You Asked Our Esthetician

Q. Can you tell me how your TRIA home laser system compares to laser hair removal treatments in a doctor's office?

A: The TRIA device uses the same technology as the professional hair removal lasers that physicians use, but it has been modified for safety for use at home.

The laser targets the dark pigment in the hair follicle and basically heats the follicle to the point that it disables it, making the hair fall out. That is why darker pigmented skin will not be able to use this device since the laser would not be able to target a follicle and could burn the skin. Likewise, if you have very blonde, gray, red or white hair TRIA will not work for the same reason. In fact, you will not be able to even unlock the device if your skin tone is not the correct color.

Just like professional treatments, TRIA does require several treatments since hair grows in different stages so you will have to go over the same area several times as the hair grows through its stages. Unlike professional treatments, you do have to shave the area before you use the Tria. Also, you can not wax before you use it because there will not be hair in the follicles to target.

As long as you follow the directions correctly and be patient, TRIA can be just as good as getting laser hair removal treatments done in the doctor's office, only much less expensive and much more convenient.