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Bring the spa experience to your home with these cutting-edge laser hair removal gadgets

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Beauty is pain, but only if you want it to be. That can’t be said more when it comes to body hair. Personally, my mood changes from month to month. Sometimes I don’t mind bushy armpits, prickly legs, and an ingrown bikini line. And then there are times when I want it all — and I mean it All—waxed or shaved. And then there are those who prefer permanent reduction with at-home laser hair removal, which is mostly painless and honestly, worth the investment if you want smooth skin and nothing more.

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For those new to DIY hair removal, laser hair removal involves pulsing light into the skin to heat and reduce the amount of hair at the root over time. I say “over time” because it usually takes several weeks of consistent use to see full results, as at-home tools are not as powerful or effective as those you’ll typically see in a dermatologist’s office. With that in mind, it’s important to be careful when using any at-home tool. Read the instructions, test one area of ​​your skin first to make sure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions, and if you can, leave the ultra-sensitive areas to a professional.

Ready to focus on laser hair removal? Here are our favorite, top-rated at-home devices you can try to get expert-level results. (Pro tip: Look for devices with unlimited flashes so you don’t have to order replacement cartridges later.)

The Best Home Laser Hair Removal Devices at a Glance

The best device for home laser hair removal: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, $350
Most affordable: NOOD The Flasher 2.0, $219 (original price $249)
Best for sensitive skin: Jovs Venus Pro II, $279
Best of Travel:
SmoothSkin Pure Mini, $119
Fastest treatment:
Silk’n 7, $599
Best for thick hair:
Ulike Air 10, $399

Experts in this article

Brandi Gregge, FNP-BC, MBA, is a medical advisor at Maskad Skincare and Revivv Haircare.
Andrea Medina is a licensed esthetician at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.

How does laser hair removal work?

Brandi Gregge, FNP-BC, MBA, describes laser hair removal as a process that targets the melanin in hair follicles with concentrated laser beams. The laser delivers highly concentrated light to attack the hair pigment, delivering heat to the follicle so that less hair grows back.

Because hair grows in cycles, several sessions are necessary – usually at least six – and the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the hair colour, being more effective on dark hair and less suitable for blonde or grey hair.

Is laser hair removal safe?

Home laser devices are generally safe as long as you use them as directed. However, like any cosmetic procedure, there are possible risks. Side effects can include redness and temporary discomfort, which usually subside quickly.

Do not use a hair laser on skin that is sunburned, tanned or spray tanned. Treatment should never be performed on moles, tattoos or wounds.

Is laser hair removal safe for all skin types?

“Laser hair removal is safe for all skin types when the proper lasers and settings are used,” says Andrea Medina, a licensed esthetician at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.

People with lighter skin tones and darker hair typically experience the best results. If you have darker skin, Gregge recommends choosing a laser hair removal clinic that has experience treating a variety of skin types.

Is there an at-home laser hair removal method that actually works?

Although at-home laser devices may result in less hair, both Gregge and Medina recommend getting laser hair removal done in a clinic. “At-home laser hair removal devices tend to have a lower energy output than medical lasers, making them safer but less effective,” Gregge says. “These devices are more suitable for maintenance after professional treatment cycles, especially for lighter skin tones.”

Is laser hair removal at home safe?

Experts agree that the most effective and safest laser hair removal treatments are performed by a licensed professional. However, at-home laser hair removal devices, which are less effective than professional treatments, can also be safe—just follow the instructions carefully and make sure the device you’re considering is FDA-approved.

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

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1.Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

This portable device delivers permanent hair reduction in just four weeks thanks to its precision head and SensoAdapt technology, which detects your skin tone and adjusts the intensity level to prevent scarring.

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5

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2. Remington ILight Ultra Face and Body at Home IPL Hair Removal System

This FDA-approved system is best for light to medium skin tones and delivers 24 joules in a single flash for powerful, faster hair removal. One downside to this device is that it won’t work as well on darker skin tones.

Remington ILight Ultra Face and Body at Home IPL Hair Removal System

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3. Silk’n Infinity Hair Removal

Galvanic energy technology goes beyond the skin’s surface to “switch off hair growth at the root,” while the advanced design includes unlimited flashes. You can use the device on arms, legs, underarms and bikini line.

Silk’n Infinity Hair Removal

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4. Tria Beauty Precision Hair Removal Laser

This highly rated device is a favorite among Amazon customers due to its diode laser technology—the same technology dermatologists use during pricey in-office treatments.

Tria Beauty Precision Hair Removal Laser

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