Since laser hair removal became popular, big global electronics brands such as Phillips and Braun came to market with compact IPL machines that are available to be used within your home. Please note that there is a difference between laser hair removal and IPL hair removal. Only IPL hair removal machines are available to be sold for public consumption. Laser hair removal machines for the home do not exist.

In any case, both laser and IPL hair removal is a medical procedure that should be performed by a trained and certified healthcare professional. While at-home IPL hair removal devices are available for purchase, there are several risks associated with using these devices. We’ve listen seven disadvantages / risks below:

Burns or skin damage: Laser devices emit concentrated beams of light that can cause burns if they come into contact with the skin for too long or if the device is not used correctly. Burns from laser hair removal can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may require medical attention.
Uneven results: If the at-home laser hair removal device is not used correctly, it may not effectively target all of the hair follicles, resulting in patchy or uneven hair growth.
Limited effectiveness: At-home laser hair removal devices may not be as powerful or sophisticated as those used by professional providers, which can limit their effectiveness in removing unwanted hair.
Adverse reactions or skin irritation: At-home laser hair removal devices may not be suitable for all skin types, and there is a risk of adverse reactions or skin irritation if the device is not used properly.
Inaccurate dosing: Professional laser hair removal treatments are carefully calibrated to deliver the correct dose of energy to the skin. At-home devices may not be as precise, and there is a risk of delivering too much or too little energy, which can affect the effectiveness of the treatment and the potential for side effects.
Lack of medical supervision: One of the main advantages of undergoing laser hair removal at a medical spa or dermatologist’s office is the presence of a trained and certified healthcare professional who can monitor the treatment and manage any potential complications. With at-home laser hair removal, there is no medical supervision, and any complications or adverse reactions may go untreated.
Difficulty using the device: Laser hair removal devices can be complex and may require a certain level of skill and knowledge to use safely and effectively. Without proper training, there is a risk of using the device improperly, which can lead to adverse effects or poor results.

At British Institute of Lasers, we advise all of our readers to avoid at-home hair removal machines – it is generally safer and more effective to undergo laser hair removal treatments at a medical spa or dermatologist’s office, where the procedure can be performed by a trained and certified healthcare professional. While at-home laser hair removal devices may be tempting due to their convenience and potentially lower cost, the risks and potential for complications make it important to carefully consider whether this is the best option for you.

We have also written another article discussing the effectiveness of at-home hair removal machines.