Light-Based Home-Use Devices for Hair Removal: Why Do They Work and How Effective Are They?

    January 2019 in “ Lasers in surgery and medicine ”
    Godfrey Town, Natalia V. Botchkareva, N. Uzunbajakava, Tom Nuijs, Marijke van Vlimmeren, Caerwyn Ash, Christine Dierickx
    TLDR Home-use light devices can significantly reduce hair but are less effective on very dark skin and slower than professional devices.
    This review explained the evolution of laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) hair reduction from professional devices to home-use devices (HUDs), summarizing literature that supports their efficacy and safety. It highlighted that HUDs, while using lower fluence per pulse, can induce catagen transition in hair follicles, leading to significant hair reduction. Clinical evidence showed that long-term use of home-use IPL devices resulted in 80% hair reduction one year after the last treatment. However, HUDs are less effective on very dark skin types and have slower treatment speeds compared to professional devices. The review concluded that HUDs can be effective as standalone products or as adjuncts to professional treatments, with safety features to prevent misuse. Further studies are needed to confirm the mechanisms of low fluence pulses and their long-term effects.
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