Multiple treatments over the course of several weeks are necessary to stop or slow down the hair growth cycle. We individually tested 13 devices to see which ones earned top ratings for ease of use, low-pain experience, and hair reduction after 12 weeks, then consulted four board-certified dermatologists to answer our burning q's on laser hair removal.
Body hair… love it or hate it, tending to it lasts a lifetime. For those in the latter camp, join us in our journey to uncover the best at-home laser hair removal devices so we can be silky smooth for far longer than shaving. Now, permanently removing hair from your body is no easy feat. “Hair grows in cycles and not all hairs are in the same stage of growth at the same time,” says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen . Additionally, not every skin tone or hair color is a candidate for at-home devices — red, blonde, and gray hair and dark brown and Black skin are not safe candidates. In those cases, waxing kits or hair removal creams may be a better DIY bet.
Best Overall
Ulike Sapphire AIR+
Ulike
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$299
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$299
View On Walmart
$219
The inclusion of accessories impressed us right off the bat with this device. Inside the box, we found a razor, razor case, protective glasses with a leather case, leather travel case for the device, and a power cord and power box. While using the device, we not only noticed how easy it was to maneuver around the desired areas, but also how it didn’t bother our skin surface at all — no welts, burns, scars, or texture changes were detected.
The first two intensity settings were hardly noticeable, but the third level gave a faint zapping sensation. Level four was more uncomfortable, similar to someone snapping a tiny rubber band against skin. The fifth had the same snap, but was much more intense. However, thanks to the “refrigerated chip” on the applicator and the cool sensation it provided, our skin remained comfortable and never felt too warm. Finally, when it came to results, we saw a strong reduction in the thickness and speed of hair growth in the third and fourth weeks. While we loved this device, we can unfortunately only recommend it to those with darker hair and lighter skin. If you scroll down the product page, the brand provides you with a chart describing which skin and hair types are best for this device.
Results: 4 weeks | FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 5 | Hair Type: Dark | Body Area: All | Flashes: N/A
Best Budget
nood The Flasher 2.0
NOOD
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$199
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$229
Out of the seven settings, we were recommended by the brand to use the two most intense options, and we found that the sixth setting (the second highest setting) was equally as effective as the seventh (the highest). The large laser area makes it tricky to reach tight precision spots — this device isn’t really for delicacy, but for boldness and speed. We did feel a light zap every once in a while, but it was very minimal and not bothersome. In just about 15 minutes, we had finished zapping both legs. Throw in the armpits too, and that added about five more minutes.
After using it twice a week during the testing period, we could see solid improvement by the second week. We chalked up its surprising speediness to the fact that our hair is dark but thin (a laser hair removal device’s dream hair type). And as a surprise bonus, we noticed the scars on our legs getting a little lighter in color as well. For a device under $200, we’re pleased to report how effective it is. The low price point also helped us overlook that the device is built for efficiency and does not include additional accessories.
FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 7 | Hair Type: Dark | Body Area: All | Flashes: 600k
Best for Travel
RoseSkinCo. Lumi
RoseSkinCo.
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While the compact size is travel-friendly; it’s also quite effective. It comes with an exfoliating glove, to prep our skin 24 hours before the treatment. Unlike the previous two options, this one has three different modes in addition to six intensity settings. Each mode is designed for a specific body part. The “stamp” mode was intended to treat the bikini lines and armpits, delivering pulses with each click. On the other hand, we used the “glide” mode for our arms since we could go over our arm in one long stroke without needing to repeatedly press any buttons. Our legs got the “auto” mode treatment, which powers on when the device touches the skin and stays on until you remove it.
We found our more sensitive areas couldn’t handle more than the third intensity (and we even consider ourselves to have a high pain tolerance). Still, we saw the biggest difference on our arms. Our armpits, however, took much longer, likely due to the thicker hair follicles in that area. Despite the occasional discomfort, no marks or redness were left on the skin. After 12 weeks, hair growth had significantly slowed down. Our only disappointment was the shape of the device. We would have preferred a handle with an hourglass shape or one with ridges to prevent slipping.
FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 6 | Hair Type: Dark | Body Area: Any | Flashes: 900k
Best for Lighter Hair
Iluminage Home Permanent Hair Removal System
Skinstore
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$449
View On Nordstrom
$449
View On Nordstrom
$449
Laser hair removal devices tend to play favorites with dark hair. That’s because the laser targets the melanin within dark hair to slow down growth. We were skeptical about this brand’s claim that it can target light hairs, but we can confirm it did reduce hair thickness and new growth on our lighter body hair. Although an electric razor (epilator) was included with the kit, it was difficult to use and the manual wasn’t as helpful as we hoped, so we just used our regular razor.
Even so, it must be said that laser hair removal devices will always work better on dark hair. After lasering our legs once a week at its highest intensity level (three), our hair began to grow back slower and in patches, and continued to dwindle as the weeks went on. Don’t expect to throw your razor away after 12 weeks, as it did not completely remove our body hair, but we're hopeful that with continued use we'll see further results. And as an added bonus, we experienced no pain during the sessions.
FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 3 | Hair Type: All | Body Area: Any | Flashes: 300k
Best for Sensitive Skin
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device
Silkn
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$429
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$429
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$350
If you have sensitive skin, we totally get the concern about using a heated laser anywhere on the body (and we recommend consulting your doctor for any skin-specific concerns). To our surprise, this device triggered neither redness or sensitivity, so we ramped it up and found that only the highest setting (setting number five) caused some kind of warm feeling, but it was far from uncomfortable or irritating.
The device itself is rather large, but still lightweight. Our arms didn’t get tired from holding it during our sessions at all. Thanks to the two modes glide and pulse, we were able to treat our selected areas with care and precision. We used the glide for larger surface areas and the pulse for bikini lines. It took a little longer to see results with this one, probably because the directions recommended using the laser only once every two weeks. At week five, we noticed our hair grew in much slower and thinner than before. The price of this device is roughly the same price as one clinical visit for a treatment. That makes the near-infinite uses you get out of this a great value.
FDA-Approved: No | Intensity Levels: 5 | Hair Type: All | Body Area: Any | Flashes: N/A
Best for Beginners
Jovs Venus Pro II
JOVS
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$300
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$300
The true stand-out feature was the rotating head, which made it a complete breeze to reach small areas. The second best detail are the six modes and each has a different purpose: One for arms, underarms, bikini, legs, face, and even skin rejuvenation. These very clear modes eliminated the guessing game as to which setting we needed to use. There is also a cool setting, which helped soothe each area and reduce irritation…which leads us to our only con. We felt little hot flashes on our armpits specifically, but it is a tender area to begin with, and it wasn’t significant enough to really bother us. The area is small, so we got through it quickly, although it remained red for a few minutes after.
Ironically, the armpit is also the area where we saw the most progress after four weeks. The manual requested that we use it only once a week at first, then increase it to two to three times a week. After 12 weeks, we saw much thinner and slow-to-grow hair. The package came with a razor and goggles, which we also took full advantage of.
FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 6 | Hair Type: Dark, some shades of blonde | Body Area: Any | Flashes: Unlimited
Best for Bikini
SmoothSkin Pure Mini
Amazon
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$119
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$139
If you're prone to bumps on your bikini line, laser hair removal is a viable alternative to bikini waxes. We loved this device for its compact size and lightweight nature, making it easy to glide or pulse (depending on the setting you choose) over the bikini area. This mini sized version is a little less intense than their full-size one, and therefore, much friendlier on sensitive areas. And true to its word, we felt no pain.
While using this device, we had to make sure that the front panel of the device was facing us at all times so we could see whether the white light illuminated, indicating contact with hair follicles. Because it left no marks, stings, or redness, it was otherwise impossible to detect whether or not the laser was in use. We loved this feature for the bikini line specifically, but got tedious for larger areas, like the leg. It took a solid five weeks for us to see results. On our legs, there were some very clear bare patches. However, we saw no change in density or speed for the hair that did continue to grow. After 12 weeks, the skin was fairly evened out, with only minimal stray, stubborn bits of hair standing their ground.
FDA Approved: Yes | Intensity Levels: 2 | Hair Type: Dark to dirty blonde | Body Area: All | Flashes: Unlimited
Imagine a world where smooth, hair-free skin is easily achievable, without the hassle of waxing or shaving. The year is 2023, and that world is now a reality. With the variety of laser hair removal machines available, finding the most effective option for your specific skin type and hair color has never been easier. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the top machines on the market, their suitability for various skin types and hair colors, and how to achieve the best results possible.
Before we jump into commercially available, at home laser treatments, we’d like to offer this disclaimer and state that the most effective way to remove every hair follicle is by visiting a local med spa. An aesthetician has not only been trained in diode lasers and every skin type, they also understand the correct processes, recovery and efficacy.
Comparing the top laser hair removal machines is essential for optimal results and safety.
Factors such as hair and skin color, area being treated, speed and efficacy must be taken into account when choosing a machine.
Professional treatments are more effective than at- home devices. Customizing treatments to suit individual needs leads to better results, along with pre- and post- treatment care guidelines followed.
Laser hair removal has become a popular and cost-effective solution for eliminating unwanted body hair. There are several devices that can be used, such as Diode, Alexandrite, Nd:YAG, and IPL, catering to various skin types and color of hair.
Choosing the right laser hair removal device is crucial to guarantee effectiveness and safety in removing unwanted hair.
The Diode Laser is an advanced laser hair removal system that utilizes wavelengths to effectively penetrate deep into the hair follicle. It is suitable for all skin types.
This laser is a popular choice to remove hair from areas such as the back, chest, legs, arms, upper lip, chin, and bikini area, where it offers deep penetration and effective treatment for coarse hair.
The Alexandrite laser hair removal system is widely known for its rapid and highly effective results. It is suitable for individuals with light to olive skin , and both fair and medium hair types. This laser is most effective for treating fine to medium hair, but may cause hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones.
Alexandrite laser is frequently applied to larger portions of the body such as legs, arms, and back. It is a great option for those looking for a fast and effective way to remove unwanted hair.
Nd:YAG (Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) laser is the most recent laser hair removal technology and is considered the gold standard for treating individuals with darker skin tones. It is suitable for dark skin tones, tanned skin, it penetrates deeper into the skin, treats thicker hair, and is safe for all skin types.
The latest technology is more expensive, but its effectiveness on darker skin tones and safety make it a preferred choice for many individuals.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an advanced laser technology used for hair removal. It uses a broad spectrum of light to selectively target hair follicles. It is a versatile treatment, effective for larger areas of the body, but may not be as effective in treating coarse hair.
IPL can be utilized on a broad range of skin types and hair colors, including lighter hair, making it an attractive option for many individuals.
When selecting a laser hair removal machine, it is essential to consider factors such as skin and hair color, and the area being treated, especially hard to reach areas like the bikini line. In addition, the machine’s speed, efficacy, and safety features should be taken into account.
A laser clinic specialist can offer guidance in selecting the laser system most suitable for your skin and hair type, based on your individual needs.
While at-home hair removal machines have become increasingly popular, professional treatments offer superior results , efficacy and safety due to the expertise of trained professionals. At-home devices, on the other hand, are not as powerful as the professional ones and, if used incorrectly, can cause skin irritation, burns, and even permanent skin damage.
Furthermore, they may be unable to target all hair colors, and darker skin tones, which could lead to uneven results in hair growth.
In 2023, the top picks for professional laser hair removal machines include Medi-Diode, Omnimax S3,, Cynosure’s Vectus Laser, Alma Soprano Ice Platinum, Candela Max Pro Plus, GentleMax Pro, and Lumenis LightSheer Duet. The GentleMax Pro, for instance, combines the Nd:YAG 1064nm laser and Alexandrite 755nm laser, which provides an effective treatment for dark skin, lighter skin tones, and a wide variety of hair types.
Cynosure’s Vectus Laser is known for its ability to cover a wide area quickly, making it ideal for larger areas such as the back, chest, and legs.
Alma Soprano Ice Platinum utilizes trio clustered diode technology, targeting hair follicles without causing damage to the skin or other tissues in the area. Lumenis LightSheer. Duet offers the ability to customize in terms of hair color, hair texture, and skin phototype, accurately targeting hair follicles while leaving the surrounding tissue undisturbed.
Customizing treatments to suit individual skin and hair types is essential for achieving best laser hair removal and ensuring patient satisfaction. Multiple treatments are typically necessary to obtain the desired results allowing for adjustments based on the patient’s unique skin and hair.
These adjustments are important for ensuring that treatments are tailored to the individual’s needs and that the desired results are achieved. Additionally, it is important to monitor the patient’s progress.
Proper pre- and post-treatment care is vital for achieving the best results with laser hair removal. Before the treatment, patients should avoid sun exposure for at least 7 days and sunburns and tans for at least 2 weeks. Shaving the area to be treated should be done at least 12 hours before the treatment, whereas waxing, tweezing, coloring, depilatory creams, and electrolysis should be avoided on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks before and throughout the treatment.
Following laser treatments it is recommended to avoid sun exposure for at least 7 days, sunburns and tans for at least 2 weeks, and waxing, tweezing, coloring, depilatory creams, or electrolysis on the treatment area for at least 4 weeks. Additionally, using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors is essential to protect the skin during the healing process.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between various laser hair removal machines and selecting the appropriate device for your skin and hair type is crucial for achieving optimal results. By considering factors like color of skin, hair color, and the area being treated, in addition to the machine’s speed, efficiency, and safety features, you can make an informed decision and enjoy long-lasting, smooth, hair-free skin.
Yes, there is a difference between laser hair removal machines. Different systems vary in terms of effectiveness for certain hair types, safety for dark or tanned skin, and performance for different areas of the body.
Therefore, it’s important to research and consult with experts before committing to any particular laser system.
The fastest laser hair removal technology is Alexandrite, and the Medi-Diode which works best for larger body areas among patients who have light-to-olive complexions.
Additionally, the Romeo & Juliette Synchro REPLAY dual-wavelength laser machine is one of the fastest and most powerful lasers available.
For laser hair removal, the most popular devices are those using Diode, Alexandrite, Nd:YAG and IPL technology. These provide the safest and most effective results for permanent hair reduction.
When selecting a laser hair removal machine, it is essential to choose one that is compatible with your skin and hair type. Consider factors such as skin tones, hair color, and the area being treated, as well as the machine’s speed, efficiency, and safety features.
This will ensure you get the best results with minimal risk.
The advantages of professional laser hair removal treatments are that they provide safer, longer-lasting results with less discomfort than at-home devices. Professionals are also better-equipped to handle any adverse reactions or side effects that may occur..