4 of the Best Home Laser Hair Removal Devices by Hair Color, Coarseness, and More

You used to have to visit a dermatologist for laser hair removal, and this is still the most effective route, but you can consider home laser hair removal devices instead.

While not as effective as professional treatments, they offer the longest-lasting results compared to other home hair removal methods like shaving, tweezing, or waxing. Results aren’t completely permanent, but you might go weeks without having to redo your treatment.

How does it work? High-heat lasers or intense pulsed lights (IPLs) dissolve hair and temporarily disable hair follicles. That way, the follicles won’t be able to produce new hairs for up to several weeks.

We reviewed these devices based on their safety, efficacy, and price. While only two are true laser hair removal devices, the rest are intense pulsed light (IPL) devices that work in a similar way.

Laser hair removal works via IPLs or high-heat lasers. Both work by heating the hair follicles, which then shed any current hair you have while preventing new hair growth. The laser emits a beam of light that targets the melanin in the hair follicle and then vaporizes it. The heat from these lasers will destroy the hair follicle as well.

Over time, the hair follicle is destroyed and doesn’t grow back. While it takes about six treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a follicle, the hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), laser hair removal is not permanent on a woman’s face, but men can permanently eliminate their beards with laser hair removal. And since the melanin in light-colored hair is lower, laser hair removal will not work well on blonde, white, gray, or red hair.

If you use at-home laser hair removal, you’ll need to use the device for much longer to see results. You’ll also need to use it periodically to maintain results. While sometimes the names are used interchangeably, these methods work differently.

IPLs

Most at-home laser hair removal products are classified as IPLs. These work with the use of a high-powered light that penetrates your skin where it then heats your hair follicles.

While it’s always a good idea to talk with a dermatologist before use, IPLs are generally considered safe for most people. IPL treatment should be done cautiously with people who have more melanin in their skin, as it can cause their skin to burn and blister , leading to scarring.

Dr. Joan Paul, an ABMS board certified dermatologist, mentioned that while true lasers usually have only one wavelength, IPLs deliver many wavelengths at the same time.

“IPL also bypasses the epidermis and mainly targets the dermis, which means patients have less downtime after each treatment since the top layer of the skin is intact,” she says.

Lasers

Laser treatments are more invasive than IPLs because they have a stronger wavelength that can penetrate deeper into the skin. For this reason, most true laser treatments are used in clinical settings only.

Paul also notes that a true laser is usually only administered in a clinical setting because of many safety issues, making it harder for a patient to buy one.

A reputable at-home laser hair removal product should contain specific instructions on preparing for your treatment and any contraindications. But as a general rule of thumb, you can prepare for your at-home laser hair removal session with the following steps:

• Clean and dry your skin before use.
• Avoid tanning, sunless tanners, or excessive sun exposure
• Discontinue topical retinoids or other products that may increase your risk of burns. Remember that some antibiotics can make your skin sensitive; this should be discussed with your prescriber or healthcare professional before deciding to stop taking any medication.
• Check the treatment area for any rashes or acne — you’ll want to avoid these areas of skin.
• Avoid plucking or shaving the treatment area beforehand — this will reduce the efficacy.
• Wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes (some of the above kits come with these).

Now that you have your preferred laser hair removal device, you’ll want to prepare before use. Make sure the device is fully charged and read the safety instructions. Clean and dry the desired area of skin before use.

Store the device in tip-top condition in its original box or in a safe place, such as your bathroom cabinet.

The number of treatments you need depends on the device and your hair growth. The key is to be consistent about your use to see results.

While laser hair removal is often touted as permanent, the reality is that your hair follicles will heal and produce new hairs at some point.

It can also take a few sessions to see results. But you don’t want to overuse the device, which can lead to skin irritation and hyperpigmentation.

It’s important to avoid excessive sun exposure following at-home laser treatment, including tanning. You may also consider avoiding the use of potentially irritating products, such as:

• sunless tanners
• retinoids
• alcohol-containing skin care products

Also, apply sunscreen to the treatment area before going outdoors. Use a water-resistant sunscreen that contains an SPF of at least 30 or more.

While you should take extra care in applying sunscreen immediately after laser hair removal, you can protect your skin year-round by making it a part of your daily skin care routine.

Shopping for the right laser hair removal device goes beyond simply looking for the best home laser hair removal reviews. You’ll want to make sure that a prospective removal system has the following:

• A guideline for your hair color and skin tone: Ideally, the product should come with a guideline on what intensity levels to use for your hair color and skin tone. Some at-home laser hair removal devices also come with automatic skin tone sensors. If you have darker skin, this may be helpful to help prevent:
  • burns
  • pigmentation changes
  • other side effects
• Varying intensity levels: Your natural skin tone dictates how much intensity you should use during each laser hair removal session, with darker skin tones requiring less intensity. Also, if you have sensitive skin or are new to laser hair removal, starting at a lower intensity can help make the process less painful.
• Flash capacity: This refers to the capacity of IPL or laser wavelength. The higher the number, the longer the device is expected to last.
• Different attachments: If you want to remove hair from different body parts, you may consider a device with multiple attachments suited for each skin area. This may include attachments for the
  • bikini area
  • underarms
  • face
• Features for during use: At-home laser hair removal devices may be battery-powered or attached to an electric cord. Battery-powered devices are mobile and easier to use, especially in small areas of your body. However, an electric cord-operated device may be better if you want a longer-lasting device without the hassle of changing out batteries.

Your budget is another consideration, but you may not want to be too frugal or else you’ll miss out on important features. A reliable at-home laser device usually costs $180 or more.

Laser hair removal results are more predictable when done by a dermatologist. The FDA doesn’t regulate at-home laser hair removal devices, so the results and safety aren’t guaranteed.

There also aren’t enough clinical studies to prove that at-home lasers are more effective than hair removal at a dermatologist’s office.

Other safety considerations involve your natural skin tone and hair color. Laser hair removal tends to work best on people with light skin tones and dark hair.

Hyperpigmentation, blistering, and irritation are possible side effects in all users. Make sure you follow all instructions included with your device.

While no downtime is required with this procedure, you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight for several days after using a laser hair removal device. Doing so will help reduce the risk of side effects.

With any at-home hair removal device or laser hair removal procedure in a dermatologist’s office, it’s important to avoid waxing or tweezing between treatments. Rather, shave only to preserve the hair follicle so the laser or IPL device has something to target during your next treatment.

Not all hair removal devices are safe and effective for all skin tones or hair colors. Talk with a dermatologist to make sure the product is safe for you. They can provide tips for using the removal device and safety tips to prevent scarring.

Also, while at-home laser-hair removal kits can work for some people, these aren’t as potent or long lasting as professional laser treatments from a dermatologist.

Even then, remember you’ll need at least 4–6 initial laser treatments and occasional maintenance sessions.

The best laser hair removal at-home devices are generally safe for most users, but you should see a doctor if you develop any side effects such as:

• redness or swelling
• rash
• blisters or burns
• pain
• bumps or nodules

While laser-hair removal is traditionally done at a dermatologist’s office, you may still be able to mimic some of the benefits at home with a removal device. Take the time to compare available features, using this guide as a starting point.

Talk with your dermatologist for further advice on selecting the best hair removal methods for you.