Removing unwanted hair has always been a demand for many people. Individuals struggling with unwanted hairs may have tried at-home methods at least once. However, there are more advanced hair removal methods available at aesthetic salons that are worth trying because of their long-lasting, great results. There are many hair removal methods available, but surely you have wondered if these DIY hair removal methods are effective and have long-lasting results. To answer your question and get more information about at-home hair removal methods vs. professional salon treatments, read this comprehensive article about the cost and effectiveness of each of them.
Popular At-Home Hair Removal Methods and Tools
There are many hair removal techniques, from simple shaving to using more complicated tools like at-home laser hair removal. Here are some of the most common at-home hair removal methods explained:
1. Sugaring and Waxing
Sugaring and waxing are both at-home and salon hair removal methods. You can do sugaring and waxing at home by purchasing the needed ingredients and tools. For these at-home hair removal techniques, you should first melt the wax or the sugar paste. Then, you should spread the melted wax or sugary paste all over the area from which you want the hair removed. After waiting for a while, the wax or sugary paste becomes cold and traps your unwanted hair in it. This is the time you can remove the sugary paste or the wax from your skin to pluck out your unwanted hair. In these DIY hair removal methods, the hairs will be pulled out from their roots, so it takes time for them to grow back.
2. Shaving
Shaving is one of the easiest hair removal methods that you can conveniently do at home. This hair removal method is also fast, so it is a good choice when you don’t have enough time. You can shave with both a disposable razor or an electric shaver. Both of these shaving tools work the same, as they cut your hair where it comes out of your skin. So, in this hair removal method, unwanted hairs won’t be plucked out from their roots; instead, they are just cut from where they come out of the skin.
3. Epilator Devices
An epilator is an electric device that can grab your hair and pluck it out of your skin from the root. This tool can make DIY hair removal easier and cleaner for you. Using these epilator devices can be painful, and they can cause skin irritation, but their results last longer than shaving, waxing, and sugaring.
4. At-Home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Devices
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light Device, uses strong pulses of light to remove unwanted hairs. Just like professional laser hair removal, this method will absorb strong pulses of light through hair pigments. This high energy causes heat energy, which can burn the hairs along with their follicle. Because all of your hairs are not in the same growth phase, to see the best results, you should repeat using IPL every 4 weeks. Although at-home devices cannot be compared to the state-of-the-art devices at professional salons, this at-home hair removal method is the most effective treatment you can have at home.
Benefits of At-Home Hair Removal Methods
At-home hair removal methods have many benefits along with their considerable drawbacks. Here are the benefits of the previously mentioned common at-home hair removal techniques:
Benefits of Shaving
Shaving is a very quick and convenient way to remove your unwanted hair, making it perfect for when hair removal becomes an emergency for you! Shaving is a pain-free hair removal method if you do it correctly and don’t cut your skin. This is a great benefit for those who prefer a convenient and pain-free experience. Moreover, it is an affordable hair removal option, especially if you choose disposable razors over electric shaving devices because razors are low-cost and easily available at most shops.
Benefits of Waxing
Waxing can give you relatively longer-lasting results compared to shaving. Since it removes hair from the root, it takes longer for your hair to grow back. So, it can often make your skin smooth for a few weeks. Additionally, waxing helps you with skin exfoliation by removing dead skin cells along with unwanted hair, which can leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Benefits of Sugaring
Sugaring is a natural hair removal method that involves using simple ingredients like sugar, lemon, and water. It’s typically less painful than waxing and is gentler on the skin, so it has a lower risk of irritation and ingrown hairs. Many people appreciate that it’s a more natural option compared to the other hair removal methods.
Benefits of Epilator Devices
Epilator devices can give you relatively long-lasting results like waxing. Because the epilator can pluck your hair out from its roots, the hair removal results last about a few weeks. It’s a relatively cost-effective method because it’s a one-time purchase that you can use over and over again. Epilators are also very efficient at removing even very short hairs, which can be more effective than the other DIY hair removal methods.
Benefits of At-Home IPL Devices
At-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices can give you almost permanent hair reduction if you use them regularly. They are convenient to use because you can use them in the comfort of your own home. You can use these hair removal devices in specific areas as they work targeted.
Drawbacks of At-Home Hair Removal Methods
Despite all these benefits, at-home hair removal methods have considerable disadvantages. Here are some of the DIY hair removal methods’ drawbacks:
Drawbacks of Shaving
Shaving can cause skin irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs. With this hair removal method, your hairs grow back quickly, so you need to shave frequently, which is a hassle.
Drawbacks of Waxing
Waxing can be painful and might cause redness and skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. There is also the risk of burns if the wax is too hot, and it can be quite messy to do at home.
ٰDrawbacks of Sugaring
Although sugaring is more natural, it can still be messy and become tricky to do it the right way. It can cause discomfort and irritation, particularly if it’s the first time you have tried this DIY hair removal method.
Drawbacks of Epilator Devices
Epilators can be quite painful to use, and they can cause redness, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs. This method also takes time and can be expensive initially because you have to buy the device.
Drawbacks of At-Home IPL Devices
These IPL devices are pricey, so they can cost you a considerable amount of money. They also need several sessions over weeks or months to work well and achieve long-lasting results. The most important thing is that there’s a risk of burns or skin discolouration if not used properly, and they don’t work for all skin tones and hair colours.
DIY Hair Removal: A Cost-Effective Option?
Although some DIY hair removals seem to cost you way less than salon treatments, they can cost you more in the long run. At-home hair removal methods usually are not long-lasting, so you have to repeat them over and over again. Additionally, some at-home hair removal methods need devices that are not very cost-effective. Some electric shavers, epilators, and IPL devices can cost you a considerable amount. IPL devices can give you the most long-lasting results among other DIY hair removal methods, but they are also the most expensive at-home devices.
Advantages of Professional Salon Treatments
Professional hair removal methods have so many advantages over DIY techniques. One of their main advantages is their long-lasting and almost permanent results. These techniques will be performed by professionals and trained specialists to minimize risks and side effects and ensure the best possible results are achieved. Moreover, laser hair removal devices in the equipped aesthetic salons are state-of-the-art technology for hair removal. They can remove your unwanted hair without pain and discomfort and give you almost permanent results.
Finding The Qualified Hair Removal Specialist
Choosing between many available hair removal specialists can be a hassle for you. You can consider these factors when choosing between hair removal specialists:
- Location: You should choose a hair removal specialist who works in an aesthetic salon that you can reach conveniently.
- Experience: Choosing an experienced specialist can lead to greater results.
- Certifications: You should choose a licensed hair removal specialist to ensure the procedure will be done without any risks or side effects.
- Hygiene: Choosing a clean salon is so important to maintain your health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although there are many available at-home hair removal methods with many benefits, they all have disadvantages to consider. DIY methods always have their risks of potential side effects because they are not under the supervision of a professional. For example, using IPL devices at home is not as risk-free as laser hair removal with a specialist. Another important thing to note is to choose a specialist who is trained in hair removal techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I achieve long-lasting hair removal results at home?
Most at-home hair removal techniques are not as long-lasting as salon treatments. To achieve more long-lasting results at home, you can purchase IPL devices to use regularly.
