Do Home Laser Hair removal devices work?

No, in general home hair removal kits do not permanently remove hair. Commerical machines cost thousands of dollars, require certification to use commercially, require protective eyewear to operate, and hurt like hell so that there is no way you should try to use one on yourself. It is obvious there is a huge difference. You will find a more experienced technician and a better deal if you find a dedicated hair removal place, and NOT a salon. They should be able to estimate the number of treatments, and at the very least give you a cost per treatment. You should search for a reputable establishment. Be up front about it and it will be (or should be) much cheaper than you might think.

When http://boston.stockgroup.com/sn_newsreleases.asp?symbol=PMTI&newsid=7914183, I'll be ready to try it. I think there aren't any good ones out yet, at least not in the U.S.

as a faithful Cosmo/Glamour reader (in various national editions) I have to say that the users feedback does not seem to indicate that the removal is permanent. it's likely that the technology -- at least on the consumer-level machines -- is just not there anymore.

Even the commercial laser-based hair removal machines out there are less than reliable. The only really reliable and permanent method is electrolysis. And it's slow and painful.

The laser hair removal machines used in clinics and spas are huge and very expensive. If the home versions really worked, I don't think any clinic would still be buying the thousand-dollars versions. So no, I don't think home laser hair removal devices are reliable enough yet. Is the real deal really that cost prohibitive? Have you asked around? I'm getting laser treatment on my legs, underarms and bikini area for around US$600. I'm in Mexico, though, and my city offers LOTS of options for good treatments with high-end machines, so maybe the high offer has run the price to the low side. Maybe you can pay for individual sessions, and get one every time you save enough money, instead of having to pay for the whole treatment up front.

Any laser that would actually be powerful enough to remove hair permanently would be regulated on the state level such that you couldn't actually buy one. The thing is that penetrating the skin deeply enough to melt the follicle would be considered "surgery" in most states. That doesn't even address the issue that "real" hair removal lasers come in two basic flavors, only one of which works on all 6 basic skin tones (the one that hurts more, if you're curious).

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT just get a "real" laser treatment here and there as you can afford it or you will spend way too much money and not like the results!!!!!!!!! Hair follicles are active on a cycle. A new set of follicles starts doing its thing every four to six weeks. This is why a reputable clinic wants to retreat you every 4 to 6 weeks. Even on that schedulre, it takes at least 4-5 treatments to completely do the job. If you miss or subtantially delay a treatment, you are in some ways starting over. This is (part of) why some people "need" 7 or 10 or a dozen treatments.

I stand corrected by ilsa on the individual sessions thing. I didn't think that thoroughly. Maybe you should just start saving some money, and don't think about wasting it on home devices or expensive wax sessions. Just shave until you have enough money to get lasered. It *is* the best thing out there right now, out of the things I've tried, and considering different factors.

Thanks a million for all your feedback and for the people who e-mailed me. The main problem is the closest reputable centres are in London, all the local ones I've tried are cases of "well the manager bought this two weeks ago and she's trained us all up on it, well maybe not me, but it's easy right?" I've been quoted £1,000+ for a course of three treatments which I thought was excessive, especially as it is likely from all your feedback it will need to be routine for some time. It will pay off in the long term, but it seems like it would be cheaper for me to fly to Mexico a couple of times!!! I'm not going to mark a best answer as they have all helped, you've saved me some money. Thank you!