Let's get down to the science for a sec. What exactly is laser hair removal, and how does it work? "Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle. The light energy is then converted into heat, which damages the follicle attached to the blood supply, making it grow back finer, lighter or not at all over the course of treatment," says Chloe Layton, Laser Clinics UK's national training manager for the north. This is a different light form from IPL [intense pulsed light], which is what you'll find in at-home hair-removal devices. "Typically, IPL devices don't penetrate deep enough into the skin's epidermis," explains Smith, so these tend to be less effective than professional in-clinic treatment using a medically approved machine.
It's really important to book in for a consultation prior to having a laser hair removal treatment at your chosen clinic to find out if the treatment is both safe for you to have and for you. At the Brighton Laser Clinics branch, I had an in-depth consultation with Smith, who assessed my medical records as well as my hair colour and skin type. Thankfully, I was suitable for treatment. In fact, I was the ideal candidate, as my hair is so dark and I have fair skin. Smith explained that it's important for your hair to have pigment in order for the laser to treat it. The contrast of dark hair and light skin means that the laser also easily finds the follicles that we want to target. If you have fair hair, however, this treatment is not suitable for you. "The laser cannot do white, grey or blonde hair and some kinds of auburn hair that have a transparent look to them. The same goes for vellus hair [or peach fuzz] on the face. The hair must have pigmentation in order for the laser to work," explains Smith.
So what about different skin tones? Laser Clinics use a device called Candela Gentlelase Pro, which means all skin tones on the Fitzpatrick scale can be treated, from very deep skin to very fair skin tones. In other clinics, you may find that the devices they use cannot treat certain skin tones. At Laser Clinics, your treatment suitability is down to the pigment in your hair follicles rather than your skin tone.
During the consultation, it's also important to raise your medical history and any medications you are currently taking and discuss whether you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Laser hair removal is not recommended during pregnancy, and fluctuating hormones can also affect hair growth, which may affect the results of your laser hair removal treatment. However, if you become pregnant midway through your treatment, Laser Clinics will freeze your treatment plan so you can resume treatment when you're ready to come back.
As for medication, it's important to flag anything that you're taking as well as any changes to your medical history. Some medications can cause light sensitivity or hormonal fluctuations, which can affect your treatment or suitability to be treated [more on that ahead].
Really, the question should be, What areas can it not treat? From underarms to bikini line and full Hollywood to full legs, there are so many areas that can be treated with laser hair removal. The same goes for areas on the face. Areas such as the chin and upper lip can be treated as well as between the eyebrows and on the neck. There are also packages for full body or bundles of the most popular areas that can make treatment more cost-effective. The only caveat is that tattooed areas cannot be treated.
I used to get bikini waxes every month. Now, I just shave once a week and follow up with this at-home device that leaves me smooth af for a fraction of what I was spending before. It’s got three treatment modes depending on the area you’re focusing on [gentle, speed, and power mode], 10 intensity settings, and a skin sensor so the device only flashes when it’s pressed up against a safe skin tone. It’s been essentially foolproof for me, all while actually giving me hair-free results after three to four months.
- Levels: 10 intensity settings and three treatment modes [gentle, speed, and power]
- Flashes: Unlimited [won’t run out]
THE REVIEWS: “I was skeptical but had seen good reviews on this from reliable sources so went ahead and ordered,” writes one tester in a review. “I’ll be darned—it works! It’s also easy to use. I saw results within just a couple of weeks, particularly in my underarm area. I no longer have to shave there at all. Very happy with this product!”
2
Best IPL At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Silk'n Infinity At-Home Permanent Hair Removal
2
Best IPL At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Silk'n Infinity At-Home Permanent Hair Removal
Credit: Silk'n
Pros
- Combines IPL and galvanic current to slowly reduce hair
- Testers say it’s virtually painless
Cons
- Can take up to five months to start seeing results
The more you know: The majority of at-home laser-hair removal devices, like this one from Silk’n, don’t actually use lasers—instead, rely on intense pulsed light [IPL], which, similar to lasers, destroys your hair follicles with heat. But what makes this one special is that it also uses something called galvanic current to help stimulate blood flow, encouraging the light to go deeper into your follicles, which can potentially increase the efficacy and results. Just follow the directions on which levels you can use depending on your skin tone [i.e., medium skin shouldn’t go past level two], and incorporate into your routine about once a week to start seeing results in about three to five months.
- Levels: Five
- Flashes: Unlimited [won’t run out]
THE REVIEWS: According to one tester, “Dark-skinned people, BUY THIS and keep going. I use mine weekly if I have not been in the sun. You can trust that it won’t burn you. I needed to keep up with my laser-hair removal treatments at home, and I truly believe that this item will assist me with my hair removal dreams if I keep being consistent.”
3
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device on Amazon
XSoul At-Home IPL Hair Removal
3
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device on Amazon
XSoul At-Home IPL Hair Removal
Now 69% Off
Credit: XSoul
Pros
- Least expensive device on this list
Cons
- Testers say it can be hard to use at first
Don’t mind me, just perusing the on Amazon for this IPL hair-removal device. They all rave about how it reduces and thins the hair on your face, arms, legs, stomach, back, and bikini line using intense-pulsed light, or IPL, with five different power levels depending on where you’re planning to use the device [ex: Go with a level one for your face versus a level four for your legs]. Most testers started seeing results after using it two to three times a week for just a month.
- Levels: Five
- Flashes: 999,999 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: One review reads, “Just try to be consistent, and it really, really works. I am excited about eventually not needing to shave, but I am much, much more excited by the lack of that post-shave shadow, especially for my underarms. It is amazing to see the patches where hair no longer grows are actually regular skin color instead of that gray/purple tone that my armpits normally have after shaving.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Brazilian
Nood The Flasher 2.0 Corded IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset
4
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Brazilian
Nood The Flasher 2.0 Corded IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset
Now 11% Off
Credit: Nood
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive bikini-line skin, according to testers
Cons
- Only has 6,000 flashes, so will have to be replaced in two to three years
Not every at-home laser-hair removal device is great for your bikini line, because they can be a bit too powerful for your sensitive skin. Enter: Nood’s IPL device, which testers love for doing Brazilian laser treatments at home, since it uses a gentler, multi-wavelength light that’s slightly less painful while still being effective. FYI, too: You don’t have to wear protective goggles with the device, since the treatment has a skin sensor so the light doesn’t flash unless it’s pressed directly on your skin.
- Levels: Five
- Flashes: 6,000 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: One tester writes, “You can definitely do a Brazilian with the device. I've been able to get pretty much all of the hair in my entire bikini area; I just use my hand to cover up the most sensitive parts, just to be safe. The flashes definitely feel a little hotter, but I haven't had any trouble with burning or irritation.”
5
Best Anti-Aging At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Jovs Venus Hpro IPL Hair Removal Device
5
Best Anti-Aging At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Jovs Venus Hpro IPL Hair Removal Device
Credit: Jovs
Pros
- Has a skin-treating level to boost collagen and elastin
- Head rotates 330 degrees
Cons
- Testers say it’s easy to accidentally press the laser button while repositioning head
This at-home laser-hair removal device is not only seriously good at reducing hair, but it also has a “skin rejuvenation” mode that works at a lower frequency to help boost collagen and trigger elastin production. Just shave [or grab a dermaplaner for your chin or forehead], pass the tool on the face mode over your skin to help reduce hair, then turn on the SR function and glide it over your skin—avoiding your sensitive under-eyes—one to two times a week to slowly treat your skin [think softening forehead wrinkles and smoothing uneven skin texture].
- Levels: Five modes for different areas [face, arms, legs, underarms, bikini], plus skin rejuvenation
- Flashes: Unlimited [won’t run out]
THE REVIEWS: “I’ve used razors and epilators since I can remember, but always have a spot of ingrown hairs on my legs,” writes one tester. “But this device gets rid of that. The best part? You can use it on your face too. My face also looks so rejuvenated after using the skin-renewal head. Worth every penny!”
6
Fastest At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Braun IPL Long-Lasting Hair Removal
6
Fastest At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Braun IPL Long-Lasting Hair Removal
Now 14% Off
Credit: Braun
Pros
- Treated my entire legs in less than eight minutes
Cons
- Some testers say it's a bit painful
This at-home laser-hair removal device has 10 different modes you can toggle between, depending on the area you’re treating—and it also works so quickly. Truly, I was able to treat both of my full legs—calves and thighs—in under eight minutes, which was absolutely the fastest of any other hair-removal device I tried. Plus, it’s equipped with 300,000 flashes of light, which is the equivalent of 22 years of full-body treatments, meaning it won’t die on you mid-treatment.
- Levels: 10
- Flashes: 300,000 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: “After just a few months of consistently using this laser every three to four days on setting two, I am pretty much hair free on my legs,” writes one tester. “I was getting in-office laser-hair removal once a month for two years and only had patches missing. The amount of time and money I could have saved by just buying this laser still frustrates me.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Least Painful At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Ulike Air+ IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
7
Least Painful At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device
Ulike Air+ IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Credit: Ulike
Pros
- Cools your skin while zapping to help reduce pain
- Comes with a razor and goggles
Cons
- Device is small, so passing large areas like your legs can take a while
Listen, I wouldn’t say at-home laser-hair removal is horribly painful, but it’s definitely not comfortable. So if you’re a bb like me, or have sensitive skin, try Ulike’s IPL laser-hair removal tool, which emits a cooling effect as the device passes over your skin to help reduce some pain and heat. Plus, it has five intensity levels depending on the area you’re treating, which helps cut down on unnecessary discomfort [because I def don’t need the same strong laser on my lil chin hairs as I do my legs].
- Levels: Five
- Flashes: Unlimited
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “I can say this undoubtedly does work. I am fair-skinned with dark hair and have used this on my legs, underarms, and a couple of stubborn facial hairs with great success. Oh, and as far as the pain goes... there is none, which stunned me for such an effective device.”
8
Easiest At-Home Laser Hair Removal to Use
Tria Beauty Hair-Removal Laser 4X
8
Easiest At-Home Laser Hair Removal to Use
Tria Beauty Hair-Removal Laser 4X
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
- Uses laser instead of IPL
- Has an LED display while you’re following the treatment
Cons
- Most expensive laser-hair removal device on this list
If you’re okay with spending a little money and want a fast-acting, easy-to-use laser-hair removal device, try this Tria Beauty one. Unlike the majority of at-home tools that use IPL [intense-pulsed light], this one uses a true laser to destroy your hair follicle. Which means it's able to target your skin with a higher concentration of specific light, as opposed to IPL, which uses a wider and more diffused wavelength of light. The end result? Seriously effective and longer-lasting results. And, as an added bonus, the tool is equipped with an LED display that guides you through the treatment and energy settings and a skin scanner that won’t unlock unless your skin tone and hair color are safe matches.
- Levels: Five
- Flashes: 200,000 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: “I am a believer of actual results, so I only did it on one armpit, and one side of my bikini line,” reads one review. “I wanted to see actual differences. Thankfully, it has passed its trial! *party time* No, not all the hair is gone, but most of it is, and what is there is fine and takes a while to grow.”
9
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Facial Hair
9
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Facial Hair
Mismon Laser Hair Removal
Credit: Mismon
Pros
- Has a small-ish light window that is easy to precisely target facial hairs
Cons
- Some reviews note it breaks easily
The handheld-style design and bb treatment window make this at-home laser-hair removal device excellent for reaching tighter, more precise areas, like those little hairs that hide under your chin or around your nose [heh, just me?]. If your skin feels a bit inflamed after using, dab some 1 percent hydrocortisone cream over irritated spots and, as always, make sure to avoid retinoids or AHAs for two days while your skin calms down.
- Levels: Three
- Flashes: 300,000 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: “The device has worked well at dramatically reducing the number of dark hairs I had on my chin, which is great!” writes one tester. “I can now go days without shaving before I feel like the hairs start to become visible to people a normal distance away.”
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Legs
Conair Lumilisse IPL Hair-Removal Device
10
Best At-Home Laser-Hair Removal Device for Legs
Conair Lumilisse IPL Hair-Removal Device
Credit: Conair
Pros
- Has a body attachment for treating larger areas
Cons
- Can be tricky to get the hang of at first, says testers
This at-home laser-hair removal device is ideal for removing hair on your legs, because it has a body attachment with a large treatment window [meaning it covers a wide area of skin], along with a continuous mode setting. The combo allows you to easily glide the device over your legs in a single pass, so you don't have to keep stopping and starting.
- Levels: One
- Flashes: 300,000 before needing replacement
THE REVIEWS: “I used it for my armpits, legs, and bikini line,” writes one tester, “and I can't believe that just after using it once every two weeks for a month, the hair hardly grows back. And if it does, the hair is extremely thin. It took me about a month to see the results.”
What is laser hair removal?
Laser-hair removal is a process where specific wavelengths of light are directed onto your skin in little pulses, targeting and heating up the hair follicle to destroy a portion of it with each treatment, says dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD. Compared to in-office treatments [which, although pricey, are done by board-certified derms or trained professionals who know exactly what they’re doing], at-home devices have a much lower energy output—mostly because they often use IPL [intense pulsed light] rather than true laser technology—which makes them safer for you to use on your own, says dermatologist Julie Russak, MD.
Do home laser-removal devices work?
Yes, at-home laser-hair removal devices do work, but they take consistency. Because at-home devices use lower energy levels than in-office treatments, they require continued use [think: weekly, or every time you shave] to notice similar results, says cosmetic doctor Ana Mansouri, MD. Basically, they are not for the lazy.
You also need to be aware of the limitations of at-home laser-removal devices. Despite how they sound, these devices don’t permanently remove hair in a few sessions, leaving you hairless like a full-body wax. Instead, laser-removal devices only help to reduce the total number of hair follicles in your skin and potentially make your existing hair finer and thinner [only electrolysis-hair removal can permanently remove all hair, fyi].
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Which is better: IPL or laser?
Neither IPL nor laser-hair removal is “better,” it really just comes down to preference. True laser-hair removal only uses one wavelength of light [essentially, one precise laser beam] that targets just the hair follicle to help slow down hair growth. IPL [intense pulsed light], on the other hand, isn’t actually a laser. Instead, they emit broad-spectrum light in multiple wavelengths that spread across a larger area of skin, meaning they’re less precise and won’t penetrate your skin as deeply. That’s why IPL devices are generally gentler and easier for people to use, which is why most at-home devices use IPL rather than laser beams.
That said, both IPL and laser-hair removal can slowly destroy your hair follicle to reduce hair growth over time with continued use. But expect laser-hair removal to be a bit stronger [and potentially more painful or irritating], which is why it often yields quicker and better results. Meanwhile, IPL devices are usually not as intense, so they’re great for using consistently at home or for use on sensitive skin, like on your bikini line or face.
Is it okay to do laser-hair removal at home?
Yes, it’s okay to do laser-hair removal at home, according to Dr. Akhavan. “At-home devices tend to be generally safe, although a real potential for adverse effects, like scarring, does exist,” he says. Which is why most dermatologists will suggest opting for the professional in-office route, if you have the means [laser-hair removal can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500, and usually requires at least six sessions spaced six weeks apart].
Just note: “If you’re using an at-home device, don’t use it on sensitive areas, like your face and neck,” says Dr. Akhavan. “And if you have sensitive skin, always patch-test first on a smaller area, then wait three to four weeks to make sure there are no complications.” And depending on the area you’re treating, you may also need to adjust your skincare routine to exclude skin-thinning ingredients [like chemical exfoliants or retinol serums] for three days before and after your laser-hair removal treatment.
Does home laser-hair removal work for dark skin?
Currently, at-home laser-hair removal devices don’t truly work for dark skin. These lasers work by targeting the dark color of your hair follicle, and at-home devices don’t have the technology yet to properly distinguish between dark hair follicles and dark skin, meaning they can potentially burn you. While some devices might market themselves as being safe for dark skin, they are usually considering medium-to-tan skin, versus actual deep-brown skin tones.
So far, there are no at-home devices that are safe to use on true type-six Fitzpatrick scale skin tones [reminder: This dermatological scale ranges from one to six, with six being “brown to dark-brown” skin]. Most laser-hair removal devices are only approved for up to level-four skin tones, with four being “olive to medium” skin. But if you’re unsure where your skin tone lies, talk to your dermatologist before you try an at-home laser device.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Should you shave before at-home laser?
Yes, you should shave before using an at-home laser-hair removal device, otherwise the IPL/laser won’t be able to correctly target the melanin [pigment] in your hair follicle. Because these devices work by homing in on dark, contrasting colors [think: a black dot on a white canvas], they need to be able to differentiate between your skin and your follicle to prevent errors or burns.
Just remember: Don’t wax before your laser-hair removal. Waxing completely rips out the hair and its root, which will leave nothing for the light to target, and you won’t be able to use your device. Instead, make sure your skin is freshly shaved and free of lotions or creams.
How to choose a laser-hair removal device:
Consider your skin tone and hair color
Only some devices are suitable for deep skin tones, and even fewer can work on light hair, so read the description of the product carefully, then scan the reviews for people who have a similar skin tone or hair color as you and see how they rate the device. We noted above if a device can be used on lighter hair, fyi.
Look at the size
You'll also want to consider the size of the device you're purchasing and the area that you intend to use it on, says Dr. Mansouri. Basically, a tiny device meant for your face probably isn’t going to be the best if you’re looking for a tool to quickly target your legs.
Meet the experts:
- Arash Akhavan, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York, NY, and a faculty member at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. He specializes in non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures as well as skin cancer prevention and treatment.
- Julie Russak, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatologist Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center in New York, NY. Dr. Russak is also an assistant professor at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she teaches dermatology residents and medical students.
- Ana Mansouri, MD, is a physician at Kat & Co Aesthetics based in the UK. She specializes in injectables and aesthetics.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Courtesy Image
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has nearly five years of experience writing skincare stories, like bikini trimmers and hair-removal creams. To compile this list, she interviewed dermatologists, scoured Amazon reviews, and tested at-home laser-hair removal devices.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
Is laser hair removal on bikini line worth it?
It may save money over time. Since laser hair removal greatly reduces unwanted hair, regular maintenance that goes along with shaving and waxing isn't required, so once you pay the initial fee, you shouldn't have to pay much more.
Does laser hair removal work on pubic area?
People may get this treatment on any part of their body, but the most common areas are: Face. Underarms. Bikini area, or any areas that grow pubic hair.
How successful is bikini laser hair removal?
If you have the recommended number of treatments for your hair and skin type, you'll see up to 90% hair reduction. Any hair that does grow back will be much finer and will grow back less frequently, which means smoother skin for longer.
How long does laser hair removal last on bikini line?
How long will the results of laser hair removal last? Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.