Table of Contents
This article explores the 2020 boom in at-home laser hair removal driven by COVID-19 lockdowns and tech improvements, highlighting top devices like Tria 4X and Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, their effectiveness and safety, comparisons to 2025 models with better inclusivity and speed, and tips for using older devices effectively today.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Why did at-home laser hair removal become popular in 2020? | The COVID-19 pandemic closed salons and kept people home, leading to a surge in DIY beauty tools like laser devices from brands such as Tria and Philips. |
What were the top at-home laser hair removal devices in 2020? | Top devices included Tria 4X for precise diode laser results, Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 for fast IPL coverage, and Philips Lumea Prestige for cordless versatility. |
How effective were 2020 at-home laser hair removal devices? | They reduced hair growth by 50-70% after consistent use, with best results on dark hair and light skin tones after 3-6 months of bi-weekly sessions. |
How do 2020 devices compare to 2025 at-home laser hair removal options? | 2025 devices offer faster sessions, better compatibility with all skin tones and hair types, advanced cooling for comfort, and higher flash counts for longer use. |
What tips help use older at-home laser hair removal devices effectively? | Shave before sessions, follow bi-weekly schedules for the first three months, use the lowest energy level initially, and always wear protective goggles. |
Why At-Home Laser Hair Removal Boomed in 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in 2020 forcing salons to close and people to stay home.
This sparked a rush for at-home beauty tools including laser hair removal devices.
Brands like Tria Braun and Philips saw sales spike as folks sought salon-quality results without leaving the house.
Key Drivers Behind the Surge
- Pandemic Lockdowns: With no access to pros people turned to DIY hair removal to maintain smooth skin.
- Tech Advancements: IPL and diode lasers became more user-friendly and affordable around that time.
- FDA Approvals: More devices got cleared for home use building trust in their safety.
- Cost Savings: At-home options cut down on repeated salon visits which averaged $200-500 per session.
Online searches for at-home laser hair removal jumped over 300% in 2020 according to Google Trends data.
Women especially grabbed devices for legs bikini lines and underarms to skip razors and waxing hassles.
Men started joining in too targeting back and chest hair with these compact gadgets.
Device | Tech Type | Why It Popped |
|---|---|---|
Tria 4X | Diode Laser | First FDA-cleared home laser for precise results |
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 | IPL | Fast gliding mode covered big areas quickly |
Philips Lumea Prestige | IPL | Cordless design made it easy for home use |
Social media buzz on platforms like Instagram fueled the trend with users sharing before-and-after pics.
By mid-2020 these devices became must-haves turning hair removal into a convenient weekly routine.
Top 5 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices of 2020
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
Tria 4X led the pack as the first FDA-cleared at-home diode laser.
It delivers true laser energy for deeper follicle targeting than IPL options.
Users loved its five energy levels for customizing treatments on face or body.
- Best for dark hair on light skin
- Price around $450
- Pros: Precise spot treatment quick results
- Cons: Slower on large areas potential discomfort
Many reported 70% hair reduction after 12 weeks of bi-weekly use.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 stood out for speed with its IPL tech and gliding mode.
SensoAdapt sensor auto-adjusts light for skin tone ensuring safe flashes.
It handled legs and arms in under 10 minutes per session.
- Best for medium skin tones dark hair
- Price about $400
- Pros: 300000 flashes long lifespan fast coverage
- Cons: Not for very dark skin
Reviewers praised its ease for beginners with visible smoothing in 3-4 sessions.
Philips Lumea Prestige
Philips Lumea Prestige offered cordless freedom with curved attachments for bikini and underarms.
SmartSkin sensor recommends settings based on your complexion.
Clinical tests showed up to 92% hair reduction after three treatments.
- Best for light to olive skin
- Price around $500
- Pros: Versatile heads portable design
- Cons: Higher cost refills needed eventually
Users found it comfy for full-body routines without cords getting in the way.
Iluminage Touch
Iluminage Touch combined IPL with radio frequency making it safe for all skin tones including dark ones.
This hybrid tech boosted effectiveness on finer hairs too.
FDA clearance for diverse complexions set it apart in 2020.
- Best for darker skin tones
- Price near $550
- Pros: Inclusive for all hair colors works on face
- Cons: Smaller treatment window slower overall
It gained fans among those frustrated with IPL-only devices that skipped their skin type.
Remington iLight Ultra
Remington iLight Ultra served as the budget pick with solid IPL performance.
Two modes single for precision gliding for speed covered basics well.
Affordable entry let more people try at-home laser hair removal.
- Best for light skin beginners
- Price under $250
- Pros: Cheap easy to use 60000 flashes
- Cons: Fewer features slower results
Ideal for testing the waters before investing in pricier models.
Device | Tech | Skin Tones | Price Range | Flash Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tria 4X | Diode | I-IV | $450 | Unlimited |
Braun Pro 5 | IPL | I-V | $400 | 300000 |
Philips Lumea | IPL | I-V | $500 | 250000 |
Iluminage Touch | IPL+RF | All | $550 | 300000 |
Remington iLight | IPL | I-IV | $250 | 60000 |
These picks dominated Amazon best-sellers and beauty forums in 2020.
For more on current top devices check out our top 5 at-home laser hair removal guide.
How Effective and Safe Were These Devices Back Then
Effectiveness in Real Use
Studies from around 2020 showed at-home laser hair removal devices cut hair growth by 50-70% after consistent use.
Tria 4X users saw about 70% reduction in 12 weeks with bi-weekly sessions targeting the follicle directly.
IPL models like Braun and Philips achieved 50-60% less hair on light skin tones after 3-6 months.
- Best results came from dark coarse hair on fair skin
- Finer or light hair responded slower needing more treatments
- Full body sessions took 20-40 mins depending on the device
Users shaved before each go to let light hit the root without burning surface hair.
Safety Features and Risks
FDA cleared devices like Tria and Iluminage included skin sensors to prevent overexposure.
Most came with goggles to shield eyes from bright flashes during treatment.
Burns happened if folks ignored guidelines like using on tanned skin or high settings.
Device | Safety Tech | Common Risks | Suitable Skin Types |
|---|---|---|---|
Tria 4X | Energy levels goggles | Discomfort on sensitive areas | Fair to medium (I-IV) |
Braun Pro 5 | SensoAdapt sensor | Pigmentation changes | Light to olive (I-V) |
Philips Lumea | SmartSkin sensor | Redness if overused | Light to medium (I-V) |
Iluminage Touch | RF integration | Minimal for all tones | All tones (I-VI) |
Remington iLight | Basic modes | Burns on dark skin | Fair only (I-IV) |
Dark skin users risked hyperpigmentation with standard IPL so Iluminage stood out as safer.
Who Should Avoid Them
Pregnant women skipped treatments due to unknown effects on the body.
Those with epilepsy active acne or diabetes faced higher risks of reactions.
Tattooed areas stayed off-limits to avoid ink damage from the light.
Patch tests on small spots helped spot issues before full sessions.
Overall 2020 devices proved safe for most when users followed instructions closely.
For tips on safe use today see our how to use laser hair removal at home guide.
Comparing 2020 Devices to Today's 2025 Options
Technology Upgrades
2020 devices relied mostly on IPL with a few diode lasers like Tria 4X for targeted hits.
2025 models mix in hybrid IPL-RF and advanced diodes like Ulike Air 3 for deeper penetration and less pain.
Modern ones add cooling tech to ease the sting during sessions.
- 2020: Basic IPL flashes slower results
- 2025: Faster pulses with sapphire ice cooling
Newer devices handle finer hairs better thanks to broader light spectra.
Skin Tone and Hair Compatibility
Back in 2020 most at-home laser hair removal stuck to light skin and dark hair leaving others out.
Today options like Nood Flasher 2.0 work on darker tones up to Fitzpatrick VI without burns.
Light or red hair sees better outcomes now with RF boosts in 2025 picks.
Aspect | 2020 Devices | 2025 Devices |
|---|---|---|
Skin Tones | Mostly I-IV limited for dark | I-VI inclusive for brown black skin |
Hair Types | Dark coarse best | Dark fine light all improved |
Effectiveness | 50-70% reduction | 80-90% with fewer sessions |
2025 tech adapts in real time cutting risks for diverse users.
Speed and Comfort Levels
2020 sessions dragged on with Tria taking spot-by-spot zaps up to 40 mins for legs.
Braun Pro 5 glided fast but still heated up skin after a bit.
2025 devices like Braun Pro 7 finish full legs in 5-10 mins with built-in chillers.
- 2020: Moderate pain no cooling
- 2025: Low discomfort fan or gel cooled
Users report less redness and quicker recovery now.
Price and Features Breakdown
2020 prices ranged $200-600 with solid but basic features like sensors and attachments.
2025 offers budget $150 entry-level to $800 premium with apps for tracking sessions.
Flash counts jumped too 500000+ in new models for years of use.
Feature | 2020 Average | 2025 Average |
|---|---|---|
Price | $200-600 | $150-800 more options |
Flash Count | 60k-300k | 300k-1M longer life |
Extras | Sensors goggles | Apps cooling heads |
Overall 2025 at-home laser hair removal devices outpace 2020 in speed safety and reach.
Check our 2024 best at-home laser hair removal for latest picks or top-rated devices in 2025.
Tips to Use Older At-Home Laser Devices Effectively Now
Prep Your Skin Right
Shave the area clean before each session so the laser hits the follicle not surface hair.
Avoid waxing or plucking for 4-6 weeks prior to let hairs grow back to root level.
Stay out of the sun for 2 weeks before and after to prevent burns or color changes.
- Use moisturizer daily but skip lotions or oils right before treatment
- Exfoliate gently 24 hours prior to remove dead skin
- Patch test on a small spot first to check for reactions
Follow a Smart Schedule
Stick to bi-weekly sessions for the first 3 months then monthly for maintenance.
Treat when hair is in growth phase usually every 2 weeks for best results.
Track progress with photos to see reduction over time.
- Start at lowest energy level and increase as skin tolerates
- Do full sessions consistently dont skip weeks
- Maintenance every 4-6 weeks keeps results smooth
Handle Device Specifics
For Tria 4X use the cooling gel it came with to ease diode laser heat.
Braun and Philips IPL models work best on clean dry skin with their sensors on.
Check flash count on older units like Remington some need cartridge replacements.
Device | Key Tip | Session Time | Maintenance Need |
|---|---|---|---|
Tria 4X | Apply cooling gel hold steady | 20-30 mins body | Battery check |
Braun Pro 5 | Glide mode for legs use sensor | 10-15 mins legs | Clean head often |
Philips Lumea | Cordless charge fully curved heads | 15-25 mins full | Replace attachments |
Iluminage Touch | RF setting for dark skin slow passes | 25-35 mins body | Gel refills |
Remington iLight | Single mode for face budget flashes | 20-40 mins areas | Flash counter watch |
Wear included goggles always to protect eyes from flashes.
Clean the device head after each use to avoid skin irritation.
If results slow down consider upgrading but older models still work well with care.
For more guidance see our how often to use at-home laser hair removal or are at-home devices worth it articles.