Home Permanent Hair Removal: What You Should Know and What to Buy

Permanent hair removal is no longer a treatment reserved exclusively for dermatologists.

Thanks to the development of technology, there are now many devices for home use that offer effective and long-lasting results.

We spoke with Dr. Sonya Kenkare, a board-certified dermatologist at the Illinois Dermatology Institute, to find out if these devices actually work.

“For safety reasons, home devices will never be as powerful as those that patients can access under the supervision of a licensed health care provider,” Kenkare said. “It’s important to remember that because more powerful devices will likely produce better results with fewer treatments. The advantage of home devices is that you can do as many treatments as you want, usually at no additional cost.”

Kenkare also noted that these devices may “be less suitable for patients with darker skin tones because it increases the likelihood that the device will cause a burn.” At-home devices tend to work best for patients with darker hair and lighter skin tones, she said, because the technology works by contrasting skin and hair colors.

If you’re tired of constantly shaving, waxing, or plucking your hair, investing in a permanent at-home epilator could save you time and money in the long run.

When choosing a home hair removal device, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the device that best suits your needs:

Technology: Different devices use different technologies, such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), laser, or electrolysis. Find out which method works best for your hair and skin type.

Skin tone and hair color match: Not all devices work on all skin tones and hair colors. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the device is suitable for your specific needs.

Security features: Look for devices with built-in safety features like skin tone sensors, a cooling mechanism, and safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Ease of use: Consider the design and ergonomics of the device. A comfortable and easy-to-use device will make the process much smoother.

Duration of treatment and treatment area: Devices vary in the size of the treatment area and the time it takes to see results. Larger treatment windows can speed up the process for larger areas, such as the legs.

Cost and durability: Compare the cost of the device with its expected lifespan and the cost of replacement parts, if any will be needed.

Effectively using at-home hair removal devices takes a bit of preparation and consistency. Remember to always read the instructions thoroughly before beginning any at-home hair removal program.

Get ready to check out our pick of the best hair removal devices for at home.

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