If hair and stubble were considered sexy, the hair removal industry would not make millions. The amount of money spent on razors, waxing, depilatories and laser hair treatments could save the rain forest, feed starving children, or at least buy a few cute pairs of shoes. But no, hairy armpits and prickly legs are not found in the fashion magazines.
The time and money spent on hair removal has inspired the industry to develop home laser treatment options. Because laser hair treatments are expensive and time consuming, at home laser treatments should ideally be cheaper and easier. Expense is relative however.
The Tria, a home laser hair removal device, costs just under a thousand dollars and is the only device approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some can justify the cost by estimating the 600 dollars spent on laser hair removal treatments in doctor's offices and clinics.
Making laser hair removal an at home activity appeals to many people. The one time cost is a bonus, and shy types can take care of their own bikini line avoiding somebody else inspecting at close range their most intimate areas.
Creating a laser clinic quality device that the average person can use without creating a lawsuit is a delicate balance. The machines in clinics are huge and cost thousands of dollars, which of course is not feasible for a home unit. Not to mention the training and certifications required to use the big machines.
Scarring and burning detract from the smooth surface of hairless skin and are not results most people aim for. So a home unit must ensure that the average intelligence will not maim him or herself beyond recognition, costing the company millions in medical and legal fees.
Hair tends to grow in places that are not easy to reach. While some people claim to use a home device while watching television, this seems a bit odd. The positions one must get into to reach some of these places would not allow for a good view of the television. Not to mention the chiropractic bills for adjustments after the contortionist act to get in some crevices.
Different lasers are used for different skin tones. Darker skin is at risk of burning. The Tria uses one kind of laser and therefore only works for lighter skin tones. The device will not activate if the sensor senses a skin tone out of the range of its abilities.
It seems that home laser hair removal devices are best for maintenance work after money has been spent for professional hair removal. Trying to use a home laser device on thick areas has not been as effective as professional hair removal.
While laser removal claims to be permanent, the only permanent aspect of laser hair removal is the maintenance time to keep the area free of the occasional hairs that sprout up. After spending thousands to be hair free, one can then spend another thousand to maintain that baby soft feel and practice yoga all at the same time!
