Best Laser Hair Removal Machines for Mens
Laser hair removal machines emit pulses of light energy to deactivate the root of your hair. Once the root is deactivated, that hair follicle will no longer grow.
It is the most efficient and relatively painless method for removing unwanted hair in comparison to other contemporary treatments like waxing, plucking, and shaving.
Long term treatment is also more beneficial. Shaving causes hair to be wiry, thick, and itchy (just thinking about it makes me want to scratch my legs!). With laser or IPL however, hair that grows back will be fewer and finer than before–the direct opposite of shaving.
All in all, pretty sweet deal. 🙂
How do at-home machines it work? Pros and cons compared to professional laser hair removal?
The at-home devices above are smaller and more portable versions of certain hair removal machines used by professional clinics worldwide.
Achieving optimum results, however, require multiple treatments over a period of time. Having your very own device is going to save you thousands of dollars in treatments. It will also be convenient because you can do it at home anytime you want.
As with any DIY treatment, there will be limitations. Even if you have the best home hair laser removal machine, there are areas in the face and body where only a trained professional is (and should be) allowed to use laser on due to safety reasons. This includes in between the eyebrows (Don’t risk damaging your eyes because of a unibrow!), the genital area, and other potentially problematic areas. Having it professionally done ensures safety in all aspects. At home, you’ll have to learn how to use the device properly and under what circumstances it can and can’t be used.
If this is your first foray into laser hair removal, no worries because we’ve got you covered. 🙂 The basics of what you need to know are enumerated below.
(Jump to: What to Expect, Laser Hair Removal User Guide, Safety Reminders)
Is laser hair removal permanent?
These machines are designed to break the cycle of hair growth. The laser or light energy will disable the root of your hair until it naturally falls out. However, as part of your body’s normal physiology, your hair will grow again.
One of the great things about laser treatment though is, unlike shaving or waxing, the hair growing back will be fewer and finer than before. And with continuous treatments, the results will be permanent hair reduction.
There are a few accounts of people reporting permanent hair removal i.e. their hair has never grown back again after a few sessions. It’s likely though that their body has adapted to the treatments and their hair growth has been delayed much longer than they expected as a result of continuous use.
In any case, keeping a regular schedule is very important to achieve great results.
What are the main differences between these machines?
- The technology used for hair removal (laser vs. IPL). Laser is more precise and effective, especially for dense and coarse hair. IPL generally needs more frequent sessions to achieve the same results.
(Jump to: Diode lasers vs. IPL) - The maximum strength of the hair-eliminating light energy (the higher the energy, the more effective it is).
- The design of the device (flash window size, corded vs. battery-powered, the number of flashes, etc.). Refer to the chart above and choose the features that best suit your needs and lifestyle.
How many treatments are needed for laser hair removal?
Typically 6-12 depending on the skin, the area of the body, laser used, hair density, and coarseness. Having a regular schedule is also crucial for success.
Can anyone use these at home hair removal machines on any part of the face and body?
No, there are certain limitations for different devices. These are usually:
- Areas of the face and body – Some older versions of at-home devices are not suitable for facial use and in certain parts of the body. The devices above however, can be used for the face and body. Typical suitable male and female body areas include legs, arms, bikini line, underarms, hands, chest, back, and abdomen. For the face, most of these devices are recommended for use on women’s facial hair from cheek line downward like the cheeks, upper lip, chin, and neck.
(Jump to: Safety Reminders) - Areas with skin conditions – Damaged skin (sunburned, tanned), inked or tattooed skin, irritated skin (peeling, redness), skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis, herpes, active infections, wounds, etc.), areas with heavily freckled skin, birthmarks, warts, and dark moles, are some of the restrictions for use.
(Jump to: Safety Reminders) - Certain skin tones – Most devices are suitable for light to medium skin tones, however, there are some that can accommodate darker skin tones. The machines above has built-in safety sensors designed to check the skin tone before use. You can also manually check the skin tone guide as noted above if you fall under a suitable category.
- Certain hair colors – The technology mostly works on darker hair because it relies on the pigment of the hair follicle to work. The higher the contrast between your skin tone and hair color, the more effective your treatment will be.
Diode lasers vs. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)?
Diode laser and IPL treatments are highly effective and safe. Both target the melanin i.e. color in the hair root and results are pretty much the same in terms of permanent hair reduction.
In clinical studies, however, diode lasers were found to be more effective than IPL. IPL needs more sessions to achieve the same results as diode lasers.
This is down to the type of light used and the way it expels on the skin. This affects the light energy that can be used by a device and number of treatments required to achieve results, among other factors.
Diode lasers are more efficient, and the more expensive done in-office.
Because of the high energy used by diode lasers, the stinging sensation and inflammation you may experience will be more pronounced. Despite this, most patients prefer lasers over IPL due to its efficacy. You can always use numbing creams if you have sensitive skin or have low pain tolerance.
