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There are plenty of schools of thought (and endless TikTok think pieces) when it comes to body hair—specifically, whether or not you choose to remove it. For those in the latter camp, one of the most-posed queries is about finding the best at-home laser hair removal devices. Unlike in-office treatments that can be time-consuming and expensive, at-home tools make the process more approachable and affordable for anyone seeking longer-term results than what an electric shaver or razor can provide.
Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices
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With winter on the horizon, there’s less pressure to go completely hair-free, yet the season is actually an ideal time to try laser hair removal. With less sun exposure than peak summer, there is a reduced risk of complications, though sun protection remains essential. After any at-home laser session, it is best to stay out of the sun and apply a generous layer of body sunscreen to prevent burns and sensitivity.
From intense pulsed light (IPL) to actual lasers, these over-the-counter devices might not be as potent as professional-grade ones, but what they may lack in intensity they make up for in efficiency and remarkable ease of use—provided you handle them with care and follow the appropriate guidelines, of course.
With great power comes great responsibility, so there are a few things to consider before picking up just any hair removal device. Factors like versatility across skin tones and hair colors, ease of use, and whether the device is FDA-approved all matter. Keep reading for nine of the best at-home laser hair removal devices, plus expert answers to common questions like “Does it hurt?” and what to look for when shopping.
In This Story
- How to Use a Laser Hair Removal Device at Home
- What To Consider In A Laser Hair Removal Device
- Is at-home laser hair removal safe?
- What is the difference between IPL and laser?
- What areas should you avoid utilizing laser hair removal?
- Tips For At-Home Laser Hair Removal
- Meet the Experts
Best Laser Hair Removal Device: CurrentBody Skin Laser Hair Removal Device
- Why we like it: Of all the hair removal devices on this list, this one gets esthetician Kristin Gunn’s vote. Unlike the other options that use IPL technology with a diffused light effect, this one uses an 810nm diode laser—essentially a focused laser beam. “This penetrates deeper into the hair follicle, where it really needs to be, to stop hair growth,” she says. In layman’s terms, with the hair follicle destroyed, hair cannot grow. While it’s an investment, it’s still cheaper than visiting a med spa or clinic for hair removal.
- FDA-Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: Diode Laser
- Intensity levels: Six intensity levels
- How to Use It: Perform a patch test 24 hours before the first treatment. Shave the treatment area four hours beforehand, ensuring it is clean and dry. Plug in the device and hold the power button for two seconds to start. Press the treatment window against your skin and use a ‘stamp and release’ motion.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Skin types I to IV on the Fitzpatrick Scale
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fast, visible results | Dual action button can be difficult to use |
| Easy-to-follow instructions |
Best for Sensitive Skin: JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover
- Why we like it: This hair removal device uses IPL for hair reduction, but what dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles, DO, likes best is its sapphire ice coolant, which helps minimize heat damage, burns, and hyperpigmentation. “It’s FDA-cleared and can be used on the face, arms, underarms, and legs,” adds Dr. Camp. “It flashes every 0.5 seconds to remove hair quickly and effectively.” For best results, shave 24 hours before treatment, make sure the area is clean and dry, and avoid direct sunlight afterward.
- FDA-Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Six intensity levels
- How to Use It: Shave the area you wish to treat. Plug in and turn on the device, then select your energy level. The cooling mode starts automatically; adjust as needed. Wear goggles, place the device vertically on your skin, and press the button. After treatment, switch to SR mode and use the SR head to restore skin smoothness.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Skin types I to V on the Fitzpatrick Scale
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Built-in cooling feature for a more comfortable experience | Full-body treatments can take over 30 minutes |
| Quick flash speed for faster treatments |
Best for Travel: NOOD The Flasher 2.0
- Why we like it: In all honesty, this laser can feel intense, especially for coarse hair or thicker areas, but it certainly gets the job done. Gunn is a fan, subscribing to the philosophy that “if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t work,” similar to the reaction you’d expect with a professional laser. “I’ve found this one quite effective at slowing hair regrowth,” she adds. It’s also conveniently sized for travel, making quick touch-ups a breeze. Since everyone’s experience varies, it’s worth trying on your own; plus, the brand has a 12-week money-back guarantee.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Three (Extra Sensitive, Sensitive, Normal)
- How to Use It: You can use the Flasher 2.0 everywhere that hair grows, including your bikini, Brazilian, underarms, legs, arms, and face.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Suitable for very fair, fair, white-olive, olive, and light brown skin tones
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Compact, user-friendly design | No built-in cooling feature |
| Noticeable results with consistent use | |
| Travel-friendly for on-the-go touch-ups |
Best for Most Skin Tones: Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System
- Why we like it: According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, “This device is FDA-cleared and uses a combination of IPL and RF to remove hair,” though it is not as strong as some of the other devices on this list. While it claims to work for all skin tones and hair colors, Dr. Camp notes that most laser hair removal devices struggle to pick up lighter shades like blonde or grey, making it best suited for darker hair. The key is to use it weekly for a few weeks (some reviewers claim that the magic number is 14 weeks) to notice results. It might be time-consuming, but it’s definitely worth it and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Because it’s a relatively small device, you can easily use it on your underarms or other small and hard-to-reach areas for precise treatment.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL and Radio Frequency
- Intensity levels: Three (High, Medium, Low)
- How to Use It: Turn on the device and select your level (low, medium, or high). Glide the device over the treatment area. Use once a week for seven treatments over six weeks. Periodic touch-up treatments are recommended as needed.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: All skin tones
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Easy, straightforward setup | Bulky base design |
| Painless treatment process |
Best for Quick Results: Ulike Air 10 Laser Hair Removal
- Why we like it: The Ulike is one of the most popular options, boasting thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Over the years, there have been several iterations, but this newest version is particularly gentle on sensitive skin, making it suitable for most skin types. The device offers five intensity levels, allowing you to choose the one that works best for you, although the brand recommends starting with level one. Board-certified dermatologist Noah Gratch, MD, is a fan, noting that the Ulike Air 10 can be used on many areas of the body and reduces 96% of hair within two weeks. “It also features a built-in skin sensor, which safely adjusts the light intensity based on your skin tone,” he adds.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Five intensity levels
- How to Use It: Start by cleaning and shaving the treatment area, ensuring skin is dry. Adjust the intensity level (starting at level one) and wear goggles for eye protection. Place the device’s light outlet flush against the skin at a 90-degree angle. When the sensor light indicates full contact, press the flash button to begin.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Fair, light, medium, tan, tan-deep
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Built-in skin sensor for added protection | Not suitable for deeper skin tones or lighter hair colors |
| Cooling feature for a more comfortable experience | |
| Auto-glide technology for more efficient treatments |
Best Cooling: Foreo Peach 2 IPL Hair Removal Device
- Why we like it: Not only is the Foreo sleeker and less bulky than some other IPL devices on the market, but it also features a cooling system to prevent discomfort and irritation. A corresponding app allows you to set your preferred intensity setting, which you can then adjust as desired by pressing the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons on the device. It even includes a T-Sonic massage feature to dilate pores, allowing light pulses to reach inside the hair follicles better. “This device also has a larger treatment window and a faster flash rate than most IPL devices, and it’s important to note that it self-adjusts for optimal results,” Gratch says.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Five intensity levels
- How to Use It: First, shave the area you want to treat and apply cooling gel, massaging until fully absorbed. Plug in the device, select your preferred settings via the Foreo app, and adjust the IPL intensity using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons. Place the treatment window firmly on the skin. For large areas, hold the flash button while gliding across the skin; for small areas, press and release the flash button.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Works across most skin tones, though not recommended for deep complexions
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Extra-large treatment window for faster coverage | Some users report issues with flash activation |
| Self-adjusting head for better precision |
Best for Thin Hair: Silk’n Infinity Fast
- Why we like it: While IPL treatment may feel akin to a rubber band snapping against the skin, this includes a built-in skin color sensor to prevent burns and pigmentation issues. Gunn also endorses Silk’n, advising that those with thick or coarse hair may experience more of a reduction in hair thickness rather than complete removal. “People with thinner hair and more fair skin seem to have the best results.”
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Five intensity levels
- How to Use It: Before treatment, the skin should be shaved, clean, dry, and free of any powders, antiperspirants, or deodorants. Press the pulse button, then decide whether you wish to treat the area by gliding or pulsing.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: Works across most skin tones, though not recommended for deep complexions
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Small device is easy to handle | May not work for darker skin tones |
| Quick results |
Best IPL Device: Braun Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL
- Why we like it: Choosing the right setting for at-home hair removal can be tricky, but Braun makes it easier by automatically adjusting to the correct level based on your skin tone through its companion app—utilizing IPL to target melanin in hair follicles for permanent hair reduction. However, Dr. Camp cautions that because IPL relies on melanin, it may not be effective on lighter hair colors. With multiple comfort settings, treatments are relatively painless even at the highest level, and the precision cap makes it easier to tackle smaller areas like underarms. Gunn highlights its generous 400,000 flashes, which means the device can last for years, with many patients seeing noticeable reduction after just four to five treatments. For added reassurance, Dr. Camp points out that the device is accredited as skin safe by both the Skin Health Alliance and the FDA.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: IPL
- Intensity levels: Three intensity levels
- How to Use It: After connecting to the Braun Skin i·expert IPL app via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology, the app guides you step-by-step through the hair removal process, including assessing your hair and skin needs.
- Flashes: 400,000
- Skin Tone: Works across most skin tones, though not recommended for deep complexions
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Smart technology with app integration | Multiple heads may be less efficient |
| Visible results | |
| Easy to use |
Best Diode Laser: Epilaser 808
- Why we like it: If traditional lasers have not served you well in the past, might we suggest trying something new like the EpiLaser? Touted as the “next generation of at-home hair removal,” this at-home diode laser removes hair safely with advanced skin tone detection and pain-minimizing technology. Unlike many lasers that are not suitable for darker skin tones, the brand offers two options: the EpiLaser 808 for light to medium skin tones and the EpiLaser 980 for darker skin tones. It only takes a few seconds to use, and the brand says you can expect to see a minimum of 70% permanent hair reduction within 90 days of starting treatment. The device is FDA-cleared, so it is safe for at-home use. However, Dr. Camp notes that while the brand claims there are no sun restrictions or recovery time, sun exposure is generally not recommended with laser hair removal.
- FDA-Approved: Yes
- Laser Type: Diode Laser
- Intensity levels: Three intensity levels
- How to Use It: Shave and clean the areas you want to treat, then gently guide the EpiLaser across your skin. Hold it in place above areas of unwanted hair and let the device do the rest.
- Flashes: Unlimited
- Skin Tone: All skin tones
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| EpiLaser 808 designed for light to medium skin tones; EpiLaser 980 available for darker skin tones | Pricier than other lasers on the market |
| No recovery time needed |
Everything You Need to Know
How to Use a Laser Hair Removal Device at Home
While it may sound complicated, at-home laser hair removal is easier than you might expect, and much more cost-effective. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch recommends making sure any laser hair removal device you select is FDA-approved. He adds, “I also recommend choosing a device that can determine your skin tone and has timer settings and cooling features to help prevent any burning.”
It’s important to remember that not all skin tones and hair colors are suitable for laser hair removal. “My tips for at-home lasers are to primarily invest in a safe, high-quality device, as they offer more settings that make it safer to use; understand what areas are more painful and prone to irritation; and have patience, as results can take time,” he says.
Once you decide on a laser, it depends on the device itself, but most recommend doing a patch test 24 hours before using it on the entire area. If your skin is in the clear, shave the area to be treated to remove any surface hair, but avoid pulling the hair out at the root with waxing or tweezing. Make sure your skin is clean and free of any lotions or serums. Once your device is set to the correct setting, flash the device and follow the instructions carefully.
What To Consider In A Laser Hair Removal Device
Unlike many other hair removal methods, laser devices work by targeting and damaging the hair follicle. Still, it is important to understand that while these tools can significantly reduce hair growth in treated areas, they do not provide true permanent removal, per Dr. Camp. “Another important factor to consider is that if you have light hair, laser hair removal probably will not work for you,” he continues That said, newer technologies are beginning to address lighter hair colors and broader skin types, expanding who may benefit from at-home devices.
Is at-home laser hair removal safe?
It is not necessarily unsafe to use at-home laser devices, but Dr. Camp stresses that it is always safer to have treatments performed by a professional to reduce the risk of injury. “When you purchase an at-home laser hair removal device, it should be FDA-cleared and include safety sensors to protect the skin, as well as adjustable settings to customize the treatment to your needs,” he says.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
Dr. Gratch explains that IPL (intense pulsed light) uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths, typically between 500 and 1,200 nanometers, while laser technology uses a single, concentrated wavelength. Although they differ in how the light is delivered, both work similarly by being preferentially absorbed by pigment in the hair shaft. “The melanin in the hair shaft absorbs the light energy, which creates targeted heat that destroys the hair follicle, leading to a reduction in hair growth,” he says.
IPL may be preferable for some skin types, while laser devices are better suited for others. There are technical factors to consider when deciding between IPL and laser, and Dr. Gratch recommends consulting a dermatologist to determine the safest and most effective option for your skin.
What areas should you avoid utilizing laser hair removal?
According to Dr. Camp, when using an at-home device, it is best to avoid the face and other sensitive areas such as the bikini line, neck, nipples, and genitals, since the skin in these regions is thinner and carries a higher risk of burns or pigmentation changes.
Tips For At-Home Laser Hair Removal
It is relatively straightforward to use an at-home laser device, even if it sounds intimidating at first. “If you are going to do laser hair removal at home, make sure your device is FDA-cleared, wear protective goggles, and start on the lowest setting before gradually working your way up,” instructs Dr. Camp. He also recommends selecting a device with automatic sensors, which indicate when it is safe to move onto the next area.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles is a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery.