Removing hair from any part of your body can be a royal pain—in terms of time, money, and well, actual physical pain. For those sick of shaving or those who aren’t keen on waxing until the end of time, laser is by far one of the most popular (and effective) alternatives. According to cosmetic chemist and beauty educator Michelle Wong, laser hair removal works on the premise that dark colors (your hair) absorb light (the laser). The light from the laser then heats the hair follicle to a point where it becomes damaged, resulting in no growth at all, or hair that’s much finer. The results are semi-permanent and only require maintenance once or twice a year after initial treatments. Laser hair removal is traditionally administered by a professional in-office, but these treatments don’t come cheap and require multiple sessions to see a semi-permanent reduction (making for a costly and exhaustive process). Thankfully, plenty of effective, easy, cost-efficient at-home laser devices are available on the market. While these won’t measure up to that of a trained, qualified professional, they may do just the trick if you’re looking to save time and a few hundred dollars. We spent hours researching and reading through countless reviews to find the top-rated at-home laser hair removal devices that money can buy. Then, we tried them out at home over the course of several months. Find the most effective at-home laser hair removal devices ahead. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Overall, Runner-Up: Best for Dark Skin: Best for Bikini: Best for Large Areas: Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System at Amazon ($449) Best for Small Areas: Best for Sensitive Skin: Best for Travel: Best for Beginners: In This Article Deals of the Day Our Picks Final Verdict How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie What We Like Recommended by dermatologists 5 intensity levels Effective as it gets Featuring five energy levels designed to cater to different body areas, the Ulike tool is as customized as it gets. All you have to do is choose the mode and allow the sensor to come into contact with your skin. During testing, we loved how easy to use (and hold) the device was. We were pleased to discover that even on areas where hair usually grows back very quickly, the tool had slowed growth almost completely. It's great for sensitive skin—one of our testers has eczema and was perfectly fine—and it's recommended by dermatologists. The compact, portable design is great for treatment on-the-go and stores nicely in a vanity or cabinet without taking up too much space. Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like Recommended by the Skin Health Alliance SensoAdapt technology adjusts intensity to skin tone 10 power settings What We Don't Like Expensive We consider this pick the Rolls Royce of at-home hair removal devices. The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 is fast, effective, and delightful to use. Recommended by the Skin Health Alliance and cleared by the FDA, it utilizes a technology called SensoAdapt that adjusts the flash intensity for your skin tone as you’re using it—making it suitable for use on most skin tones. The device also boasts 10 different power settings, allowing you to https://roseskinco.com/products/lumi-ipl-hair-removal-handsettailor treatment to your skin tone and pain threshold. Needless to say, it may be pricey (as many of these devices are) and come with a learning curve (it takes a few tries to figure out how to properly align the laser with the skin), but it sure is impressive. Type: IPL | Flashes: 300,000 What We Like FDA cleared for all skin tones Unlimited flashes Sleek design What We Don't Like Not as accessible It can be tricky for those with dark skin tones to find an effective laser. Why? Well, the laser is attracted to dark pigment (aka hair), so sometimes, the laser gets confused and ends up heating your skin (ouch!) instead of actual hair, causing permanent damage. Thankfully, the Elos Me Me Sleek device comes to the rescue with its unlimited treatment options and FDA clearance to work on all skin tones. We’re also partial to the ultra-sleek design, complete with a comfortable hand-held grip makes it a cinch to use on legs, arms, armpits, butt, and the bikini area. Plus, it comes with a luxe charging cradle, too. Type: IPL and radiofrequency | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like Fully digital display 90-day money back guarantee Wide window for faster treatments What We Don't Like Comparatively fewer flashes out of the box Chances are you’ve seen this affordable, buzzy device pop up all over social—and with good reason. It uses a multi-spectrum bulb to zap and permanently reduce hair, which makes it less painful than laser devices, making it a great choice for sensitive skin around the bikini area. The extra wide window also makes treating this area easy. The FDA has approved this device, and the brand guarantees permanent results within eight weeks. Type: IPL | Flashes: 6,000 What We Like Uses IPL and radiofrequency FDA cleared for all skin tones and hair colors Unlimited flashes What We Don't Like Takes up some room If you want to treat your arms, legs, or back, you need a device with a larger head, such as this one from ORA. The combination of IPL and radiofrequency used in this is actually patented by the brand—in fact, the technology was originally developed by scientists behind in-clinic machines, so you know you’re in good hands. It’s also one of the few FDA-cleared tools that are intended to work on all skin tones and hair colors. Type: IPL and radiofrequency | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like Dual safety sensors to check skin suitability before every flash Precise, targeted flashes Unlimited number of flashes What We Don't Like Not effective on dark skin tones If you’re looking to target smaller areas, particularly on your face, this device is amazing. It’s FDA-cleared and is equipped with safety sensors to check skin suitability automatically before every flash. In other words, the device adjusts to the level you need without doing a thing, which is why we love it for small areas like the face. Its precision also makes it ideal for hard-to-reach areas like the upper lip. Although it’s priced higher than some options on the list, we love that this device has unlimited flashes, extending its longevity. Our only gripe is that it isn’t suitable for dark skin tones, so we’d suggest going with another option if you have more melanin in your skin. Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like Syncs with a reminder app Five power settings Can be adjusted to cater to sensitive skin What We Don't Like Nothing! Bad at sticking to a routine? This device comes with a handy app to remind you of your next appointment—because, after all, when it comes to at-home laser hair removal, consistency is key. The five power settings mean you can tailor the intensity to your preference (a nice feature for sensitive skin types or those with a low pain threshold), and even on the highest setting, we only experienced heat and a slight zap, nothing too painful. The price of this device is equivalent to about one session with a professional, so although it costs a pretty penny upfront, rest assured that you’re effectively saving yourself money in the long run. Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like UV filter Skin Sensing technology that reads skin tone and adjusts energy levels Safe for eyes What We Don't Like Can be intimidating As the name suggests, the SmoothSkin Pure Mini is the portable laser of our dreams. Not only is it tiny enough to stow in your bag on a vacation (consistency is key, you know?), but it’s also extremely easy to use…once you get the hang of it. Despite a learning curve when we first got our hands on it—we weren’t sure how to hold or angle the device, plus we were kind of nervous the first time—we’re pros at this point. Tip: You have to make sure the laser head is fully on the surface of the skin or it won’t work, which is a great safety feature, but added to the confusion at first. Best of all, it’s lightweight, quick to power up, and doesn’t leave irritation marks in its wake. Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited What We Like Simple design User-friendly functions FDA-cleared What We Don't Like No speed settings or timer If you’re just starting your at-home laser hair removal journey, you’ll want to check out this beginner-friendly option from RoseSkinCo. It’s cute, compact, and not at all intimidating, which is ideal if you’ve never applied a laser to your skin before. The handheld device targets unwanted hairs at the root, leading the way to smoother skin on your ‘pits, legs, face, and bikini area starting after a couple of weeks (though the brand says three to four). No matter which of the 6 intensity levels you choose, a full-body treatment should take no more than 30 minutes. Type: IPL | Flashes: 90,000 The Ulike Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL Hair Removal Handset wins for us, hands down. It’s smart, effective, quick, and safe—all features that are really great value given the price point. We also love the affordable nood The Flasher 2.0, which is approved by the FDA and offers a money-back guarantee on permanent hair reduction within eight weeks. Our lab team took their time researching today’s best at-home laser hair removal devices, taking expert recommendations and user reviews into account before narrowing down 12 options to try out first-hand. Over the course of 12 weeks, we unboxed each device, assembled it, read the instructions, and tried each out firsthand. We took note of how user-friendly each device was, how complicated the set-up was, and how much room it took up in our homes. After each at-home laser session—using any available functions and settings for guidance—we assessed the overall look and feel of our legs, armpits, bikini lines, and wherever else we had unwanted body hair. We also considered how easy it was to maneuver each tool’s handle, the weight and feel of the device, and the ease of charging the unit. After our tests concluded, we recorded the results. Meet the Expert According to dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, there are two types of at-home hair removal methods: true laser and IPL. Both use light to heat the hair follicle; the only palpable difference is the light they actually use (laser uses one wavelength, whereas IPL uses multiple). All of the options on this list are equipped with IPL. Because the laser is attracted to dark pigment, it’s tricky territory for dark skin tones due to the possibility of the laser getting confused and heating the actual skin instead of the hair (and causing permanent damage). These days, technology has come far enough (and rightly so) that people of color can reap the rewards of laser hair removal, but it’s important to seek out the right tool, which in this case is the Elos Me Me Sleek device. If you're really in doubt, hedge your bets and speak to a professional from the get-go. Even if you don’t commit to a series of treatments, you’ll at least have peace of mind and a better understanding of what you can and can’t do. Likewise, those with fair body hair should also consider their options because at-home devices might not be intelligent enough to pick up the hair follicle (remember, they’re attracted to dark pigment). Consider each device's design and intended use before adding it to your cart. If you're looking for a device to use across a large area of the body (like the legs, for example), a large option is best. We like the ORA Iluminage Touch 4ever Home Permanent Hair Removal System, a system designed to work on your arms, legs, and back. On the other hand, if you're trying to eliminate hair on a small area of your body, we're fans of the SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device, an FDA-cleared tool that utilizes precise, targeted flashes on hard-to-reach areas like the upper lip. FAQ Are at-home laser removal devices safe? Ward explains that if you use your device correctly, it’s generally safe but still advises to never run the light over pigmented areas (like moles), tattoos, or around the eyes and genitals. How do you use at-home laser removal devices? This will depend on your device of choice, but most are to be used on shaved skin (free of all skincare) once a week. You should run your device over the entire treatment area before repeating the process several times (check your instructions for specifics). How do the results of at-home laser hair removal devices compare to in-office treatments? Ward explains that the main differences are that in-clinic machines are more powerful and often bigger, so they can cover a treatment area faster and do a better job at eradicating hair. In-office treatments are generally more advanced, too, which is why those with light hair or a deep skin tone are often better off seeing a professional (given it’s within means). Can at-home laser hair removal devices be used on hormonal-based hair growth? Yes! IPL devices are effective on hormonal-based hair growth. People who have hair growth from PCOS, for example, are cleared to use at-home IPL devices. Can you use an at-home laser hair removal device on a tattoo? No. The frequencies used by an at-home IPL device might cause a skin reaction on the skin that is covered by a tattoo. It's best to use your device around areas with tattoos. Can you use an at-home laser device on dark skin? If you have dark skin, you’ll need to seek out a suitable device, otherwise, you can risk burning your skin or bringing on hyperpigmentation (this is due to the fact the laser light is not only attracted to the dark hair follicle but the melanin in your skin). Over the years,Emily Algarhas experienced and spoken to dozens of experts in the permanent hair-removal treatment space, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. For this feature, she has borrowed the expertise of two professionals (a dermatologist and a beauty educator) to break down the how's and what’s of at-home laser hair removal. Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and fashion to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not. According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any at-home laser hair removal devices from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP. Deals of the Day
Best for Dark Skin
Elos Me Me Sleek
Best for Large Areas
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System
Best for Sensitive Skin
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device
Best for Travel
SmoothSkin Pure Mini
Final Verdict
How We Tested
What to Look for in an At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
Laser vs. IPL
Skin Tone and Hair Color Size
Why Trust Byrdie
FAQs
What is the best home laser hair removal machine? ›
The bottom line:
The Nood The Flasher 2.0 is a user-friendly device with tech-savvy components that can make hair removal easier for visible results everywhere that hair grows.
At-home laser hair removal does work...
...but that doesn't mean it's always permanent. You'll likely need touch-ups every so often after you've reached your desired results — and you may end up getting an in-office treatment anyway. "Remember, IPL is not true laser technology," says Dr. Haecker.
Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.
What can go wrong with at home laser hair removal? ›1) Risk of irritation and burns
Although the FDA clears most at-home laser hair removal devices, there's still some risk of side effects such as injuries, burns, and skin irritation.
Yes, at-home laser-hair removal devices do work, but they take consistency. Because at-home devices use lower energy levels than in-office treatments, they require continued use (think: weekly, or every time you shave) to notice similar results, says cosmetic doctor Ana Mansouri, MD.
What is the newest hair removal technology? ›The state-of-the-art DiolazeXL laser is a safe, effective solution that gets to the root of unwanted hair. Most patients notice a significant reduction in hair growth after a few sessions. With a series of treatments, DiolazeXL achieves long-lasting results which are permanent in many cases.
Are there negatives to laser hair removal? ›Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal.
Do I shave before laser hair removal? ›As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important. While the hair root is invisible, the laser can seek it out within the pigment.
Should I laser my pubic hair? ›' Yes, it is safe to laser the pubic area for most patients. It should be noted that this is one of the more sensitive areas when it comes to laser hair removal, but it is quick and effective. Many patients also believe it is overall less painful than waxing.
Do people ever regret laser hair removal? ›Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? ›
The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.
Can you use at home laser hair removal on pubic hair? ›DON'T use them: Near your eyes (though the upper lip is OK). Over tattoos or pigmented areas, including moles. In the genital area (but you can safely target the bikini line).
Is IPL better than laser? ›IPL works best for light to medium skin types with dark hair, as well as targeting light brown hair. Neither method is suitable for blonde, gray, red or white hair. Although laser devices and IPL technology both use light energy, laser hair removal machines are proven to be more powerful.
Which is better for hair removal, laser or electrolysis? ›Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.
How do I choose laser hair removal at home? ›A machine with an appropriate window size will let you treat the area quickly. Operational power (in Watts): The more power the machines use, the more effective they are. If the power is lower, then the treatment will take longer. A device with 2000 Watts or higher would be a good choice.
Are home laser hair removal as good as salon? ›There are two kinds of hair removal tools you can use at home. One is a real laser, while the other uses short bursts of very bright light. Both types of devices remove hair, but neither is as strong as the tool you'd find at a dermatologist's office. On the one hand, less power means less responsibility.
How do I choose a laser hair removal machine? ›Firstly, your skin type and hair color will determine which type of laser will be most effective for you. If you have darker skin, you'll want to choose a laser with a longer wavelength of light like the Diode or Nd:YAG. If you have lighter skin, the Alexandrite or Ruby laser may be a better option.