The rise of at-home laser hair removal devices has changed the way many of us think about body hair. While professional beauty clinics remain the preferred choice for some, at-home devices have become increasingly popular thanks to the impressive advances in their technology and their ability to now offer visible, long-lasting results, convenience and cost savings (it is, after all, a one-time cost rather than multiple sessions at a salon).
Featured in this article
Among the new-generation hair removal gadgets is the Tria Laser 4X, an at-home device designed to compete with its professional counterparts. According to the brand, it has a power level of up to 20 J/cm², compared with around 6 J/cm² for other at-home pulsed light devices, making it 233 per cent more effective at hair removal than many other IPL devices.
But how does it work, who is it suitable for, and what kind of results can you expect? Here is everything you need to know about the Tria Laser 4X.
- High energy output: The Tria Laser 4X delivers up to 233 per cent more power than many at-home IPL devices.
- FDA-cleared technology: The device uses laser technology that has been cleared by the FDA for at-home hair removal.
- Easy to use: The single button and LED display make it easy to select and monitor settings and battery status.
- Precise treatment window: The relatively small treatment area allows for effective, targeted treatments, particularly on smaller or harder-to-reach areas.
- Skin-tone sensor: A built-in sensor checks whether the skin tone is within the device’s safe treatment range, minimising the risk of damage.
- Brand claims: Up to 75 per cent hair reduction after two treatments and 100 per cent hair removal with a full course of treatments.
- Clinical studies: Involving 79 participants with hair counts measured before treatment and at multiple follow-up points, including after 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months, the results showed sustained reductions in hair growth, although the degree of reduction varied between treatment areas and participants.
The device may be a good option for those looking to permanently reduce hair growth with the flexibility of at-home use. It is important to stick to a regular treatment schedule, so it will work best for those who are consistent with its usage.
The Tria Laser 4X is not suitable for every skin and hair combination. In particular, it is not designed for people with very dark skin tones or very light hair. If you need to treat large areas quickly, the device’s relatively small treatment window can make sessions time-consuming.
- Using a razor, shave the area that is about to be treated.
- Clean and dry the skin before treatment.
- Unlock the device according to the instructions.
- Select the appropriate intensity level, starting at a comfortable setting and increasing it only as recommended and tolerated. If the treatment feels uncomfortable, reduce the intensity rather than trying to push through.
- Place the treatment window flat against the skin and hold it in position until the device signals that the pulse has been delivered.
- Move to the adjacent area and repeat, taking care not to repeatedly treat the same spot during a single session.
- After treatment, follow the aftercare recommendations and avoid unnecessary sun exposure.
To maximise results, Tria recommends one session every two weeks. You should notice results in just two sessions (aka a month), and after the sixth session, the ideal would be 100 per cent hair removal. After that, one session a month is advised for maintenance.
The verdict
The Tria Laser 4X is different from the majority of at-home hair removal devices on the market as it uses diode laser technology rather than conventional IPL. It has a higher energy output and so is more powerful, offering an effective and precise option for long-term results. Its main advantages are power, precision and convenience, but its trade-offs are the relatively small treatment window, higher upfront cost, and that it is not compatible with some skin tones and hair shades.
In just a month, I noticed a significant reduction in the hair at my underarms, bikini line, and face. Hair is also growing back more slowly and falling out. Areas with darker hair responded better to treatment than lighter hair.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast, visible results | It may take time and patience, and results vary from person to person |
| Suitable for dark to medium-brown hair and fair to medium-olive skin | Since it has a smaller treatment window, it may take longer if you want to treat large areas |
| Use at home whenever you want | Some people experience discomfort in more sensitive areas |
| Despite the initial outlay, it offers significant savings compared to professional treatments |