Laser hair removal is a great way to remove unwanted hair. There are many different types of lasers, but most people use the ones that work best on dark skin tones. Some of these lasers include the Alexandrite laser, which works well on darker skin tones, and the Nd: YAG laser, which is also effective for dark skin tones.
Some people are afraid of lasers because they think they will burn their skin or cause scarring. However, this is not true. Lasers do not burn the skin or cause scarring because they don’t use heat energy like a sunburn does. They instead use light energy to damage hair follicles so that they cannot grow new hair anymore.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Best home laser hair removal for indian skin versus blood, at home laser hair removal before and after. Read on to learn more.
Best home laser hair removal for indian skin versus blood
Before Nd Yag laser, laser hair removal was not safe for darker skin types. Let’s have a look at the reasons for this and what has changed.
Darker skin tones are rich in melanin which determines skin colour, some lasers and IPL can confuse between hair and the rich melanin skin colour.
Advanced Nd Yag technology laser can safely pass through rich melanin skin and only damage the unwanted hair follicle blood supply without harming surrounding skin.
The best laser for darker/brown skin type is FDA approved Nd Yag laser as it safely distinguishes between skin and hair colours.
Some lasers and IPL are not suitable for darker skin. As a result of choosing an incorrect laser you could risk skin damage.
What is Nd Yag Laser?
Nd Yag (1064 nm.) is a type of laser which can goes much deeper into the layers of the skin than other lasers. The Yag laser can safely pass through any amount of melanin in the skin and destroy hair follicles successfully for any skin tones including Asian, Dark, Oriental, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Black Caribbean, Black African and African American skin types.
How Nd Yag Laser works?
Darker skin types clients with black hair should be treated by the unique Nd Yag laser which is highly sensitive and able to target the dark colour of hair follicle without damaging melanin rich darker skin. Medical grade Nd Yag technology makes laser hair removal safe and effective for people with a range of darker skin tones.”
*Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.
What is my skin type and is laser suitable for my skin type?
- Your skin type is an important factor for a laser hair removal treatment, as the amount of melanin determines your skin colour.
- We use the Fitzpatrick scale 1-6 skin types to find out a client’s skin type and it’s reaction to laser treatments.
- We also take into consideration a client’s medical and genetic history when we are identifying skin type.
- We can treat all skin types and ethnicities with our ideal combination of Alexandrite and Nd Yag Lasers.
- The unique feature of Nd Yag laser is the high sensitivity and its ability to target the hair follicle without damaging the skin areas for darker skin tones and textures.
Fitzpatrick Scale. Have a look at your skin type on the Fitzpatrick Scale below.
The Fitzpatrick scale identifies the amount of melanin in skin for different skin types and their reaction to sun exposure.
Skin Type 1 – Always burns, never tan, red hair, freckles – extremely sensitive to sun.
Skin Type 2 – Always burns easily, minimal tan – very sun sensitive.
Skin Type 3 – Sometimes burns, some sensitive skin – tans gradually to light brown
Skin Type 4 – Burns minimally – always tans to moderate brown
Skin Type 5 – Rarely burns – tans well.
Skin Type 6 – Never burns – deeply pigmented.
The Fitzpatrick Scale
Can Dark Skin men Get Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal treatment is suitable for any skin types men.
Men with dark and curly hair and darker skin types tend to get “Pseudofolliculitis barbae” razor bumps or shaving bumps on their face or neck. Nd Yag laser hair removal is the best long-term permanent hair reduction for men who wish to have silky smooth skin
At home laser hair removal before and after
CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Confession: I’ll cut any corner to avoid shaving my legs during the winter. I hate it! That’s why I was so excited to get my hands on the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X (Buy It, $449, triabeauty.com) — a handheld device that promises to zap away your hair for good, and do it just as well as an in-office treatment. (FTR, what you do with your body hair, armpit hair, and pubic hair are your choice, and there’s nothing saying you must get rid of it.)
If you’re not even sure how laser hair removal works exactly, here’s the gist: Lasers use pulsed light to target hair, which then converts to heat and breaks down the dark pigment in the hair follicle. Zap the same pigment over and over, and it’ll damage it enough to prevent future growth, which is the name of the game of any kind of at-home laser hair removal treatment or device.
So what can you expect when you DIY? Specifically, does at-home laser hair removal even work?! Well, I can only speak from my experience testing the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x, but through the process, I learned a handful of things you should know before giving any at-home laser hair removal a try.
Tips for Successful Laser Hair Removal at Home
Be prepared to spend now, but save later.
Most laser hair removal at-home devices will cost you about $400, but the in-office option can clock in at $150 per visit — and most people need between five to eight sessions for complete results. And waxing the recommended once per month can cost up to $500 a year; razors and shaving cream add up to thousands of dollars over time. The tl;dr: You’ll spend more up front with an at-home laser hair removal kit, but less total cash over time.
Know that laser hair removal at home won’t work for everyone.
Important disclaimer: You should only use an at-home laser hair removal device if you have light or medium skin with dark hair. If your complexion is even slightly deeper than medium, the pulsed light won’t be able to distinguish the dark hair from your dark skin, which could lead to discoloration. On the flip side, lasers can’t pinpoint grey or blonde hair either.
You’ll need to have patience.
As mentioned, you’ll need anywhere between five to eight sessions — no matter if that’s at the salon or with an at-home laser hair removal device — to let the hair fall out naturally after each growth cycle. You can treat the area as little as once every two weeks.
It might hurt a little.
Mid-armpit zap, you’ll likely be cursing your parents for your hairy genes, too. It just feels a little like someone with tiny, claw-like nails is pinching you…over and over again. Bony areas (such as your shins or ankles, for example) will hurt a lot more than spots with more cushion to them (such as your calf). That’s because the skin closest to the bone is thinner, but it doesn’t mean that hair is more difficult to treat.
But here’s the reason to suck it up: higher intensity levels (the Tria at-home laser hair removal device has up to five settings for strength levels) yield much quicker results. So instead of it taking eight sessions to reach hair-free status, you could be done in half that. Plus, your skin adjusts to the sensation, so after a few zaps, you’ll be used to it.
Don’t even attempt to do at-home laser hair removal on your pubic hair.
Sounds obvious, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t read the directions three times find a reason why it wouldn’t be that bad to try at-home laser hair removal on my privates. But I’m glad I didn’t try this at home and kept that task to the professionals: The skin down there is extra-sensitive, so you can target the bikini link but I just wouldn’t get into the triangle.
You can shave a few days before an at-home laser hair removal treatment.
Unlike waxing or shaving — where you want hair to be grown out and long enough to pull or cut — laster hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle or root at the surface of the skin, so hair shouldn’t be so long that the laser can’t find the root. On the other hand, you shouldn’t wax for at least a month before at-home laser hair removal treatment, since waxing typically removes the root of the hair, and the laser needs to be able to find that to effectively get rid of it.
At-home laser hair removal does work
…but that doesn’t mean it’s always permanent. You’ll likely need touch-ups every so often after you reached your desired results. If you notice a stray hair growing a year after treatment, it means that either the follicle’s natural growth cycle wasn’t finished when you stopped treating the area with laser hair removal at home, or the hair was too fine for the laser to target in the first place.
Best ipl hair removal
These are the best IPL hair removal devices for sleekness, even though we’re totally in support of embracing your natural body hair. For those looking to make a change, products that use IPL (intense pulsed light) might be a gamechanger for you.
More than just expertly removing hair, these devices are also designed to actually minimize regrowth too, giving you one less task to do in the future. To get scientific, these devices work by firing rapidly flashing light at the melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) in your hair follicles, which converts to heat beneath the skin, damaging the hair at the root and effectively “putting it to sleep”. Your hair will be removed and whatever hair does grow back will be much reduced, making these gadgets doubly amazing, and an upgrade from hair removal creams.
If achieving salon-like results at home sounds good to you, then you’ll be happy to hear that many of these devices are so advanced that they really can do the job of expensive treatments. In this guide, we’ve covered all of the best IPL devices you need to know about, alongside any of the burning questions you might still have about this method. We’ve even got first-hand experience from testing these IPL devices ourselves, where we found the Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Cordless Hair Removal Device to be the winner, so you’re in safe hands when it comes to purchasing your own device for yourself.
THE BEST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICES: TRIED AND TESTED
1. BRAUN IPL SILK·EXPERT PRO 5 PL5124
Best for speedy IPL hair removal
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Light intensities: 10
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 2 (face and body)
REASONS TO BUY
+
The number of light settings, which is double that of most of its competitors+
The extra gentle mode for sensitive skin+
The additional glide mode, which de-fuzzes legs faster
REASONS TO AVOID
–
It isn’t as convenient as its cordless competitors-
There’s no attachment for precision around the bikini line
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
This device has 10 intensity settings—double that of most of its competitors— including an extra gentle mode if you have sensitive skin (and a Venus razor so you can get started right away). The body attachment, in particular, covers large areas of skin within a short space of time, which was a big bonus for me. In fact, speed is what sets this device apart from the others.
There are two treatment modes (stamp and glide). The glide mode speeds things up by delivering more flashes on large body parts (like your legs), which makes it appealing to both the time-poor and first-timers who are a bit squeamish. I’m neither but when you can get your bikini line done in a matter of minutes it’s a godsend! It also treated both my legs in under five minutes at its lowest setting. My hair was sparser after eight weeks and with the equivalent of 22 years’ worth of flashes (aka a lifetime), it’s a worthwhile investment, especially if you’ve been searching for the best hair removal options for dark skin.
2. PHILIPS LUMEA IPL 9000
Best overall for face and body IPL hair removal
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: Yes
Light intensities: 5
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 3 (face, body and bikini)
REASONS TO BUY
+
Has curved heads for face and body+
Is cordless for ease+
Ergonomic, lightweight design+
SmartSkin sensor detects your skin tone and indicates the most comfortable light setting for you+
The attachments adapt so the program is tailored for each body area+
The app sends reminders of when your next session is due
REASONS TO AVOID
–
It comes with a hefty price tag (thinking of it in terms of price per use makes this more palatable)
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Like the Dyson of IPL devices, this is all about sleek lines, the most advanced technology and, above all, ease. Depending on the attachment, the device will switch to a programme for either the body or face. There are five light settings and once the head is slotted into place, a built-in sensor automatically selects the right setting for your skin tone and sensitivity. As well as being reassuring, it’s also practical as it takes away the guesswork, given most people have no idea what the Fitzpatrick scale is, let alone where they sit on it (it’s a classification system for skin type and color). The device treats naturally dark blonde, brown and black hair on skin tones from very white to dark brown. You can also download a free app to create a tailored treatment schedule for each area, and get advice. I found the reminders from Philips particularly useful for ensuring I stayed on track with my treatments. It also makes an at-home treatment feel very bespoke, which is great if you’re searching for an affordable laser hair removal alternative.
The curved attachments are easy to work around the body—it’s especially ergonomic around the bikini line, which incidentally wasn’t the grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it experience I was expecting. Philips claims the device will show results in as little as four treatments, with further sessions helping to reduce regrowth—which is a pretty tall order. But boy, did it deliver. I used the device for a full 12 weeks on my armpits, legs, bikini line, and even the teeny hairs on my upper lip. Most have stopped growing back altogether—those that have, for example, the stubborn stragglers around the bikini line are definitely finer now. Worth every penny and, despite the hefty price tag, it still works out cheaper than a course of salon treatments.
3. SILK’N INFINITY 400,000
Best space-saving IPL hair removal device
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Light intensities: 5
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 1
REASONS TO BUY
+
Its compact size+
It’s one of the less pricey devices on the market+
The inclusion of galvanic current makes the treatment less painful and prevents ingrown hairs+
A built-in skin tone sensor checks compatibility+
Mobile app to monitor treatment plan
REASONS TO AVOID
–
It’s not cordless so you are restricted with where you can use it in the home-
It’s not the easiest device to hold-
There’s only one do-it-all attachment
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Most IPL devices sit somewhere between looking like a gun and a 90s blowdryer, meaning they can be bulky to store. This device is completely different and looks more like the mouse you’d use with a computer. Despite its dinky size it comes with some pretty impressive features. For me, the stand-out was what Silk’n calls eHPL, which essentially combines galvanic energy with standard light energy. The galvanic energy temporarily widens your pores, allowing the IPL to reach hair follicles more easily. It doesn’t feel any different against the skin but it’s said to make the treatment less painful and avoids ingrown hairs (both of which I can attest to). Better still, it is this technology, which according to Silk’n means body hair can be treated twice as fast (in 20 minutes to be precise).
Again, there’s a built-in skin sensor, which checks compatibility with skin tone and hair color, ensuring the device emits the correct light pulse. You can also connect it to an app via Bluetooth so you can set out your treatment plan. I don’t live in a big apartment so I definitely appreciated its compact size. I also noticed a reduction in hair growth and thickness after the initial four weeks, although this was more noticeable after 12 weeks. A downside for me, though, was the ergonomics of the machine. I just couldn’t find an easy way to hold it, as you need to touch the metal base at the back while at the same time pushing the button on the top, which felt unnecessarily fiddly and slowed me down in terms of treatment time.
4. SENSICA SENSILIGHT PRO PERMANENT CORDLESS HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
Best IPL hair removal for legs
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: Yes
Light intensities: 6
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 2 (face and body)
REASONS TO BUY
+
Two treatment modes (pulse and glide)+
Sensors that react to skin tone with every flash of light+
Speed
REASONS TO AVOID
–
It’s bulky-
Switching between treatment heads takes practice
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
This device comes with a built-in sensor to customize its settings according to your skin tone and hair color. It also goes one step further by continuously reacting to your skin tone and condition, even if you have dark spots. So if the sensors detect that the skin in the treatment area is too dark, no flash will be emitted—an added safety measure I found particularly reassuring. It offers six energy levels and two attachment heads, one for face and one for body.
It also comes primed with a glide mode option, which basically means you don’t have to repeatedly press the button and wait for the click before zapping an area. This makes it quicker to use, as you simply move the handset up and down—which is handy especially on larger areas of skin such as your legs. The longer I used this the more impressive the results but if I was being fussy, I’d say there is one drawback—the device’s bulkiness. The design is quite cumbersome and heavy, plus I found it tricky to change heads.
5. SMOOTHSKIN PURE HAIR REMOVAL
Best for IPL hair removal newbies
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: No
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 1
REASONS TO BUY
+
Not intimidating for those new to IPL+
Glide mode makes light work of treating legs+
Stamp mode for smaller areas
REASONS TO AVOID
–
It’s not cordless-
No option of different heads for different body parts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Probably the simplest device out of the bunch to use, largely because there are only three settings to worry about—Gentle, Speed, and Power. It does, however, still include the all-important built-in skin sensor that adjusts the light intensity based on your skin tone so there’s no skimping on safety, which is especially handy if you have drier skin, or suffer from winter skin issues.
Again there’s a glide mode for speedy results on larger areas but I really liked the stamp mode on this device as it was easy to slowly and precisely work across my upper lip and underarms. There was a marked difference in hair regrowth after eight weeks. If I could make one change to this device it would be to make it cordless, but overall it’s a good buy.
6. JOVS VENUS PRO
Best value for money IPL hair removal device
SPECIFICATIONS
Power: Mains
Cordless: Yes
Light intensities: 5
Skin sensor: Yes
Attachments: 6
REASONS TO BUY
+
Skin-cooling technology to numb the area you’re treating+
The only IPL device to also include a red light anti-ageing mode for the face+
Rotating head+
Device offers a lifetime of treatments+
Good value for money
REASONS TO AVOID
–
There is a lot of tech involved here, which IPL newbies may find overwhelming
This matte metal device looks sort of like a fancy hairdryer you’d use after using one of the best shampoo bars – it is in fact the only gadget on this list to treat both unwanted hair and the first signs of aging. For the purposes of IPL, the device has six targeted treatment heads and can be used on both face and body. You can count on safety first here, too, as this device has a built-in skin sensor to check your skin tone before use. Beyond that, things get pleasingly technical.
A big draw for me was the 180-degree rotating head that makes it comfortable to remove hair from those hard-to-reach areas, like behind the legs. Then there’s the cooling technology that effectively numbs the area you’re treating, making the experience virtually pain-free. I also LOVED the fact that the device could be switched to red-light mode to help skin cells repair themselves and improve collagen production for plumper, smoother skin over time, which is especially good if you suffer with rosacea. It’s like you’re getting the benefit of two salon treatments in one super-device. And with 500,000 flashes there’s enough for a lifetime of treatments, so once you’ve made the initial outlay there are no additional costs.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
Wondering where to start when it comes to bagging one of these insanely useful devices for yourself? These are the factors you should think about before you hit ‘checkout’:
- Suitability: The device that you finally decide is the one should be the most suited to the area of your body you want to target. Prone to fuzz on your legs even one day after you’ve shaved? Then look for a device that is better for large areas. If facial hair is a problem, then instead look for devices that will be kinder to your face.
- Affordability: Whilst these devices are a total lifesaver, they are an item you must have to save up for. Think about what your budget is for your IPL hair removal device, and then establish the kind of features you’ll be able to fit into that price. There are excellent value for money options on this list too.
- Features: If you’re a newbie to the IPL game, then look for devices with features that will help you along the way. Or, if you struggle with dexterity issues, then be sure to look closely at options that are easy to grip.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IPL HAIR REMOVAL
- What is IPL? IPL is short for Intense Pulsed Light. It’s a broad-spectrum light that is scattered across the skin to help get rid of unwanted body hair. The level of discomfort varies—for some IPL can simply feel hot against the skin while others report a sensation not unlike being flicked with an elastic band. However, it’s worth noting that IPL is much less painful than epilating! But the golden rule stands—if you experience irritation, seek medical advice.
- How does IPL work? “IPL transfers light energy to the hair shaft,” says explains Emily Buckwell, product expert at CurrentBody.com. “Once absorbed, this light energy is converted to heat, which prevents further hair growth. As hair grows in cycles you will need to repeat your treatments until you eventually catch each phase of growth, resulting in reduced hair over time.”
- Laser hair removal vs IPL—what’s the difference? IPL is often confused with laser hair removal because both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle. But as Jess Gregory, Consumer Marketing Manager for Philips Beauty, points out: “They are two different light technologies”. While laser uses a single, concentrated beam of light, she says: “IPL progressively reduces hair regrowth by applying gentle pulses of broad spectrum light and heat to the root. This means that larger areas of skin can be treated with IPL while laser only works point by point.”
- Is IPL permanent? No, the results of IPL aren’t permanent but the hair will grow back finer, slower and, in some cases, not at all. Emily says: “What IPL does offer, is permanent hair reduction, depending on the hair color, density and texture. To see results, you need regular at-home treatments for a minimum of eight weeks, followed up with top-up treatments to maintain results. Hair can grow back due to hormonal changes like childbirth and menopause but having a device at home means not forking out for further salon sessions.”
- How many IPL treatments before I see results? IPL devices should be used regularly for four to 12 weeks, to make sure all hair has been treated. Typically, body hair requires treatment every two weeks for the first four weeks, then once every four weeks afterwards. Top-up sessions can be done where there is any regrowth.