Thanks to a new generation of at-home laser hair removal devices, you can now zap off any unwanted body hair without having to leave the house. In fact, the bestat-home laser hair removal devices don’t just leave your skin feeling silky smooth and hair-free, they do so in the most painless way possible.
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While shaving, waxing,epilators and electric trimmers are perfectly effective at removing body hair, they often come at a price, fromingrown hairs and itching to redness and irritation. Furthermore, unlike the best at-homelaser hair removal devices, the results are often painful and temporary, which is why it’s time to think about levelling up your body care routine.
Do home hair removal lasers work?
When it comes to eliminating unwanted body hair, at-home laser hair removal devices are probably the most effective. “Home hair removal lasers use pulsing light technology to target and destroy hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back,” says Caroline Brooks, skin specialist and founder ofThe Glass House Salon & Spa. “When the light beam is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, it converts to heat which damages the hair follicle and prevents hair growth.” It also works by decreasing the thickness of each individual hair, the density of hair overall, which is why, after each session not only do less hairs grow back, but the thickness of each hair that does grow is massively reduced.
How long does home laser hair removal last?
The length of time at-home laser hair removal lasts varies according to the device and individual hair growth pattern, which is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.“Most treatment protocols are once a week for 12 weeks,” says Heather Talbot, CurrentBody product expert. “This means you catch the hair in different stages of the growth cycle. You’re likely to see results sooner but for long-lasting results, that 12 week cycle is important.” After that, you can use as and when for maintenance.
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Do you have to shave before doing at-home laser?
Yes, it is recommended you shave the area prior to treatment in order to ensure the light is being directed to the hair follicles under the skin, rather than being absorbed by hair on the surface.
What is the difference between IPL and laser at home?
The main difference between IPL and laser at-home hair removal is the type of light used. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light to target hair, while laser hair removal concentrates a single wavelength of light to target specific hair follicles. “Lasers are more effective for permanent hair reduction, while IPL devices may be better for treating larger areas of the body,” says Dr Kajal Babamiri aesthetic doctor at Clnq. “However both types of devices can be effective for at-home hair removal, but in-clinic treatments will give a more impressive and longer-lasting result.”
Is laser home hair removal safe?
At-home devices use lower energy levels than in the salon, so are generally safe to use. “We always recommend checking the safety features of your chosen device,” says Talbot. “Having FDA approval is a good starting point as a device won’t have been passed through their rigorous testing program without proof of safety.”
Does it work on everyone?
The best at-home laser hair removal devices work on all different skin tones and hair colours. However, they are proven to be more effective when there is a greater colour contrast between the skin and the hair. Which is why not all devices work equally on darker skin or light blonde, grey or red hairs. Always check the colour chart for guidance.
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Vogue’s top laser hair removal devices:
- Best overall laser hair removal device: Jovs Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation Device, £319
- Best laser hair removal device for sensitive skin: Sensilight Pro With RPL™ Technology, £250
- Best laser hair removal device for darker skin: Silk’n Permanent Hair Remover For Light To Dark Skin,
£292£229 - Best powerful laser hair removal device: SmoothSkin Bare Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal System,
£199£170 - Best laser hair removal device for intensive treatments: Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X, £400
- Best laser hair removal device for face and body: Philips Lumea 4 Attachment IPL 8000 Series,
£509.99£399.99
Best powerful laser hair removal device: SmoothSkin Bare +Ultrafast IPL Device
Delivering 100 flashes per minute, this high-performing laser hair removal device can cover the entire body in just 10 minutes. Boasting three operating modes, you can adjust the device depending on the treatment area. Expect to see 97 per cent less hair in four weeks.
SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Device
Best laser hair removal device with cooling technology: Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Handset
Pain-free, quick, and ultra-efficient, this innovative home tool from K-beauty brand Ulike works to maintain epidermal temperature during treatment, eliminating any burning sensation caused by IPL flashes.
Best overall laser hair removal device: Jovs Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation Device
Target all areas of the body with this 180-degree rotating device from Jovs. With six removal settings, you can treat the whole body in 10 minutes, while in-built anti-aging LED technology works to boost collagen and elastic production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and leaving skin bright and rejuvenated.
Jovs Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation and IPL Hair Removal Device
Best versatile laser hair removal device: Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige
Boasting four different attachments to cater to different areas of the body, from the jawline and legs, to the upper lip and bikini area, this powerful device from Philips delivers 92 per cent hair reduction after just three sessions.
Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige
Best laser hair removal device for bikini line: Deess Icy Cool IPL Laser Hair Removal System GP590
With built-in cooling technology, this laser hair removal device from Deess delivers 95 per cent hair reduction in six to 12 weeks, while working to reduce inflammation.
Deess Icy Cool IPL Laser Hair Removal System GP590
Best laser hair removal device for face: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Emitting 400,000 flashes, this high-speed device from Braun treats both legs in less than five minutes, while its precision head allows you to reach more challenging areas. It’s also easily adaptable with two sensitive modes.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Best laser hair removal device for darker skin: Silk'n Infinity 400k Permanent Hair Removal Device
Ideal for darker skin tones, this effective hair removal device works on all areas, opening up your pores and allowing the light impulses to target the hair follicles effectively.
Silk'n Infinty 400k Hair Removal For Light To Dark Skin
Best laser hair removal device for sensitive skin: Sensica Sensilight Pro with RPL™ Technology For Permanent Hair Reduction
Cordless and so ideal for on-the-go body care, this effective IPL device boasts unlimited flashes for whole-body treatments, with the ability to adapt to suit your skin tone.
Sensica Sensilight Pro With RPL™ Technology
Best laser hair removal device for intensive treatments: Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
This award-winning device from Tria delivers salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home. Targeting hair at the root, skin is left smooth and stubble-free.
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X