If you have personally made the decision to remove your body hair, you are most likely frustrated with the standard razor situation. I've been shaving my legs since I was a teenager and I'm sick of it. The idea of a permanent solution is appealing, but personally, I had two sessions with a nice esthetician before I stopped my in-office hair removal journey. The pain, the lack of immediate results, and frankly, the huge amount of money just didn't seem worth it. That's where the home laser hair removal machine (opens in new tab) came in. The only problem is that I am skeptical to the point of pessimism. Still, I was interested in the two most popular tools: the Tria 4X laser and the Silk'n SensEpil home device.

So do these work? Before you plunk down $400 or more for these devices, ask dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal (opens in new tab) for all the information you need before you buy. Think of it like the marching giants of home hair removal devices. Which will win?

Both the Tria 4X and Silk'n SensEpil can be used anywhere on the body: face, body, bikini area, underarms, etc.

Yes, as long as you follow the instructions.

"Diodes work best with skin and hair contrast. So light skin and dark hairs respond best," says Dr. Lal.

The two devices differ in their effects on different hair colors and skin tones because they use two different technologies-the Tria 4X is a laser and the Silkensensepil uses intense pulsed light (IPL).

In short. Most hair removal devices "feel like a hot rubber band snap," says Dr. Lal. 'Areas with denser, thicker hairs will feel hotter and sharper than other areas.' It doesn't mean it won't hurt.

"These devices work," Dr. Lal concludes. But the effects are not always immediate. 'It's hard to say how long it will take for the hair to reduce because you need to know the person's skin tone, hair thickness, and hair color. People will notice hair reduction, which is the definition of hair loss, but I would say that you need 4-6 consecutive treatments with each device before you start seeing results."

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"Silk'n SensEpil is a light-based device that uses different wavelengths of visible light to reduce hair growth," Dr. Lal noted.

Like the Tria 4X, anywhere on the body.

If you're thinking of gifting an epilator to a man, buy him a potted plant instead. Dr. Lull warns, "They should not be used on a man's scrotum because the skin is thinner there." However, when used correctly, these tools are safe.

IPL-based devices such as Silk'n SensEpil tend to require some extra treatments. Says Dr. Lal, "Because they are less selective, they often require more treatments to achieve the same result, with the potential for more side effects."

"IPL devices may also help reduce red or light-colored hair. However, "IPL-based devices are not suitable for people with darker skin because they are less selective and can cause side effects such as burns, blisters, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation."

For very thin hair, both devices "are likely to be effective on gray, white, and blond hair."

As with most hair removal devices, yes, a little.

Those hesitant to use home epilators or concerned about the potential risks are always wise to try the in-office route. Says Dr. Lal, "Because these devices are made for home use, they take longer than in-office hair reduction treatments." If in doubt, consult your local dermatologist.