Best FDA Approved Laser Hair Removal At Home

FDA-approved laser hair removal at home is a huge boon to women who want to get rid of unwanted body hair but can’t afford to go to the dermatologist or get it removed professionally. It’s also great for people who are worried about using potentially toxic chemicals on their skin.

The FDA has approved lasers for use on the face and neck, as well as other parts of the body. You’ll likely see them advertised as “FDA-approved” or “FDA-cleared.” But what does that mean exactly? What’s so special about these lasers? And why should you trust them?

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for removing unwanted hair, but it can be expensive. However, there are affordable options available for home use using FDA-approved lasers that cost less than $1,000. These devices target melanin in hair follicles, causing hairs to fall out after a few treatments. Laser hair removal offers the longest-lasting results, as you might go weeks without having to redo your treatment.

The Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser is one of two devices cleared by the FDA for laser hair removal, offering three times the hair-eliminating energy than other devices. It is also best for coarse hair, with a one- to five-level range and 300,000 flashes. However, it is only suitable for dark hair and fair-to-olive skin tones and cannot be used on the lip area.

The MiSMON Laser Hair Removal is another option that uses IPL technology for hair removal, which is gentler and more effective than other methods. It has a one- to five-level range and 300,000 flashes and has received an FDA safety certificate.

When considering at-home laser hair removal, it is important to consider factors such as safety, efficacy, and price. While some people report that the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser is effective, others are unhappy with its limited battery capacity and targeting a small area.

Laser hair removal is a cost-effective and safe option for those looking to remove unwanted hair at home. By choosing the right device for your skin type and skin tone, you can achieve long-lasting results without the need for professional help.

Best for Precise Treatment

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser Precision
Price: $$
Pros: It delivers the same power and efficacy as the larger Tria laser hair removal device.

Cons: As with the original Tria, the treatments can be painful, and it may take time to see results.

Details: This device has the same technology and FDA clearance as the original Tria laser, but it’s designed for targeting smaller areas such as the upper lip.

Best for sensitive skin
COSBEAUTY IPL
Price: $$
Pros: A skin tone sensor can automatically adjust the light intensity suited to your skin. The majority of user reviews report that the device reduces unwanted hair with consistent use.

Cons: Some people have commented that they see no change using this device and that the battery life isn’t ideal.

Details: The COSBEAUTY IPL is an FDA-cleared device that claims to treat a leg or arm in only 8 minutes.

Best for small areas
Gillette Venus Silk-Expert
Price: $
Pros: The size makes it ideal for smaller areas such as the face, underarms, and bikini area.

Cons: The biggest downside to this product is the higher price tag. Customers have also complained that it’s ineffective for dark skin and that it takes a long time to see results.

Details: As a well-known brand of razors, Gillette also has its own product in the growing laser hair removal niche. The Venus Silk-Expert uses IPL technology and is smaller in size compared with other at-home laser devices. It also comes with a face cleansing brush to exfoliate the skin beforehand for more effective results.

Best for efficient treatments
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL
Price: $$
Pros: The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL is equipped with a feature that’s said to naturally adapt to your skin tone, so you’ll see fewer side effects. It should also take less time to see results than other devices.

Cons: This device has a higher price tag, and it doesn’t come with an LED display like some of its competitors do.

Details: If you’re looking for slightly faster results in an at-home hair removal device, consider the Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL. The brand promises full results at just 4 weeks, which is less than half the time of most other brands.

Most versatile
mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device
Price: $$
Pros: Users say this device is small, convenient, and easy to use. Most report significant hair reduction with consistent use.

Cons: Users say it takes many treatments and a lot of time to see results, and others report not seeing results at all.

Details: This FDA-cleared device claims to work on any skin tone and on a broad array of hair colors.

Best for painless laser hair removal
BoSidin Painless Permanent Hair Removal Device
Price: $$
Pros: Users report 90 percent reduction in hair growth in just 3 weeks and healthier looking skin after 8 weeks. The device also includes a cooling technology to help reduce pain.

Cons: Device may not work well for blonde, gray, or red hairs. Some users report poor customer service.

Details: This BioSidin device uses optimal pulse technology (OPT) plus red light therapy to target hair and boost skin rejuvenation after treatments.

Best Laser Hair Removal At-Home

Best Laser Hair Removal Machine Professional

Hair growth is a complex process that starts deep in the hair follicle and relies on blood for nourishment. It grows back quickly, and sebaceous glands play a role in maintaining hair health.

Shaving removes hair at the surface, but it may grow back in a couple of weeks. Tweezing removes the hair and its root, slowing down regrowth. However, even with tweezing, hair will likely grow back in a couple of weeks.

Electrolysis is considered a permanent solution by the Food and Drug Administration, but it requires multiple follow-up appointments. Most people need follow-up sessions every week or two, costing around $35 to $100 per session. Electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body and works for most skin types. The most common side effects are pain and redness from skin irritation, while rare but serious side effects include scarring, infection from the needles, and keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue).

Laser hair removal is another longer-term hair removal option, targeting the hair follicle with high-heat lasers to stop new hair from growing. It can be done anywhere on the body, except the eye area, and works best in people with light skin tones who have dark hair. It requires multiple sessions, typically four to six treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart, and can cost up to $250 a session.

In most cases, hair removal lasts several months, and in some cases, it might last for years. When hair grows back, it’s often finer and lighter in color. However, laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. The most common side effect is skin irritation and redness, which usually goes away after a few hours. It can also cause temporary pigment changes, especially with darker skin tones. More serious side effects include blistering and scarring, but this is rare.

Prescription creams like eflornithine (Vaniqa) can be used for hair removal if electrolysis or laser treatments are not feasible. Eflornithine, applied twice a day for one month, inhibits the production of enzymes that stimulate hair growth and can last up to eight weeks. It is better suited to women and costs about $50 per month.

Professional tweezing and waxing is a less expensive option for smaller areas of the body, with results lasting from two to eight weeks. However, it should not be done around genitals, nipples, ears, or eyelashes, varicose veins, moles, or warts, or on chapped or sunburned skin. Common side effects include mild rashes and irritation.

Chemical depilation is an over-the-counter gel or cream that weakens keratin in hair, causing hair to fall out and be easily wiped away. It is an inexpensive option that can be done at home but may have side effects like chemical burns, rashes, and blisters.

Natural solutions may help remove hair or limit growth, such as sugar waxes and scrubs, honey instead of wax, or drinking spearmint tea twice a day to limit facial hair growth. If hair continues to regrow quickly despite different treatments, it is important to see a doctor if it is a symptom of an underlying condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hyperthyroidism. Ingrown hairs can occur with any type of hair removal and can lead to infections.

In conclusion, body hair is normal and removing it is optional. There are long-term hair removal solutions and ways to limit hair regrowth, so it is essential to consult a doctor or dermatologist about the best options.

How to Remove Facial Hair

• Shaving
• Tweezing
• Epilation
• Waxing
• Laser hair removal
• Depilatory creams
• Threading
• Prescriptions

Takeaway

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Hair growth can occur due to hormonal changes. It may be caused by genetics, too. If you’re bothered by the hair that grows on your face, follow these tips:

1. Shaving
   Shaving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove hair and continue your day. Whether you’re using a disposable shaver or an electric shaver, both have a built-in blade that lifts and cuts hair at the skin’s surface.

Shavers can work on different parts of the body, including your:

legs
arms
armpits
bikini area
face
They can also safely remove hair from your:

upper lip
chin
eyebrows
sideburns
However, the results aren’t permanent or long-lasting. Your face will remain hair-free for one to three days, and then you’ll have to re-shave.

For the best results, clean your face and apply a layer of soap or shaving cream. This promotes a smooth surface and reduces the likelihood of cuts. Glide the shaver over your face in the direction of hair growth.

Keep in mind that while this method is relatively safe, ingrown hairs can be a side effect of shaving. These small bumps develop when hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs usually improve on their own within days.

2. Tweezing
   Tweezing is another effective and inexpensive way to remove facial hair. This method works slightly differently than shaving. Instead of removing hair with a razor blade, tweezers are designed to pluck or pull hair from the roots.

Tweezing works on any facial hair. It’s particularly useful when shaping the eyebrows. Typically, the results of tweezing last longer than shaving — up to three to eight weeks.

To tweeze facial hair, follow these steps:

Before you begin, wipe your face with a warm washcloth to soften the skin.
Isolate the hairs you want to pluck.
While holding your skin taut, pluck one hair at a time.
Always pull or pluck in the direction of hair growth.
Tweezing can cause slight discomfort, but it’s not usually painful. If you have pain, rub an ice cube over the area to reduce redness and inflammation.

Be sure to disinfect your tweezers with alcohol before and after plucking. Like shaving, tweezing can also cause ingrown hairs.

3. Epilation
   Epilation is another option for removing facial hair. This technique can eliminate hair for up to four weeks, which might be a better choice if you’re busy and don’t want to regularly shave or tweeze.

Epilators work similar to tweezing and shaving. The difference is that epilators eliminate facial hair by grabbing multiple hairs at the same time and removing them from the root. Because hair is removed from the root, it takes longer to grow back. Sometimes, epilation results in hairs growing back softer and finer. Strands may become less noticeable.

You may only think of epilators when removing hair from the legs or from larger areas of the body. But epilators come in multiple sizes, making them ideal for eliminating hair on all parts of the body.

You don’t have to prepare your skin when using an epilator. However, exfoliating a couple of days before helps soften the skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

Once you’re ready to remove hair with an epilator, follow these steps:

Hold the epilator at a 90-degree angle.
Hold your skin taut. Move the epilator in the direction of hair growth.
Slowly glide the epilator over your face to avoid breaking the hair. Don’t press it too hard against your skin.
The process can be painful, but going slow can reduce discomfort. If you have tenderness afterward, apply an ice cube to painful spots to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Purchase an epilator online

4. At-home waxing
   Waxing is an effective way to remove all the hair in an area. There are two different types of waxing kits:

wax strips that you warm between your hands before applying
wax that’s melted in a warmer and then applied to the area with a stick
When you’re shopping for wax, look for soft wax, or wax that’s formulated for using on the face. Hard wax is better for your legs and bikini area.

If you choose wax that needs to be warmed at home, purchase a wax warmer. A wax warmer will heat the wax evenly and allow you better control over the temperature. Also, make sure to purchase plenty of waxing sticks to only use each stick once. “Double-dipping” can introduce bacteria into the wax and may cause a skin infection.

Before you wax, do a patch test on your skin to see if you develop an allergic reaction, and to make sure the wax is the right temperature. The wax shouldn’t feel uncomfortably hot. It should easily glide over your skin.

If your skin doesn’t develop an allergic reaction, follow these steps to wax your facial hair:

Wash your hands. Clean and exfoliate your face.
Apply the wax while holding the skin taut.
Firmly remove the strip in the direction the hair grows.
When you’re finished, remove the leftover wax with baby oil, then moisturize.
Waxing can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. Waxing can cause acne and ingrown hairs to develop. It should also be avoided if you’re using retinoids.

5. At-home laser hair removal
   The main problem with many hair removal methods is that results are temporary or only last a few weeks. For longer results, consider laser hair removal.

This method uses a laser and pulsating beams to damage hair follicles, resulting in the loss of hair. It’s a semipermanent solution — hair grows back after about six months. Sometimes, hair never grows back. If hair returns, it may be finer and unnoticeable.

Laser hair removal can be expensive. Achieving desired results typically requires multiple trips to a doctor or spa. If you want the benefits of laser hair removal without the expensive price tag, one option is buying an at-home laser hair removal kit. At-home treatments are cost-effective and convenient. You’re able to complete hair removal treatments around your schedule in the comfort of your home.

Laser hair removal can be performed anywhere on the face, such as the upper lip and chin. But you should avoid lasers when removing hair from around the eyelids and surrounding areas.

When using an at-home device, follow these steps:

Clean your face and shave. Because you’re removing hair from underneath the skin, this treatment works best when the hair is short.
Select a treatment level. Place the laser over the targeted area to begin treatment.
Repeat every two weeks until you have your desired results. Instructions vary depending on the type of laser you purchase. Use the kit as directed.
Common side effects of laser hair removal are redness and tenderness. Apply ice to reduce discomfort.

6. Depilatory creams
   Depilatory creams are another option for facial hair removal. The results can last longer than shaving and these creams may be cheaper than waxing.

These creams have chemicals such as sodium, titanium dioxide, and barium sulfide, that breakdown proteins in hair, so that it easily dissolves and washes away. Although these ingredients are generally safe, there is a risk for reaction.

If it’s your first time using a depilatory cream, do a patch test first and apply a small amount of the cream to your skin. Signs of a reaction include skin redness, bumps, and itchiness. Wait at least 24 hours after a patch test before applying the cream over larger sections of your face.

After the patch test, here’s how to do it:

Apply a layer of cream over unwanted facial hair.
Allow the cream to sit on your face for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a damp cloth to gently wipe off the cream and remove unwanted hair.
Rinse your face with water and pat dry.
These products are available as a gel, cream, and lotion. While these creams can remove hair on any part of the body, some creams are designed specifically for facial hair. This means that they also smooth, exfoliate, and moisturize the face.

Product recommendations:
Veet Gel Hair Removal Cream with Essential Oils smells great, is in easy-to-use packaging, and only takes 3 minutes to work!
Andrea Visage Clair Gentle Hair Removal for the Face is affordable and works well on most hair, except very coarse.
Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo Medium to Coarse Hair works well on thicker hair and is especially useful around the mouth and jawline.

7. Threading
   Threading is another option for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted facial hair on the upper lip, side of the face, and chin. This method uses a thread, which pulls and twists unwanted hair until it lifts from the hair follicle. The results can last longer than shaving or tweezing, plus this method doesn’t cause ingrown hairs.

Threading also doesn’t involve chemicals. So, there’s no risk of a skin reaction, although you may experience minor pain or discomfort as your technician removes hair from the follicles. To reduce pain, ask your technician to apply numbing cream to your face, or apply a warm compress afterward. This method of hair removal requires skill, so you’ll need to find a trained cosmetologist or esthetician.

Threading might not be an option if you have acne, as it can cause bumps to rupture.

8. Topical prescriptions
   Even if you shave, wax, tweeze, or thread, unwanted facial hair eventually grows back. Although there isn’t a prescription topical cream to remove hair, Vaniqa is the only medication approved to reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. Talk to your doctor to see if this prescription is right for you.

This medication doesn’t work overnight, so you’ll need to use other hair removal methods until it’s in your system. If applied to the face twice a day (at least eight hours apart), you may notice less hair within four to eight weeks.

Keep in mind, this medication isn’t designed to be used alone and it won’t permanently remove hair. If you stop applying the cream, facial hair will regrow.