It was only a matter of time before laser hair removal could be done at home, with its great demand and high professional costs. It seems two companies had similar ideas because both are launching their home laser systems, Tria and Silk’n™, very close to one another.

The same principle is used in the home versions, damaging hair follicles with a pulsed light like in laser treatments you would receive at a Medical Spa or Clinic. And also similar to the majority of professional lasers, they can cause scarring or burning if used on dark skin, and less than optimal results if you have red, blonde, white, or red hair, because the laser targets dark pigment (color). So the best laser candidates still remain to be those with light skin and dark hair, even at home. One interesting difference is that when using professional lasers you need to wear goggles, but they're unnecessary with these home versions. I’m very curious to see if lasering at home gives comparable results.

Tria: Cleared by the FDA for use on the neck down. Once you press the laser against your skin, it will turn red and lock up if your skin is too dark, or beep if it’s light enough to safely use. You can purchase it for $995 beginning in May 2008 from aesthetic physicians, or in the Fall on their website, and at some spas and retailers. If you would like to reserve one, you can do so at www.triabeauty.com.

Silk’n™: (pictured above left) Cleared by the FDA for areas below the neck. It has 5 adjustable setting levels, and will only give out the pulse of light when it’s touching the skin. You won’t find Silk’n™ at the store, only through a physician for $800. Their website doesn't say exactly when it will be available, but you can sign up at www.Silkn.com to be notified when you can buy one in your area.

Although the prices seem high, just one professional laser treatment can cost anywhere from $200 - $900, and you usually need 4 -6 treatments.

Photo of Silk’n™ Courtesy Business Wire

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