We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
- Hair
- Haircare
- Hair Products And Tools
DIY devices that get the job done safely and efficiently.
Fact checked by
Michelle Regalado
Comments
In This Article
- Our Top Picks
- Reviews
- What to Look For
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Trust Byrdie
Removing hair from any part of your body can be a royal painin terms of time, money, and well, actual physical pain. For those sick of waxing kits or are keen on a more permanent solution than razors, laser hair removal is by far one of the most popular (and effective) alternatives.
But what is laser hair removal, exactly? According to cosmetic chemist and beauty educator Michelle Wong, laser hair removal works on the premise that dark colors (your hair) absorb light (the laser). The light from the laser then heats the hair follicle to a point where it becomes damaged, resulting in no growth at all, or hair thats much finer. The results are semi-permanent and only require maintenance once or twice a year after initial treatments.
We spent 3 months testing 12 of the the top-rated at-home laser hair removal devices on the market. We ranked the devices based on the level of hair reduction and any pain or discomfort, the ones of our list are worth the money.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
SALE
Ulike Sapphire AIR+ at Amazon $299 $209
Jump to Review
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
SALE
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 at Amazon $430 $350
Jump to Review
Best for Dark Skin:
Elos Me Me Sleek at Dermstore $120
Jump to Review
Best for Bikini:
Nood The Flasher 2.0 at Amazon $199
Jump to Review
Best for Large Areas:
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System at Amazon $459
Jump to Review
Best for Small Areas:
SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device at Amazon
Jump to Review
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device at Saks Fifth Avenue $429
Jump to Review
Best for Travel:
SmoothSkin Pure Mini at Amazon $119
Jump to Review
Best for Beginners:
RoseSkinCo. Lumi at Roseskinco.com
Jump to Review
Best Overall
Ulike Sapphire AIR+
PHOTO: Ulike
$209 at Amazon $299 at Ulike.com $229 at Currentbody.com
What We Like
Recommended by dermatologists
5 intensity levels
Effective as it gets
What to Consider
Occasionally pinches skin
Featuring five energy levels designed to cater to different body areas, the Ulike tool is as customized as it gets. All you have to do is choose the mode and allow the sensor to come into contact with your skin. During testing, we loved how easy to use (and hold) the device was. We were pleased to discover that even on areas where hair usually grows back very quickly, the tool had slowed growth almost completely. It's great for sensitive skinone of our testers has eczema and was perfectly fineand it's recommended by dermatologists. The compact, portable design is great for treatment on-the-go and stores nicely in a vanity or cabinet without taking up too much space.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited
-
Byrdie / Kyle Tran
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5
PHOTO: Amazon
$350 at Amazon $385 at Braun.com
What We Like
Recommended by the Skin Health Alliance
SensoAdapt technology adjusts intensity to skin tone
10 power settings
What to Consider
Expensive
We consider this pick the Rolls Royce of at-home hair removal devices. The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 is fast, effective, and delightful to use. Recommended by the Skin Health Alliance and cleared by the FDA, it utilizes a technology called SensoAdapt that adjusts the flash intensity for your skin tone as youre using itmaking it suitable for use on most skin tones. The device also boasts 10 different power settings, allowing you to tailor treatment to your skin tone and pain threshold. Needless to say, it may be pricey (as many of these devices are) and come with a learning curve (it takes a few tries to figure out how to properly align the laser with the skin), but it sure is impressive.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 300,000
-
Byrdie / Marissa Stampolis
Best for Dark Skin
Elos Me Me Sleek
PHOTO: Amazon
$120 at Dermstore View on Nordstromrack.com $120 at Skinstore.com
What We Like
FDA cleared for all skin tones
Unlimited flashes
Sleek design
What to Consider
Most users found a reduction in hair, rather than full removal
It can be difficult for those with dark skin tones to find an effective laser. Why? Well, the laser is attracted to dark pigment (aka hair), so sometimes, the laser gets confused and ends up heating your skin (ouch!) instead of actual hair, causing permanent damage. Thankfully, the Elos Me Me Sleek device comes to the rescue with its unlimited treatment options and FDA clearance to work on all skin tones. Were also partial to the ultra-sleek design, complete with a comfortable hand-held grip makes it a cinch to use on legs, arms, armpits, butt, and the bikini area. Plus, it comes with a luxe charging cradle, too.
Type: IPL and radiofrequency | Flashes: Unlimited
Best for Bikini
Nood The Flasher 2.0
PHOTO: NOOD
$199 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Trynood.com
What We Like
Fully digital display
90-day money back guarantee
Wide window for faster treatments
What to Consider
Comparatively fewer flashes out of the box
The bikini area can be a a great candidate for at-home laser hair removal, since a smaller area allows you to get used to the sensation and time commitment is takes. Chances are youve seen this affordable, buzzy device pop up all over socialand with good reason. It uses a multi-spectrum bulb to zap and permanently reduce hair, which makes it less painful than laser devices, making it a great choice for sensitive skin around the bikini area. The extra wide window also makes treating this area easy. The FDA has approved this device, and the brand guarantees permanent results within eight weeks.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 6,000
-
Byrdie / Samantha Aronson
-
Byrdie / Samantha Aronson
Best for Large Areas
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System
PHOTO: Skinstore
$459 at Amazon $449 at Skinstore.com $381 at Ecosmetics.com
What We Like
Uses IPL and radiofrequency
FDA cleared for all skin tones and hair colors
Unlimited flashes
What to Consider
The cord is super short
If you want to treat your arms, legs, or back, you need a device with a larger head, such as this one from ORA. The combination of IPL and radiofrequency used in this is actually patented by the brandin fact, the technology was originally developed by scientists behind in-clinic machines, so you know youre in good hands. Its also one of the few FDA-cleared tools that are intended to work on all skin tones and hair colors.
Type: IPL and radiofrequency | Flashes: Unlimited
Best for Small Areas
SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device
PHOTO: Amazon
View on Amazon $239 at Currentbody.com
What We Like
Dual safety sensors to check skin suitability before every flash
Precise, targeted flashes
Unlimited number of flashes
What to Consider
Not effective on dark skin tones
If youre looking to target smaller areas, this device is amazing. Something to know about laser hair removal for the face? It can come with some discomfort, or even painful zaps. This device is FDA-cleared and is equipped with safety sensors to check skin suitability automatically before every flash. In other words, the device adjusts to the level you need without doing a thing. Precision tools also makes it ideal for hard-to-reach areas like the upper lip. Although its priced higher than some options on the list, we love that this device has unlimited flashes, extending its longevity. Our only gripe is that it isnt suitable for dark skin tones, so wed suggest going with another option if you have more melanin in your skin.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited
Best for Sensitive Skin
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device
PHOTO: Silkn
$429 at Saks Fifth Avenue View on Silkn.com
What We Like
Syncs with a reminder app
Five power settings
Can be adjusted to cater to sensitive skin
What to Consider
The hair removal is slow
Bad at sticking to a routine? This device comes with a handy app to remind you of your next appointmentbecause, after all, when it comes to at-home laser hair removal, consistency is key. The five power settings mean you can tailor the intensity to your preference (a nice feature for sensitive skin types or those with a low pain threshold), and even on the highest setting, we only experienced heat and a slight zap, nothing too painful. The price of this device is equivalent to about one session with a professional, so although it costs a pretty penny upfront, rest assured that youre effectively saving yourself money in the long run.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited
Best for Travel
SmoothSkin Pure Mini
PHOTO: Amazon
$119 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com $139 at Currentbody.com
What We Like
UV filter
Skin Sensing technology that reads skin tone and adjusts energy levels
Safe for eyes
What to Consider
There's a learning curve with this device
As the name suggests, the SmoothSkin Pure Mini is the portable laser of our dreams. Not only is it tiny enough to stow in your bag on a vacation (consistency is key, you know?), but its also extremely easy to useonce you get the hang of it. Despite a learning curve when we first got our hands on itwe werent sure how to hold or angle the device, plus we were kind of nervous the first timewere pros at this point. Tip: You have to make sure the laser head is fully on the surface of the skin or it wont work, which is a great safety feature, but added to the confusion at first. Best of all, its lightweight, quick to power up, and doesnt leave irritation marks in its wake.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited
-
Byrdie / Ruby Grais
Best for Beginners
RoseSkinCo. Lumi
PHOTO: RoseSkinCo.
View on Roseskinco.com
What We Like
Simple design
User-friendly functions
FDA-cleared
What to Consider
No speed settings or timer
If youre just starting your at-home laser hair removal journey, youll want to check out this beginner-friendly option from RoseSkinCo. Its cute, compact, and not at all intimidating, which is ideal if youve never applied a laser to your skin before. The handheld device targets unwanted hairs at the root, leading the way to smoother skin on your pits, legs, face, and bikini area starting after a couple of weeks (though the brand says three to four). No matter which of the 6 intensity levels you choose, a full-body treatment should take no more than 30 minutes.
Type: IPL | Flashes: 90,000
What to Look for in an At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
- Laser vs. IPL: According to dermatologist Rachel Ward, MD, there are two types of at-home hair removal methods: true laser and IPL. Both use light to heat the hair follicle; the only palpable difference is the light they actually use (laser uses one wavelength, whereas IPL uses multiple). All of the options on this list are equipped with IPL.
- Skin Tone and Hair Color: Because the laser is attracted to dark pigment, its tricky territory for dark skin tones due to the possibility of the laser getting confused and heating the actual skin instead of the hair (and causing permanent damage). Likewise, those with fair body hair should also consider their options because at-home devices might not be intelligent enough to pick up the hair follicle (remember, theyre attracted to dark pigment). If you're really in doubt, hedge your bets and speak to a professional from the get-go. In-office treatments, like YAG Lasers, may be a better option for dark skin.
- Size: Consider each device's design and intended use before adding it to your cart. If you're looking for a device to use across a large area of the body (like the legs, for example), a large option is best.
FAQ
- Are at-home laser removal devices safe?
Ward explains that if you use your device correctly, its generally safe but still advises to never run the light over pigmented areas (like moles), tattoos, or around the eyes and genitals.
- How do you use at-home laser removal devices?
This will depend on your device of choice, but most are to be used on shaved skin (free of all skincare) once a week. You should run your device over the entire treatment area before repeating the process several times (check your instructions for specifics).
- How do the results of at-home laser hair removal devices compare to in-office treatments?
Ward explains that the main differences are that in-clinic machines are more powerful and often bigger, so they can cover a treatment area faster and do a better job at eradicating hair. In-office treatments are generally more advanced, too, which is why those with light hair or a deep skin tone are often better off seeing a professional (given its within means).
- Can at-home laser hair removal devices be used on hormonal-based hair growth?
Yes! IPL devices are effective on hormonal-based hair growth. People who have hair growth from PCOS, for example, are cleared to use at-home IPL devices.
- Can you use an at-home laser hair removal device on a tattoo?
No. The frequencies used by an at-home IPL device might cause a skin reaction on the skin that is covered by a tattoo. It's best to use your device around areas with tattoos.
- Can you use an at-home laser device on dark skin?
If you have dark skin, youll need to seek out a suitable device, otherwise, you can risk burning your skin or bringing on hyperpigmentation (this is due to the fact the laser light is not only attracted to the dark hair follicle but the melanin in your skin).
Why Trust Byrdie
Over the years, Emily Algar has experienced and spoken to dozens of experts in the permanent hair-removal treatment space, figuring out what works and what doesnt. She has over five years' experience covering the beauty industry and writing product reviews.
Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty and style. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and fashion to let readers know whats worth it and whats not.
For this feature, Emily borrowed the expertise of two professionals to break down the how's and whats of at-home laser hair removal:
- Michelle Wong, a cosmetic chemist and beauty educator.
- Rachel Ward, MD, a dermatologist.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any at-home laser hair removal devices from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.