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Although we love to splurge on visiting spas and clinics to indulge in the latest star-worthy facials and treatments IRL, nothing beats the convenience of enjoying high-tech health and beauty gadgets from the comfort of your home. When it comes to skincare — specifically long-term hair removal — some folks may also prefer the privacy of treating skin in-house. They also may want a more permanent solution beyond shaving or waxing. This is why some of the best at-home laser hair removal devices have seen a rise in popularity among stars and fans alike.
Before diving into these devices, a word to the wise: “At-home devices are generally weaker versions of in-office procedures and do not yield comparable results while carrying higher risks of complications,” Dr. Teresa Song, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, tells The Hollywood Reporter. “These devices are available for hair removal, microneedling, as well as LED light treatments aimed at reducing wrinkles and acne. These devices are not required for FDA monitoring and may potentially lead to complications if used incorrectly. In-office lasers used in medical spas for hair removal, which undergo FDA monitoring, are considerably more effective, and carry less risk of burns and hyperpigmentation compared to at-home devices when performed by experienced physicians.”
Keeping Song’s sage insight in mind, we’ve scoured the web for the most well-reviewed and legit at-home laser hair removal devices out there.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Braun Silk Expert Pro5 Laser Hair Removal System
If you’re new to DIY laser hair removal, start with Braun’s IPL hair removal device, which claims to be “the safest, fastest and most efficient IPL”. Fans appreciate the device’s three intuitive power modes (standard, gentle, extra gentle), with the most sensitive setting being a go-to for first-time users. Good for 400,000 flashes (i.e. uses).
BEST laser hair removal device ON AMAZON
Lysmoski Laser Hair Removal With Cooling System
Save an extra 15% off at Amazon
With more than 54,000 positive reviews on Amazon, Lysmoski’s laser hair removal device and cooling system features an ergonomically designed shape and lightweight feel, and comes with a built-in cooling mechanism that makes the hair removal process substantially more comfort. This device features five energy levels and is good for 999,900 flashes.
BEST UNDER $100
Meukpe IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Another Amazon bestseller is Meukpe’s IPL device, which is accessibly priced, easy to use, offers five energy level settings and comes with two working modes: manual and auto. Good for 999,900 flashes.
BEST DEVICE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensica Sensilight Mini 300K Laser Hair Remover
If your skin is on the sensitive side, reach for Sensica’s Sensilight Mini 300K, which pulses using clinically proven IPL technology and features a built-in skin sensitivity meter for safety. Good for 300,000 flashes.
BEST FOR MOST SKIN TONES
Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System
Illuminage’s FDA-cleared Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System claims to be effective on the widest range of hair colors, including on blond, dark blond, red hair and even gray hair. Be aware that this system isn’t a quick and snappy one — the process takes a little under 30 minutes per use, and users share that it takes a while to see results. This devise is meant to be used on targeted areas once a week for seven treatments over six weeks.
BEST COOLING DEVICE
Ulike Laser Hair Removal With Sapphire Ice-Cooling Technology
As mentioned earlier, laser hair removal devices that feature a cooling system help increase the comfort level of the entire experience. Users love Ulike’s Air+ IPL device for its clinical-grade sapphire ice-touch technology, which lowers the laser temperature from 158℉ to 67℉ at the point of contact with your skin.
BEST DEVICE FOR TRAVEL
HappySkinCo Gen.2 IPL Hair Removal Handset
For on-the-go folks, add HappySkin’s Gen.2 IPL hair removal handset to your packing list, which is compact, comes with an extra long power cord and good for a generous 500,000 flashes. No need to pack separate hair removal devices for various body part — this device works for legs, arms, face, chin, underarms and your bikini area.