The 8 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, Tested & Reviewed

📅 17 novembre 2024 ✍️ By Alessio ⏱️ 17 Mins Read 🗂️ IPL hair removal for man and woman 🕒 Last updated: 18 novembre 2024 📌 Tags:Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank,laser hair removal,Morgan Rabach,Tamim Alnuweiri

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If you choose to remove body hair, it always comes at a price, whether it’s your time, money, dignity (just kidding, kind of), or, most likely, a combination of all three. While at-home laser hair removal devices are an investment upfront, they’re more cost-effective over time, generally painless, and treatments are done in the sanctity of your own home. Of course, professional treatments are more effective, but since these devices use a lower energy frequency known as IPL, they’re safer for at-home use.

“IPL stands for intense pulsed light—it’s not actually a laser; it’s a device that emits many wavelengths of visible light,” says Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach, M.D. However, not every skin tone or hair color is a candidate for at-home devices—those with red, blonde, and gray hair and deeper skin should avoid using one or consult a doctor first.

Still, for others, laser hair removal devices are great for maintenance between visits and help you avoid uncomfortable problems we experience using razors and waxing kits, like razor bumps and in-grown hairs. According to board-certified dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., you can also use the tools to treat sun damage and rebuild collagen. We tested these claims and recruited the InStyle team to incorporate 13 popular devices into their routines for four months. Then, we ranked each one based on ease of use, whether the treatment was painful, and how quickly and efficiently it zapped off unwanted hair. With help from highly sought-after dermatologists, we discovered the best at-home laser hair removal devices available.

At a Glance: At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

INSTYLE / ABBY MILLIGAN

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Ulike Sapphire AIR+ at Amazon ~~$299~~ $209

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Best Budget:

Nood The Flasher 2.0 at Amazon $199

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Best for Face:

Foreo Peach 2 IPL at Amazon $390

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Best for Bikini Area:

Smoothskin Pure Mini at Amazon $119

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Best for Coarse Hair:

SALE

Jovs Venus Pro II at Amazon ~~$360~~ $300

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Best for Dark Skin:

RoseSkinCo. Lumi at Roseskinco.com

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Best for Blonde Hair:

Iluminage Touch at Nordstrom $449

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Best for Dark, Thick Hair:

SALE

Smoothskin Pure Fit at Amazon ~~$329~~ $249

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Best Overall

Ulike Sapphire AIR+

Ulike Sapphire AIR+ IPL Hair Removal Handset PHOTO: Ulike

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

Excellent for beginners, the Ulike Sapphire Handset came with all the accouterments our tester, Kyle, could have wanted to ensure an easy, stress-free (or at least as low as possible) experience. Protective glasses, a leather case for storage and travel, mini razor, and a power adapter were all included, which definitely helped Kyle feel more prepared ahead of his first treatment. Lighter than a 16-ounce plastic water bottle, this remote control-sized laser was easy to hold and use with precision. “After my third treatment, I felt confident and found that it’s easier to use if you do not rush the process,” says Kyle.

Out of the five intensity levels, Kyle rarely went above level three, which he says “felt like a quick and light flick on the skin, but it did not linger.” Levels four and five tipped the scales for discomfort, and since he saw encouraging results at week three, he didn’t feel the need to ramp it up.

One of the most helpful features of this device is the built-in ice chip to alleviate the laser’s warmth. “When the device is on, the laser window feels icy to the touch, so it helps cool down the skin and keeps it comfortable,” says Kyle. “My hair grows very thick and quickly, and there was a big reduction in thickness and speed of growth.”

Best Budget

Nood The Flasher 2.0

nood The Flasher 2.0 PHOTO: NOOD

$199 at Amazon View on Trynood.com $229 at Bluemercury.com

Although the Nood 2.0's flashiest feature is its bright zaps, its no-frills design still removes hair quickly. With a wider-than-usual laser head, this device does its best work on larger body areas—it’s a little tricky to reach tight precision spots, but this device isn’t really for delicacy. It’s for boldness and speed.

In about 15 minutes, our tester, Samantha, finished zapping her dark but fine hair on both legs and moved onto her armpits, covering the area in around three strokes. Still, at the two-week mark, Samantha began to notice a difference in hair patterns—some areas had no hair while others had stubble—and loved how quickly she saw results. As a bonus, her leg scars lightened too. “I did feel a burn every once in a while, but it was very minimal—there was no pain or discomfort overall.” Plus, since she was able to laser both legs in less than 15 minutes, the sensations were fleeting.

Best for Face

Foreo Peach 2 IPL

PHOTO: Amazon

$390 at Amazon View on Foreo.com $259 at Currentbody.com

Precision is absolutely essential—no matter what part of the body we laser—but especially around our faces. The thoughtfully designed Foreo Peach 2 quashed our hesitations about using the device in this sensitive area. InStyle senior beauty writer Tamim Alnuweiri says it is “one of the more ergonomic devices,” she’s ever used (For reference, she tests hundreds of beauty products a month!). Tamim partly attributes this to its joystick-like handle, which “makes it easy to maneuver around different parts of the body while maintaining a firm grip,” she says.

Beyond that, she could easily hang onto the silicone texture without fearing it would slip out of her hands. And, the wide treatment window sort of “suctions” to the skin, she says, helping it glide in one uniform path. “The material’s flexibility allows you to reach those difficult bends and nonuniform parts of the body with ease,” says Tamim.

By the end of the testing, Tamim was shaving less frequently and saw less hair growth overall, noting that the results were on par with those of her sisters, who received professional treatments.

Best for Bikini Area

Smoothskin Pure Mini

Smoothskin Pure Mini PHOTO: Amazon

$119 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com

Sick of bikini line bumps? This compact little laser could be a better solution to bikini waxes. This mini-sized version is a little less intense than their full-size option, making it far more user-friendly on sensitive areas. And true to its word, our tester felt no pain.

“It's fairly quick to use due to how lightweight it is,” says Ruby, a tester for InStyle, who also notes that the thoughtfully placed activation button, perfectly sized treatment window, and quick power-up make the entire process seamless. While using this device, Ruby had to make sure that the front panel of the device was facing her at all times so she could see whether the white light illuminated, indicating contact with hair follicles.

It took a solid five weeks for us to see results. “When I hit the five-week mark and let the hair grow out a little, I saw a ton of bare patches,” says Ruby. After 12 weeks, the skin was fairly evened out, with only minimal stray, stubborn bits of hair standing their ground.

Best for Coarse Hair

Jovs Venus Pro II

JOVS

$300 at Amazon $300 at Jovs.com

Trying something new is always a little scary, especially when lasers are involved. However, accounting for the included razor and safety goggles, everything about this device was straightforward and reassuring. “The features on this device eased my anxiety, particularly the flexible rotating head, which made it easy to maneuver around my armpit, neck, and chest area,” says InStyle tester Mike. “I need more flexibility on my back, but the device rotates to help you find the desired angle, which was a huge help.” The second best detail is the six modes and each has a different purpose: One for arms, underarms, bikini, legs, face, and even skin rejuvenation. These very clear modes eliminated the guessing game to which setting our tester needed to use. There is also a cool setting to soothe any irritation.

On that note, Mike did experience some redness around tender areas, like under the armpits, but it didn’t last long enough to be uncomfortable. Ironically, it’s exactly this sensitive area where he saw the most progress. After about a month, his hair growth slowed way down, and after 12 weeks, his formerly coarse hair appeared finer, thinner, and without much new growth.

Best for Dark Skin

RoseSkinCo. Lumi

RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset PHOTO: RoseSkinCo.

View on Roseskinco.com

If you’re one of the lucky among us whose hair grows fast and thick, you understand the time it takes to remove body hair and keep it off. Our tester, who experiences rapid hair growth because she has PCOS, appreciated how quickly she could complete the treatment. This is partly thanks to the three features available—stamp, glide, and auto—and six intensity settings, which allowed her to tailor the treatment to a specific body part. Where the “stamp” mode delivers pulses with each click, InStyle tester Daniela particularly liked the auto and the glide settings. Since “You don't have to constantly click the device to pulse…you can get through zapping your body quicker,” she says.

“On my legs, I used the full intensity without any discomfort,” says Daniela. “And at 12 weeks, the hair growth on my arms has slowed down noticeably.” Although she didn’t see exactly the same results on her legs as she did with her arms, she’s hopeful that with continued use, the hair density and overall growth on her legs will ease. And, since exfoliating your skin is a key step for prep, we appreciate the handy included exfoliating glove.

And, to be honest, between its compact, travel-friendly size and sleek white and rosy pink colors, the device is just plain cute. However, the brand could improve upon its smooth egg shape by adding ridges on the edges to prevent it from slipping from our hands.

Best for Blonde Hair

Iluminage Touch

Iluminage TOUCH Permanent Hair Reduction System Skin Store

$449 at Nordstrom $449 at Bloomingdales View on Brookstone.com

Since lasers target the melanin within dark strands to slow hair growth, we were skeptical that Iluminage Touch could do much to remove blonde hair. But it proved InStyle associate editorial director Shannon Bauer wrong, and she began seeing results at six weeks. “I noticed that my hair was growing back slower and a little patchier,” she says, adding that her skin tolerated the highest intensity level and used the device once a week. “At the end of the test, I can say the thickness and overall amount of hair on my legs has been reduced.”

One of the more tech-savvy devices on our list, it didn’t require much charging initially—Shannon was able to just plug it in and get zapping. “It was thoughtfully designed, not too bulky in your hand, and an easy shape to hold,” she says. “I was impressed by how simple it was to maneuver.”

Another delightful surprise: No pain. Despite the super bright flashes (some included safety goggles, which would’ve been a nice touch), Shannon didn’t feel even one spicy zap on her skin.

Best for Dark, Thick Hair

Smoothskin Pure Fit

Amazon

$249 at Amazon View on Smoothskin.com

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, a laser hair removal device sounds daunting, so we wiped a bead of sweat off our brow when the Smoothskin Pure Fit took it easy on our tester’s easily irritated skin. “I was surprised at how non-painful it was,” says Nicole, an InStyle tester. She felt a slight pinch from the laser, which she described as a series of “quick, hot flashes,” although the snap disappeared just as quickly as it came, within a second or two, even on the strongest setting. “I never felt the need to use the gentle setting, which is the lowest intensity setting of the three options,” says Nicole, because the zap was fleeting and manageable.

“You have to make sure the laser head is fully on the skin surface, or it won't go off, which is a great safety feature,” says Nicole. (Where this feature wouldn’t be an issue on a flat surface like the leg area, it wasn’t totally practical for the concave armpit region.) Another perk: Since the device is “not too heavy or bulky,” our tester says it was still easy to hold while maneuvering around this awkward area.

At the end of the 12-week test, Nicole is happy with the visible difference the device made on her stubborn, dark underarm hair. “There are definitely areas where the hair is hardly growing back,” she says. “It has noticeably less hair, and it’s growing back slowly.”

What We Learned About Laser Hair Removal

Skin Color: Those with darker skin (in this case, 4 or above on the Fitzpatrick scale) should seek out a board-certified dermatologist with experience treating deeper skin tones as the risk for side effects increases, says Idaho-based board-certified dermatologist Dustin Portela, D.O., who adds that the Nd:YAG lasers can be used on all skin colors.
Time to Results: Laser hair removal typically requires several sessions to achieve optimal results, as “Hair grows in cycles and not all hairs are in the same stage of growth at the same time,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Divya Shokeen, M.D., FAAD. While some brands claim to see results in as little as a few weeks, we found 12 weeks had an initial reduction, and a full six months was needed to see the final result. The number of sessions required can vary depending on individual skin and hair characteristics, as well as the area being treated.
Pain: How painful we found the process depended on our individual tolerance and the device's intensity settings. Some testers with a high pain tolerance found their device just to feel warm, whereas other testers likened the process to repeated rubber band snaps.
PCOS: A common side effect of polycystic ovarian syndrome is excess hair growth. The hair is often thick, coarse, and dark and appears on the face, chest, and back. Laser hair removal for those with PCOS is an effective treatment method; however, due to the density and increased number of hairs, you may require more sessions.

What to Keep in Mind

Intensity Settings: Generally speaking, the higher the intensity, the more effective the treatment. “There’s always a small risk of burn, but the FDA only allows such low energy of light to be used,” says Dr. Frank. However, an intense setting typically makes skin more vulnerable to pain or irritation. Devices with six or seven settings give you a few more options along the spectrum to choose from.
Modes: The variety of “modes” refers to how the laser’s lights are distributed. “These variabilities have more to do with comfort than anything else,” says Dr. Frank. The stamp mode is ideal for smaller surface areas and distributes lasers only when you press the button. A glide mode is ideal as it can slide over larger surfaces, making the whole process a lot smoother, faster, and less likely to miss a spot. The auto mode zaps on so long as it makes contact with the skin and can be glided over the surface in a similar fashion.
Price: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, in-office laser hair removal takes two to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. The latest statistics show that, on average, in-office laser hair removal costs $582 per session, per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—the devices on our list range from $189 to $449. The difference in price stems from the size of the device, the number of flashes, as well as additional accessories like goggles or epilators included.

Your Questions, Answered

Does hair grow back after at-home laser hair removal?

“The goal to permanently remove hair to 100 percent is usually unrealistic,” cautions Dr. Frank. “Most patients require four to seven in-office treatments to get 85 percent or greater hair reduction.”

It’s important to remember that at-home laser hair removal devices are “far less powerful than those used in a professional medical office,” says Dr. Shokeen. “That means it may take much longer to achieve the same results, and the results you see may not be as consistent.”

How long does laser hair removal last?

“For most people who undergo laser hair removal, the results will last for years,” says Dr. Portela. “Occasionally, some hair will grow back after some time, but it is usually much less noticeable than before your treatment.”

Is laser hair removal safe?

“I always recommend that patients with darker skin tones or those with skin that doesn’t tan naturally not use any type of at-home device due to increased risk factors,” says Dr. Frank, who adds that because lasers target melanin, there’s a chance that melanin-rich skin can experience burning if extra precautions aren’t considered. Even sunburned skin, with the temporary difference in skin pigment, should wait until the discoloration has completely resolved before booking an appointment, says Dr. Rabach.

Do laser hair removal devices hurt?

Anyone who uses an at-home laser hair removal device—regardless of skin tone—may feel a short-lived zapping (similar to a snap of a rubber band) or a light burning sensation, and this is totally normal. “However, if a device is not used according to instructions, at-home lasers can be associated with redness, blisters, burns, and discoloration,” says NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, M.D., FAAD.

How should I prep my skin for laser hair removal?

Always shave the treatment area before using the laser. “Hair sticking above the skin will absorb the energy of the laser, making the treatment less effective and increasing the chances of skin burn,” says Dr. Camp.

Aftercare is equally important, especially “keeping the treated area clean and hydrated after each use,” says Dr. Shokeen. “Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs, as this can irritate the skin.”

Remember that your skin has just been repeatedly zapped at a high temperature and is particularly vulnerable, albeit temporarily. To keep your skin extra safe after use, Dr. Shokeen recommends avoiding direct sunlight.

Why Shop With Us

InStyle. To write this article, they dove deep into the testers' experiences, speaking with them individually for further insights, and delivered their findings into this article. Together, they interviewed the following highly regarded board-certified dermatologists:

Dr. Morgan Rabach is the cofounder of LM Medical NYC, which provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic care. Her expertise includes non-invasive techniques such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, skin tightening, and more.
Dr. Dustin Portela is a dermatologic surgeon specializing in skin cancer surgery and facial reconstruction, skin cancer prevention, complex medical dermatology, and wound healing.
Dr. Divya Shokeen is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and the Women's Dermatology Society. She has authored multiple publications in top peer-reviewed dermatology and dermatologic surgery journals
Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank is an NYC-based celebrity cosmetic dermatologist.
Dr. Brendan Camp is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology.