The TRIA Laser ($995.00) is an at-home permanent hair removal device created to mimic the laser treatments done in dermatologist offices. The story behind TRIA is to give women a way to get the benefits of light-based hair removal in the privacy of their own home. The gold standard used in dermatologist offices is a diode laser hair removal system. The scientists that invented this professional diode laser also developed the TRIA laser, which utilizes the same technology as the professional lasers you would find at your dermatologists. TRIA’s technology is miniaturized and safe for use at-home by you.
The folks at TRIA asked me if I would be interested in trying out the TRIA and chronicling my experience on the blog. My first reaction was, “REALLY?” And my second reaction was, “PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL? REALLY?” So here I am, chronicling my adventures with the TRIA Laser for all to read, and you can be sure you’ll hear how it progresses and what results I see as I go through the treatments. The basic technology behind the TRIA is a diode laser which targets the dark pigment found in the hair follicles; this energy heats up and disables the hair follicle, which in turn causes the hair to fall out. Eventually, no more hair growth!
You tell me why I would even consider a device that’s $995.00! TRIA is not designed for the girl on a budget, but it is designed for people seeking permanent hair removal, but those who cannot afford the expense of having laser treatments performed by their dermatologists. According to TRIA, women can expect to spend approximately $3,000 over the next ten years for shaving, nearly $5,000 for depilatories, $11,000 for waxing, and $14,000 for electrolysis. Despite the long-term cost-savings, it is a larger up front cost that I feel is best suited for women in the market for permanent or laser hair removal. Going to the dermatologist’s office will cost you thousands to treat your legs, arms, bikini line, and underarms–TRIA costs you much less in comparison. Waxing is also a pricey option (moreso than shaving), so those who regularly get themselves waxed might find this something to consider.
Treatment One
I’m just about at the end of my first treatment (which I did just under four weeks ago). At that time, I did my legs and underarms. I attempted my bikini line, but I hadn’t shaved immediately before, so I decided to wait until next time. I discovered my legs and underarms could withstand the highest energy level for the most part. There were a few spots on my legs that I needed to reduce the energy level to medium, because the pin-prick sensation was mildly painful. Any pain associated with the treatment was still less than waxing, though. Luckily, with three settings, you can generally find your butter zone where it’s working and you’re comfortable.
It took me about a half hour or so to do both legs, but I think I might have hurried and not been as thorough as I should have been. I’ll let you know how it long it takes for treatment two when I’m deliberately being more thorough! The TRIA does need to be recharged regularly. I wouldn’t count on doing marathon sessions of hours of the TRIA or anything, but you should be able to do your legs or your arms in one sitting. Basically, the larger the area, the longer it will take.
So far… Generally, you won’t have visible results until after your second treatment, but I can say that the hair on the back of my legs is sparser than it was before. I’ve also noticed that some of my underarm hair has grown less (like it looks patchy almost) in some areas. FYI, I shave my underarms everyday; I think the hair under there grows faster than my boyfriend’s scruff, LOL.
Get details on how to use the TRIA and where it can be used, plus a few more photos…
How-to use it: The TRIA is used every four weeks for six to eight treatments. The idea behind the four week gap is that the hair follicle cycle is about four weeks long, so each treatment should get different hairs or the ones it missed in the previous treatment.
- Prior to using, you should shave and clean your skin–but note that you cannot wax, and if you have waxed recently, you need to wait four to six weeks for hair growth to return.
- You will need to unlock the TRIA–this is an amazing result of technology. Lasers are only designed to work on some people, not all. It works most effectively on light skin with dark hair, because the laser targets the pigmentation found in the hair. TRIA specifically states it should not be used by those of African-American, East Indian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent. In order for the laser to turn on, you have to first put the Skin Sensor over the body part you’re attempting to treat, which will unlock if it is safe to use on your skin tone.
- There are three “energy” levels, which are kind of like three levels of intensity. Generally speaking, the highest is the most effective, but some might find pain associated with it and need to reduce the intensity (more on this later).
- Apply the laser tip to the area, and you’ll hear a short beep once the pulse is complete. You overlap the area by mere millimeters, so you end up with about 25 beeps per square inch. Each pulse is just a few seconds (maybe even less), so each pulse itself isn’t lengthy, but the entire process may take longer.
So where can it be used? It can be used on legs, bikini ilne, underarms, arms, back, chest, and abdomen. It is not to be used anywhere above the neck (aka face), around the eyes, nipples, anus, or genitals.
Stay tuned for treatment two!
Skin Sensor
Skin Sensor
Julie
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
WOW we desperately want to try one of these. Have been considering going to a derm to get this done for sometime. Put this in Coutorture’s must reads today.
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
:) Thanks Julie!
lisa
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
If it really worked i would not mind paying that at all but the only down side to it is that it doesnt do the face and i have a moustache:-( that i constantly have to shave!! But will probably go to the dermatologist to get facial hair permanently removed but i would get this for my legs etc if it worked well.
caramel
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
If you’re interested in permanent facial hair removal, I suggest going with electrolysis. I heard that laser can trigger increased hair growth in some areas that are so much affected by hormones such as the upper-lip and chin areas. HTHS :)
But I too am very excited to learn about this Tria gadget and would love to buy one! I’ll wait to see how it works out for Christine, and if all goes well I’m definitely getting one!!
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thanks for the tips, Caramel! This definitely helps :)
lisa
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thanks for that bit of info:-)
caramel
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
You’re welcome, ladies :)
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
It does suck that you can’t do the face/upper lip! But a reader commented saying electrolysis is actually better suited for it, so maybe there’s that :)
I use Sally Hansen’s pre-waxed strips. Better than shaving!
lisa
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Will pick that up the next time i go shopping.
Carrie
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Huh, folks should form a co-op to purchase and share one as a group, pass it around for the periodic treatments. And if it really is permanent, you’ll never need it again after you are finished. :P
BTW, $3,000 for 10 years of shaving?! I think my annual razor and shaving cream bill is less than $50 = $500 tops for 10 years.
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
OMG!! That’s exactly what I was thinking! Like if you had your mom and sister both want to do it, too… then it wouldn’t be so bad ;)
I do agree the shaving estimate is a bit off, BUT I know that I don’t replace my razors as often as I should. I know those things aren’t so cheap these days, LOL. Not to say I think my bill is that high, but if I did it right and tight, maybe $1,000 or so?
Amanda
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
TRIA specifically states it should not be used by those of African-American, East Indian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent.
Wow, that’s a huge population of women who can’t use this.
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Unfortunately the technology targets the pigmentation of the hair, and if you have dark skin with dark hair, the laser doesn’t distinguish very well between your skin and the hair follicle. If you have light skin and light hair, again, it can’t see pigmentation, so it’s not effective at all.
Farrah
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I have had professional hair removal/reduction. It works best when hair is dark and skin is pale. On women of color; the laser cannot distingush between the hair and skin color. For those of color, electrolysis is your best option for permenant removal/reduction.
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thanks for sharing, Farrah :) Very helpful!
Cat F.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My face is NC35 in SFF- my arms a bit darker, but my legs, underarms and (obviously :)) bikini line are lighter. My hair is dark-ish brown, it’s not super dark though. Do you think I could use this?
Christine
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Hey Cat! I am NC30, and like you, my arms tend to be a bit darker. It unlocks on my hands and arms, and of course, legs and anything lighter. I think you could use this. They have a pretty good guarantee policy, though. I didn’t think my hair was THAT dark and my skin isn’t super light, I really am quite medium toned, ha! It unlocked and worked for me. :)
Dee J
Monday, October 27, 2008
Christine, what is the policy on the system. i want to buy the system because i have dark hair on my tummy and my chest, due to early shaving in my early years. N-e Way my chest is pretty light but i’m darker then NC30, but i don’t know my color, but i do have an orange undertone in my skin because of my native american descentdents!, but i’m guessing i will not being able to use this.
Christine
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I imagine you could purchase, and if it didn’t work, return it. But they do say that it doesn’t work for Native Americans period – you’d basically have to go against their instructions :(
Rayne
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How can you afford spending almost 1K on at home treatments? I’ve always wondered where this money comes from.
Christine
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hi Rayne,
In the second paragraph of this post, I wrote:
“The folks at TRIA asked me if I would be interested in trying out the TRIA and chronicling my experience on the blog. My first reaction was, “REALLY?” And my second reaction was, “PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL? REALLY?” So here I am, chronicling my adventures with the TRIA…”
But I work and take out yearly student loans to pay for my expenses. I’m not a starving student or anything…
kukuroshu
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I suggest if you are going to get permanent hair removal you pick a reliable place that’s been around forever…. I paid $4500 at Lite Touch and they told me I would be getting 6 treatments with a 3 year warranty. They went out of business 1 year later.. and I’m out 4500 dollars!
Thais
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Any updates on this device? Thanks!
Christine
Monday, December 29, 2008
They are forthcoming, promise!
Teressa
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hi Christine,
I was wondering, how has your treatments been going with the TRIA device?
Thanks! :)
Christine
Monday, December 29, 2008
They are going well! I am behind on my treatments and write-ups, but I promise one soon!
desi
Friday, February 20, 2009
i wont to now for TRIA work good or no?
Christine
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Yes, it does work well!
Samantha
Monday, March 23, 2009
when do you plan to update?
I really want to buy one but i would like to see/know how it is working for you first!
Christine
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Hi Samantha,
I’ve fallen off track with Tria, but I’m hoping to kick start it back up soon!
Karen
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I just got the new one that holds a charge longer & it only hurt on my bikini line. I will let everyone know if it is worth it. By the way – if you do want to see a professional for laser & live in NY, go see Gina at Vada Spa. They are the most reasonable place I found & she is great. Tell her Karen sent you… maybe she will give me a free treatment for my face since I am scared to use the Tria for that! If anyone has used it on the face, please let us know what the results were like. Thanks!
Caramel
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I’m using it on my face and it’s working well. I’ve done 3 treatments so far.
marty
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Jan.21 st,2010.
I need an update on TRIA. I started hair removal last year with Hair Today Gone Tomorrow, it was working very well, I had a prepaid plan but the Co. disappeared without any notice and so did my money! I am interested in buying a home device because I don’t trust anyone anymore, and TRIA would cost me less than finishing my treatments, I am also planning to share it with my sister. My skin tone and hair color are ideal, I never had any problems with the laser. Do you recommend the device?
Caramel
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
If you’re treating small areas (feet, underarms, etc.), the Tria should work very well. If you’re treating large areas (legs, back, etc.), check out Silk’n @ Sephora.