If you’re tired of time-consuming and sometimes pricey traditional hair removal methods — like shaving your bikini line, the different types of bikini waxes, or even threading your eyebrows — maybe it’s time to consider an at-home laser hair removal device.
An at-home laser hair removal device may seem like a splurge, but really it’s a long-term investment that pays for itself. Since laser hair removal (even the sessions you’d do at a spa or dermatologist’s office) won’t last forever (only this treatment is truly permanent), you’ll continue using any device you purchase for years. Not to mention, those in-office treatments—also not permanent—can run you up to $500, or even more, per session.
One important thing to understand is that the ideal candidate for these lasers are people with lighter skin and darker hair (they can’t adequately tackle blonde or gray hairs). “This combination of hair color and skin tone ensures that the hairs are what are absorbing the majority of the laser energy,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
But today’s models are surprisingly sophisticated: Some automatically detect skin tone and hair color, then automatically adjust settings accordingly, so you get the best results possible. There’s even a new diode laser that’s better suited for a greater range of hair colors and skin types.
Best Laser Hair Removal Devices
- Best Overall:Braun Skin i-expert
- Runner-Up:Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
- Best for a Variety of Skin Tones:CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device
- Best for Bikini Area:Ulike Air+ IPL Laser Hair Removal
- Most Straightforward to Use:SmoothSkin Pure Intelligent Hair Remover
What to consider
Device type
Until recently, all at-home laser hair removal devices were IPL (that stands for intense pulsed light) lasers. But CurrentBody recently launched a game-changing, first-of-it’s-kind diode laser for home use. IPL and diode are similar in the sense that they’re both commonly used for long-term hair removal—both in-office settings and at home. “These treatments all typically work by using a wavelength that is absorbed by melanin, the substance that gives hair and skin its color,” explains Dr. Nazarian. “Diode uses concentrated light (around 810 nm) to target the hair follicle, while IPL uses a range of wavelengths.”
People who have melanin-rich skin, or darker skin types, are at higher risk of having their skin absorb the laser energy, and therefore higher risk for burning. Diode lasers are unique, because they have a slightly more concentrated method for emitting the energy and can occasionally be used for people with darker skin, whereas IPL is not considered appropriate for all skin types, explains Dr. Nazarian. Either type is effective, but diode lasers may be more versatile.
Features
One of the biggest considerations is the number of flashes a device is equipped to deliver. “It’s an indication of how long you can use the device for,” says Dr. Nazarian. “Many devices contain about 200,000 flashes, which is typically good for more than 15 years, although it also depends on how many areas you’re treating.” Some products on this list, like the Smoothskin, have unlimited flashes, which means they’ll theoretically last indefinitely, but may be pricier. Other extra features like multiple intensity modes—lower options for sensitive skin; higher options for those who want to see results fast (see the Yachyee)—or additional heads for precise treatment all over the body (hi, Braun) can also hike the price up. The amount you spend comes down to the features you want in your device and how long you want it to last.
Treatment area
When buying a hair removal device, it’s always a good idea to select the device based on the area you want treated. Some may be more efficient on large areas and others may be better suited for smaller areas, like the Yachyee device.
Once you choose your device, know that it can take some time to see results. Though you’ll of course want to refer to the specific instructions on your device, dermatologist Bertha Baum, DO, recommends using the laser weekly for anywhere from four to 10 weeks to see lasting results. She also advises that if you have particularly sensitive skin, you may want to use the device just once a month. Either way, she notes that you should start seeing results in the form of thinning hair after your first four treatments.
How we chose
Over the course of the last nine months, Health AI Expert editors and writers, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and contributor Brigitt Earley have been researching the top laser hair removal devices on the market. We’ve interviewed more than five dermatologists at length to get their tips and recommendations. Then, we put 15 of the top models to the test—including the new, groundbreaking at-home diode laser by CurrentBody. We have spent months evaluating each device, considering the features, efficacy, and overall value. Also important to note is that all of the picks listed here are FDA-cleared, meaning you can purchase them with confidence knowing that they’ve been evaluated for safety and efficacy. If you’re ready to ditch shaving, we’re confident—based on our own testing and our dermatologists’ advice—that this list contains only the best, most effective options on the market.
