Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of beauty and grooming stories, relying on our personal expertise as well as thorough insight from qualified professionals.
- Every iteration of this story has been reviewed by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has over 15 years of beauty industry and product testing experience.
- For this article, we consulted with two dermatologists: Dr. Ava Shamban of L.A.-based practice Ava MD and Dr. Ramya Garlapati of BHSkin. Both shared their deep knowledge on what to look for in the safest and most effective laser tools for hair removal.
- We regularly review this article to ensure the accuracy of prices, product details and list placements. In our July 2024 update, editorial assistant Whitney Bruno added the updated SmoothSkin Pure Adapt as well as tester feedback for the Nood The Flasher 2.0.
How We Chose The Best At-Home Laser hair removal Devices
When compiling this list of the best at-home Laser hair removal devices, we considered the top options on the market at different price points and capabilities.
- From there, we combed through customer reviews and examined the most efficient tools.
- We researched each one to learn about its features, attachments, modes, flashes and FDA approvals.
- To ensure we provided the most accurate information, our team considered dermatologists expert advice when researching our recommendations.
- We also incorporated insights from Forbes Vetted staffers who rigorously tested the Nood The Flasher 2.0 and the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt.
What To Consider In A Laser hair removal Device
If youre looking for an at-home laser hair removal device that provides results on par with a professional treatment, there are several factors to consider. Heres what to keep in mind.
Laser Type
Most at-home laser hair removal devices use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to treat unwanted body hair. However, some devices such as the Jovs Venus Pro II use optimal pulse technology (OPT), which is an enhanced version of IPL that can penetrate the skin more deeply and therefore may be more effective. A select few devices (including the Iluminage Touch) combine IPL with radio frequency (RF) heat energy, which reduces IPL intensity so it can be used across a wider range of skin tones.
Flashes
You can think of the number of flashes (also known as pulses) as the lifespan of the laser. It determines how long you can use the tool before it wears out. In many cases, you can achieve the results you want with one device. According to Shamban, areas such as the lip and face generally need about 25-50 flashes; the underarm or bikini line might need up to 200 flashes; larger areas like the legs may need 500-600 flashes each; the chest or back may require 700 or even 800 flashes.
Skin Type And Tone
Laser hair removal devices arent one size fits all. Some may not be advisable for darker skin tones, which have a higher chance for issues such as burning or hyperpigmentation, says Shamban. Usually, lighter skin with darker hair is the best combination, but some can be used on all skin tones and types. (See the Iluminage Touch, our pick for dark skin tones.) Most devices have multiple intensity levels as well; a higher intensity level will deliver faster results, but it may aggravate sensitive skin. Opting for a device with a skin-cooling feature can remedy some of the pain and irritation caused by more powerful treatments.
Treatment Area
Its a good idea to keep your desired treatment area in mind when selecting an at-home laser hair removal device, especially if you want to cover larger parts on the body. An automatic flashing feature (like the one found on the Ulike Sapphire Air 3) allows you to cover more surface area without having to hold down a button. Some devices, like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, include different detachable laser heads that allow you to target specific places that are hard to reach, like the bikini line.
How Does An At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Work?
Laser hair removal is a treatment in which the hair follicle is permanently destroyed, and this prevents hair growth, says Garlapati. This method is an excellent solution if youre tired of frequent shaving, waxing or other more temporary grooming options. At-home laser devices work in the same way as ones found in professional establishments, but at lower frequencies. As a result, these treatments require more sessions to show an improvement, and they may not be as effective, she says. Thats why its important to be patient and consistent with your efforts, as it may take several weeks before you notice any change in your hair growth.
Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?
Safety is often a concern when using one of these laser tools. Any device purchased for home usage should be FDA-approved or cleared, says Shamban. This information should be indicated or marked on the devices packaging or instructions. Its also important to pay attention to the list of usages, as some versions are only safe to use on certain areas. In addition, Garlapati explains that there is a risk of burning your skin and causing hyperpigmentation if you do too many passes. Thats why its important to diligently follow the directions depending on the area that you want to treat.
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