What Simplicity Laser is and how it removes hair
Simplicity Laser is a diode laser system designed for at-home hair removal. It works by emitting concentrated light that targets the pigment in hair follicles beneath the skin's surface. The heat from the laser damages the follicle so it stops producing hair, though results vary by skin tone, hair color, and how consistently you use the device.
The device is manufactured by Cynosure, a company owned by Hologic. Simplicity Laser is marketed as a consumer product you operate yourself, rather than a professional system used in clinics. This means lower cost per treatment than in-office sessions, but also that you control the timing, intensity, and technique.
Diode lasers work best on dark hair and lighter skin because the laser light is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft. If you have very light hair, very dark skin, or both, the device may be less effective because there is less contrast between the hair pigment and your skin tone for the laser to target.
Key Takeaways
- Simplicity Laser is a diode laser system you use at home, and results depend on your hair color, skin tone, and how often you use it.
- The device works best on dark hair and lighter skin, and may not work well if you have very light hair or very dark skin.
- Treatment sessions take minutes per area, but you typically need multiple sessions weeks apart because hair grows in cycles and the laser only affects actively growing follicles.
- You should not use Simplicity Laser on certain skin conditions, medications, or if you are pregnant, and you must wear eye protection during every session.
- Results are not permanent; some hair regrowth occurs over time, and maintenance treatments may be needed to keep skin smooth.
How to use Simplicity Laser step by step
Before your first session, shave the area you plan to treat. Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams, because the laser needs the hair root to be intact beneath the skin. Shaving removes the hair above the skin without disturbing the follicle below.
On treatment day, wash and dry the area completely. Make sure your skin is clean and free of lotions, sunscreen, makeup, or other products that could interfere with the laser. Put on the protective eyewear that comes with the device or that the manufacturer recommends—this is not optional, even if the area you are treating is not near your eyes.
Start with the lowest intensity setting if this is your first time using the device. Place the handpiece flat against your skin and press the button to fire the laser. You will see a flash of light and may feel warmth or a slight stinging sensation. Move the handpiece to an adjacent area and repeat, working across the treatment zone in a grid pattern so you do not miss spots or treat the same area twice.
After treatment, explore a soothing lotion or aloe vera gel if your skin feels irritated. Avoid sun exposure on the treated area for at least 24 hours, and use sunscreen if you go outside. Do not use hot water, saunas, or strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
Treatment schedule and how many sessions you need
Hair grows in three phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). The laser only damages follicles during the anagen phase, so you need multiple sessions to catch all the hairs as they cycle through their growth phases. This is why a single treatment does not remove all hair permanently.
Most users treat the same area every 2 to 4 weeks for the first 6 to 12 months. The exact timing depends on how fast your hair grows and your individual response to the laser. After several sessions, you may notice that hair regrows more slowly and in smaller amounts. At that point, you can space out treatments to every 4 to 8 weeks, or stop and resume only when you notice regrowth.
The number of sessions needed varies widely. Some people see significant reduction after 4 to 6 sessions; others need 8 to 12 or more. Factors that affect this include your hair thickness, skin tone, the area being treated, and how consistently you follow the treatment schedule.
Who should not use Simplicity Laser
Do not use Simplicity Laser if you are pregnant, because the effects on a developing fetus are not well studied. If you become pregnant during treatment, stop using the device and resume after delivery if you wish.
Avoid the device if you have active skin infections, open wounds, severe sunburn, or conditions like eczema or psoriasis on the area you want to treat. The heat and light can worsen these conditions or cause additional irritation.
Certain medications make your skin more sensitive to light. These include some antibiotics (tetracyclines), anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications for acne or other skin conditions. If you take any prescription medication, check the label or ask your doctor whether it increases photosensitivity before using the laser.
If you have a history of keloid scars or abnormal wound healing, consult a doctor before using Simplicity Laser. The heat from the laser can trigger excessive scarring in people prone to keloids.
Skin tone, hair color, and how they affect results
Diode lasers like Simplicity work by targeting melanin in the hair. This means the device performs best when there is high contrast between your hair color and skin tone. Dark hair on light skin is the ideal combination for maximum effectiveness and safety.
If you have light blonde, red, or gray hair, the laser may not work well because there is less melanin in the hair shaft for the laser to absorb. You may see minimal results even after many sessions.
If you have very dark skin, the laser light is absorbed by melanin in your skin as well as in your hair, which increases the risk of burns or discoloration. Some manufacturers recommend that people with darker skin tones use lower intensity settings or avoid the device altogether. Check the device manual or contact the manufacturer to see whether Simplicity Laser is recommended for your specific skin tone.
If you have a tan or have recently been in the sun, your skin has more melanin and the risk of burns increases. Wait at least two weeks after sun exposure before using the device, and avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Side effects and what to expect during and after treatment
During treatment, you may feel warmth, mild stinging, or a snapping sensation as the laser fires. Some people describe it as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The intensity of this sensation depends on your pain tolerance, skin sensitivity, and the power setting you use.
when ready after treatment, the skin may be red or slightly swollen. This usually fades within a few hours to a day. explore ice or a cool compress can help reduce redness and discomfort.
In the days after treatment, some hair may fall out on its own as the damaged follicles shed. You may also see ingrown hairs as new hair grows back, especially if you have curly or coarse hair. Gentle exfoliation and moisturizing can help prevent ingrown hairs.
Rare side effects include blistering, permanent skin discoloration, or burns. These are more likely if you use the device on unsuitable skin tones, ignore safety instructions, or use settings that are too high for your skin. Always start with the lowest setting and increase only if your skin tolerates it well.
Cost and how Simplicity Laser compares to other options
Simplicity Laser devices cost between $300 and $600 depending on the retailer and any current promotions. This is a one-time purchase, though you may need to replace the device after several years of use or if it malfunctions.
In-office laser hair removal at a clinic typically costs $200 to $400 per session, and most people need 6 to 12 sessions, bringing the total to $1,200 to $4,800 or more. Over time, at-home devices like Simplicity Laser are usually cheaper than repeated professional treatments, but the upfront cost is higher and you bear the responsibility for safe use.
Other at-home options include intense pulsed light (IPL) devices, which work similarly to lasers but use a broader spectrum of light. IPL devices often cost less than laser devices but may be less effective. Prescription creams like eflornithine slow hair growth but do not remove hair permanently and must be applied daily. Waxing and plucking are cheaper but require frequent repetition and do not reduce hair growth over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Simplicity Laser on my face?
Yes, but with caution. The face is more sensitive than other areas, and the skin is thinner. Always use a lower intensity setting on your face than you would on your legs or underarms. Avoid the eye area, eyebrows, and any area with active acne or open sores. If you have facial hair you want to remove, test the device on a small area first.
How long do results last?
Results are not permanent. Most people see significant hair reduction that lasts several months to a year after completing a full course of treatments. After that, some hair regrows, and you may need maintenance treatments every few months to keep the area smooth. The regrowth is usually lighter and finer than the original hair.
Will the laser work on dark skin?
Diode lasers like Simplicity can work on darker skin tones, but the risk of burns and skin discoloration increases because the laser absorbs melanin in the skin as well as in the hair. Check the device manual to see what skin tones the manufacturer recommends. If you have dark skin, use the lowest effective setting and consider consulting a dermatologist before starting treatment.
What if I miss a treatment session or fall behind schedule?
If you miss a session, straightforward resume when you can. Hair cycles continue regardless of your treatment schedule, so you have not lost progress. However, spacing treatments too far apart may slow your overall results because you will catch fewer hairs in their active growth phase. Try to maintain a regular schedule of every 2 to 4 weeks for best results.
Can I use Simplicity Laser if I have tattoos?
Avoid treating tattooed skin with the laser. The laser light can be absorbed by tattoo ink, which may cause the ink to heat up, fade, or become damaged. If you want to remove hair near a tattoo, leave at least an inch of space between the tattoo and the treatment area.