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Home laser hair removal may seem extravagant, but it can be pretty manageable. We rounded up four affordable at-home laser hair removal options that work on all or most skin types.
A quick look at the best devices for home laser hair removal
- Best overall: Silk'n Motion Premium | Skip to review
- Best for coarse hair: MiSMON Laser Hair Removal | Skip to review
- Best for small areas: Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL | Skip to review
- Best for fast results: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL | Skip to review
You used to have to visit a dermatologist for laser hair removal, and this is still the most effective route, but you can consider home laser hair removal devices instead.
While not as effective as professional treatments, they offer the longest-lasting results compared to other home hair removal methods like shaving, tweezing, or waxing. Results arent completely permanent, but you might go weeks without having to redo your treatment.
How does it work? High-heat lasers or intense pulsed lights (IPLs) dissolve hair and temporarily disable hair follicles. That way, the follicles wont be able to produce new hairs for up to several weeks.
We reviewed these devices based on their safety, efficacy, and price. While only two are true laser hair removal devices, the rest are intense pulsed light (IPL) devices that work in a similar way.
Healthlines picks for the best at-home laser hair removal products
Comparison of the best at-home laser hair removal devices
Device
Price
Areas treated
Intensity levels
Hair color, skin tones treated
Warranty
Silkn Motion Premium
$599
all over
5
any hair color, all skin tones
1 year
MiSMON Laser Hair Removal
$189.99
not suitable for the lip area
5
black to brown hair,
olive to fair skin tones
1 year
Braun Silk-expert Mini
$199.99
all over
3
black to light brown hair,
light brown to fair skin tones
1 year
Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL
$349.99
all over
10
black to light brown hair,
light brown to fair skin tones
1 year
IPLs vs. lasers
Laser hair removal works via IPLs or high-heat lasers. Both work by heating the hair follicles, which then shed any current hair you have while preventing new hair growth. The laser emits a beam of light that targets the melanin in the hair follicle and then vaporizes it. The heat from these lasers will destroy the hair follicle as well.
Over time, the hair follicle is destroyed and doesnt grow back. While it takes about six treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a follicle, the hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), laser hair removal is not permanent on a womans face, but men can permanently eliminate their beards with laser hair removal. And since the melanin in light-colored hair is lower, laser hair removal will not work well on blonde, white, gray, or red hair.
If you use at-home laser hair removal, youll need to use the device for much longer to see results. Youll also need to use it periodically to maintain results. While sometimes the names are used interchangeably, these methods work differently.
IPLs
Most at-home laser hair removal products are classified as IPLs. These work with the use of a high-powered light that penetrates your skin where it then heats your hair follicles.
While its always a good idea to talk with a dermatologist before use, IPLs are generally considered safe for most people. IPL treatment should be done cautiously with people who have more melanin in their skin, as it can cause their skin to burn and blister, leading to scarring.
Dr. Joan Paul, an ABMS board certified dermatologist, mentioned that while true lasers usually have only one wavelength, IPLs deliver many wavelengths at the same time.
IPL also bypasses the epidermis and mainly targets the dermis, which means patients have less downtime after each treatment since the top layer of the skin is intact, she says.
Lasers
Laser treatments are more invasive than IPLs because they have a stronger wavelength that can penetrate deeper into the skin. For this reason, most true laser treatments are used in clinical settings only.
Paul also notes that a true laser is usually only administered in a clinical setting because of many safety issues, making it harder for a patient to buy one.
The bottom line
In order to reduce the risk of scarring or blisters, make sure the laser or IPL youre using is compatible with your skin tone and hair color.
If youre seeing a professional laser hair removal specialist, be sure to tell them if youve had more sun exposure than usual so they know to adjust the setting on the device.
How to prepare for at-home laser hair removal
A reputable at-home laser hair removal product should contain specific instructions on preparing for your treatment and any contraindications. But as a general rule of thumb, you can prepare for your at-home laser hair removal session with the following steps:
- Clean and dry your skin before use.
- Avoid tanning, sunless tanners, or excessive sun exposure
- Discontinue topical retinoids or other products that may increase your risk of burns. Remember that some antibiotics can make your skin sensitive; this should be discussed with your prescriber or healthcare professional before deciding to stop taking any medication.
- Check the treatment area for any rashes or acne youll want to avoid these areas of skin.
- Avoid plucking or shaving the treatment area beforehand this will reduce the efficacy.
- Wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes (some of the above kits come with these).
How to use
Now that you have your preferred laser hair removal device, youll want to prepare before use. Make sure the device is fully charged and read the safety instructions. Clean and dry the desired area of skin before use.
Store the device in tip-top condition in its original box or in a safe place, such as your bathroom cabinet.
The number of treatments you need depends on the device and your hair growth. The key is to be consistent about your use to see results.
While laser hair removal is often touted as permanent, the reality is that your hair follicles will heal and produce new hairs at some point.
It can also take a few sessions to see results. But you dont want to overuse the device, which can lead to skin irritation and hyperpigmentation.
Care after at-home laser treatment
Its important to avoid excessive sun exposure following at-home laser treatment, including tanning. You may also consider avoiding the use of potentially irritating products, such as:
- sunless tanners
- retinoids
- alcohol-containing skin care products
Also, apply sunscreen to the treatment area before going outdoors. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that contains an SPF of at least 30 or more.
While you should take extra care in applying sunscreen immediately after laser hair removal, you can protect your skin year-round by making it a part of your daily skin care routine.
Need a new sunscreen?
Almost out of your new sunscreen, or want to try something new? Check out these recs for best sunscreens to wear year-round.
How to choose the best at-home laser kit for you
Shopping for the right laser hair removal device goes beyond simply looking for the best home laser hair removal reviews. Youll want to make sure that a prospective removal system has the following:
- A guideline for your hair color and skin tone: Ideally, the product should come with a guideline on what intensity levels to use for your hair color and skin tone. Some at-home laser hair removal devices also come with automatic skin tone sensors. If you have darker skin, this may be helpful to help prevent:
- burns
- pigmentation changes
- other side effects
- Varying intensity levels: Your natural skin tone dictates how much intensity you should use during each laser hair removal session, with darker skin tones requiring less intensity. Also, if you have sensitive skin or are new to laser hair removal, starting at a lower intensity can help make the process less painful.
- Flash capacity: This refers to the capacity of IPL or laser wavelength. The higher the number, the longer the device is expected to last.
- Different attachments: If you want to remove hair from different body parts, you may consider a device with multiple attachments suited for each skin area. This may include attachments for the
- bikini area
- underarms
- face
- Features for during use: At-home laser hair removal devices may be battery-powered or attached to an electric cord. Battery-powered devices are mobile and easier to use, especially in small areas of your body. However, an electric cord-operated device may be better if you want a longer-lasting device without the hassle of changing out batteries.
Be sure to consider your budget and all the features you may want, too. A reliable at-home laser device usually costs $180 or more.
Safety tips
Laser hair removal results are more predictable when done by a dermatologist. The FDA doesnt regulate at-home laser hair removal devices, so the results and safety arent guaranteed.
There also arent enough clinical studies to prove that at-home lasers are more effective than hair removal at a dermatologists office.
Other safety considerations involve your natural skin tone and hair color. Laser hair removal tends to work best on people with light skin tones and dark hair.
Hyperpigmentation, blistering, and irritation are possible side effects in all users. Make sure you follow all instructions included with your device.
While no downtime is required with this procedure, youll want to avoid direct sunlight for several days after using a laser hair removal device. Doing so will help reduce the risk of side effects.
With any at-home hair removal device or laser hair removal procedure in a dermatologists office, its important to avoid waxing or tweezing between treatments. Rather, shave only to preserve the hair follicle so the laser or IPL device has something to target during your next treatment.
Considerations for darker skin tones
At-home devices use IPL technology, which cant tell the difference between skin and hair pigment. Because of this, IPL devices are generally unsafe to use on darker skin tones and can discolor, burn, or blister the skin.
According to a 2023 study, professional laser hair treatments should use longer wavelength lasers and larger spot sizes for darker skin tones to reduce side effects such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, permanent depigmentation, scarring, and more.
When to see a doctor
Not all hair removal devices are safe and effective for all skin tones or hair colors. Talk with a dermatologist to make sure the product is safe for you. They can provide tips for using the removal device and safety tips to prevent scarring.
Also, while at-home laser hair removal kits can work for some people, these arent as potent or long lasting as professional laser treatments from a dermatologist.
Even then, remember youll need at least four to six initial laser treatments and occasional maintenance sessions.
The best laser hair removal at-home devices are generally safe for most users, but you should see a doctor if you develop any side effects such as:
- redness or swelling
- rash
- blisters or burns
- pain
- bumps or nodules
Frequently asked questions about at-home laser treatments
Takeaway
While laser hair removal is traditionally done at a dermatologists office, you may still be able to mimic some of the benefits at home with a removal device. Take the time to compare available features, using this guide as a starting point.
Talk with your dermatologist for further advice on selecting the best hair removal methods for you.
