After experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), we're contemplating alternative hair removal methods this season. Since professional laser hair removal isn't the most budget-friendly option (initial sessions can cost upwards of $600), we're looking at the next best thing: the best at-home laser hair removal devices.
We need to reassert, before we go any further, that body hair is a completely natural, normal thing, and you should absolutely not feel compelled to remove it if you don't want to—it's a personal choice. (If you're a body hair, don't care kind of person, more power to you!) But if you're into the idea of laser hair removal, are over trying to find the best razors, waxing kits, or epilators, want to save some money, but are a little freaked about the idea of doing laser hair removal at home, we've got you covered.
- Fastest-Acting: SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Device (opens in new tab)
- Best Editor Tried-and-Tested: MiSMON Hair Removal Device (opens in new tab)
- Best for All Skin Tones: mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
- Most Dermatologist Recommended: Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X
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(opens in new tab)How does laser hair removal work?
New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD explains: "Laser hair removal is a treatment where a laser is used to permanently destroy the hair follicle and remove the hair. A laser is a beam of light of a single wavelength that is absorbed by a specific target in the skin. In the case of hair removal, the light is absorbed by pigment within the hair follicle itself. As the laser destroys the follicle, it will not grow back, giving a permanent effect. This is true whether you are getting a professional or an at-home treatment."
IPL vs. Lasers
You'll see the acronym “IPL” on some of the devices on this list. While sometimes used together, IPL devices work a little differently from lasers. “IPL stands for intense pulsed light,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This technically is not a laser since it emits multiple wavelengths of light. A laser, on the other hand, emits only a single wavelength.”
Why the distinction? Since there are several ways to remove hair at the follicle, different devices (and light wavelengths) are used. “One is not necessarily better than another, and it really just depends on what type of technology a company chooses to use,” Dr. Zeichner says.
How long does laser hair removal last?
"The term laser hair removal is a bit misleading, as it really should be called laser hair reduction," notes Dr. Zeichner. "In some cases it may be difficult to fully remove hair completely." He also says that "the lasers definitely decrease the density of hair and the thickness of each individual hair," and that "it takes multiple treatments to give the results most people are looking for"—so like most pricey beauty treatments, its best to stay patient when waiting for your results.
"Each treatment will partially destroy the follicle, so repeated treatments are often needed for the full effects," he explains. "The difference between at-home and professional strength treatments is the energy level of the laser. At-home devices have much lower energy levels to make sure they are safe to use at home, unsupervised. As a result, these treatments are slower to work and require more sessions to give noticeable improvements."
Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe?
Dr. Zeichner considers at-home lasers a safe alternative to in-office treatments. "At-home devices work similarly to professional treatments, but use lower energy levels. They are more time-consuming to use, but can help. They are also a great option to maintain improvements between professional treatments."
Along with Dr. Zeichner, we chatted with Dr. Howard Sobel, M.D., NYC dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin; Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D., dermatologist and medical director of Ingleton Dermatology; and Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group, to tell us the best laser hair removal devices that really, truly work. Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, a Boston-based triple-board-certified dermatopathologist, and Dr. Anahita Mansouri, a cosmetic doctor at Kat & Co Aesthetics in the UK, about the very best at-home laser hair removal devices that you can use at home.
What to Look For
When it comes to at-home laser hair removal devices, generally speaking, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind: price point; the number of flashes each devices uses; and whether or not a device will work for all skin types or tones. Ahead, I broke down exactly what our beauty team—specifically, our Beauty Director Deena Campbell, Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, and Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla (aka me!)—looked for when compiling this list.
- Skin Type and Skin Tone
Because laser hair removal devices work by identifying each hair’s pigment in relation to your skin, the process doesn't work for everyone. Many of the devices below are marked as not suitable for those with deep or dark skin and darkly colored hair, as well as those with fair skin and gray, very blond, silver, or red hair.
Dr. Zeichner says that while the “best hair and skin combination for laser hair removal in general is dark hair and light skin,” there have been advancements that allow them to work on a wider range of tones. “Unfortunately, no matter what device you are using, we cannot use lasers to get rid of light blonde or white hair because the lasers need the pigment in the hair itself to act as a target,” Dr. Zeichner says. You should always defer to the package’s directions or to your doctor if you have any questions.
- Number of Flashes
When it comes to the number of flashes to look for, Dr. Zeichner says that “the number of flashes a device emits really depends on the device itself,” and that “some devices offer a single flash, while others multiple.” He also makes clear that “different devices use varying wavelengths of light, so it is hard to make generalizations.” However, it’s important to make one single pass over a specific area to avoid burns.
- Price
The items on this list are investments for a reason. Laser hair removal can be tricky to do at home, and using any of these devices comes with their own set of risks. With that in mind, many come with a stamp of approval from one or more dermatologists. If you’re not willing to invest in an at-home device at this point, we recommend speaking to your dermatologist directly or paying a visit to a doctor’s office to find the best laser hair removal solution for you. Hint: It may be worth it for a trained professional to do it for you.
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
A common theme among various laser hair removal devices is that the head of the device is so small that it sometimes can take extra time for a removal session. This device speaks for itself. The big selling point: The 330-degree rotating head that's detachable! No matter where you're looking to treat (face, arms, legs, bikini lines, etc), there's a setting that's going to work for you. The six modes let you remove hair from any part of your body with accuracy, and the cooling screen (made from ultra-thin sapphire!) keeps your skin at a constant five degrees Celsius throughout the process.
Pros: Has a 330-degree rotating head; Good for use on the face; Cools skin down during use; Has unlimited flashes.
Cons: Costs over $300; Not suitable for deep skin tones; Not suitable for gray, light blonde, or red hair.
Customer Review: "Super easy to use laser hair removal. I love the cooling device, makes the device relatively painless. I used this on my legs for almost two months now and the hair is basically gone. I am usually helpless when it comes to figuring stuff like this out, but I found this device super easy to figure out and use. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a laser hair removal device. A tad pricey, but totally worth it." — JOVS
"My mother gifted me with laser hair removal as a high school graduation present. It wasn't your average gift, but my father gave me his Cuban hair genes, and, well—you know where this story is going So I set off on my hair-free mission and quickly became addicted. So it's only fitting that my mother gifted me this tool for my college graduation so I could come full circle in my journey to become stubble-free. The Braun Silk Expert System uses intense pulsed light (IPL) that quickly treats my legs in under 10 minutes. It's also equipped with over 300,000 flashes, equalling around 16 years of treatments. I'm hooked." — Bianca Rodriguez, Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines
Pros: Costs under $300; Has SensoAdaptTM technology that adapts the light intensity for your skin; Fast-acting; Good for use on the face.
Cons: Not suitable for deep and dark skin tones; Not suitable for red, gray, or light blonde hair.
Customer Review: "You need to be consistent to see the results. It took me 3-4 months of weekly procedures to switch to bi-weekly ones. The hair that still grows is significantly softer than it was before." — Amazon
Just short of $500, the Tria 4X will cost you a pretty penny—but it was the first FDA-cleared laser for at-home use, and has become a favorite among dermatologists and patients for legit, professional-level results. “I’m a fan of this device because it has high energy levels and it’s super easy to use,” says Nazarian. Dr. Zeichner is a fan of the Tria, too: "This can be used both on dark and light hair, although it will not work on white hair," Zeichner explains. "It is a true laser as opposed to other devices that use a broad spectrum of light." Dr. Sobel suggests trying the Tria laser as well. "The technology safely delivers over three times more hair-eliminating energy than other at-home hair removal devices, making it the most powerful at-home hair removal device," Dr. Sobel explains.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; FDA-cleared; Can be used on dark and light hair; Wireless design; More effective than others on the market.
Cons: Costs over $300; Not suitable for deep skintones; Not suitable for dark skintones; Not suitable for blonde, gray, or red hair.
Customer Review: "I didn't think this would work so well but I see a dramatic difference and I've only had this for a little over a month." — Amazon
Meet this FDA-cleared and dermatologist-endorsed IPL device from Braun, a more sophisticated version of the Pro3 you'll find elsewhere on this list. This new version is smaller and more lightweight, plus it's outfitted with a skin sensor that recognizes your skin tone and adjusts the flash intensity as you use it. It also promises that both of your legs will be done in under five minutes, so say hello to smooth legs in a pinch. Plus, feel free to use it anywhere on your body, including your upper lip, chin, underarms, and your bikini area.
Pros: FDA-cleared; Works for all skin tones; Fast-acting.
Cons: Costs over $300.
Customer Review: "I've been using it for 1 month now and I already see results. So far the hair growth on almost all parts of my body has decreased by half." — Amazon
Here, loyal readers, is an editor's pick that wouldn't be right not to include. Honesty moment: I'm really hairy and I've tried a lot of "hair removal" tactics that have failed me tremendously. This shiny rose gold device, on the other hand, did not and is worth giving a glowing review. First off, it's inexpensive compared to its counterparts. Secondly, thanks to the LCD screen, you're able to monitor the number of flashes on the skin so you'll never go overboard, which is best for a beginner like me.
Pros: Costs under $300; Comes with protective glasses; Has an LED screen for precise use.
Cons: Large size; Not recommended for use on the face.
Customer Review: "Have been using this device for about 6 months now. Over 4,000 flashes used. Device powers on consistently, works while treating areas and has adjustable intensity settings. Most importantly, THIS REALLY WORKS. Used to treat my lower back for swimsuit season, after just a few treatments I noticed a significant thinning in the hair that grew back. After a couple of months only light peach fuzz is growing where coarse black hair grew before. The product works and it works well. Excellent value for the money compared to similar devices." — Amazon
This FDA-cleared laser hair removal device is a compact-sized tool that packs a powerful punch when it comes to removing hair—fast. It glides over your skin accompanied by its 150,000 pulses per minute. Holding it down to target one hairy spot is super-easy. "This new compact version uses light-based technology, which is FDA-cleared for permanent hair reduction for the entire face and body," Dr. Sobel explains. "I like that it features a new high-tech applicator that allows you to properly target and zone in on smaller areas such as the upper lip, arms, or bikini area." For long-lasting results, employ this device every other week for two months. "This device is ideal if you have dark hair and can be used both on the face and on the body," Dr. Zeichner adds. However, this is not recommended for those with dark or tanned skin, as the laser won’t be able to detect the difference between hair and skin.
Pros: FDA-cleared; Dermatologist–recommended; Small size, Great for targeted hair removal.
Cons: Not recommended for dark or tanned skin.
Customer Review: "It is long and you have to be consistent but it will work. I have thick dark hair and it works for me. Pain level if you have done laser before then it is the same but it gets better with every treatment" — Ulta
Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling recommends this very device from Sensica. “I love this!” she says. “It has an automatic and manual mode and is best for on-the-go hair removal. It comes with two different heads for large and small areas. The charge will last for approximately 600 flashes.” Plus, it comes equipped with a skin sensitivity meter to protect your skin as you go as well as an energy recommendation button that gives you the best energy level based on your skin type as you use it.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Good for use on the face, has two light windows—one for use on the body and another, smaller one for the face; Cordless design.
Cons: Costs over $300.
Customer Review: "It’s everything I ever wanted, cordless and unlimited flashes for such a low price!!! Have tried first treatment. Will keep using to check effectivity." — Currentbody
“The Silk’n Infinity uses IPL light, but it’s safe for all skin colors,” says Dr. Ingleton. The petite, circular design allows for easy, all-over treatments, and it’s also equipped with five energy-level settings for a genuinely customizable experience. If the steep price tag turns you off, Dr. Ingleton adds that the Silk’n Infinity’s lifespan makes it worth the investment to her. “It stores 400,000 pulses before it dies, so it’s going to last significantly longer than most devices,” she explains. Zeichner is also a proponent of this device. "This laser emits a broad spectrum of light, rather than a single wavelength. The technology, known as intense pulsed light, can be used across a variety of skin types, even those with an olive complexion."
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; FDA-cleared; Has five energy settings; Uses 400,000 pulses per charge; Can be used on all skin tones.
Cons: Costs over $300; Takes a long time to see results.
Customer Review: "I'm so happy with this product. I've been using it regularly since I bought it a few months ago and I'm really thrilled with the results. I've been using it under my arms and legs and have noticed the hair growing back finer and in few places than before. I'm going to continue using for optimal results. Really easy to use and doesn't take too much time out of my day. Definitely a 5/5!" — Amazon
Because laser hair removal is elective, sometimes brands and derms alike downplay the discomfort associated with zapping your skin with high-frequency light. This device comes equipped with an ice compress plate that cools the skin, reducing redness, swelling and inflammation as you go. The light is strong and effective enough for 500,000 flashes, which is said to be enough to remove unwanted hair head-to-toe on nine to 11 individuals. Translation: Your bikini line doesn't stand a chance. However, this device is not suitable for use on dark or tan skin.
Pros: Costs under $300; Cools the skin during use; Can be used on the face.
Cons: Not suitable for dark or tan skin: Not suitable for light blonde, white, or red hair.
Customer Review: "Very easy to use and works well. Cooling is great for making hair removal less painful." — Amazon
This handheld device has a pointed applicator to reduce hair in harder-to-get-to areas. "Because of its small size, this device is a good option to treat areas of the skin that have contours, like the upper lip," Dr. Zeichner confirms. Dr. Sobel agrees: "This is a great option for smaller areas on the face or neck since it uses diode technology, which is similar to in-office technology for laser hair removal. Most other home devices typically use IPL technology, which does not always target the hair follicle as specifically as the diode wavelength." So if there's one spot bugging you, employ this guy. However, this device is not suitable for dark and deep skintones
Pros: Small size; Good for precise use; Dermatologist-recommended; FDA-cleared.
Cons: Costs over $300; Has a 15-minute battery life; Not suitable for dark or deep skin tones.
Customer Review: "A very compact, lightweight appliance which is simple to operate. It’s certainly effective at getting unwanted hairs to fall out but whether it’s as effective in stopping them from growing again is too early to tell. I had no bad reaction to using the appliance, not even redness." — Currentbody
Not only is this laser hair removal device the only one of its caliber that's FDA-cleared for every hair color and skin tone, but it's smaller size—it fits right in the palm of your hand!—means it can as readily flash away hairs on your upper lip as on your partner's back and thighs. Use It once a week for seven weeks, and expect smoother skin for way longer than a razor can offer. The 200,000 pulses promise to last you anywhere between three and five years, and the device claims that it will remove unwanted hair in under 20 minutes.
Pros: FDA-cleared; Good for all skin tones.
Cons: Costs $300; Takes a long time to see results.
Customer Review: "I wished I had known about this product years ago! It works so well for me, when other things have not! In just 3 uses, I’ve seen a major reduction in hair growth & it has not damaged my skin. It saved me tons of money from those pesky contracts at the laser hair salons." — Amazon
This sleek unit makes use of a broader range of light wavelengths to cover larger stretches of skin more quickly. Plus, it has unlimited flashes. The downside? Hair grows back a bit more quickly, so you'll have to be more diligent with touch-ups. It's also, unfortunately, not safe for dark skin tones. It’s both fast acting—as in, it promises to remove hair on your entire body in 10 minutes—and fast working. The brand recommends that you use it once a week for 12 weeks before moving to just once a month from there on out.
Pros: Covers a large amount of space each time; Has unlimited flashes per use; Works quickly.
Cons: Costs over $300; Hair grows back quickly after each use; Not suitable for dark skin tones.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using the Smooth Skin for about 2 months and I’m really impressed with the results on my legs. They’re super smooth and I still have a few weeks to go. I’m pale with brown hair so keep that in mind. It can be a bit tricky around areas like knees and chin so you may just need to a bit more sessions there. It does heat up so I’d recommend if it feels too hot to unplug, wait a bit then move on to next area. We’ll see how it holds up with maintenance but I’m happy that soon I’ll only have to shave and do a maintenance session once every 8 weeks - instead of a few times a week with shaving. Definitely worth the investment!" — Best Buy
The Illuminage Touch offers high-power IPL technology, 120,000 pulses, and the ability to target blonde and red hair follicles, making it a force to be reckoned with. For ultimate results, this gadget should be used only once a week for six to seven weeks. “Consistency is important—you will only see results if you continue to use these products regularly and as directed,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Even though progress is slow, you will see results.” Zeichner adds that this device uses intense pulse light to treat unwanted hair across a variety of skin types and hair colors. On that note, make sure to read the instructions thoroughly on whichever device you choose. Every device is a little different, but if you follow the directions, you'll quickly get hooked on your smooth-as-hell skin.
Pros: FDA-cleared; Suitable for all hair colors; Larger size.
Cons: Costs over $300; Not suitable for use on the face.
Customer Review: "I have had the iluminage TOUCH now for over a month and I am very happy with the results! First it was easy to use...all you had to do was open the (beautiful) box and plug it in! After just a few sessions, I have already seen great results!" — Nordstrom
This lesser-known device from Kenzzi caught our eye thanks to the fact that it has five power settings, which means you can adjust based on your skin tone, the color of your hair, and let's be real, your pain tolerance levels. As with all these devices, compliance is key, so do follow the manual instructions and expect results within five weeks of diligent usage. Plus, it promises to work in under 10 minutes, so it’s great if you’re on the go. However, the brand notes that this device is not suitable for deep skin tones.
Pros: Costs under $300; FDA-cleared; Small design; Suitable for use on the face; Has five levels of intensity.
Cons: Not suitable for deep skintones; Not suitable for dark skintones.
Customer Review: "Easy to use, no pain, definitely seeing reduction in hair - only shaving legs twice a week instead of daily after 10 weeks. Looking forward to seeing how things go with monthly maintenance." — Kenzzi
How To Prepare for At-Home Laser Hair Removal
- Dr. Frieling says that you should actually shave a day ahead of when you plan to use your laser hair removal device.
- Don't use self-tanning products for at least two weeks before you start.
- Dr. Frieling says to "avoid potentially irritating products such as retinoids, retinal, or retinoic acids" prior to your treatment, as well as “brightening ingredients and acidic cleansers."
What Should You do After At-Home Laser Hair Removal?
- Dr. Mansouri says to avoid exercising (or sweating, for that matter) for up to two days because the heat can cause "irritation on freshly treated skin after a session is completed."
- Stay out of the sun for up to two weeks.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes after you finish to keep skin cool.
- She says to "avoid topicals, including makeup, except for aloe vera gel or calming and soothing creams,” to allow your skin to heal correctly.
Meet the Experts
As the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology, Dr. Zeichner has a broad interest in medical and cosmetic dermatology as well as clinical research. His specialty is the treatment of acne, as well as the cosmetic rejuvenation of the aging face. Dr. Zeichner treats general skin conditions, including eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer. In addition, he is well-versed in the use of Botox and dermal fillers, as well as lasers and chemical peels.
Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, operates Sobel Skin, a private practice for dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic medicine in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Sobel Skin was a part of the early stages of the medspa / medi-spa evolution in the United States. Dr. Sobel has been a pioneer of the union between dermatology & cosmetic surgery. Over the years, Dr. Sobel has not only been known for his expertise in all aesthetic treatments, but as one of the best botox and fillers doctors in New York City. His ability to provide an exceptional outcome never fails, and patients are not only thrilled with their results, but also feel younger and rejuvenated after treatment. Dr. Sobel combines modern technology with over thirty years of experience. His unique practice provides the latest advances in dermatology, dermatologic cosmetic surgery and progressive face and body treatments all in one luxurious Park Avenue facility. Dr. Sobel’s focus within dermatology is to further the total well-being and health of his patients and those who use the products he formulated and created.
Dr. Ingleton is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. She received a BA in Psychobiology from New York University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and her Dermatology residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, the Dermatology Society of New York and the National Medical Association.
Dr. Rachel Nazarian joins Schweiger Dermatology after years of practicing various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology and dermatologic surgery.Dr. Nazarian has written many published articles in medical journals as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks, such as Treatment of Skin Disease.Dr. Nazarian serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, where she completed her dermatology residency. While completing her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Nazarian was awarded a grant from the Women’s Dermatology Society. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Frieling. “Dr. G,” is a medical doctor with over 13 years of experience as a leader in the Aesthetic, Dermatology and Pathology fields. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Dr. G has mastered the art of re-vitalizing the face by softening fine lines and wrinkles, re-establishing volume, and optimizing overall appearance and beauty. She will listen to your requests and concerns. Dr. G will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She also performs select body procedures, including fat dissolving, buttock lifting/gentle reshaping, and skin tightening.
Dr. Ana is a UK-qualified Aesthetic Doctor with a wide range of medical & surgical training experience as well as a background in GP training. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from Newcastle University in 2014 and has since then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr Ana is passionate about all things Aesthetic Medicine & Cosmetic Dermatology.
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