair. As these lasers operate at a much lower intensity and frequency than professional laser machines, you’ll need to go over specific sections multiple times on a single area of the body. While laser for hair removal treatments may also require multiple sessions for optimal results, these sessions tend to be shorter, offer more effective results, and require less frequent sessions than at-home lasers.

 

Many people choose to buy their own handheld laser devices as they believe it saves them the time and effort of attending a professional laser session. However, It should be noted that the time it takes to achieve smooth skin will be longer than it would if one had decided on professional treatments. If you have a busy schedule and want to achieve hairlessness in a short amount of time, it may be better to rely on professional treatment. Additionally, the advancement of laser machines has allowed for shorter application times, meaning your laser sessions can be as short as 20 minutes.

 

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Lack Of Professional Treatment

 

Laser technology has come a long way over the last few decades, making it possible for most people to afford their own at-home laser device. While high-quality handheld lasers are safe to use, the advancement of these lasers has not yet caught up to the accuracy and effectiveness that come with receiving laser treatment from a trained professional. Although at-home lasers are available for anyone to purchase, there is much to learn when it comes to ensuring a safe and effective at-home treatment.

 

From cleansing the area beforehand to following the correct aftercare tips, administering your own DIY laser treatment still requires a decent amount of knowledge and skill. Depending on your hair and skin type, some at-home lasers may not be as effective on you as others. At a professional clinic, not only will you be provided with the necessary tools, such as protective eyewear and cooling gel, but you’ll also have access to advice from a trained specialist.

 

Risk Of Damage

 

While many of the best at-home lasers have been tested and approved for use, this does not mean it’s impossible to damage the skin during application. There are always risks associated with performing DIY cosmetic procedures on yourself without the proper training. Performing laser for hair removal on yourself requires proper administration and safety protocols. Without following these steps, you can just as easily incur skin damage as you can rejuvenate the skin.

 

Some of the health risks associated with a botched DIY laser treatment include scarring, burns, and hyperpigmentation. In some cases, using a low-quality laser or following the incorrect steps can lead to permanent skin damage. At NuSkinnovation, our clients are guaranteed to receive a safe laser treatment at the hands of trained specialists. Our professional clinicians are there to ensure that you receive the best treatment using the highest quality technology, reducing the risk of potential skin damage.

 

At-Home Laser For Hair Removal: Limited Skin & Hair Type Range

 

While at-home laser devices are mostly sought after for their ease of access and convenient application, a major pitfall of these lasers is the narrow range of hair and skin types they can treat. Unlike the latest laser technology, these lasers have not yet developed enough to accommodate all skin types, especially those with darker skin tones.

 

This is because at-home lasers work by targeting the pigment in hair follicles, meaning that they work best on those with fairer skin and darker hair. Not only does this exclude many people with darker skin tones from performing at-home laser for hair removal, but it can also cause them more skin damage if they do use these devices. Many handheld lasers intended for at-home use have sensors on them that block them from treating darker skin.

 

This is because without these sensors, the lasers would be targeting pigments found in the skin, causing burns and inflammation. At-home lasers may work for some, but this is unfortunately not the case for all. People who do not have the combination of light skin and dark hair do not have the option of opting for DIY laser treatment, meaning their only option is to seek professional laser treatment.

 

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Professional Laser For Hair Removal At NuSkinnovation

 

At NuSkinnovation, we believe the best way to achieve smooth, hairless skin is with the help of professionals. Who better to help you achieve your dream skin than a trained laser specialist? Considering the potential risks, narrow accessibility, and insufficient results that come with at-home lasers, we recommend booking a treatment with one of our specialists rather than using a DIY laser gun. Our somatologists are trained both nationally and internationally, working with the newest laser machines to leave your skin flawless.

 

Are you tired of shaving and ready to wake up with smooth, rejuvenated skin? Book a consultation today or visit our online website to get in contact with one of our specialists. We offer an extensive range of professional skin treatments, with many branches across the nation.