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Pros
- Provides long-lasting results
- Device includes accessories
Cons
- Not water-resistant
While not quite a laser, this dermatologist-recommended device uses sensored IPL technology to adjust its treatment according to your skin tone. Its glide mode can be helpful to cover larger surface areas, along with two other mode options and a precision head to address smaller areas that may be difficult to reach, like the bikini line or underarms.
Customer review:
"The Braun IPL Long-lasting Hair Removal System is one of the best hair removal systems, I've used. I love that it comes with a bag for travel. I can pack it up and take it with me and not miss any treatments. It also comes with four caps and a razor to get you started. I've been using machine for about a month and I can tell that it's really working on my hair. This machine has been comfortable for me to use. It may seem daunting, at first but it's really easy, once you read the instructions and get used to it. I'll definitely keep doing the treatments, to see more results but so far, it's working for me. " Rachel
Best Speedy Hair Removal Device
The Flasher 2.0
Now 37% Off
$169 at trynood.com
Credit: Nood
Pros
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Doesn't include accessories
This FDA-cleared IPL device works for your underarms, legs, face, and bikini line (and even for a Brazilian), and aims for its users to see results in up to three weeks of use. It uses 10 minute treatment windows to get rid of hair overtime, with a built-in UV-filtered lens to keep your skin protected, and 600,000 flashes available straight out of the box.
Customer review:
"I've been using the Flasher 2.0 for eight weeks now, and the hair on my legs is almost completely gone! I'm also using it on my bikini area and under arms, those are showing progress as well! Cheers to being hair free!" Samantha S.
Best Hair Removal Device for Beginners
Silk'n Flash&Go Express
$299 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Doesn't include accessories
This fast-acting, FDA-cleared device from Silk'n uses a quartz bulb and home pulsed light technology (HPL) to minimize hair density with the press of a button. It features five modes, and works in 20 minutes flat to deliver smoother skin.
Customer review:
"I've been treating my skin for three months now, and I'm very happy with my progress. My skin tolerates the flash perfectly, and I was able to use the highest setting quickly. I've noticed a very good reduction in hair growth and I'm excited to continue on to [see] even more of a reduction. It's simple to use and I love the storage case. I enjoy using it and do not find it to be a hassle in an anyway." Coconut
Best Editor-Loved Hair Removal Device
SmoothSkin Pure Fit
Now 24% Off
$249 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Easy to use
- Features three mode options
Cons
- Takes three to four weeks to see noticeable results
After testing SmoothSkin's Pure Fit device for a number of weeks, associate beauty editor Katie Intner became an instant fan. "The SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL device comes with a smaller tip for precision areas like above the lip, I started with the bigger tip for my legs," she previously explained. "It's very user-friendly: It will never zap light or heat without perfect skin contact (dots on the side light up white when theres good contact and red when there is poor contact). I loved this feature, because no matter which direction I was going in, it took the guesswork out of trying to get the laser in the right spot to work."
Best App-Enabled Hair Removal Device
Foreo Peach 2 IPL Hair Removal Device
$390 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Works for face and body
- Features a built-in cooling system
Cons
Just like the majority of Foreo's buzzy devices, this IPL hair removal tool is extremely high-tech (it even has its own app) and is a breeze to use from head to toe. It delivers up to 120 flashes per minute and uses T-sonic massage to dilate pores and allow light pulses to access hair follicles more easily.
Customer review:
"I wasn't really expecting much, as a woman with very dark, thick hairs that seem to grow from places I didn't know existed, I have always struggled with hair removal. Shaving just leaves me with black roots and ingrown hairs and epilating is so time-consuming. I couldn't wait to give this a go and put it to the test with my unmanageable body hair. I am so over the moon with this Foreo IPL hair removal device." Cathryn
Best Hair Removal Device with Radio Frequency
Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System
$449 at Nordstrom
Credit: Nordstrom
Pros
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners
This long-lasting removal tool uses a combination of IPL and radio frequency technology to minimize growth with or without maintenance after your initial session. And unlike many other IPL and laser devices, this one even works to remove light and dark blonde hair, along with red.
Best Value Hair Removal Device
Mismon At-Home Hair Removal Machine
$190 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Includes 12-month warranty
- Device includes accessories
Cons
- Not ideal for blondes or redheads
This popular tool is best for those specifically with fair to olive skin tones and darker hair. It nicely features an easy-to-read LCD screen, and uses three modes to slow body hair growth over the course of a few weeks.
Customer review:
"My husband bought this for me as a gift and it has been so awesome! I have a lot of dark hair in places I would prefer not to and this has been such a game changer for me. For the first time in my life I feel confident to show my arms. It has really helped my self-esteem. It is easy to use and I have seen results very quickly. The process is slow, but absolutely worth it!" Ryan I.
Best Cooling Laser Hair Removal Device
Ulike IPL Permanent Hair Removal Device
Now 30% Off
$209 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Pros
- Works on face and body
- Device includes accessories
Cons
Here's a beloved hair removal device that cools the top most layer of your skin to 50 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of potential burns. It also nicely contains five power levels for a customizable experience.
Customer review:
"It has a luxurious appearance, and the shape is easy to grip so you can remove hair. [Mine] is getting thinner and thinner, so I'm satisfied." Rina
Meet the Experts
- Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Joshua Zeichner, M.D., F.A.A.D is the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
- Annie Chiu, M.D., F.A.A.D is a cosmetic and general dermatologist, and founder of The Derm Institute in Los Angeles, California.
- Anthony Rossi M.D., F.A.A.D, F.A.C.M.S is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memoral Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
- Rebecca Marcus is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD.
- Christian Karavolas is a Laser Hair Removal expert, and founder of Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal in New York City.
How does the laser hair removal process work?
While different hair removal technologies can be found in at-home laser devices, most treatments use IPL (intense pulsed light) to emit multiple wavelengths of light, that turn into heat, to destroy hair follicles. "The light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles," explains cosmetic and general dermatologist, and founder of The Derm Institute in Los Angeles, Annie Chiu.
According to Garshick, aside from light-based IPL devices, other hair removal options use laser technology (known as diode lasers), which use a single wavelength of lightunlike IPL that uses many wavelengthsto target the pigment of the hair follicle and selectively absorb it while minimizing injury to the surrounding skin. "Since laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle, dark hairs tend to respond the best to laser hair removal," Garshick says. While burns can happen, Chiu cautions that doubling up on a specific area to lessen hair density won't speed up results and may lead to increased skin trauma.
Can the same laser hair removal devices be used on both the face and body?
Some at-home devices may be designed specifically for the body or face based on the size of its hand piece, or ease of use in different locations. Garshick notes that using tools on the face should be in an extra-precise manner, with special attention being paid to avoid certain areas like around the eyebrows and general eye area. "If there is excessive pain or discomfort a few hours past treatment, and darkening of the skin, call your provider for assistance," Christian Karavolas, laser hair removal expert and founder of Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal in New York City, advises. "After treatment, skin may be slightly irritated but this typically goes away in a short period of time."
Are at-home hair removal devices safe for all skin tones?
Both IPL and diode laser devices rely on the pigment of the hair follicle to lessen or completely remove it from your skin, but diode lasers are generally more precise, making them a safer option for most skin types and tones.
However, it's important to use caution when trying out any at-home laser hair removal device. Those with lighter hair or darker skin should carefully consider their options regarding their tool of choice. Karavolas notes that the preferred type of wavelength to use on skin of color in professional laser treatments is about NDYAG 1064 nm.
"I recommend that my clients first test spots in less conspicuous areas, like the arms or legs, to see if burning or hyperpigmentation occurs before proceeding to treat the face or more prominent areas of the body," Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, says.
Having more pigment in your skin may confuse the laser, Zeichner cautions, leading to discoloration in the skin. "In general, at-home laser hair removal devices are not optimal for those with sensitive skin or skin of color as the potential risk of irritation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring is increased," Garshick adds. "For individuals with sensitive skin and darker skin types, it's especially important to ensure the selected device is appropriate and should always be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist prior to use."
What should you do to treat the skin post-hair removal?
Don't forget to take care of your skin with a soothing moisturizer following each treatment to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. According to Rossi, look for moisturizers without heavy fragrances, as they can contribute to skin inflammation. Garshick agrees, adding that wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is equally important in healing newly treated areas of the skin, since laser treatments can often contribute to increased sun sensitivity.
"Generally, moisturizing creams and sun protection are both important after using laser treatment," she explains. "A gentle moisturizer or post-procedure product, such as Vaseline Intensive Care Soothing Hydration with Aloe, can be soothing on the skin. Other options include CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream, Avne Cicalfate+, or EltaMD Laser Enzyme Gel. If the skin feels sensitive at all, it is best to opt for a mineral sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield or Cetaphil's Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen."
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harpers Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover whats new and whats next in beauty by working with the worlds leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harpers Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping storiesfrom holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPRs Life Kit podcast.
Read full bio
Lindy Segal
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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