When to Use Laser Hair Removal at Home?

At-home laser hair removal brings the benefits of being,

• A seamless hair removal method that you can use to DIY your hair removal
• A solution to unwanted hair that does not breach privacy
• A relatively painless way to get rid of unwanted hair that does not need any monitoring

Despite its multiple advantages, the frequency of at-home laser hair removal sessions remains a query for many of us, especially those new to IPL devices. How about we solve this mystery for you?

Let us discuss “when to use laser hair removal at home?” You can find answers related to the frequency and effects of at-home lasers here. So, let us begin!

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: The Hair Growth Cycle
• Part 2: Effect of At-Home Laser Hair Removal on Different Phases of Hair Growth Cycle
• Part 3: Which Frequency of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Sessions is Most Effective?
• Part 4: What is the Recommended Treatment Schedule for At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
• Part 5: How Can I Set Up My Laser Hair Removal Schedule More Reasonably?
  

Part 1: The Hair Growth Cycle

Before we go into the details of how often to use at-home laser hair removal, you need to know the basics of the hair growth cycle of your unwanted body hair. This will help you understand the need for a strict schedule and stick to it.

The hair growth cycle on any part of the body is mainly composed of 4 stages, as explained in Philip Kingsley’s Blog [1].

Anagen

When the hair starts growing from the hair follicles, it is in the anagen phase of hair growth. Here are some points about anagen,

• This phase is the period of active hair growth
• The dermal papilla of the hair is attached to the follicles and lies below the stem cells
• Hair receives a good blood supply and thus nutrients
• The hair elongates to its maximum length

Catagen

Once the hair has reached its maximum length, it enters the catagen phase. During catagen,

• The hair stops growing actively
• The root of the hair is still attached to the follicle
• Dermal papilla now moves upwards to the point of hair follicle stem cells
• Hair stops receiving active blood supply

Telogen

The size of the dermal papilla is normal in the catagen phase but it stops receiving the blood supply. So, in telogen,

• Dermal papilla gets smaller in size
• The hair roots detach from the follicles

Exogen

Lastly, the early anagen or exogen phase starts. In this phase,

• The detached hair sheds from the surface of the skin
• New hair starts growing from the follicles

Part 2: Effect of At-Home Laser Hair Removal on Different Phases of Hair Growth Cycle

Here is how at-home laser hair removal works during different stages of the hair growth cycle.

Maximum Effect During Anagen

Anagen is the phase where the dermal papilla lies under stem cells and receives blood supply. It is most prone to the effects of IPL hair removal treatments. Around 89% of hair is present in this phase, and it also lasts the longest.

In anagen, at-home laser hair removal causes shrinking of the papilla and disruption of the blood supply of the growing hair. Resultantly, the hair stops growing and its follicles shrink as well.

Also, note that an article in The Beres Ford Clinic states that laser hair removal removes only hair in the anagen phase [2].

Moderate to Little Effects During Catagen and Telogen

Around 10 to 15% of the hair is collectively present in catagen and telogen. As there is no active blood supply here and papilla is also small, the effects of at-home laser hair removal are minimal during catagen and telogen.

No Effect in Exogen

Hair is removed from the follicles and already on its way to shedding. Using an at-home IPL hair removal device on hair that is in the exogen phase does nothing. So, you must wait until the hair begins its new phase, the anagen, for IPL rays to act on it.

Part 3: Which Frequency of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Sessions is Most Effective?

The most effective frequency of at-home laser hair removal is the one in which all body hair in the anagen phase is targeted. As the average lifespan of the hair on the body is one to two months, you have to do your maximum sessions during the initial months of your treatment.

In the coming month, 3 to 5% of the hair present in the exogen phase goes into the anagen phase and they can be removed with biweekly sessions. Thus, the best frequency is doing,

• 2 to 3 sessions per week in the first month
• 1 to 2 sessions per week in the next month
• One session in one/two weeks for the next month
• Follow-up sessions as required

Part 4: What is the Recommended Treatment Schedule for At-Home Laser Hair Removal?

Let us devise an at-home laser hair removal treatment schedule for you.

In the First Month

Each hair comes in the anagen phase of hair growth once every two weeks. So, this is the time during which you can get the best of an IPL hair removal device. It is advised to do,

• At-home laser hair removal sessions on alternate days initially with 3 sessions every week
• People with sensitive skin or sensitive areas can do 2 sessions every week

Although different IPL devices suggest a different schedule their timeline of Results is variable as well. This schedule is one of the most effective ones.

For example, a laboratory test at Ulike concluded that people got rid of more than 95% of their unwanted hair in just 2 weeks [3].

In the Next Month

After the 1st month, your target is to remove any hair that was in the catagen and telogen phase in the first month. So, you can do 1 hair removal session every 2 weeks.

It means that 2 sessions in the second month are enough to provide you with satisfactory results.

In the Last Month

Although most of the hair is removed in the first two months, you might see some patches of the hair. To get rid of up to 99.9% of the unwanted hair for the next 6 months, you can do one session in the last month.

Follow-Up Sessions

After 12 weeks of regular IPL hair removal sessions, you complete the initial treatment. From then onwards, you can move to maintenance sessions.

As suggested by Dr. Alpana, you can do 1 hair removal treatment every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain the results and get long-lasting silky smooth skin [4].

Part 5: How Can I Set Up My Laser Hair Removal Schedule More Reasonably?

It is mandatory to do your at the recommended frequency for safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the variance in the treatment sessions of different devices results because of the intensity and energy output of the device. Additionally, the number of sessions is variable depending on,

• Area under treatment
• Skin sensitivity of the area
• Thickness of the hair
• Strength of the hair follicles
• Any underlying hormonal changes

What if I Use it Every Day?

Using an at-home laser hair removal device every day or more frequently can only do more harm than good. This is because IPL will only work on the hair in anagen, and repeating the treatment every day cannot change the hair growth cycle. Rather it,

• This might make that treatment ineffective as hair follicles become tolerant to the IPL radiation
• Increase the risk of side effects like redness, itching, blistering, and burns

What if I Use it Only Once a Month?

For maintenance sessions, you can go for a once-a-month treatment schedule. However, you have to stick to treatments twice or thrice per week initially. This is because the energy output of at-home devices can only work if you use them repeatedly over the desired treatment area in the first month.

If you use the device once a month, the hair follicles won’t be destroyed, and thus, you won’t be able to attain long-lasting results.

Part 6: Why is There a Need for Follow-Up Sessions of At-Home Laser Hair Removal?

The results of any IPL hair removal handset are not permanent. You can expect the results to last for a few months, but you won’t be hairless forever. Regular follow-up sessions are needed,

• To remove the patches of hair
• To deal with the hair regrowth
• To maintain the results of IPL

Conclusion

At-home laser hair removal affects hair in its active phase of growth. That is why it is important to use an IPL device when it can catch unwanted hair in anaphase. This article discusses the duration of anaphase and the frequency of at-home laser hair removal treatments according to it.

References

1. 1. Trichology Talks; The Hair Growth Cycle. Anabel Kingsley. April 11, 2022. Philipkinsley.co.UK. https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hair-guide/hair-science/hair-growth-cycle.html
   2. IPL & the importance of the hair growth cycle. In the section on Advice and Treatments. https://theberesfordclinic.co.uk/ipl-the-importance-of-the-hair-growth-cycle/
   3. Clinically Proven Results in Just 2 Weeks. Ulike.com. https://www.ulike.com/products/sapphire-air-10-ipl-hair-removal
   4. How Often do you use IPL at Home for Hair Removal? Dr. Alpana Mohta Ranka. July 22. Dralpana.com. https://www.dralpana.com/post/how-often-to-use-ipl-at-home-for-hair-removal