Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Worth It? FAQs of Costs and Benefits

Smooth skin — it looks good, it feels good, and pretty much everyone’s doing some form of shaving, trimming, or pulling to attain it.

Yet, unwanted body hair can often go unchecked (sometimes surprising us at the worst times). If you’ve been considering parting ways with those pesky strands on your face and body, you may be wondering: Is at-home laser hair removal the best option for me? Does it really work? How can I get the most bang for my buck (or smoothness for my simoleon)?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this short guide, we’ll focus on intense pulsed light (IPL) devices and break down the pros and cons of at-home laser hair removal, so you can get off the fence and make an informed choice.

Why? 6 Key Benefits of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

At-home laser hair removal devices, such as IPL devices, are a great DIY option for several reasons.

Convenience

When you compare at-home laser hair removal with other methods, it stands out as the most convenient option because of the following:

Safety: Always choose FDA-cleared and third-party tested products.
Ease of use: Just point and zap!
Minimal side effects: You can expect an end to ingrowns and razor burn.

Privacy

Professionals are skilled when it comes to waxing and clinical laser hair removal, but exposing intimate areas can be a huge hurdle for some us. With at-home IPL devices, you can comfortably treat areas like the bikini line in the privacy of your own home — no more salon techs; just you and your device.

Comfort

If you’ve seen “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” you’ll recall the classic chest waxing scene: Ahh! Kelly Clarkson! Needless to say, pulling hair out is painful. As well, clinical lasers use high energy that causes an intense stinging sensation, often described as the feeling of a rubber band repeatedly snapped against your skin. (One Vogue editor goes as far as saying, “It feels like someone is taking a lit match to my leg and holding it up close” [1].)

But at-home laser hair removal devices use lower energy levels and often include skin-cooling technologies (like sapphire cooling) to enhance comfort and minimize pain [2].

Key Benefits of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

Efficiency

At first, IPL treatments may take a bit longer compared to other methods, but as your hair thins out, maintenance becomes quick and easy. Factors that impact efficiency are

Treatment window: A rectangular treatment window will cover a larger surface area.
Flash speed: The faster the flashes, the quicker the session.
Custom modes: Some devices have specific modes for smaller or larger areas.

Many manufacturers claim that a full-body session can be finished in just 15 to 30 minutes. However, this largely depends on your body and hair type.

Cost-Effectiveness

In the long run, at-home laser hair removal is highly affordable, if not vastly cheaper than traditional alternatives. Here’s why:

A high-quality at-home device costs around $400 and lasts 15 to 30 years.*
Professional treatments cost $700+ for 8 sessions.**
Shaving can cost $300+ a year.**
Waxing can cost $650+ a year.**

* Price based on a rough average of leading brands. Lifespan based on those brands’ marketing claims.

** Data source: https://anewyousa.com/ [3].

Effective Results

For suitable candidates, at-home laser hair removal delivers impressive results, comparable to in-office treatments. People who’ve received a complete cycle of laser or light-based treatments typically see 30% to 84.25% hair reduction in as little as 6 to 12 months, depending on the device and treatment area [4].

For example, a 2021 study showed that home-use lasers achieved a 46% to 52% reduction in underarm hair after six sessions [5]. Newer models often deliver even better results.

Why Not? 3 Reasons At-Home Laser Hair Removal Might Not Be Right for You

While at-home laser hair removal is highly effective and convenient, it may not be the best choice for some individuals. Here are some factors to consider:

Hair Color and Skin Tone

IPL devices require a significant contrast between hair and skin tones to work effectively. They’re most suitable for:

Fair to brown skin tones
Black to dark blonde hair colors

If you have darker skin or lighter-colored hair (e.g., silver, gray, or red), professional laser or electrolysis treatments may be better options.

People Who Should Try At-Home Laser Hair Removal

Consistency Is Key

Hair grows in cycles, so consistency is crucial for the best results. One session is not enough; follow-up treatments are necessary to target hairs during their active growth phase. At-home IPL requires regular sessions, so you’ll need to be able to commit to a schedule.

Ongoing Maintenance

Like other hair removal methods (except electrolysis), at-home laser hair removal provides temporary results. While it can keep hair at bay for months, you’ll need periodic treatments every few months to maintain smoothness.

For permanent hair removal, you might consider electrolysis, but thoroughly research it before making the leap. [Learn more here.]

Who? 3 Types of People Who Should Try At-Home Laser Hair Removal

Is at-home laser hair removal right for you? Well, do you fall into any of the following categories:

Budget-Conscious Individuals

If you want long-lasting hair removal without breaking the bank, an at-home IPL device is perfect. A single device can last for decades, offering huge savings in the long run compared to professional treatments and shaving.

People With Good Hair and Skin Color Contrast

IPL works best for people with dark hair and fair to medium skin. The device targets hair follicles effectively without affecting your skin.

Those With Thick, Dark Hair

Thick and dark hair can be difficult to manage, leading to issues like

With IPL hair removal, you can achieve the smoothness you desire without these common side effects. If that’s not a confidence booster, I don’t know what is.

How? 4 Steps to Choosing the Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Investing in a top-quality at-home laser hair removal device requires careful consideration. After all, buying one should be a long-term investment. Here’s how to choose the best one for your needs:

Read Reviews

You probably do this already, but it bears mentioning. Before making a purchase, research customer reviews to gauge a device’s effectiveness. Pay attention to

Average ratings
The number of reviews
Pros and cons shared by users

Check Safety and FDA Clearance

Ensure the device has safety features like

Sapphire cooling technology
Skin tone sensors
UV light filters

Also, verify whether the device is FDA-cleared. For example, the Ulike Sapphire Air 10 IPL handset is FDA-cleared for safe at-home use, providing added assurance that you’re purchasing a vetted product.

Consider Skin and Hair Compatibility

Not all IPL devices work for every skin tone and hair color. Compare your skin and hair type with the device’s compatibility chart before purchasing. (Most manufacturers include one on their website; or you can contact their customer service to inquire.)

Consult a Dermatologist

If you have any skin, hormonal, or blood-related conditions, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist before using an at-home laser hair removal device. Generally speaking, individuals with eczema, psoriasis, or photosensitivity are not ideal candidates for IPL.

So, Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Worth It?

The effectiveness of at-home laser hair removal depends on several factors:

Your expectations from the device
The quality of the device you choose
How consistently you follow the treatment schedule

In most cases, individuals who invest in a high-quality device and stick to the treatment regimen find that they no longer need other hair removal methods. (Aside from the occasional shave necessary to prep the skin before a session.) So yes, at-home laser hair removal devices are definitely worth it.

Conclusion

At-home laser hair removal can be an excellent solution for anyone looking for a more permanent hair removal option. With the right device and commitment, you could enjoy an easy, nearly painless experience with semi-permanent results. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re ready to invest, it can save you time, money, and hassle. Just be sure to choose a device that fits your hair and skin profile.

References:

Malle, C. (2018, May 2). Laser hair removal: Is it really worth it? https://www.vogue.com/article/laser-hair-removal-is-it-worth-it
Zhou, T. (2024, November 26). Is sapphire used in IPL hair removal devices real? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sapphire-used-ipl-hair-removal-device-real-teco-zhou-il3oc/
Anew You Medical Aesthetics and Total Wellness Clinic. (2017, March 31). Anew you blog. Anew You Medical Aesthetics and Total Wellness Clinic. https://anewyousa.com/anew-you-blog/faq-laser-hair-removal
Krasniqi, A., McClurg, D. P., Gillespie, K. J., & Rajpara, S. (2022). Efficacy of lasers and light sources in long-term hair reduction: A systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 24(1–5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2022.2075899
Hendricks, K., Nxumalo, C. T., Makgobole, M. U., Ghuman, S., Jacobs, D., & Mpofana, N. (2023a). Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a diode laser. PLOS ONE, 18(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286162