Laser hair removal uses laser light to remove hair from the skin. Intense pulses of light energy are absorbed by the melanin, the compound that provides the pigmentation of the hair. This increases the temperature of the hair follicle, slowing its growth process. Laser hair removal is typically administered by a trained technician, but you can buy at-home devices, which may provide similar results.
Features
Most at-home laser hair removal kits are hand-held devices that emit low pulses of laser or light energy. They work on the same principles as the professional equivalent used by medical professionals and trained estheticians. Laser or light energy directed over patches of skin retards the growth of hair by heating the follicle and forcing it into dormancy. At-home laser hair removal devices don't remove the hair permanently from the body. The only permanent method of hair removal is electrolysis.
Function
As with almost any form of laser hair removal, the only hairs susceptible to the beams of light from at-home devices are those currently in the anagen phase, which is the active phase of hair growth. All other hairs are unaffected by the treatment, making additional applications necessary to provide a "hair-free" appearance. This doesn't mean that at-home devices don't work to remove hair, it's simply part of the process for laser hair removal, both in-office and at-home.
Time Frame
According to TRIA Beauty, a company that makes laser hair removal kits, you'll need to use the device every other week for three months. This is due to the phases of hair growth already mentioned. Once the hair follicles are dormant, TRIA says you can expect a hair-free appearance for anywhere between three and five months. After that, you'll need to administer the laser again.
Effects
There are some drawbacks to using home laser hair removal kits. Because people haven't been professionally trained to use lasers to remove hair, it's possible to damage the skin during application. Even the low-level light energy emitted from at-home devices can cause some burning and discomfort to the skin. You may also suffer from an infection due to their use. It isn't uncommon to experience some redness and flaking on areas exposed to low-level lasers.
Warnings
Many of the at-home laser hair removal kits aren't approved for removing unwanted hair from the face. The facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of the skin on the body. Talk to a medical professional or trained esthetician for laser facial hair removal.
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