If you’re new to permanent body hair removal, it can feel a little overwhelming to compare the pros and cons of laser with all the other hair removal methods out there.
Shaving promises a quick and dirty job well done. Waxers say you could stay smooth for up to 6 weeks after a session, as long as you’re cool with screaming in front of strangers. But laser hair removal and IPL are in a class all their own.
Is getting laser hair removal worth it? Getting laser hair removal is worth it if you want permanent hair removal and reduction.
It’s safe and effective, and if you try it out as an at-home hair removal method, you can add comfort and convenience to the “do it!” column.
Pros of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal and IPL treatments are some of the most effective hair removal methods out there. Naturally, we’re starting with the good bits first so that you can feel more comfortable trying them out on your good bits.
Permanent hair removal and reduction is the goal
There’s no 100% permanent solution for hair removal, but laser hair removal and IPL are as close as you can get. At Nood, we guarantee permanent hair reduction within 8 weeks.
It’s safe
Harmful side effects after laser hair removal sessions such as blistering are rare. Any less severe effects like skin irritation and redness typically go away within hours. Soothing gels like The Reviver can help with that! Here’s a big one: It doesn’t cause cancer.
Is laser hair removal cancerous? There is no credible evidence that laser hair removal is cancerous. That includes melanomas. FDA-approved laser hair removal uses lower-energy radiation that isn’t linked to increased cancer risk in users.
No more ingrown hairs
This one is big if you’ve experienced nasty ingrown hairs from shaving, plucking, or tweezing. Laser hair removal and IPL can stop ingrown hairs and improve existing bumps. Say goodbye to razor burn while you’re at it.
It doesn’t smell like bad leftovers
If you hit errant hairs during your treatment, you may get a whiff of popcorn, but it’s nothing like what you’d get with depilatory creams. Just because you’re shedding doesn’t mean you should smell like a dog!
The prep softens your skin
You’ll want to exfoliate with a gentle cleanser like The Revealer before each session to slough away those loose hairs. This step has the bonus effect of leaving behind smoother, softer, yummier skin.
You can reduce hair anywhere
Target large areas like your legs or small spaces like your upper lip, no problem. And hair-free underarms are within reach! Bonus point for IPL treatments here: You can target that bikini area from the comfort of your couch.
It’s convenient
Shoutout for at-home treatments. You don’t need to see your dermatologist or other providers if you don’t want to. Get yourself an IPL device, and you can fit in your sessions whenever works best for you.
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Cons of Laser Hair Removal
We like to keep it real around here. There are some cons to laser hair removal that you should consider if you’re exploring your options. We still think it’s worth it for the hair-free legs of your dreams. Yes, you can get rid of unwanted hair down there, too.
We’ll let you know if IPL treatments take care of some of these cons as we go. You may even find yourself pleasantly surprised by how easy permanent hair removal can be.
It’s not ideal for everyone
We’ve already gone into the skin tones and hair types that see the best results from laser hair removal and IPL treatments. Unfortunately, this is one of those nice things that not everyone can have. Electrolysis is an option for all skin types.
It can be uncomfortable (method dependent)
Professional laser hair removal is much less painful than methods that pull hair at the root, like waxing, but it’s still uncomfortable for some. The pain level you feel during your treatment will depend on the body part you target and your pain threshold. IPL is the pain-free, at-home laser hair removal option. Unlike with traditional laser hair removal, a bit of warmth is the sensation most IPL users experience.
Do laser hair removal treatments hurt? Laser hair removal treatments from a professional clinic may hurt. Some people compare professional treatments to a rubber band snapping against their skin. Others don’t mind the treatments much at all.
Fun fact: At-home IPL treatments are not painful! If you’re worried about pain during laser hair removal, an IPL device like The Flasher 2.0 is your best bet.
You still have to shave until your treatments are complete
Shaving before treatments allows a laser or IPL device to “see” the hair follicles in the treated area better. If you skip shaving, your treatments may not be as effective. The good news — your hair will get sparser as treatments go on.
Sessions don’t eat up much of your day
If you’re only targeting a small area like your upper lip, you could be done with your session in just 15 minutes or fewer. We can’t think of many tasks that breezy.
It’s expensive at first if you see a professional
The cost of laser hair removal varies. It costs more to target your bikini line vs. your entire back, which makes sense. It’s a larger area that takes more time. Keep in mind that you’re cutting costs long-term, though.
There’s some good news here, too. Buying an at-home IPL device means you only drop coins to cover the one-time fee. At Nood, we offer interest-free payment plans to make permanent hair reduction easier on you and your wallet. Cha-ching!
You need patience
Good things come to those who wait and stick to their hair removal treatment plans. Laser and IPL can only hit unwanted hair follicles in active hair growth cycles, which is why it takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks of treatments to be effective. Multiple sessions may feel time-consuming, but we promise it’s worth the wait.
What’s the skinny on skin tones and hair types?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. The same is true for IPL treatments. That’s why both laser and IPL work best for those with light skin colors and dark hair. It’s easier for the devices to target follicles when there’s adequate contrast.
Those with darker skin tones may see some success with laser treatments that have longer wavelengths, but you’re at a higher risk for discoloration, too.
That’s why most experts promote solid skincare and regular sunscreen use in the weeks leading up to treatment. You don’t want to mess with your skin pigment or make your skin more sensitive. There’s just no cute way to pull off a sunburn, either.
Your hair color matters, too.
At Nood, we don’t recommend our device for those with blonde, red, or gray hair colors. There just isn’t enough melanin in those hair colors to allow the device to do its work with the effectiveness we know you want. We want you to have the smooth armpits you deserve.
Choose IPL in the Comfort of Your Own Home
IPL treatments are a safe, cost-effective, and convenient hair removal option for anyone who loves the idea of tackling unwanted hair from the comfort of their own home.
It’s just as effective as professional laser hair removal treatments, so there’s really no reason not to try it.
At Nood, we’re so confident you’ll love the benefits of at-home hair removal that we offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Try The Flasher 2.0 today.
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