It's first diode laser available for at-home use.
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us? Italy Diode Laser Hair Removal Machine
As a beauty writer, I get to try so many truly amazing products, but my favorites are the ones that not only make me look great, but also streamline my routine. And that's exactly why I was so drawn to CurrentBody's new laser hair removal device. I've tried—and liked—other laser hair removal devices before (namely, the Ulike Sapphire Air+ and the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5), but this one is different because it promises to do a better job, faster.
You see, the CurrentBody laser hair removal device is first diode laser available for home use (most of the best laser hair removal devices on the market use a technology called intense pulsed light, or IPL). The two types of lasers are similar in that they're both used for long-term hair removal, but diodes are more commonly used in in-office settings since they operate on a more concentrated wavelength (starting around 810 nanometers) to emit energy. That means they can sometimes be used on people with darker skin, says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. IPL, on the other hand, uses a broader spectrum of light that is not considered appropriate for all skin types
At $759, the price is steep—double the cost of the two IPL devices I've tried—but, hey, if it's really going to get rid of my unwanted body hair in less time and keep it from growing back for longer (fun fact: no at-home laser hair removal is permanent—only electrolysis is forever), I'm game.
So, I got myself the new CurrentBody laser and am here to report the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Spoiler alert: There is no ugly here!)
The CurrentBody device is an 810-nanometer diode laser that penetrates deep into the hair follicle to target hair's melanin, which absorbs the light energy and converts it to heat, temporarily destroying the hair follicle.
Because of how this process works, not all lasers are suitable for darker skin tones—some could be drawn to the skin itself rather than the hair follicle, causing discoloration or even burns. In general, diode lasers are known to be able to treat a wider range of skin tones, but CurrentBody still cautions that those with dark brown or black skin shouldn't use it.
Dermatologists we polled say this method of at-home hair removal is generally regarded as safe and effective. "In general, at-home laser hair removal devices are safe to use if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully," says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, with locations in New York, New Jersey, and Palm Beach. "These devices come with safety features to prevent skin damage, but it’s crucial to perform a patch test before the first use." And resist the urge to use these lasers more than package instructions recommend: "Misuse or overuse can lead to skin irritation, burns, or pigmentation issues," he says.
The directions are clear—and the device is so intuitive, you barely need to read them. The first step is to cleanse skin, removing any cosmetics, lotions or creams, and shaving any visible hair from the treatment area, as all of these factors could affect efficacy. This particular device does not come with a razor like some others I tried, but that's hardly a con, since I have plenty on hand anyway.
After the area is clean, dry, and hair-free, you can get to work. There's only one button, which you press and hold for two seconds to start the device. Then, you place it against your skin. If your skin tone is compatible, the laser will beep and you can then double-press the start button to "ready" the laser. If it's not, do not use the device.
Once you're good to go, you can toggle through various intensity levels by pressing and releasing power button. The laser automatically flashes when it's flush against your skin.
The device deemed my ivory skin and dark brown hair suitable, so I proceeded with a patch test on my leg, as recommended. Twenty-four hours later, I was ready to really start.
This particular laser hair removal device is a little bit bigger than others I've tried—it looks and feels a lot like a travel hair dryer. I didn't necessarily mind this: It was easy to hold by the handle and has a nicely-sized window that tackles a fair amount of follicles at once, but isn't so large you can't use it in smaller areas like the upper lip or the bikini line.
The brand says the highest intensity level provides the fastest results, and from prior experience, I was fairly confident I could handle it. I'm happy to report a completely pain-free experience—not even a tingling or prickling sensation, which is something I did occasionally get with the Braun in particular. Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood has also tested this device (he used it on his shoulders and back) and agrees that it's completely pain-free, though he did experience a very slight of warming sensation during the treatment.
Per the brand's recommendations, I used the laser three times per week for the first three weeks on both my armpits and legs. Within that timeframe, I noticed significantly diminished hair growth in both areas, and the hair that was present seemed much thinner. Overall, noticeable results came much faster with this device, and I'm looking forward to continued results at a frequency of just once per month (as recommended) until I hit 12 weeks, at which point I should be able to enter a maintenance period, only using the device every few months.
Overall, I'm really impressed by this device and its technology. It's the first at-home laser of its kind, and I was really encouraged by how quickly results came. It shows promising advancements in the field, so I really hope to see a compatibility with a greater range of skin tones in future models.
Yes, it's pricey, but my results prove that it will definitely buy you some significant time in between professional treatments (or the ability to forgo them altogether), so there's definitely value there.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
These Are The Six Best LED Face Masks
Qure Light Therapy Mask: An Honest Review
8 Best Laser Hair Removal Devices Of 2024
An Honest Review Of Adidas' Mood Fragrances
The 7 Best Vibrators Of 2024, Reviewed
This Viral Styling Brush Gives Curls Definition
Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream: An Honest Review
A Review Of The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
NuFACE Hydra-Gel Power Patches—An Honest Review
The 5 Best Resistance Bands And How To Pick One
11 Best Bikini Trimmers 2024, Tested By Experts
6 Best Reading Lights, Tested By Avid Readers
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Machine Laser Hair Removal Diode ©2024 Hearst Magazins, Inc. All Rights Reserved.