Zap yourself hairfree with a home IPL laser device

Photo from Remington website

The Remington iLight lets you remove hair at home. It uses the same technology clinics use, called IPL. IPL is not a laser. IPL meansIntense Pulsed Light. A calibrated ,super-bright pulse of light flashes against your skin. The light and heat travel down the hair shaft and damage the root.

The iLight is advertised as providing temporary hair removal, but if you continue using it, the result will probably become permanent. In a sense, though, no hair removal is permanent because as you age more hairs will pop up.

The way it's used is simple but laborious. You take the rather clumsy wand, press it against your skin, and zap yourself. The treatment window is less than 1 inch by 1/2 inch, so you can imagine it will take a long time to treat yourself. It can take up to three treatments to see any results.

Who this is good for

This  can only be used by light-skinned people and it will only work on dark hair. You will also need patience and endurance. The treatment is tedious and pressing the button over and over can become uncomfortable.

Please note these limitations: You cannot use it above the neck because the light is so bright. It can damage the eyes, and you cannot effectively shield your eyes if you use it above the neck because the light will travel through your flesh. You are not supposed to use it in the genital/anal area.

Pros

• It works.
• It appears to be foolproof. You are unlikely to injure yourself if you follow the instructions.
• It's probably safer and gentler than having IPL done professionally.

Cons

• Any type of IPL can reduce skin sensitivity
• Some people will find this painful, especially if you use it where you're not supposed to

Helpful hints

• If you decide to use a topical anesthetic, don't use too much. There have been cases where people have died after using too much.
• Be sure to recalibrate the device for each body area you plan to do.
• Follow the directions closely.
• Use eye protection.

For more info on how to be a scent-free, hair-free but not necessarily neurosis-free uberhuman, click here to read about Hollywood Bodies.