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If a smoother, hair-free finish is your preference, shaving away unwanted face or body hair weekly — or daily, ugh — can feel like a daunting chore. That’s where laser hair removal comes into play, offering a more permanent solution for anyone looking to rid their parts of hair. However, it’s also one that’s often attached to a hefty expense and a high pain tolerance.
Luckily, laser hair removal devices have come a long way and are now available in dozens of varieties to meet any budget, pain threshold, and treatment area. At-home laser hair removal is similar to in-office hair removal, albeit with markedly less power for safety reasons. “A specific hair pigment target is matched to a specific laser wavelength, which destroys the hair follicle, while minimizing damage to the skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. To help you find the best at-home laser hair removal devices, our team committed to a months-long test of the most recommended and buzzed-about devices to help narrow down the options.
Editor’s Note: These were the best at-home laser hair removal devices after 12 weeks of testing. We are currently testing for an additional six months in order to go into more detail on the level of hair removal, total required treatment time, quality of the devices, and overall experience. This story will be updated when that testing is complete.
At a Glance
- As our pick for the best laser hair removal device overall, SmoothSkin Pure Adapt adjusts itself based on your skin tone and has a responsive head to adapt to the curves of your body.
- For a device with cooling, try the Ulike Sapphire Air+.
- If you want a wireless laser hair removal device, go for the JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover.
Our Top Picks
Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall :
SmoothSkin Pure Adapt at Amazon ($379)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device with Cooling:
Ulike Sapphire AIR+ at Amazon ($299)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device Under $250:
Nood The Flasher 2.0 at Amazon ($199)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device for Face:
SmoothSkin Pure Mini at Amazon ($119)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device for All Hair Colors:
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System at Amazon ($459)
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Best IPL Laser Hair Removal Device:
RoseSkinCo. Lumi at Roseskinco.com (See Price)
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Best Wireless Laser Hair Removal Device:
JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover at Jovs.com (See Price)
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Best Splurge Laser Hair Removal Device:
Jovs Venus Pro II at Amazon ($360)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device with Unlimited Flashes:
SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device at Amazon (See Price)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device for Full Body:
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 at Amazon ($430)
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Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall
SmoothSkin Pure Adapt
SmoothSkin Pure Adapt PHOTO:
Amazon
$299 at Amazon
Why We Like It: This smart device adjusts itself based to your skin tone and body shape.
It's Worth Noting: It's ineffective for those with very light hair and unsafe for deep brown or black skin.
This FDA-cleared and dermatologist-approved laser hair device delivers pretty impressive results, removing up to 99% of hair within 12 weeks of weekly treatments. It has smart sensors that adapt to your skin tone for safety reasons, as well as a responsive head that is built to adjust to the curves of your body for fewer missed spots. Plus, it is fast (122 flashes per minute) and only takes 10 minutes for a full-body treatment. You'll likely see some noticeable improvements after just a couple of weeks. After the initial 12-week treatment schedule, you may need maintenance treatments every four to eight weeks.
A major downside is that it's unsafe for melanin-rich skin tones and may not work well if you have very light hair. It's important to check the company's charts to see if it might be safe and effective for your skin tone and hair color.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 years | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device with Cooling
Ulike Sapphire AIR+
Ulike Sapphire AIR+ IPL Hair Removal Handset PHOTO:
Ulike
$209 at Amazon $299 at Ulike.com $229 at Currentbody.com
Why We Like It: The sleek design and emerald color made this an attractive pick.
It’s Worth Noting: There was no color sensor to protect an incompatible skin or hair color from using the device.
There’s something undeniably chic and sophisticated about the look and feel of this device. It makes the whole at-home hair removal process feel a bit more pampering, rather than chore-like. The system comes with the device, a razor, and protective glasses that you can throw into the fancy green leather travel case (included) for easy storage. And that’s hardly the coolest thing about it. The device is also equipped with cooling technology that helps to lower the surface temperature of the skin to 50 degrees, which soothes any stings or discomfort that come with the hair-removing zaps.
This device is gentle enough and efficient enough to power through two to three treatments per week. We stuck with that schedule and saw visible reduction in hair growth and significant thinning in as little as four weeks, with more impressive, longer-lasting results after eight weeks.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 years | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device Under $250
Nood The Flasher 2.0
nood The Flasher 2.0 PHOTO:
NOOD
$199 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Trynood.com
Why We Like It: The included goggles and wide treatment area made this seem more expensive than it is.
It’s Worth Noting: The hair loss results were patchy.
This at-home hair removal device is a friendlier option on multiple levels. For starters, the price tag makes it an inviting option for someone looking to test the waters of at-home hair removal. It’s also one of the easiest to use as well as one of the most gentle. The FDA-approved device features a large digital display (for ease of use) and a wide treatment area that makes the process go by quicker since there is more surface area covered per flash.
It has seven levels, and while you’ll need to crank it up high for real results, even the highest levels are doable in terms of pain. We described it as less than a rubber band snap on the pain scale. We found it gentle enough to use twice weekly, but long-term results will require persistence and patience. The results aren’t as smooth as some of the pricier devices on this lineup, but it certainly delivers a painless bang for your buck.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 600,000 | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device for Face
SmoothSkin Pure Mini
SmoothSkin Pure Mini Intelligent Ultrafast IPL Permanent Hair Reduction PHOTO:
Amazon
$119 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com $139 at Currentbody.com
Why We Like It: The lightweight device and size made this ideal for small areas.
It’s Worth Noting: It took a long time to treat large areas, like the legs.
Don’t let the name mislead you: This may be the slightly smaller sister device to the SmoothSkin Fit we also tested, but it’s equally as effective, especially when it comes to bikini line or facial hair removal. It features a smart skin-sensing technology that continuously reads skin tone and automatically adjusts the energy accordingly, making it one of the most energy-efficient options.
It has two comfort settings — power and gentle — and two treatment modes, stamp or glide, which are all equally effective and come down to a matter of preference and the area you’re working on. The four-point contact sensor helps ensure that the device is correctly aligned before each zap, protecting both your eyes and skin. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around nooks and crannies of the face and body, and even the power mode feels relatively painless — although gentle mode is a great option for more sensitive skin types.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 year | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device for All Hair Colors
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System
Iluminage TouchRadio Frequency System
Skinstore
$459 at Amazon $449 at Skinstore.com $381 at Ecosmetics.com
Why We Like It: This device also has an epilator and razor attachments.
It’s Worth Noting: It was slow to see lasting results.
This system comes stocked with an electric razor and epilator attachment that are ideal for helping you get better, smoother, longer-lasting results. It’s also designed to work for those with lighter hair, which is nearly impossible to find in the world of at-home hair removal — most blondes and redheads need to visit an office for a professional treatment. While we weren’t overly impressed by these extra bells and whistles, since we found we got a closer shave with our traditional razor and struggled with attaching the epilator — we were impressed by the hair removal device itself.
The flashes are incredibly bright, so we recommend wearing goggles or even sunglasses (not included) for eye protection. The device boasts a patented elōs technology that combines IPL and radio frequency (RF) for a smoother, pain-free treatment that works on all hair colors. It took about six sessions before we noticed that hair was growing back slower and patchier, and with continued use, we’d expect to see worthwhile results that paid off on this investment.
Type: IPL and radio frequency | Flashes: 300,000 | Warranty: 2 years | Plug: Yes
Best IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
RoseSkinCo. Lumi
RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset PHOTO:
RoseSkinCo.
View on Roseskinco.com
Why We Like It: The small, handheld device was easy to maneuver.
It’s Worth Noting: It took over eight weeks of treatment to start seeing results.
This IPL device features six intensity settings and three treatment modes — stamp, glide, and auto — each suited to a specific body part or need, like ingrown hair or coarse stubble. We found the stamp mode most effective for treating the bikini line and armpits, as it delivers pulses with each click, while glide mode was the preferred option for arms, as it pulses every second, helping to set an even tempo as you slowly inch the device around treatment areas. The auto mode was ideal for legs since it activates every second as long as the device's window makes contact with skin, which helps with even treatment throughout the work area.
After continued weekly use, we noticed less hair growing back, and that hair was significantly thinner than before. Long-lasting results require consistent weekly treatments, but it’s worth it in the end — especially for less than $200.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 900,000 flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes
Best Wireless Laser Hair Removal Device
JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover
JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover PHOTO:
JOVS
View on Jovs.com
Why We Like It: The wireless design makes it sleek, compact, and portable.
It’s Worth Noting: It took three hours to reach a full charge.
If you’ve been searching for a wireless laser hair removal device, here’s one that will give you a bit more freedom to move about. The sleek device is heavier than expected given its compact size, but not uncomfortably so. There are six intensity levels, three treatment modes (for body, face, and intimate areas), and an automatic flash option that allows you to maneuver around your body without having to press a button to activate the laser each time.
There was a bit of a learning curve when using the device, but once we got the hang of how to hold the device and ensure each zap was aligned flush against a treatment area, we found it to be a quick and relatively painless hair removal process. We noted the highest intensity (level six) was important in seeing changes in hair growth, as no noticeable change happened at the lower settings. After using the device twice a week for seven weeks, we reported a noticeable decrease in hair growth, and prolonged results after continuing with weekly treatments for another month.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 400,000 flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: No
Best Splurge Laser Hair Removal Device
Jovs Venus Pro II
JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover PHOTO:
JOVS
$239 at Amazon $300 at Jovs.com
Why We Like It: The built-in cooling feature calms skin for a pain-free experience.
It’s Worth Noting: This device is only suitable for black and brown hair.
There are few laser hair removal devices that maneuver as well as this pretty emerald one. The 330-degree rotating head is also detachable, giving you complete flexibility and control to navigate around any treatment area — large or small. There are six different modes, each one for a specific treatment area: arms, underarms, bikini area, legs, and face, plus a skin rejuvenation mode. This straightforward methodology makes it exceptionally easy to know which mode to use at any given time.
The device also boasts an auto flash mode that flashes as soon as it makes contact with the skin so you don’t have to manually activate it for each area. We found each of these features helped to simplify the at-home hair removal process, making it ideal for first-time IPL users. It also features an ICE cooling head made from ultra-thin sapphire that cools skin on contact to help counteract and ease any discomfort or sting that comes from treatment. We also love the cordless charging dock that disinfects and cleans the device while it’s not in use.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device with Unlimited Flashes
SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device
SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Device PHOTO:
Amazon
View on Amazon $239 at Currentbody.com
Why We Like It: The ergonomic design allows for a faster treatment time.
It’s Worth Noting: There is a learning curve to how you hold the device and navigate the cord.
This sleek device is one of the fastest in the lineup, promising a speedy 10-minute treatment for your whole body. While we found it took a bit longer than that — about 14 minutes for both legs — it was certainly the fastest-working of any device we tested. There are three modes (power, speed, and gentle) with both a stamp and glide method to choose between. The flash was quick and hot, like bacon grease jumping out of the pan, versus a prolonged sting or burn. It’s the kind of sensation you quickly get used to, with no lingering pain and at times only a slight redness that disappears after a minute or two. The four-point contact sensor also helps to ensure the flash only zaps when it’s completely aligned on skin, protecting your eyes and surrounding skin from any rogue flashes.
We saw a noticeable reduction in hair regrowth after continued weekly use for 12 weeks, followed by monthly touch-ups for routine maintenance and smoothing, which made this device well worth the investment of time and funds.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 year | Plug: Yes
Best Laser Hair Removal Device for Full Body
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PHOTO:
Amazon
$350 at Amazon $385 at Braun.com
Why We Like It: This comes with three types of interchangeable heads to better target different body areas.
It's Worth Noting: It's not recommended for men to use IPL devices on their face or neck.
One of the best features of this smart device is that it comes with interchangeable caps that can help you best target different areas of your body. It has a standard gold head, two precision heads, and one wide head. The standard head is best suited for use on underarms. The precision heads are for the bikini area, chin, and upper lip. The wide head is for larger areas such as the chest or thighs.
This device is simple and effective but does come with a learning curve as you figure out how to navigate and align the laser around bony body parts, like your shins. There is only one treatment button, which helps to simplify use, and automatic sensor lights adjust the settings based on your skin type for maximum effect. Like other IPL devices, though, it's not suitable for deep brown or black skin tones or very light or gray hair tones. You'll want to check the company's hair and skin tone chart before purchasing.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 400,000 | Warranty: Unclear | Plug: Yes
We Also Tested
TRIA Beauty Laser Hair Removal Device 4X
KENZZI IPL Pro Hair Removal Handset: This device is simpler than most, with a fully digital display that shows the five intensity levels. There are two options for treatment: You can either select to hold down the button for continuous treatment as you navigate over an area, or click it each time you want to administer a zap. No matter which you choose, it’s faster and gentler than most, with a cooling technology that also makes it ideal for sensitive skin. While all of these features are impressive, we did not see the level of hair reduction we wanted after 12 weeks of testing.
What to Know About At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
- Laser hair removal vs. IPL: Many of the best at-home laser hair removal devices aren’t actually lasers. They are “intense pulsed light” or IPL, which uses broad-spectrum light to target pigments in the unwanted hair and destroy the hair follicle. “A specific pigmented target is matched to a specific light wavelength, which destroys it while minimizing bystander damage,” says Dr. Hirsch. Unlike single wavelength lasers which are used by professionals, IPLs are cheaper, cover larger surface areas, and are safe for at-home use.
- Wireless vs. plug-in: A plug-in device will, of course, require proximity to an outlet. A wireless device can be used anywhere, even on the go, but some devices have a maximum number of flashes. Luckily, this max is usually high, in the 300,000 to 900,000 range, which to be honest is years of use.
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Types of flashes: The types of flashes should coincide with the area and the method that most makes sense to treat them. You may see flash descriptions like pulse, glide, or auto. Pulse is the flash of light; this often means that you will wait for the flash before moving to the next untreated area for the next pulse. This method may be used to treat the bikini line. Glide mode allows you to make slow, continuous motions and is helpful for the arms. Auto mode means the device is active so long as it is in full contact with the skin. The mode may be helpful for legs and navigating the curves and edges of the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is at-home laser hair removal safe?
Yes, using an at-home laser device is safe, “as long as you are using it as tested and directed,” says Dr. Hirsch. Be sure to follow the device instructions and wear protective goggles or eyewear.
- Do you have to shave before at-home laser hair removal?
“It’s wise to shave before at-home treatment since hair will absorb the laser energy,” says Dr. Hirsch. “The singe (and for many, the odor) is bothersome. It’s important not to wax before, as this removes the same area that the laser targets — unlike shaving, which just trims the hair above the skin.” For best results, some devices even advise using an epilator before treatment.
- How often can you use laser hair removal devices at home?
“This varies based on the device and the person,” Dr. Hirsch says. “Generally you want to allow the treated hairs to grow out and cycle so you hit some other hairs each time you treat the area.” For the devices we tested, the average recommendation was weekly or biweekly.
Why Trust Shape
Lindsay Colameo is a seasoned freelance beauty writer and editor with over a decade of experience contributing to leading print and digital publications including InStyle, Byrdie, Real Simple, and more. Her published work marries her product expertise and deep understanding of the industry to deliver honest, informative, and compelling content that helps readers better navigate the beauty aisle and their online shopping carts.
