Ever had the scenario where you've lathered up the shaving cream with your leg poised precariously on the side of the bath, rushing to shave, and you nick yourself on the knee? Now, like a teen, you have to wear your favourite dress with half-silky legs and scabby knees, which can take an age to heal. For those who want to have hair-free skin, there are countless methods for hair removal from shaving to waxing to threading to depilatory creams and more, but these methods can be painful, environmentally unfriendly (billions of plastic razors end up in landfill each year), and time-consuming. These methods all provide temporary results which can have drawbacks such as ingrown hairs and frequent maintenance. Enter diode laser hair removal, a revolutionary technique that offers a more permanent solution to unwanted hair growth.
Although the diode laser has been around since the 1960s, it wasn't until the late 1990s that lasers were approved by the FDA in the US. Various laser hair removal treatments have been popular for nearly three decades for good reason; these advanced hair removal methods are set apart from traditional hair removal and offer multiple benefits. Let's dive into the advantages of diode laser hair removal and why it might be the solution you've been searching for.
#1 Long-lasting results
Unlike many traditional hair removal options, which only provide temporary removal, diode laser hair removal offers long-lasting results. The laser targets hair follicles at their root (during the anagen phase of growth when the root is attached), preventing regrowth. With each treatment, the hair becomes finer and sparser, eventually leading to a significant reduction in hair growth; once you've zapped all the hairs during the correct growing phase, the hair follicle is damaged beyond repair, and you'll achieve hair-free results.
#2 Precision and speed
Diode lasers are designed to target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin untouched. This precision ensures effective hair removal without causing skin damage. Additionally, these lasers work rapidly. You lift and place the laser and it zaps automatically when there's good skin contact.
In thirty minutes, which is the Tria 4X diode laser battery life between charges, you can treat your entire lower legs or your arms, armpits, and face – with some zaps left over for other areas. For more information, take a look at my Tria hair removal diary experience here.
Your Tria 4X laser can treat large treatment areas like the legs, back, and chest – but is also perfect for small areas like the face, arms, and underarms. I also used the laser on my bottom and "undercarriage" but these aren't officially recommended by Tria so use with caution as the darker skin in these areas can react differently to the laser.
#3 Minimal discomfort
Traditional hair removal methods often come with discomfort and pain. Diode laser hair removal, however, is relatively painless compared to alternatives like waxing, sugaring, or epilating. The Tria 4X feels more like a hot zap at first, especially when you have coarser, thicker hairs, but as your hair is reduced and destroyed, then you'll feel less discomfort. People with more sensitivity and highly sensitive areas may feel more discomfort but it's not painful. Luckily, Tria sells a Calm Soothing Gel which can be purchased alone or as a kit and compliments their lasers.
#4 Suitable for a range of skin types
Diode lasers are versatile and can be adjusted to accommodate different skin tones and hair colours. Take a look at our skin and hair colour guide on our Tria 4X page here.
#5 Fast treatment sessions
The speed of diode laser hair removal not only comes from the rapid scanning technology but also the fact that larger areas can be treated in a single session. This saves both time and effort for individuals seeking smooth skin. As I've talked about in my hair removal experience, the Tria 4X laser is excellent for smaller areas, which are super easy and quick to treat. You'll see results fast, too, but for larger areas, it's more time-consuming; however, it's way less time-consuming than shaving and waxing regularly. Plus, you can do it in the comfort of your own home whilst watching television.
#6 No ingrown hairs
For me, I had trouble with ingrown hairs on the backs of my thighs and around my bikini line. Thanks to Tria's 4X diode laser, ingrown hairs are a thing of the past. Gone are the days when I created gaping holes in my bikini area (or legs) digging out ingrown hairs from my skin, coiled tightly under the surface, with tweezers and or having to wait for the area to heal – maybe no one else does that but I do not have fond memories!
Waxing and shaving commonly cause ingrown hairs, which can lead to spots or infections, but laser hair removal will reduce or eliminate ingrown hairs – for me, I haven't had a single ingrown hair since I completed treatment.
#7 Cost-effective in the long run
Although the initial cost of a diode laser (like the Tria 4X) is expensive and an investment, long-term it's more cost-effective. Waxing is expensive and shaving is seemingly cheaper but not if you go through a blade a week or two blades per month (those things are so expensive that nowadays they are security tagged in stores). Plus, when you no longer have to shave or wax or have a significant hair reduction, you're saving money!
#8 Confidence boosting
For me, being covered in dark hair was embarrassing, but since using Tria 4X my hair is completely gone in some areas and fine in others (I'm working on top-ups) and that has worked wonders for my confidence. The great thing is once you've invested in the laser, you have it for life! Let's face it: for hairy people, removing unwanted hair permanently can increase self-esteem without the worry of unwanted hair regrowth.
The takeaways
Take a look at our blog all about Tria's 4X's diode laser versus IPL. Discover the difference between the two treatments and see how diode lasers were deemed more effective by the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. Read here about what you need to know before having diode laser hair removal.
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