How permanent hair removal works at home!

Stubble, ingrown hairs and shaving are annoying you? Have you ever thought about permanent hair removal at home? We'll tell you how it works!

In winter it goes halfway. Tights over it, jeans on and ready. If there are a few hairs on the legs, that doesn't bother us. But in spring at the latest, it starts again.

Plucking, waxing, shaving, applying depilatory creams and that again and again. As soon as you have smooth skin for a short time, the hair sprouts again.

If you want to save yourself time and don't want to fret over stubbly skin, then permanent hair removal at home is the solution.

For this purpose, a laser is used, which prevents the hair roots from growing further. The hair that grows back becomes thinner or stops growing altogether.

Permanent hair removal with IPL is a wonderful beauty treatment with which you can get hair-free armpits, legs and co. in a flash.

I tested it for you and tell you about my experience with laser hair removal at home.

What is the difference between laser and IPL?

Light pulses? Laser? IPL? How now?

Light pulse and IPL is one and the same. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. This means that light is converted into heat.

So no matter how you feel about it, the device relies on very intense light pulses that are gentle on the skin.

The difference between IPL and laser is the type of light. The laser has a much higher temperature. IPL devices have a wide spectrum of waves, but it can not penetrate as deep into the skin as a laser.

You cannot carry out a laser treatment at home. You have to go to a beauty salon or a beauty doctor. If you're interested, read my colleague Lydia's experience report: "Hair removal in the studio - this is how it works!“

You can buy IPL devices online and use them in your living room or bathroom.

Let's see how an IPL device works and kills hair.

How does IPL hair removal work at home?

The heart of each IPL device is a flash lamp. This lamp produces a powerful xenon light that our hair absorbs. To be precise, the light is absorbed by the pigment melanin.

Here it is converted into heat. Up to 70° are possible. This obliterates the hair root, it no longer receives nutrients and blood, the hair falls out. With each flash, several hair roots are processed simultaneously.

No new hair can grow in the sclerosed hair roots. You can easily do this treatment in the bathroom. That is why in this context we talk about permanent hair removal at home.

It may be that the hair grows back after some time. This happens when the hair root regenerates again. If you then go back to the IPL device, this problem is solved.

This is how you prevent ingrown hairs in the genital area!

For whom is permanent hair removal at home worthwhile?

Those who have dark hair and fair skin are perfect for IPL hair removal. Because dark hair contains especially much melanin.

Unfortunately, for blond or reddish hair, permanent hair removal at home has little effect.

But even with tanned skin or lighter hair you can have success. However, you will need more attempts until it works. The darker the pigments, the better they can be destroyed by the light flash.

If you have very sensitive skin and get redness, itching or the like from shaving, waxing or depilatory creams, an IPL device is also a good purchase.

Depending on the device, there are namely different intensity levels that can be adjusted to the individual skin type. This makes the laser treatment even gentler and can be tailored to the needs of the skin.

What are the advantages of laser hair removal at home?

You can also have this type of hair removal done in a beauty salon. However, this is quite expensive. Depending on the body part you need up to ten units.

At a studio near me, one unit for the lower legs costs 129 euros. So doing hair removal with laser yourself in the bathroom is worth it, especially financially. And it is also more comfortable.

Especially when it comes to the intimate area, because there I do not want to let a stranger.

But of course it's also a time saver. Because in your own four walls you can start at any time and schedule it yourself.

IPL devices do not work with UV rays. Therefore, your skin will not be damaged. Dermatologists are on board with the development of branded devices like my Braun IPL. That's why the devices all meet the applicable standards.

In short, permanent hair removal at home makes sense for anyone who wants professional and affordable hair removal.

Dark spots on your legs? Put an end to it!

Why I chose the Braun Silk Expert

Yes, there are very cheap devices and very expensive. I have chosen the middle ground and am very happy with my IPL.

The Braun Silk Expert is clinically tested. The "gentle mode" is very practical for beginners. Here, low light intensity is used, which is very pleasant, especially at the beginning. Especially for the armpits and bikini area.

Unlike many other devices, this one has a gliding mode. So you don't have to constantly put it down and put it back on again. This is mega handy for large areas like the legs.

By the way, there are devices with and without cable. My old Braun Silk Expert, is still equipped with cable, the new Silk Expert Pro 5 has a very powerful battery. You are more flexible and can not get tangled in the cable.

If you're not satisfied, there's a 100-day money back guarantee from Braun that you can take advantage of.

The many good reviews also influenced my decision. By the way, don't be surprised: I still have the old model in use in the photos. Unfortunately, I could no longer find it anywhere. But the Silk Expert Pro device is supposed to be even better. Instead of 250,000 light pulses like my old IPL, it has 400,000 pulses.

How does permanent hair removal at home with IPL feel?

Does it hurt? That was the first question I asked myself. If you've never done this before, that will probably be your first question.

I can reassure you.

After attaching the device and flashing, it warms up briefly. And that's it. It does not feel good, but there is no question of pain.

When you use it, a very bright flash is produced. This is how you work your way forward step by step.

You can't compare this with epilating or waxing. These hair removal methods are really painful in comparison.

Epilate or shave? Which is better for the skin?

How do I prepare for the application of the IPL hair removal device?

All devices on the market work with light pulses. So they all have the same mode of operation. What distinguishes them from each other is the size and shape.

Some devices operate on battery power, others must be plugged in continuously.

You can choose the device that appeals to you the most visually. Just check out the reviews if you are unsure.

Once you have decided on a device for IPL hair removal, you need to consider a few small things.

1. do not epilate or wax

You must not use an epilator or pluck the hair with wax 14 days before.

Because that removes the hair root, which we want to destroy with the light. But if there is none, because the hair is just starting to grow, it won't work.

You should also not use depilatory cream.

2. prepare the skin

One day before you start the permanent hair removal at home, you need to shave. Do it very thoroughly so that the result will be good the next day.

Do not apply any creams, gels or similar to the skin at least 12 hours before. All this can negatively affect the laser hair removal.

The skin must be dry and clean during application. There should be no shaving pimples or ingrown hairs.

You can apply the laser in these places

• Arms and legs
• Armpits
• Belly and chest
• Back and shoulder
• Intimate area

Wherever the skin is very light and the hair is very dark, it works best.

3. permanent hair removal at home does not work overnight

You need patience. Hair is stubborn. 6 to 10 applications are needed for it to work. It depends on how much hair growth you have and how your hair responds to the treatment.

If you have thicker hair, it will take longer than if you have thin hairs.

Only those hair roots that are currently growing can be destroyed. That's why you can never reach your goal with only 1-2 applications. At the exact same time, only 20-30% of your hair will grow.

If you want smooth skin, you need to catch all the hairs at that exact time. Often the hairs lie still for 6 to 8 weeks until they start to sprout.

Therefore, it is recommended to do a treatment every 2 weeks until the reduction is clearly visible.

It can take up to 20 weeks to complete permanent hair removal at home.

That sounds terribly time-consuming at first. But remember that you do not use the IPL hair removal device every day. And also very important: The hairs become thinner with each application.

Overall, you can expect a hair reduction of about 90 %.

4. plan time

The first application will feel unfamiliar. You should therefore take your time. With further applications, you will quickly develop a routine.

So you can just swipe it quickly in the morning after showering.

5. permanent is not always the same as durable

What now? Yes or no? The fact is that hair grows back much thinner and finer. Not all stop growing completely and fall out.

The more often you use the device, the less hair will grow back. This always depends on the growth phase in which you have caught the hairs.

Permanent hair removal at home is possible if you are consistent.

Permanent hair removal at home - my self-test

Before my first application I was very excited to see how fast it works and how it feels. With very fair skin and dark hair, I am the perfect example for anyone for whom it should work well.

I have recorded my "permanent hair removal at home" experience here for you.

I recommend the Braun Silk Expert.

So: I shaved thoroughly the day before.

Today my legs have to believe in it. :)

I'll get comfortable and then I'm ready to go. Here comes your step-by-step guide.

1. Press the IPL hair remover firmly on the skin. The device now checks what skin tone you have and adjusts the flash.
2. If you can flash, you can see by a small light on the IPL.
3. Look away and press. Don't look directly into the light, it's not very good for your eyes.
4. You feel a slight tingling sensation and warmth.
5. Apply it to the same place no more than 2x per application.
6. This works wonderfully with the sliding mode.
7. After 12 minutes, I'm done with the first lower leg. With the new Silk Expert Pro, this should even be possible in half the time.

For me, it took 5 months to reduce about 90 percent of my underarm hair. Every second Friday of the month I dedicated myself to this project.

The hairs that are still visible are thinner and therefore do not stand out as much.

That's why I only shave every 2 weeks or one day before the IPL treatment.

Find out more about the Braun IPL hair removal device here!

How often do you have to laser?

After a treatment, the hairs do not stay away forever, but they simply grow back finer and slower.

You can never reach your goal with only 1-2 applications. You need to repeat the treatment regularly.

6 to 10 applications are necessary for it to work first. Of course, the number of applications also depends on how strong your hair growth is and how well your hair responds to the treatment.

If you have thicker hair, it will take longer than if you have thin hairs.

Basically, it can take up to 20 weeks to complete permanent hair removal at home.

With IPL hair laser removal devices for home use, you should repeat the treatment every four to six weeks. Otherwise, the hair will grow back again. Even if they grow much finer and slower.

That sounds awfully long and time-consuming at first. But remember that you do not use the IPL hair removal device every day.

How to properly care for the skin after laser?

After permanent hair removal at home, the skin is quite taken. You can't tell by looking at it, but it needs extra thorough care now.

If you have sensitive skin, it may be red immediately after the treatment. This occurs mainly in sensitive areas such as the thigh or bikini area.

Your skin needs moisture now. Use a mild cream that absorbs quickly. The best is a cream with aloe vera. It soothes the skin and provides extra moisture.

Is IPL really permanent?

Permanent hair removal at home is not just a trend, but really worth it. An IPL device is a good investment in a hair-free future. Provided you are consistent and don't give up immediately if you don't notice any improvement.

It can take up to 3 months before you see a result.

If you are as far along as I am after half a year, you only need to use the IPL device about 1x per month. If you take a longer break, hairs can sprout again. But you can also immediately go after them again.

What does not work is to apply once and then be permanently hair-free. You have to use it every now and then. But once you get over the time-consuming initial period, it's lightning fast.

In the long run, buying the Braun Silk Expert device is cheaper than having to buy wax, depilatory strips, razor blades or depilatory cream on a regular basis.

My conclusion

Permanent hair removal at home with an IPL device is not painful and brings many benefits. But you have to be patient. It can take up to half a year before you see real results. But if you schedule time for it regularly, you will have a lot of joy next summer.

I wish you every success 🙂

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