Laser hair removal is hardly the most glamorous on a list of beauty treatments, but there’s no denying the satisfaction that comes from the silky smooth results — although for the record, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping things au naturale too. But if a smoother, hair-free finish is your preference, shaving away unwanted face or body hair weekly — or daily, ugh — can feel like a daunting chore. That’s where laser hair removal comes into play: offering a more permanent solution for anyone looking to rid their parts of hair. However, it’s also one that’s often attached to a hefty expense and a high pain tolerance. These devices have come a long way over the years, and are now available in dozens of varieties to meet any budget, pain threshold, and treatment area in need. These effective at-home treatments give beauty lovers a more accessible alternative to getting rid of unwanted hair for good. While at-home laser hair removal devices certainly require persistence and commitment, many devices offer results on par with in-office laser treatments. To help you find the best at-home laser hair removal devices, our team tested 13 of the most recommended and buzzed-about devices to help narrow down the best of the best. Editor’s Note: These were the best at-home laser hair removal devices after twelve weeks of our testing. We are currently testing for an additional six months in order to go into more detail on the level of hair removal, total required treatment time, quality of the devices, and overall experience. This story will be updated when that testing is complete. Our Top Picks Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall: Best with Cooling: Best Under $250: Best for Face: Best for All Hair Colors: Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System at Amazon ($449) Best Wireless: Best Splurge: Best with Unlimited Flashes: Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The gliding feature with constant pulsing was time efficient. It’s Worth Noting: While there is a user manual, we found the information left a lot to be desired. The hefty price tag may be a lot to swallow but with continued use, this device will deliver results that rival the results of in-office laser hair removal treatments, and you get the convenience of using it whenever and wherever you want. The device was lightweight and handles well, sitting comfortably in our hands with one finger on the back of it to trigger the base electrode. It comes with both a pulsing setting to activate a single galvanic circulation when working on smaller areas, and gliding setting, when you hold in the button to activate a constant galvanic circulation pulse every 1.5 seconds. This gliding feature is a must for time efficiency, so you can move around an area without having to stop and start every second. The device also has five energy levels, and requires that you start at one before moving up, so you're not traumatized from going too high, too quick. Although enough when we ramped it up to a level five, we only experienced heat, and the occasional zap when navigating over bumpy areas like the knee, but no stinging or pain. We found the user guide made the device sound more complicated than it actually is. (Just plug the power cord, and it's ready to use, no pre-charging required). It's fairly easy once you get it going but you’ll have to stick with it for a few weeks to reap the benefits. Our tester noticed a significant reduction in hair thickness after three treatments — using every other week. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse or glide, unlimited flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The sleek design and emerald color made this an attractive pick. It’s Worth Noting: There was no color sensor to protect against an incompatible skin or hair color from using the device. There’s something undeniably chic and sophisticated about the look and feel of this device that makes the whole at-home hair removal process feel a bit more pampering, rather than chore-like. The system comes with the device, a razor, and protective glasses that you can throw into the fancy green leather travel case (included) for easy storage. And that’s hardly the coolest thing about it. The device is also equipped with cooling technology that helps to lower the surface temperature of skin to 50 degrees and soothes any stings or discomfort that come with the hair-removing zaps. The device has five intensity levels ideal for treating various areas of the body and face, and thanks to the “ice chip” feature, even the highest level five setting feels bearable. While it’s not a wireless device, the seven-foot cord length made for easy maneuvering without sitting in front of a power outlet. This device is gentle enough and efficient enough to power through for two to three treatments per week. We stuck with that schedule and saw visible reduction in hair growth, and significant thinning in as little as four weeks, with more impressive longer-lasting results after eight-weeks. Type: IPL | Flashes: unlimited flashes| Warranty: 2 years | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The included goggles and wide treatment area made this seem more expensive than it is. It’s Worth Noting: The hair loss results were patchy. This at-home hair removal device is a friendlier option on multiple levels. For starters, the price tag makes it an inviting option for someone looking to test the waters of at-home hair removal, without the investment. It’s also one of the easiest to use as well as one of the most gentle. The FDA-approved device features a large digital display (for ease of use), and a wide treatment area that makes the process go by quicker, since there is more surface area covered per flash. It has seven levels, and while you’ll need to crank it up high for real results, even the highest levels six or seven are doable in terms of pain. We described it as less than a rubber band snap on the pain scale. We found it gentle enough to use twice weekly but long-term results will require persistence and patience. Treatment time can be as quick as fives-minutes for a smaller area like armpits, or up to 15-minutes per leg. While the light flash can be a little startling, the actual treatment itself is gentle with minimal discomfort. The results aren’t as smooth as some of the pricier devices on this lineup, but it certainly delivers a painless bang for your buck. Type: IPL | Flashes: 600,000 | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Why We Like It: The lightweight device and size made this ideal for small areas. It’s Worth Noting: It took a long time to treat large areas, like the legs. Don’t let the name mislead you: This may be the slightly smaller sister device to the SmoothSkin Fit we also tested, but it’s equally as effective, especially when it comes to treating smaller, more sensitive areas on the face or bikini line. It features a smart skin sensing technology that continuously reads skin tone and automatically adjusts the energy accordingly, making it one of the most energy-efficient options. It has two comfort settings—power and gentle—and two treatment modes, stamp or glide, which are all equally as effective and come down to a matter of preference and the area you’re working around. The four-point contact sensor helps ensure that the device is correctly aligned before each zap, protecting both your eyes and skin. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around nooks and crannies of the face and body, and even the power mode feels relatively painless — although gentle mode is a great option for more sensitive skin types. We noted a hot flash when the laser activates, which can be a bit alarming at first, but once you get used to it, it became oddly calming. If you’re only working in small areas on the body or face, it will deliver the same results for less money than a full sized device. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse or glide, unlimited flashes | Warranty: 2 year | Plug: Yes We Spent 192 Hours Testing the Best Facial Hair Removal Products to Find These 18 Standouts Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Features 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: This device also has an epilator and razor attachments. It’s Worth Noting: It was slow to see lasting results. The system comes stocked with an electric razor and epilator attachment that are ideal for helping you get better, smoother, longer-lasting results. It’s also designed to work for those with lighter hair, which is nearly impossible to find in the world of at-home hair removal — most blondes and redheads need to visit an office for a professional treatment. While we weren’t overly impressed by these extra bells and whistles, since we found we got a closer shave with our traditional razor, and struggled with attaching the epilator — we were impressed by the hair removal device itself. The flashes are incredibly bright, so we recommend wearing goggles, or even sunglasses (not included), for eye protection. The device boasts a patented elōs technology which combines IPL and Radio Frequency (RF) for a smoother, pain-free treatment that works on all hair colors. There are three settings (low, medium, and high) and our tester found no issues maxing out at the highest level without any pain or redness. It took about six sessions before we noticed that hair was growing back slower and patchier, and with continued use, we’d expect to see worthwhile results that paid off on this investment. Type: IPL and radio frequency | Flashes: 300,000 | Warranty: 2 years | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The small, handheld device was easy to maneuver. It’s Worth Noting: It took over eight weeks of treatment to start seeing results. There are six intensity settings and three treatment modes — stamp, glide, and auto — each suited to a specific body part or need, like ingrown hair or coarse stubble. We found the stamp mode most effective for treating the bikini line and armpits, as it delivers pulses with each click; while glide mode was the preferred option for arms, as it pulses every second helping to set an even tempo as you slowly inch the device around treatment areas. The auto mode was ideal for legs since it activates every second as long as the device's window makes contact with skin, which helps with even treatment throughout the work area. There was some slight discomfort while treating underarms, upper thighs, and arms on the higher level settings (like five and six), however when re-adjusted to a three or four intensity, we noted the pain was minimal and barely noticeable. After continued weekly use, we noticed less hair growing back, and that hair was significantly thinner than before. Long-lasting results require consistent weekly treatments but it’s worth it in the end — especially for less than $200. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse, glide, or auto, 900,000 flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Features 5/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Like It: The wireless design made this sleek, compact, and portable. It’s Worth Noting: It took three hours to reach a full charge. If you’ve been searching for a wireless option, here’s one that will give you a bit more freedom to move about the cabin, or bathroom, or wherever you feel the urge to squeeze in a treatment. The sleek device is heavier than expected given its compact size, but not uncomfortably so. There are six intensity levels, three treatment modes (one for body, face and intimate areas), and an automatic flash option that allows you to maneuver around your body without having to press a button to activate the laser each time. There was a bit of a learning curve when using the device — and not much in terms of instruction or tutorials — so we especially appreciated the different intensity levels as we got used to things. However, once we got the hang of how to hold the device and ensure each zap was aligned flush against a treatment area, we found it to be a quick and relatively painless hair removal process. We noted the highest intensity (level six) was important in seeing change to hair growth, as no noticeable change happened on the lower settings. After using the device twice a week for seven weeks, we reported a noticeable decrease in hair growth, and prolonged results after continuing with weekly treatments for another month. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse and auto, 400,000 flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: No The 10 Best Electric Razors for Women of 2024 Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The built-in cooling feature calming skin for a pain-free experience. It’s Worth Noting: This device is only suitable for black and brown hair. There are few hair removal devices that maneuver as well as this pretty emerald one. The 330-degree rotating head is also detachable, giving you complete flexibility and control to navigate around any treatment area — large or small. There are six different modes, each one paired for a specific treatment area, including arms mode, underarms mode, bikini mode, legs mode, face mode, and skin rejuvenation mode. This straightforward methodology makes it exceptionally easy to know which mode to use at any given time. It also boasts an auto flash mode that flashes as soon as the device makes contact with the skin so you don’t have to manually activate the flash for each area. We found each of these features helped to simplify the at-home hair removal process making it ideal for first-time IPL-users. It also features an ICE cooling head made from ultra-thin sapphire that cools skin on contact to help counteract and ease any discomfort or sting that comes from treatment. We also love the cordless charging dock that disinfects and cleans the device while it’s not in use. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse or auto, unlimited flashes | Warranty: 1 year | Plug: Yes Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Features 5/5 Comfort 4.9/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It: The ergonomic design allows for a faster treatment time. It’s Worth Noting: There is a learning curve to how you hold the device and navigate the cord. This sleek device is one of the fastest in the lineup, promising a speedy 10-minute treatment for your whole body. While we found it took a bit longer than that– it was about 14 minutes for both legs — it was certainly the fastest working of any device we tested. There are three modes: power, speed, and gentle. Power mode is the default setting and is for the most effective results; speed is for larger areas where you want to move quickly (like arms and legs), and gentle mode is for sensitive areas, or for anyone who thinks power mode is too intense. There’s both a stamp and glide method to choose between, where you can either press the activation button and then lift and "stamp" on to each treatment spot; or glide method to use over larger areas where you hold down the button and slide it along the area between flashes. The flash was quick and hot, like bacon grease jumping out of the pan, versus a prolonged sting or burn. It’s the kind of sensation you quickly get used to, with no lingering pain and at times only a slight redness that disappears after a minute or two. The four-point contact sensor also helps to ensure the flash only zaps when it’s completely aligned on skin, protecting your eyes and skin from any rogue flashes. We saw a noticeable reduction in hair regrowth after continued weekly use for 12-weeks, followed by monthly touch-ups for routine maintenance and smoothing, which made this device well worth the investment of time and funds. Type: IPL | Flashes: Pulse or glide, unlimited flashes | Warranty: 2 year | Plug: Yes Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5: This device is simple and effective, but does come with a learning curve as you figure out how to navigate and align the laser around bony body parts, like your shin. There is only one treatment button, which helps to simplify things, and automatic sensor lights that adjust the settings based on your skin type and maximum effect. TRIA Beauty Laser Hair Removal Device 4X: This is well known option on the market and we found it to be overly complicated to get started — we had to crack open the instructions to figure out how to unlock it, start it up, and get zapping, but the results were worth the extra effort. There are five intensity levels and the machine counts each zap, so you know how many times you treated a particular area, plus there’s a guide to let you know ideal pulses for different parts (like armpit versus bikini line versus leg). This device can sting a bit — like a rubber band snapping against skin — but the internal fan kicks in to help cool and soothe the temporary ouch. KENZZI IPL Pro Hair Removal Handset: This device is simpler than most, with a fully digital display that shows the five intensity levels. There are two options for treatment: you can either select to hold down the button for continuous treatment as you navigate over an area, or click it each time you want to administer a zap. No matter which you choose, it’s faster and gentler than most, with a cooling technology that also makes it ideal for sensitive skin. While all of these features are impressive, we did not see the level of hair reduction we wanted after 12 weeks of testing. At-home laser hair removal devices is a booming market with dozens of options to choose from. We did painstaking research to find the devices that had intriguing features, reviews, or a lot of hype to test ourselves. We narrowed that list down to 13 options and gave one to each person. That person was advised use the device as instructed — ranging from several times per week to once every other week — over the course of our 12 week testing period. They took progress photos and noted when they saw a reduction in hair growth as well as any side effects or difficulties they experienced in using the devices. After 12 weeks we analyzed the findings and gave ratings out of the five for features, comfort, effectiveness, and value. Of the 13 devices, these 9 lived up to our high standards and delivered the expected results. It’s worth noting that many of the best at-home laser hair removal devices aren’t actually lasers. They are “intense pulsed light” or IPLs, which use broad spectrum light to target pigments in the unwanted hair and destroy the hair follicle. “A specific pigmented target is matched to a specific light wavelength, which destroys it while minimizing bystander damage,” explains Board Certified Dermatologist, Ranella Hirsch, M.D. Unlike single wavelength lasers which are used by professionals, IPLs are cheaper, cover larger surface areas, and are safe for at-home use. One of the biggest considerations for at-home laser hair removal devices, besides price point, is wireless vs plug-in. There are pros and cons to each option, so we’ll go through them to help you make your decision. A plug-in will, of course, require proximity to an outlet. That may hinder where you complete your treatments and if you’re in a bathroom, you’ll need to be especially careful of your nearness to watch. Looking for a long cord, like the one on Ulike Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL Hair Removal Handset, can make this easier. A wireless device on the other hand can be used anywhere, even on the go, however some devices will have a set number of flashes. The number of flashes is high, in the 300,000-900,000 range, which to be honest is years of use. But when they run out, the device is done. To avoid this, find a device with unlimited flashes, Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device. The types of flashes coincide with the area and the method that most makes sense to treat. You may see descriptions like pulse, glide, or auto. Pulse is the flash of light, this mode often means that you will wait for the flash before moving to the next untreated area until the next pulse, this may be found to treat the bikini line. Glide allows you to make slow, continuous motions, helpful for the arms, and auto means the device is “active” so long as it is in full contact with the skin. The mode may be helpful for legs and navigating the curves and edges. RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset has each of these modes in the same device. Some devices will also have modes that determine how much energy or flashes occur each minute. Smoothskin Pure Mini, which is small enough to treat the face or other small areas, has power and gentle mode. Power is stronger and more effective, but gentle is great for sensitive skin. Frequently Asked Questions How does at-home laser hair removal work? At-home laser hair removal is similar to other hair removal, albeit with markedly less power for safety reasons. “A specific hair pigment target is matched to a specific laser wavelength, which destroys the hair follicle, while minimizing damage to the skin,” explains Dr. Hirsch. Is at-home laser hair removal safe? Yes. “As long as you are using it as tested and directed,” notes Dr. Hirsch. Just be sure to follow the device instructions and wear any protective goggles or eyewear. Do you have to shave before at-home laser hair removal? “It’s wise to shave before at-home treatment, since the hair will also absorb the laser energy,” explains Dr. Hirsch. “The singe (and for many, the odor) is bothersome. Although it’s important not to wax before as this removes the same area that the laser targets, unlike shaving, which just trims the hair above the skin.” For best results, some devices even advise using an epilator before treatment. How often can you use laser hair removal devices at home? “This varies based on the device and the person,” Dr. Hirsch says. “Generally you want to allow the treated hairs to grow out and cycle so you hit some other hairs each time you treat the area.” For the devices we tested the recommendation was averaged weekly or biweekly. Lindsay Colameo is a seasoned freelance beauty writer and editor with over a decade of experience contributing to leading print and digital publications including InStyle, Byrdie, Real Simple, and more. Her published work marries her product expertise and deep understanding of the industry, to deliver honest, informative, and compelling content that helps readers better navigate the beauty aisle and their online shopping carts.Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device
Best with Cooling
Ulike Sapphire AIR+
Best Under $250
nood The Flasher 2.0
Best for Face
SmoothSkin Pure Mini
Best for All Hair Colors
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System
Best IPL
RoseSkinCo. Lumi
Best Wireless
JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover
Best Splurge
Jovs Venus Pro II
Best with Unlimited Flashes
SmoothSkin Hair Removal Device
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Wireless vs Plug-In
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FAQs
Does laser hair removal make you hairless? ›
Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
How long do you stay hairless after laser hair removal? ›After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years.
Do home laser hair removal devices really work? ›According to the Cleveland Clinic, these IPL and other devices do work to remove unwanted hair, but it often takes many sessions, and the results are rarely permanent.
Which laser hair removal does Kim Kardashian use? ›So which laser hair removal systems do the Kardashian siblings love to use? For at-home laser removal, Kim Kardshian swears by the TRIA Hair Removal Laser device. On the other hand, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner both visit professional laser clinic Sev Laser for their Candela GentleMax Pro.
Do people ever regret laser hair removal? ›Regret usually stems from choosing the wrong provider. While laser hair removal itself is rarely regrettable, what can lead to regret is choosing the wrong provider. A cheap, inexperienced clinic may use outdated equipment or incorrect techniques, leading to less effective treatment or even unwanted side-effects.
Are there negatives to laser hair removal? ›It's usually safe, but side effects can include burns, scars or permanent skin discoloration.
Should I laser my pubic hair? ›While the results are not permanent, laser hair removal reduces the amount of pubic hair that grows over time. Laser hair removal is generally safe when done by a licensed professional. There may be swelling or redness for a few days after it's done.
Can you pull out loose hairs after laser? ›Pulling out loose hair after a laser hair removal session is not recommended. It disrupts the hair growth cycle; when hairs are loose it means the hair is in its cycle of removal. If it's removed before it dies on its own, it could stimulate hair to grow again.
Why do I still have stubble after laser hair removal? ›Hair Growth Cycles: The primary reason you might notice stubble after laser hair removal is the nature of your hair's growth cycles.
What can go wrong with at-home laser hair removal? ›Safety concerns: While generally safe, improper use can lead to skin irritation, burns, or pigmentation issues. Always conduct a patch test and ensure the device is compatible with your skin tone.
Can you overuse at-home laser hair removal? ›
Using IPL too often can be ineffective and painful. IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing.
Do you have to shave before laser hair removal? ›Shave Before Treatment
You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.
The Kardashian-Approved Laser Treatments
Kim often does her treatments late at night and is believed to use at-home laser devices. Khloe and Kylie, on the other hand, visit Sev Laser for Candela GentleMax Pro treatments.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian had her hairline altered with laser hair removal a few years back, and it's quite remarkable to see what a difference it made. As you can see before, baby hairs in the front left her hairline looking irregular and asymmetrical.
What does Kim Kardashian put in her hair? ›It's Shua Mora Urban Moisture. This line is incredible. Shua Mora is a very expensive, luxurious hair care brand, so it makes sense that Miss Kimmy K. Is using the best on her hair.
Why am I still hairy after laser hair removal? ›Typically, anywhere from 6 to 8 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, are needed for optimal results. This cycle also explains why you might still see hair growth after several treatments. Some hairs were simply not in the right phase during earlier sessions. This is perfectly normal.
Will all hair shed after laser hair removal? ›Some patients may be concerned because not all hairs within the treatment region were shed following the treatment. It is crucial to remember that every hair follicle may not necessarily have the same growth cycle as the hairs surrounding it. Lasers can kill hair only during the anagen stage.
Does laser hair removal make hair thinner? ›The destroyed hair follicles eventually give-way and the hair begins to shed and fall. Clients can expect to see hair-thinning and patchiness; some areas may even appear completely hair-free.
What I wish I knew before laser hair removal? ›- Patience Is Key. It will take two or three weeks to see results from your first treatment, and 8-12 weeks to get the full results. ...
- Shave But Do Not Wax Before your Appointment. ...
- Treatments Are Quick. ...
- Avoid The Sun. ...
- You Might Need Touch-Up Treatments In The Future.