The 8 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Long-Lasting Results

📅 August 12, 2024 ✍️ By Alessio ⏱️ 17 Mins Read 🗂️ Academy 🕒 Last updated: October 13, 2024 📌 Tags:laser hair removal

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What to Buy
Haircare Products

These devices stunt hair growth over time to leave you with smoother skin

Medically reviewed by

Susan Bard, MD

Fact checked by

Richard Scherr

Hair is a normal and natural part of your body, but constant shaving, waxing, and plucking can be a real nuisance. For some, frequent Hair Removal can be a source of discomfort and skin irritations like ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Laser Hair Removal has continued to grow in popularity for those looking to achieve long-lasting hair reduction with minimal risk.

Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Centers Department of Dermatology, says the technology behind home laser devices continues to improve. She emphasizes that even at-home laser hair removal can lead to permanent hair loss over time.

While intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is among the most common home treatments for hair removal, elos technology and true laser devices also exist. We spoke with board-certified dermatologists and tested popular models, paying attention to how effectively they removed hair, how easy to use they are, their features, and more. Then, a dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for scientific and medical accuracy.

Editor's Note

laser hair removal isn't suitable for everyone. Unless your dermatologist says it's safe, experts we spoke to advise these devices shouldn't be used on tattoos or skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or active acne.

What to Know Before You Shop

Do at-home laser hair removal devices actually work?
The different types of at-home laser hair removal devices, explained
Features to look for in an at-home laser hair removal device
How to pick the right at-home laser hair removal device for your skin and hair tone
How to use at-home laser hair removal devices safely

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Silkn Infinity at Amazon ($429)

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Best Value:

Nood The Flasher 2.0 at Amazon ($199)

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Ulike Sapphire AIR+ at Amazon ($299)

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Best for Beginners:

RoseSkinCo. Lumi at Roseskinco.com (See Price)

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Best Wireless:

JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover at Jovs.com (See Price)

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Best Investment:

Jovs Venus Pro II at Amazon ($360)

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Best Smart Device:

Smoothskin Pure Fit at Amazon ($329)

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Best for Travel:

SmoothSkin Pure Mini at Amazon ($119)

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Best Overall

Silkn Infinity

PHOTO:

Amazon

$429 at Amazon

Why We Like It

The Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device stands out for its sleek, ergonomic design, making it easy to handle and maneuver. This device utilizes Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology and galvanic energy to offer painless and efficient hair removal. The five power settings let you customize your treatments based on your skin color, hair color, and sensitivity level.

One of our favorite features is its infinite flashes (hence the name), which means no cartridges or expensive refills. We also appreciate the gliding functionone of this device's two hair-removal methods. It helps treat larger areas efficiently by gliding the device along your skin instead of pressing and lifting after each pulse.

It took about 15 minutes to complete a treatment session on one leg during testing. Noticeable results were visible after about five weeks, and it didn't irritate our skin or cause any lasting redness.

Its Worth Noting

The only downside is the user manual is more complicated than it needs to be. The online video tutorial does a better job of explaining how to use the device correctly.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: Unlimited
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: Face and body
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best Value

Nood The Flasher 2.0

PHOTO:

NOOD

$199 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Trynood.com

Why We Like It

Having a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your hair removal sessions. At-home hair removal will save you thousands compared to professional treatments, and the NOOD The Flasher 2.0 is an economical pick that still delivers respectable results. It comes loaded with 600,000 flashes, meaning it should last you for years. Even better, Nood will replace the device for free if you ever max out the flash count.

The Flasher 2.0 combines an extra-large treatment window and a built-in safety lens to protect your skin from UV damage. There are seven power levels to choose from, and it only took 15 minutes to complete treatment on our legs during testing, thanks to the large window. We noticed less hair growth by week four, and the device was gentle on our skin throughout the process.

Its Worth Noting

The device must remain plugged into the wall during treatments. The Flasher 2.0 also isn't rechargeable like our top pick, but the generous replacement and refund policy still makes it a great budget buy.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: 600,000
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: Face, body, and bikini
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Ulike Sapphire AIR+

PHOTO:

Ulike

$209 at Amazon $299 at Ulike.com $229 at Currentbody.com

Why We Like It

Having sensitive skin makes finding a hair removal device that won't cause irritation or redness exceptionally difficult. That's why we love the Ulike Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL Hair Removal Handset. It utilizes an innovative cooling head that drops the temperature of your skin to 50F during use. Dr. Nazarian, who recommends this technology to her patients, says the extra layer of protection from the cooing tip helps prevent skin overheating and burns, which are common with other devices.

This device has five light settings with adjustable intensity. Our eczema-prone skin was never irritated after sessions, and our hair growth and thickness began to decrease by the four-week mark. We think this is an excellent option for people with sensitive skin or mild skin conditions, with approval from your dermatologist.

Its Worth Noting

While the smaller head means it takes longer to cover larger areas, we found it was easy to maneuver during testing. Our primary complaint is that it's not wireless, so you're limited to treatments within reach of an outlet.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: Unlimited
Hair Tone: Dark blonde to black
Body Area: All
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best for Beginners

RoseSkinCo. Lumi

PHOTO:

RoseSkinCo.

View on Roseskinco.com

Why We Like It

If this is your first home session, chances are youre a little intimidated by the process. The RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset has one of the simplest designs on the market, which means no complicated buttons or settings to navigate before you can begin treatments. After shaving, it's as easy as plugging Lumi in and turning it on.

The device has six settings and three modes: stamp, glide, and auto. Stamp mode delivers pulses with each click, glide mode releases a steady stream of pulses as you move the device along your skin, and auto mode emits pulses automatically with skin contact. The discomfort was minimalonly slight pinching on more sensitive areas like the underarms and upper thighs. Our legs and arms had the most noticeable results, and we only had to use it twice each week.

Its Worth Noting

The shape of the device is a bit on the boxy side, and it doesn't have any ergonomic contours or curves to help you hold it in place during treatments. That said, it only took us about 10 minutes per leg using the auto and glide modes.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: 900,000
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: All
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best Wireless

JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover

PHOTO:

JOVS

View on Jovs.com

Why We Like It

The rechargeability of the JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover is one of its best features. You're not limited to treatments near a power outlet, which could make it easier to keep up with regular sessions. This device has 400,000 flashes, three modes, and six intensity levels. We found it was gentle on our skin, and it only took about two minutes to complete treatments on our underarms.

You'll need to charge the JOVS Mini before your first treatment, which takes about three hours. The mode options include a setting for private parts, which helps prevent irritation in areas more susceptible to sensitivity and skin damage. We noticed significant results around week seven of our 12-week test period and never experienced any notable discomfort.

Its Worth Noting

It could benefit from a lighter, more user-friendly design, but that didn't detract from its effectiveness.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: 400,000
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: All
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best Investment

Jovs Venus Pro II

PHOTO:

JOVS

$300 at Amazon $300 at Jovs.com

Why We Like It

The rotating head and fast flash rate make full-body treatments possible in minutes.

Its Worth Noting

The handle isnt quite long enough to teat some areas of your back, and it also isnt rechargeable.

The JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover stands out with its wand-like design, rotating head, and fast flash rate0.7 seconds per flash compared to a one-second flash rate on many other devices. Like the Sapphire AIR+, it has a cooling head that delivers a constant temperature of 41F during treatments, making it comfortable even at high power settings. We found it was gentle on our skin and rarely caused irritation (minus occasional mild itchiness).

The Venus Pro II has six modes and six energy levelsmore than the JOVS Mini we tested. We used it on our arms and upper back, which took about 15 minutes total after getting past the initial learning curve. Within a month, we saw an improvement in overall volume that was worth the price tag.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: Unlimited
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: All
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best Smart Device

Smoothskin Pure Fit

PHOTO:

Amazon

$249 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com

Why We Like It

The smart technology in the SmoothSkin Pure Fit is genuinely next level. It utilizes advanced skin sensors to adjust the light intensity automaticallya safety feature that prevents common complications from laser hair removal treatments. It also verifies correct placement before delivering each flash to ensure complete skin contact. The device has three hair removal modes and ten intensity levels delivering up to 130 flashes every minute, making it one of the fastest weve tested.

We love the ready-to-use design and precision head for targeting small areas like the bikini line. We also found it gentle enough for regular use. It took seconds to treat our underarms, and we began noticing a reduction in thickness within six weeks. If you can get past the initial awkwardness of handling the device, its innovative safety features are worth it.

Its Worth Noting

This is another plug-in option, so keep that in mind before purchasing, and theres also a learning curve for maneuvering around curves and contours. Additionally, this pick doesnt have a cooling mechanism.

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: Unlimited
Hair Tone: Dark blonde to black
Body Area: All
FDA-Cleared: Yes

Best for Travel

SmoothSkin Pure Mini

PHOTO:

Amazon

$119 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com $139 at Currentbody.com

Why We Like It

Its compact design offers power and versatility on the go.

Its Worth Noting

You have to keep your eyes on the devices power button to ensure its making contact with your skin. Its also not rechargeable.

Dont let this mini version fool you. Theres a lot of power behind the SmoothSkin Pure Mini despite its portability. Like the Pure Fit, its four-point sensors ensure you make direct contact with your skin before flashing for added protection. The power button turns purple when appropriate skin contact is made. It also boasts the same patented skin sensors that adjust to your skin tone. With a flash rate of up to 115 flashes per minute, it's only slightly slower than the Pure Fit, but still faster than many of its competitors.

We tested the Pure Mini on our legs and found it performed well. The glide mode sped up treatments, taking only 12 minutes to complete both legs compared to 45 minutes using the stamp method. Though these are the devices only mode options, our skin felt pretty smooth by the end of the testing period, except for some stubbly patches (all the devices we tested left similar stubbles at the 12-week mark).

Product Details

Type: IPL
Flashes: Unlimited
Hair Tone: Brown to black
Body Area: Face and body
FDA-Cleared: Yes

How We Tested the Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

To find the best at-home laser hair removal devices, we personally tested each product for at least 12 weeks. We also spoke to skin and hair removal experts, who recommended laser hair devices with a combination of safety features, a range of settings to suit different skin and hair tones, and an easily maneuverable treatment head.

We considered six key attributes during testing: ease of use, features, comfort, effectiveness, durability, and value. We also took note of skin irritation and any potential side effects after sessions. Finally, we considered the overall results after 12 weeks and assessed whether they aligned with the manufacturer's claims. We narrowed the best laser hair removal devices to eight based on our expert sources and 312 hours of testing across 13 models. All of our top picks are FDA-cleared for added safety.

Our Experts

Anthony Rossi, MD, board-certified dermatologist and MOHS micrographic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and member of the board of directors at the American Academy of Dermatologic Surgery
Brandon Kirsch, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida
Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Centers Department of Dermatology and practicing provider at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York

The Different Types of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

True Laser: True laser technology uses a specific wavelength of light that targets the melanin in the hair follicle, thereby inhibiting hair growth. The procedure is commonly used in professional clinical settings. The results are usually more permanent compared to other technologies.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): IPL is not actually a laser, but a broad-spectrum light covering larger skin areas. It emits multiple wavelengths of light to heat and destroy the hair follicle. Though not as concentrated as true lasers, IPL is frequently used because of its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It's a popular choice for home devices due to its safety and ease of use. IPL devices work best for people with light skin and dark hair.
Elos Technology: Elos technology combines IPL or laser with radio frequency, providing dual-action treatment. It's suitable for a wide range of hair colors and skin types. The radio frequency targets the hair follicle, while the IPL or laser energy destroys it. Elos technology is effective, but it can take longer to see results.
Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT): OPT is a sophisticated form of IPL that ensures every pulse from the device delivers the same intensity. This feature reduces the risk of hot spots and makes treatments more comfortable. OPT combines the best of IPL and laser treatmentsit's versatile, safe, and relatively quick at reducing hair growth.

Features to Look For in an At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Safety Features: Safety is always a concern when using at-home devices. IPL and laser devices should have specific features to ensure safe and effective treatments. Look for devices with the following:
Skin tone sensors: These sensors ensure the device is adjusted accordingly to your skin type for maximum safety and UV protection.
Contact sensors: This safety feature ensures flashes are only delivered when the device has made complete contact with your skin to reduce eye hazards. If the device you choose doesn't have contact sensors, you should wear protective eyewear during treatments.
Cooling head: The light energy in most devices causes it to heat up during treatments. However, some devices come with a built-in cooling head that lowers the temperature of your skin on contact to prevent discomfort.

Do at-home hair removal devices actually work?

According to Dr. Kirsch, at-home hair removal devices can be effective for long-term hair reduction. However, he notes factors like your skin tone, hair color, and the device you choose will all play a role in the effectiveness. IPL, the most common technology used in at-home laser hair removal devices, works best for people with light skin and dark hair. You may be a good candidate for at-home laser hair removal if you have the right combination of these factors.

At-home laser hair removal devices can provide long-term hair reduction, though it's not always permanent. With repeated treatments and proper use of the device, you may see a decrease in hair growth over time. However, some people still need to shave or wax occasionally, even after multiple treatments. You will also need maintenance treatments to sustain your results.

Picking the Right Device for Your Skin and Hair Tone

Its important to double-check whether your device works with your skin tone before purchasing. Most at-home laser hair removal devices are suitable for skin tones I to V on the Fitzpatrick scale, a skin classification system that determines the amount of melanin in your skin. According to Brandon Kirsch, MD, IPL devices are most commonly used for home hair removal.1 However, Elos technology (a newer combination of IPL and radio frequency) works on a more extensive range of skin tones and hair colors. It's important to note that gray, white, and blonde hairs may be too light for most laser treatments.

Similarly, darker skin tones (IV-VI on the Fitzpatrick scale) can also pose a challenge due to the risk of burning. Dr. Nazarian says the ideal laser candidate has very light skin with dark hair because the light energy is absorbed more easily into the hair follicle's melanin. Many manufacturers have a corresponding chart where you can match your skin and hair color to determine if its compatible with the device, but you can also consult a dermatologist if youre unsure.

How to Use At-Home Hair Removal Devices Safely

Pick a device that will work for your target area of treatment: Considering your treatment area before purchasing a laser hair removal device is critical for numerous reasons. Firstly, the sensitivity and size of the treatment area can significantly influence the device's effectiveness and comfort level. For instance, larger areas like the legs or back need a device with a larger treatment window for efficient and swift coverage. On the other hand, smaller, more sensitive areas such as the face or bikini line demand a device with precision to target the hair without affecting the surrounding skin. It's much easier to maneuver a small treatment head around tight areas with contours and curves than a larger one. Some devices have settings specifically designed for specific body parts, such as the face and bikini. Using bikini mode on your bikini area helps tailor the light energy to more delicate skin, which can make treatments much gentler.
Protect your eyes: If the device you choose doesn't have contact sensors, you should wear protective eyewear during treatments. Some models come with special glasses that help protect your eyes from the light.
Check for FDA clearance: Devices with FDA clearance have been reviewed and approved by the Federal Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness.
Follow the manufacturer guidelines: This feels like it should go without saying, but in the name of using these devices safely we're going to anyway. To safely use these products, make sure you thoroughly read the instructions as they can vary from device to device.

More At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices to Consider

While these at-home laser hair removal devices didnt make our top recommendations, theyre still worth considering.

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5: There was no irritation while using, but hair growth reduction was seen at a slower rate compared to other devices.
Iluminage Touch Kit With Precision Adapter + Epilator Cartridge: We liked this device, as it was easy to use and had a large treatment window. However, the epilator was challenging to use.
KENZZI IPL Pro Hair Removal Handset: This simple device is easy to maneuver. While it features five intensity levels and a glide mode, we didn't get the desired results during the testing period.

Who We Are

Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and journalist with expertise in purchasing products for wellness. As a health and commerce writer, her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives.