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10 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Smooth Skin, According to Dermatologists

Experts explain the safety and proper use of these at-home devices.

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Looking to achieve smooth, hair-free skin? When it comes to removing pesky body hair at home, there are plenty of different methods and that get the job done—from traditional shaving to sugaring to using some of the best hair removal products. But these methods can result in unpleasant side effects, like bumps and burns. They also rarely offer long-lasting results. Enter: the best at-home hair removal devices, which help get rid of unwanted hair for extended periods of time without a trip to the salon.

While performing laser hair removal at home can work, it’s important to note that you’ll get the best (and safest!) results by seeking a dermatologist to perform an in-office treatment. “Home laser hair reduction treatments appear to take longer to work than in-office laser hair removal treatments, meaning that more treatments over a longer period would be required for a home treatment,” explains Oma Agbai, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, health sciences associate clinical professor of dermatology and director of multicultural dermatology and hair loss disorders at the University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Meet the experts: Oma Agbai, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Northern California; Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; and Brendan Camp, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

If you plan to try this at home, experts recommend talking to a board-certified dermatologist who can help guide you through the process of at-home laser hair removal, as well as assess any adverse effects—especially if you have a history of skin cancer. It’s also important to note that many at-home machines don’t use lasers at all, Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says. “Different technologies may be found in at-home devices,” she explains. “IPL—also known as intense pulsed light—is a light-based therapy that emits multiple wavelengths of light. It is using heat to destroy the hair follicles and many of the at-home devices utilize this technology.”

Our top picks

  • 1
    Laser Hair Removal Device 4X

    Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

    Tria Laser Hair Removal Device 4X

    $499 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Permanent Hair Removal Device

    Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Light Skin Tones

    Mismon Permanent Hair Removal Device

    Read more
  • 3
    The Flasher 2.0

    Best Value At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

    Nood The Flasher 2.0

    Read more
  • 4
    Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

    Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Face

    Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

    Read more
  • 5
    Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device

    Best Cooling At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

    Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device

    Read more

To help you find the right at-home laser hair removal product for your specific needs, we’ve rounded up the best picks as recommended by experts (and highly-rated by users who have tried them first hand). Ahead, find the best devices for at-home laser hair removal to get you one step closer to smooth, hair-free skin.

1
Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Tria Laser Hair Removal Device 4X

Laser Hair Removal Device 4X
1
Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Tria Laser Hair Removal Device 4X

$499 at Amazon$499 at Tria
Credit: Tria
Pros
  • Uses laser to target the hair follicle
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for use on the face
Cons
  • Pricey

“This FDA-cleared device uses laser energy to target the hair follicle. In general, after at least eight treatments, many will achieve a substantial reduction in hair regrowth, offering great visible results for an at-home device,” says Dr. Garshick. “Additionally, it is easy to use and can also be used on the face.” The device offers five different energy levels to customize your treatment, and it comes with a LED display that shows the level, pulse counter, and battery charge.

What the reviews say: “This is a life changer! I didn’t think this would work so well, but I see a dramatic difference, and I’ve only had this for a little over a month,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “Now my skin feels super smooth for the whole day and night, and into the next morning, and the hair seems finer and less of it...It’s worth every penny.”

TechnologyLaser
Levels5
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, face
2
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Light Skin Tones

Mismon Permanent Hair Removal Device

Permanent Hair Removal Device
2
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Light Skin Tones

Mismon Permanent Hair Removal Device

Credit: MisMon
Pros
  • Longer lifespan than many
  • Suitable for use on the face
  • Built-in skin sensor
Cons
  • Not as effective on darker skin tones

“Using IPL technology, this device incorporates a built-in skin sensor that can recognize the color of the skin to ensure the device is safe for use, though is generally best suited for those with lighter skin types and darker hair. It can be used on both the body and the face,” Dr. Garshick says. “The cartridge also has enough flashes for up to five years of treatment, making it both affordable (compared to some other options) and long-lasting.”

What the reviews say: “This really works. Used to treat my lower back for swimsuit season [and] after just a few treatments I noticed a significant thinning in the hair that grew back,” said one reviewer. “After a couple of months, only light peach fuzz is growing where coarse black hair grew before. The product works and it works well. Excellent value for the money compared to similar devices.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels5
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, face
3
Best Value At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Nood The Flasher 2.0

The Flasher 2.0
3
Best Value At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Nood The Flasher 2.0

Now 37% Off
Credit: nood
Pros
  • Seven intensity levels to customize your treatment
  • Quick treatments
  • Great refund and replacement policy
Cons
  • No precision head attachment

Vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this device impressed Beauty Lab experts with its compact size, its seven different intensity levels to choose from based on your skin’s sensitivity, and the on-off button feature, which not all IPL devices have (many turn on as soon as you plug them in.) However, since it doesn’t come with a precision attachment for smaller spots, the bright light of the flashes escapes from the sides, which could potentially make it less effective and even unsafe for eyes.

The brand claims that it works in just 10-minute-long treatments. It will also replace the device if the flashes ever run out and offers shoppers a full refund within 90 days if it doesn’t work for them.

What the reviews say: One shopper says they’re “incredibly impressed with the results,” writing: “I have seen a significant reduction in hair growth, and the hairs that do grow back are much thinner and easier to manage. Love that it’s reduced the ‘strawberry skin’ on my legs as the hair is thinning. The device is easy to use and I have had no issues with irritation or discomfort.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels7
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, bikini line, Brazilian, underarms, legs, and face
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4
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Face

Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System
4
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Face

Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

Pros
  • Uses two technologies for hair removal
  • Great for small areas
  • Claims to be effective on all skin tones
Cons
  • May not work as well on thick/coarse hair

Crowned the best laser hair removal device for the face by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this Iluminage device combines both IPL and radio frequency waves to reduce hair growth. Thanks to its precision adapter head, this device is great for small areas like the upper lip and other targeted spots on the face. And while many devices won’t work on darker skin tones, the brand claims it is effective for every skin tone.

What the reviews say: “I have been using the product on my face, legs, and underarms for the past six weeks and have really seen a difference (peach fuzz on face and ‘mustache’ on the upper lip are nearly gone!),” shared one Nordstrom shopper.

TechnologyIPL and radio frequency
Levels3
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, face
5
Best Cooling At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device

On Sale
Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device
5
Best Cooling At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device

Credit: Ulike
Pros
  • Cooling technology for comfort
  • Suitable for full-body use
  • Long-lasting results
Cons
  • Not suitable for dark skin tones

Currently Amazon’s best-selling light hair removal device, the Air 3 from Ulike uses IPL technology for long-lasting hair removal results. What sets it apart from other devices is its Sapphire Ice cooling system. Unlike other tools that reach high temperatures while in use, the Air 3 cools the skin, staying at around 67 degrees Fahrenheit, but delivers high heat to the hair follicle.

What the reviews say: “I was a little skeptical of this working, as I do get laser hair removal done professionally as well, but this has worked wonders...It’s easy to use, quick to warm up, and keeps cool even while I target multiple areas of my body with it.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels3
Where can it be used per the brand?Face, legs, arms, bikini, chest, armpits, and more
6
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Without Refill Cartridges

Silk’n Flash & Go Pro

Flash & Go Pro
6
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Without Refill Cartridges

Silk’n Flash & Go Pro

Credit: Silk’n
Pros
  • No need for refill cartridges
  • Safe to use pretty much anywhere on the body
  • Built-in skin color sensor
Cons
  • Best for lighter skin tones and darker hair

This device uses FDA-cleared HPL (Home Pulsed Light) technology to remove hair. Its triggerless design means all you have to do is touch it to your skin and glide it over hair follicles using your choice for five power levels. It has a built-in skin color sensor that prevents the device from turning on if the skin tone is too dark to treat, and it doesn’t require refill cartridges.

What the reviews say: “What I love about this Silk’n Flash&Go Pro is the speed and comfort of the flashes, even on my thick dark hairs. All my past hair removal devices have been painful on my dark hair/fair skin, but this one is not.”

TechnologyHPL (Home Pulsed Light)
Levels5
Where can it be used per the brand?Face (cheekbones down), legs, arms, underarms, bikini lines, and more
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7
Best User-Friendly At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Rose Skin Co. Lumi

Lumi
7
Best User-Friendly At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Rose Skin Co. Lumi

Now 26% Off
Credit: RoseSkinCo.
Pros
  • Compact, portable size
  • Safe for bikini area
  • Brand says it delivers long-lasting results after 12 uses
Cons
  • Reviewers say you need to be patient to see results

“A less expensive IPL option, this is an easy-to-use, small, hand-held device. It promises to deliver long-term hair removal after 12 uses,” says Brendan Camp, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist in NYC. Offering six different intensity levels, the device comes in a compact size that fits in your palm and boasts a sleek, user-friendly design. The brand says that you can use it on just about any part of your body below the cheeks, including the face and bikini area.

What the reviews say: “This is amazing! I followed the instructions and it’s super easy to use. Genuinely, this is the best product investment of my life,” said one reviewer. “So quick and easy!” another wrote. “I’m a pain wuss, and this is much more pain-free than a traditional laser place, and I can assess my own comfort by moving the strength up and down.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels6
Where can it be used per the brand?The brand says “just about anywhere,” which includes arms, legs, face (below cheekbones), bikini area
8
Most Customizable At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Jovs Venus Pro II Hair Removal Device

On Sale
Venus Pro II Hair Removal Device
8
Most Customizable At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Jovs Venus Pro II Hair Removal Device

Now 12% Off
Credit: Jovs
Pros
  • Six function modes and six intensity levels
  • 330-degree rotating head
  • Cooling system that helps minimize discomfort
Cons
  • Pricey

This top-rated device not only has a 330-degree rotating head to help you find the perfect angle, but it also comes with so many different features to customize it for the specific area you’re targeting. It has six function modes and six intensity levels, each designated for different areas, such as arms, legs, face, bikini area, and armpits. What’s more, it has a cooling system to minimize discomfort even on the most sensitive areas.

What the reviews say: “This is the first one I’ve ever tried that has so many different intuitive features...I like that it has different mode options depending on the area that you’re working on your body,” said one shopper. “The product is easy to use, comfortable, and works as advertised!” wrote another. “I notice a significant reduction in hair growth, and I feel no discomfort even in sensitive areas.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels6
Where can it be used per the brand?Arms, legs, face, bikini, armpits
9
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Bikini Area

BoSidin Pro Permanent Hair Removal Device

Pro Permanent Hair Removal Device
9
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Bikini Area

BoSidin Pro Permanent Hair Removal Device

Now 28% Off
Credit: BoSidin
Pros
  • Rotating head for easy use
  • Cooling feature helps soothe skin
  • Suitable for use on the face
Cons
  • Some users say the device needed to be powered on and off mid use to work

This BoSidin device was named the best at-home laser hair removal device for the bikini area by the Good Housekeeping Institute, thanks to its precision head that rotates from side to side for hard-to-reach places, like the bikini area. It claims to use the same “medical-grade technologies” as professional cosmetic centers. Several users note that the device is painless or nearly pain-free, especially with its cooling technology. It even boasts a mode to help shield you from the burning intensity of the light flashes.

What the reviews say: “It has honestly been a life changer so far!!” wrote one shopper. “The revolving head makes it so easy to reach every spot at whatever angle needed to flash hair follicles. Being able to keep the cooling method on while doing the treatment is one of my favorite features and really does allow for the least painful experience possible.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels6
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, face, bikini area
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10
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Legs

Braun Silk Expert Pro5

On Sale
Silk Expert Pro5
10
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Legs

Braun Silk Expert Pro5

Credit: Braun
Pros
  • Great for larger surface areas like legs
  • Includes a precision head for smaller areas
  • Ten different modes, including sensitive modes
Cons
  • Must use continuously for results

“This uses IPL technology and incorporates a SensoAdapt sensor to adapt the treatment to your skin tone,” explains Dr. Garshick. “It can be helpful for larger surface areas using the glide mode and also includes a precision head to help address smaller areas, such as the face, bikini line, and underarms.” It’s also highly customizable with 10 different energy levels, including sensitive modes (you can choose from standard, gentle, and extra gentle).

What the reviews say: “I have medium/tan skin and this thing literally saved my sanity. I suffer from strawberry legs, and it’s 90% gone,” wrote one customer. “Stubborn face hairs are gone. No more plucking or crying in the mirror because of my skin. My underarms look better. No more ingrown hairs. And all while at home.”

TechnologyIPL
Levels10
Where can it be used per the brand?Body, face, bikini line, under arms

What is at-home laser hair removal?

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“Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle to help destroy the hair follicle and as a result reduce hair growth,” explains Dr. Garshick. At-home devices are similar to what you might see in a professional setting, but they tend to use lower energy settings, making them less effective.

What’s the difference between laser and IPL?

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“Different technologies may be found in at-home devices,” explains Dr. Garshick. “IPL—also known as intense-pulsed light—is a light based therapy that emits multiple wavelengths of light. It is using heat to destroy the hair follicles and many of the at-home devices utilize this technology, and these devices can also be used for photorejuvenation.”

Meanwhile, other devices may use laser technology. They often use diode lasers, “which use a single wavelength of light to target the pigment of the hair follicle,” says Dr. Garshick. This helps minimize injury to the surrounding skin.

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Are at-home laser hair removal treatments worth it?

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It depends on a few factors, including your skin tone. “One major limitation is that knowledge on efficacy in darker skin types with dark hair is very limited,” Dr. Agbai says. Other things to consider is if you’re looking to remove hair once and for all and if you don’t mind some trial, error, and the feel of laser or IPL.

It’s also important to note that laser hair removal results vary and the outcomes are hard to predict, per the Mayo Clinic, so what works for you might not for someone else.

Are at-home laser hair removal treatments safe?

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“In general, some lasers may be considered safe for all skin types, while it is best to avoid IPL in darker skin types given the IPL has an increased risk of injury to the surrounding skin as well,” Dr. Garshick explains. “Both types of devices rely on the same target, which is the pigment of the hair follicle, to have an effect, but the diode laser is generally more targeted than the IPL and as a result a safer option for all skin types.”

If you’re wondering whether laser hair removal hurts, Dr. Garshick says, “while laser hair removal can be uncomfortable in certain areas, it is tolerable.”

At the end of the day, if you’re concerned, it’s best to consult a professional. “If you are interested in a home hair reduction device, go over the instructions with a board-certified dermatologist to make sure you are using the device safely and in a manner that will increase your chances to get hair reduction and reduce the risk of side effects,” Dr. Agbai says.

How to choose the best at home laser hair removal treatment

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While experts recommend making an appointment with a professional for an in-office laser hair removal treatment, there are some at-home options worth considering. That being said, here’s what to keep in mind before you go shopping:

✔️ Safety. Has the device been tested on various skin tones? Has it been approved by the Federal Drug Association (FDA)? If this information is not readily accessible, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before purchasing.

✔️ Technology. At-home laser treatments differ from IPL, but we often use them interchangeably. With different technology comes different efficacy, and this is important to keep in mind. While both IPL and laser aim to remove hair, the way in which they do and how long it takes to see results differs.

✔️ Cost. At the end of the day, it’s worth comparing an at-home laser hair removal device to an in-office treatment. Depending on where you live and the professional you go to, if you need to buy multiple devices to find one that works best for you, you might end up paying just as much as you would for an in-office treatment.

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    How long do at-home laser hair removal treatments last?

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    Sadly, laser hair removal isn’t entirely permanent. It’s still possible for hairs to grow after this type of treatment. However, it’s “a great option for long-lasting hair reduction,” according to Dr. Garshick. “Many people notice the results last years but may require some maintenance sessions periodically.”

    Each at-home device yields different results, so there’s no one answer. “The effects of at-home laser hair removal treatments are not permanent, and they tend to be less effective than in-office treatments,” explains Dr. Camp. “Some at-home devices can provide results that last months, but they may require monthly ‘top off’ treatments to maintain the effects after the initial series of treatments.”

    How long does laser hair removal take to work?

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    “While some improvement may be noticed after one session, it typically can take four to six sessions over a period of four to six months for optimal results,” explains Dr. Garshick. At-home devices advertise a variety of different result times, usually within this range.

    How should you take care of your skin immediately after doing laser hair removal?

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    Dr. Garshick advises being gentle with your skin after laser hair-removal. “Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to soothe the skin. Additionally, if treated areas will be exposed to the sun, it can be important to also wear sun protection.”

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    What should people know about laser hair removal and sun exposure?

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    “Laser hair removal can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s especially important to be good about sun protection after a laser treatment,” says Dr. Garshick. “Additionally, because the laser targets pigment, it is important to not have a tan when doing the laser treatment, as this can increase the risk of a burn or scarring.”

    Are there any side effects to at home laser treatments?

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    Yes, and they vary. “Side effects have been reported to be uncommon, and have been reported as redness, bumpiness of the skin, burns, and discoloration,” Dr. Agbai says. “Damage to the eye can occur with direct exposure of the laser light to the eye.” That’s why some at-home laser hair removal devices come with sunglasses.

    Headshot of Emily Goldman
    Emily Goldman
    Deputy Editor

    Emily Goldman is the deputy editor at Prevention. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC.

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