If you’re only interested in removing small amounts of hair, a lower-end system that comes in around $200 and requires replacement cartridges is usually a good option. "Laser hair systems that require replacement cartridges are often cheaper at initial purchase, but if you use them frequently the cost of cartridges can make these models more expensive in the long run." It also allows you to be very precise, so you can target specific hairs on small areas, such as on top of your lip.
This corded device comes in a padded protective box, which makes it easy to store when not in use. The simple design is lightweight enough to operate with one hand, pressing down continuously on the large button. This chic black-and-gold corded design won top marks for its compactness, fitting perfectly in the palm and being easy to store. The accompanying instruction booklet is easy to follow and perfect if you’re a first-time user of IPL and are keen to get it right.
DEESS Permanent Hair Removal System
With its quartz bulb, it reloads faster, allowing for more pulses in a shorter amount of time. According to the brand, after eight treatments, you should see a 92 percent reduction in hair growth, and some shoppers say they saw amazing results in even less time. The FDA-cleared device has a built in skin sensor to prevent using unsafe levels, however, some customers say it won't flash just because it didn't get a good read of the skin. We also love how this device comes with an app that lets you keep track of your treatments and reminds you when it's time for the next one. Since the at-home devices have a much lower energy output than most in-office machines, you can also use them more often, which means you can get rid of unwanted hair even faster, if you're consistent with it. We consider our number one pick the Rolls Royce of at-home hair removal devices.
The computer is clear to read and you can use it to alter the settings. The device itself is relatively heavy, but you can still maneuver it with ease, and it feels well-built and balanced. To get the most out of your treatments, the CosBeauty IPL Joy Version works alongside an app, which you can use to set a treatment plan. You also cannot use it while it is charging, or get replacement cartridges, so once it has run out of flashes, the device is completely useless. Your budget is another consideration, but you may not want to be too frugal or else you’ll miss out on important features. Works on legs, arms, underarms, bikini area and below the cheekbones on your face.
Best for Dark Skin
In this case, you kind of get what you pay for, as at-home devices aren’t actually real lasers. “Most at-home laser hair removal devices apply IPL technology, meaning intense pulsed light, using a broad range of light and by default making them much less specific and less powerful,” says Idriss. This means they are generally less effective , and there’s more room for error as the beam is less specific. Christian Karavolas, owner of New York City’s Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal, adds that in-office treatments will give you permanent results, whereas IPL devices generally will not. So although you’re saving money in the short term, you might not get the long-term effects you’re really looking for. If you have darker skin, it can be hard to find an at home laser device that won't burn your skin.
Laser hair removal can be uncomfortable, but this option is honestly pain-free. It pre-cools the skin right before removing hair, making it a good option for anyone with a low pain tolerance (hi hello that's me) or sensitive, redness-prone skin. Leverages Intense Pulse Light and radio frequency technology to permanently remove body and facial hair. Many devices use light cartridges that allow for a certain number of treatments. Different areas of the body may be more sensitive to the laser than other spots, so it’s important to be able to adjust how strong the beam is. In most cases, you’ll want to start with the lowest power setting to determine how sensitive you are to the laser.
Best Drugstore
Dermatologist Dr. Bertha Baum, DO, explained to me that IPL works by directing light at the pigment in the hair follicle. The light from IPL destroys the follicle's root, stopping its regrowth. Going to a spa or dermatologist to get laser hair removal treatments can be seriously pricey, which is why people are opting for at-home lasers, many of which can even be under $100. It also promises that both of your legs will be done in under five minutes, so say hello to smooth legs in a pinch. Dr. Zeichner says that while the “best hair and skin combination for laser hair removal in general is dark hair and light skin,” there have been advancements that allow them to work on a wider range of tones.
It is safe for using on your face and body and the smaller window means it is a great choice for treating your upper lip, although large areas of your body will take a longer time. The Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X is the only at-home laser hair removal device on our list that actually uses laser technology; all of the other devices are IPL hair removal devices. The Tria Beauty Hair Removal 4X is the first and only FDA-cleared at-home laser device designed to treat and remove unwanted hair. If you want to treat your arms, legs, or back, you need a device with a larger head, such as this one from ORA. The combination of IPL and radiofrequency used in this is actually patented by the brand—in fact, the technology was originally developed by scientists behind in-clinic machines, so you know you’re in good hands. It’s also one of the few FDA-cleared tools that are said to work on all skin tones and hair colors.
Which is the best in-office laser?
This hair removal solution can even work on lighter hair colors, for example, gray, blond, and red, but not white, and is suitable for skin tone 1 to 5 on the Fitzpatrick scale. When you’re buying a product online, it’s important to consider the features that are important to you. Make sure to read the product description carefully, and check the customer reviews to get an idea of what others think of the product. This at-home laser hair removal device is ideal for removing hair on your legs thanks to a steady continuous mode setting.
Many of the devices above have sensors that won’t flash if your skin tone is too dark or if the device is not held properly against the skin — this is a good feature to seek out. Additionally, IPL is a broad spectrum light, meaning it consists of a range of wavelengths, and this may include UV wavelengths that can damage your skin. Most IPL devices have a filter that blocks out the UV light, but always double-check for it.
SmoothSkin has been in the laser hair removal game for more than 30 years, so it's no surprise its FDA-cleared Pure Fit device is one of the best all around. Not only does it go up to 10 energy settings, but it also has three different comfort modes and two operating settings so you can customize the experience for different parts of your body. The precision head lets you tackle trickier areas like the bikini line, upper lip, and even the fingers and toes. It has a built in skin sensor that selects the right intensity for your skin tone as well as prevents accidental activation.
Best of all, this device comes with a security mechanism to keep your eyes safe, as the light can only be enabled when in direct contact with your skin. With any at-home hair removal device or laser hair removal procedure in a dermatologist’s office, it’s important to avoid waxing or tweezing between treatments. Rather, shave only to preserve the hair follicle so that the laser or IPL device has something to target during your next treatment. Laser hair removal results are more predictable when done by a dermatologist. The FDA doesn’t regulate at-home laser hair removal devices, so the results and safety aren’t guaranteed.
If you want to use your laser hair removal device to hit smaller areas like in between your eyebrows, Tria's precision laser device is perfect for you. It has a one inch-wide head that takes only about a month to start working. Reviewers rave that this FDA-approved device delivers the very same (and, sometimes even better!) results than what you'd get at a derm or med spa.
She also mentioned that it saved her from spending thousands of dollars on unnecessary professional procedures. One licensed cosmetologist with hyperpigmentation from old acne spots said this machine has really helped clear up her skin, and that she’s very impressed by the strength an at-home product can have. She also loves how easy the process is, and thinks the cooling system is a great feature. Light brown to white skin tones.MiSMON Laser Hair Removal$239Not suitable for lip areaBlack to brown hair. This section is filled with customer feedbacks and even pictures of the product. These reviews allow you to comprehend how the product will work for you.
Easy Wash and Wear Haircuts for Women Over 60
This FDA-cleared device comes with six power levels and two heads for both larger and smaller areas. It uses IPL and a skin tone sensor to set the optimum energy level for your skin. Though it has unlimited flashes, it carries about 600 flashes between charges. "Easy to use," "minimal instructions needed" and "works really well for touch-ups" are some of the top comments coming from reviewers about Sensica's hand-held device. The built-in sensors assess your skin color and the placement of the device against your skin, making sure treatments are always safe and effective.
