The ads make it sound simple: buy a device, zap away your hair, and enjoy smooth, permanent results, all from the comfort of your home. For trans and non-binary folks navigating hair dysphoria and financial barriers, there’s an appeal to at-home laser hair removal.
Before investing in a device, it’s worth asking: Will this work for me? Is it safe, affirming, and aligned with my goals?
Let’s dig into the pros, cons, and what to consider before deciding if at-home laser hair removal is right for you.
At-home laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices are handheld tools that use light to damage hair follicles, gradually reducing hair growth over time. They’re less powerful than professional machines, but can still be effective for some folks with consistent use.
Most at-home devices are FDA-cleared for safety and designed for easy use on areas like the face, arms, legs, and underarms. That said, they’re not always safe on sensitive or intimate areas, so always read the fine print and do your research before getting started.
Professional laser hair removal can cost hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars over time. At-home devices typically range between $200-$500, making them a more accessible option for folks on a tight budget. If at-home laser is the only financially realistic option for you, it might still be a helpful tool for reducing dysphoria, even if it doesn’t provide permanent results.
For some trans people, especially those who experience dysphoria or anxiety in medical or spa settings, being able to treat their body hair in the privacy of their home can be a huge relief. However, not having professional support may increase anxiety for others, so think about what feels best for you.
You don’t need to work around a provider's calendar or commute to a clinic. You can treat yourself on your own time, which can be helpful for those who work full time, have varying schedules, face transportation barriers, experience challenges related to health or disability status, or have caregiving responsibilities that make travel difficult.
Even if you’re receiving professional treatments, at-home devices can be useful for touch-ups, maintaining long-term results, or continuing progress while you save for your next appointment. They can help fill the gap and keep you feeling good between visits.
At-home devices are less powerful than what you’d find in a clinic, so the results may be slower, more subtle, or temporary. These tools usually work best on fine hair and smaller areas. If you have coarse or dense hair, you may not achieve full clearance, even with regular use.
Most at-home devices are designed to work best on light skin with dark hair. If you have deeper skin tones, red hair, or very light blonde/white hair, you may not see results. You also risk skin irritation and burns. Always double-check the device's safety guidelines before use.
Professional clinics often have more advanced technology that can safely treat a wider range of skin tones and hair types. So, if you’ve been using an at-home device already and you haven’t seen results, it’s not your fault. It just might not be the right tool for you!
Without a provider to guide you, there’s a greater chance of user error, such as using the wrong settings, treating areas that aren’t safe, or over-treating the same area. It may take some trial and error to figure out what works for your skin and hair.
If you’re preparing for bottom surgery or another gender-affirming procedure that requires permanent hair removal ahead of time, at-home laser is not considered sufficient by most surgeons. In these cases, professional laser hair removal (more often electrolysis) is required to ensure long-term results and reduce the risk of complications.
|
At-home |
Professional |
|
|
Cost |
$200-$500, one time purchase of device |
$100-$600 per session, multiple sessions needed |
|
Effectiveness |
Moderate, temporary results |
Stronger, longer-lasting results |
|
Best for |
Small areas, maintenance |
Larger areas, surgical prep |
|
Hair Types |
Dark hair on light skin |
Wider range with advanced tools |
|
Skin tones |
Limited range |
Wider range, especially with electrolysis |
|
Privacy |
Comfort of at-home use |
In the precedence of a provider and possibly others |
|
Speed |
Slower results |
Faster clearance |
If you’re looking for a low-cost, low-pressure way to reduce unwanted hair and feel more comfortable in your body, at-home laser could be a great option, especially for areas like the arms, legs, or underarms.
If you’re seeking full clearance, prepping for surgery, or dealing with coarse or dense facial hair, professional laser treatments or electrolysis are likely the better fit for your goals.
There’s no single “right” path—only the one that supports your needs, comfort, and journey.
Need help affording permanent hair removal services? Learn about Point of Pride’s Electrolysis Support Fund, a scholarship-like program for trans folks who cannot afford or otherwise access it.