Personal devices for home laser hair removal were first cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in the latter part of 2008, during which time two new consumer systems were made available for purchase. Home laser hair removal devices are based on the same technology as the lasers used by doctors who use them to perform professional hair removal.
How Lasers Work
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigmented part of the hair follicle (melanin) with a low-energy light source. The melanin absorbs the light generated from the laser, which puts the follicle in the resting phase of growth without harming the surrounding tissue or the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that several laser hair removal treatments are required to remove hair, as it grows in cycles. Laser hair removal performed at home or in an office setting is not defined by the FDA as a method of eliminating hair; rather, the FDA's definition specifies that laser hair removal is a way to reduce the density of hair growth over a long period of time after several treatment sessions, which may also require maintenance treatments.
Home Treatment Effectiveness
Shortly after two personal laser hair removal systems made by TRIA Beauty and Silk'n were introduced to the consumer public, ABC News reported on the effectiveness of these devices compared to those used by professionals. Dermatologist Dr. Doris Day noted that home devices purport to offer consumers a 50 to 70 percent reduction in hair growth after five treatments; when using professional services, 70 to 100 percent hair reduction should be expected.
Who Can Use Them
People with fair skin and dark hair typically see the most noticeable results after laser hair removal and are considered good candidates for home treatment. The AAD notes that this is because the pigment in their skin doesn't absorb the laser's light. Those with pale body hair may get variable results, notes the physicians who maintain the "Hair Removal Journal" consumer website. Complete hair regrowth is typical for those with blond or white hair. However, a small percentage of good candidates for laser hair removal will experience total regrowth of hair as well.
Cost of Home Systems
Prospective purchasers of home laser hair removal systems may ultimately find that buying a personal device is far less costly than seeking ongoing professional treatments. Although the cost of a professional services varies differ depending on region and season, the "Hair Removal Journal" indicates that the nationwide average cost of a single treatment in December 2009 was $351. The home laser hair removal devices sold by TRIA Beauty and Silk'n were priced at $595 and $499, respectively, during the same month.
Cautions
Home laser hair removal systems are not approved by the FDA for use above the neck. A disadvantage of home laser hair removal devices is that they cannot be used to remove facial hair, while the services performed by doctors can get hair on the face (except in the area of the eyes). Also, professional laser hair removal treatments can be of benefit to those with darker skin types, if performed carefully using the right type of laser device, notes the "Hair Removal Journal." TRIA Beauty and Silk'n note that their home devices are not appropriate for those with medium-brown, dark brown or black skin tones.
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