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There are several benefits to keeping one of the best at-home laser hair removal devices in your beauty arsenal. Not only does the tool come in handy to extend the life of professional treatments, but weekly use helps ensure that unwanted body hair is not only minimized but gone for good. Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD tells Bazaar that during the hair removal process, a laser's energy is absorbed by follicles while simultaneously damaging them, putting an end to their growth cycle over time.
Most laser removal tools emit a single wavelength of light that's absorbed by a specific target—the pigment in your hair follicles. These devices also help mitigate unsightly razor bumps that may develop after shaving. "Because using lasers offers a more targeted treatment, they reduce the potential of irritation or bumps that may be associated with shaving or waxing," board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick explains. "Additionally, laser hair removal provides a more long-term solution than shaving or waxing."
While the best at-home laser devices can provide effective results, users shouldn’t expect them to get rid of all their body hair overnight. "Complete hair removal is a challenge," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner adds. "I feel that the treatment should be called laser hair reduction rather than laser hair removal, because full removal of all of the hair may not be possible. As the hair becomes thinner and finer, it's more difficult to completely remove it."
For those aiming to maintain a professional treatment or looking for more efficient ways to do it yourself, read on for some of our top laser and IPL tools that come expert-tested, recommended, and FDA-cleared for safe and easy removal.
Here's a laser hair removal device from CurrentBody that works in 15-minute sessions to reduce hair found on your underarms, legs, and bikini line. It uses a diode laser along with six different settings to treat larger surface areas and even uses cooling technology to keep you feeling comfortable during each treatment.
"The CurrentBody device is a true diode laser (810nm and effective for Fitzpatrick skin types I-V)," board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim notes. "It also has a cooling tip that helps make the experience more tolerable and helps reduce any swelling or redness."
Customer review: "The device is easy to use, and the treatment time is quick and pain-free! I'm a few weeks in and I've already started to see my hair is thinner and growing back less frequently. I can't wait to continue my hair removal journey!" —Jenny
Along with six adjustable energy levels, DermRays’ diode hair removal laser has a continuous flash feature that reduces hair on your body in up to 15 minutes. Its 1064nm laser is also designed to suit a wider range of skin tones, including types 5 and 6 on the Fitzpatrick Scale.
Customer review: "I don't typically write reviews, but I am writing now because one of the reasons that was holding me back from buying it was that there was no review!! I decided to buy it and I have used it for 3 days a week and after 2 weeks I noticed that the hair started to take longer to grow up after shaving. I loved it and I will keep using it." —Salmista
While not quite a laser, this dermatologist-recommended device uses sensors and IPL technology to adjust its treatment according to your skin tone. Its glide mode can be helpful to cover larger surface areas, along with two other mode options and a precision head to address smaller areas that may be difficult to reach, like the bikini line or underarms.
Customer review: "I am happy with how well this works. I purchased it in June and have consistently used it with very good results. Once weekly is the recommended usage. It is not 100 percent pain-free, it stings a bit, but only for a second. It does not work on blond or gray hair. If you’re looking for a device that gives results, this is it. Definitely worth the price." —Kathy
This FDA-cleared IPL device works for your underarms, legs, face, and bikini line (and even for a Brazilian), and aims for its users to see results in up to three weeks of use. It uses 10-minute treatment windows to get rid of hair over time, with a built-in UV-filtered lens to keep your skin protected, and 600,000 flashes available straight out of the box.
Customer review: "I've been using the Flasher 2.0 for eight weeks now, and the hair on my legs is almost completely gone! I'm also using it on my bikini area and underarms, those are showing progress as well! Cheers to being hair-free!" —Samantha S.
This fast-acting, FDA-cleared device from Silk'n uses a quartz bulb and home-pulsed light technology (a combination of galvanic and optical energy) to minimize hair density with the press of a button. It also uses two flashes per second to reduce hair growth in minutes.
After testing SmoothSkin's Pure Fit device for a number of weeks, associate beauty editor Katie Intner became an instant fan. "The SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL device comes with a smaller tip for precision areas like above the lip, I started with the bigger tip for my legs," she previously explained. "It's very user-friendly: It will never zap light or heat without perfect skin contact (dots on the side light up white when there’s good contact and red when there is poor contact). I loved this feature because no matter which direction I was going in, it took the guesswork out of trying to get the laser in the right spot to work."
Just like the majority of Foreo's buzzy devices, this IPL hair removal tool is extremely high-tech (it even has its own app) and is a breeze to use from head to toe. It delivers up to 120 flashes per minute and uses T-sonic massage to dilate pores and allow light pulses to access hair follicles more easily.
Customer review: "I wasn't really expecting much, as a woman with very dark, thick hairs that seem to grow from places I didn't know existed, I have always struggled with hair removal. Shaving just leaves me with black roots and ingrown hairs and epilating is so time-consuming. I couldn't wait to give this a go and put it to the test with my unmanageable body hair. I am so over the moon with this Foreo IPL hair removal device." —Cathryn
This long-lasting removal tool uses a combination of IPL and radio frequency technology to minimize growth with or without maintenance after your initial session. And unlike many other IPL and laser devices, this one even works to remove light and dark blonde hair, along with red.
Customer review: "This review is for the Precision version of this product. I️ had modest expectations but this product definitely went above and beyond. 5 stars. I️ mainly used it to reduce the peach fuzz on my abdominal area. For reference, I️ am Indian, my skin tone is similar to actress Alia Bhatt and I️ have black hair." —PeachFuzzy
This popular tool is best for those specifically with fair to olive skin tones and darker hair. It nicely features an easy-to-read LCD screen and uses three modes to slow body hair growth over a few weeks.
Customer review: "My husband bought this for me as a gift and it has been so awesome! I have a lot of dark hair in places I would prefer not to and this has been such a game changer for me. For the first time in my life I feel confident to show my arms. It has really helped my self-esteem. It is easy to use and I have seen results very quickly. The process is slow, but absolutely worth it!" —Ryan I.
Here's a beloved hair removal device that cools the topmost layer of your skin to 50 degrees Fahrenheit to minimize the risk of potential burns. It also nicely contains five power levels for a customizable experience.
Customer review: "It has a luxurious appearance, and the shape is easy to grip so you can remove hair. [Mine] is getting thinner and thinner, so I'm satisfied." —Rina
While different hair removal technologies can be found in at-home laser devices, most treatments use IPL (intense pulsed light) to emit multiple wavelengths of light, that turn into heat, to destroy hair follicles. "The light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles," explains cosmetic and general dermatologist, and founder of The Derm Institute in Los Angeles, Annie Chiu.
According to Garshick, aside from light-based IPL devices, other hair removal options use laser technology (known as diode lasers), which use a single wavelength of light—unlike IPL that uses many wavelengths—to target the pigment of the hair follicle and selectively absorb it while minimizing injury to the surrounding skin. "Since laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle, dark hairs tend to respond the best to laser hair removal," Garshick says. While burns can happen, Chiu cautions that doubling up on a specific area to lessen hair density won't speed up results and may lead to increased skin trauma.
Some at-home devices may be designed specifically for the body or face based on the size of its hand piece, or ease of use in different locations. Garshick notes that using tools on the face should be in an extra-precise manner, with special attention being paid to avoid certain areas like around the eyebrows and general eye area. "If there is excessive pain or discomfort a few hours past treatment, and darkening of the skin, call your provider for assistance," Christian Karavolas, laser hair removal expert and founder of Romeo and Juliette Laser Hair Removal in New York City, advises. "After treatment, skin may be slightly irritated but this typically goes away in a short period of time."
Both IPL and diode laser devices rely on the pigment of the hair follicle to lessen or completely remove it from your skin, but diode lasers are generally more precise, making them a safer option for most skin types and tones.
However, it's important to use caution when trying out any at-home laser hair removal device. Those with lighter hair or darker skin should carefully consider their options regarding their tool of choice. Karavolas notes that the preferred type of wavelength to use on skin of color in professional laser treatments is about NDYAG 1064 nm.
"I recommend that my clients first test spots in less conspicuous areas, like the arms or legs, to see if burning or hyperpigmentation occurs before proceeding to treat the face or more prominent areas of the body," Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, says.
Having more pigment in your skin may confuse the laser, Zeichner cautions, leading to discoloration in the skin. "In general, at-home laser hair removal devices are not optimal for those with sensitive skin or skin of color as the potential risk of irritation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring is increased," Garshick adds. "For individuals with sensitive skin and darker skin types, it's especially important to ensure the selected device is appropriate and should always be discussed with a board-certified dermatologist prior to use."
Don't forget to take care of your skin with a soothing moisturizer following each treatment to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. Ibrahim advises, "If the skin feels hot to touch, a fan to cool the area can help with the discomfort and any potential swelling. Avoid the sun and wear SPF." Garshick agrees, adding that wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is equally important in healing newly treated areas of the skin since laser treatments can often contribute to increased sun sensitivity.
"Generally, moisturizing creams and sun protection are both important after using laser treatment," she explains. "A gentle moisturizer or post-procedure product, such as Vaseline Intensive Care Soothing Hydration with Aloe, can be soothing on the skin. Other options include CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream, Avène Cicalfate+, or EltaMD's Laser Enzyme Gel. If the skin feels sensitive, opt for mineral sunscreen like Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield or Cetaphil's Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen."
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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