Best Home Laser Hair Removal Machine

A home laser hair removal machine is a device that uses light energy to destroy the hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, which damages its DNA and causes cell death. Home laser hair removal machines can be used on any area of skin where a person has unwanted hair. It is safe to use on all skin types, including people with dark skin tones, who often cannot use professional treatments because they are at risk of burning their skin and causing scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Home laser hair removal machines are designed to be used at home without supervision by a medical professional. They are relatively inexpensive, but they require regular maintenance if they are to continue working properly.

Read on to learn more about Best Home Laser Hair Removal Machine, Laser Hair Removal Red Flags In Choosing A Safe Salon and A Variety of Laser Hair Removal Machines

Best Home Laser Hair Removal Machine

While there are many hair removal methods today, most of them are far from perfect. From ingrown hairs to razor burn, the pains of shaving and waxing have made many turn to laser hair removal, which promises a permanent reduction in hair growth.

Getting laser hair removal done professionally can be quite costly, but there are several at-home devices that are more affordable and still effective for zapping off hair. The thought of lasering your face or body may sound scary, so we talked to dermatologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about at-home laser hair removal devices. When researching devices for this list, we looked for models with FDA clearance, proper safety features, and customer seals of approval.

Ready to say goodbye to unwanted hair? Below, discover the best at-home laser hair removal devices to shop now.

Best Overall: SmoothSkin Pure Fit

Best Splurge: Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X

Best for Body: Braun Silk Expert Pro3 Permanent Hair Removal System

Best for Coarse Hair: Silk’n Infinity

Best for Dark Skin: Iluminage TOUCH Permanent Hair Reduction System

Best for the Face: Tria Precision Hair Removal Laser

Fastest Option: SmoothSkin Bare +

Best for Bikini Line: BoSidin-Pioneer Permanent Hair Removal Device

Best Cordless: Sensica Pro Permanent Cordless Hair Removal Device

How does laser hair removal work?

“Laser hair removal is a procedure in which a beam of light is used to destroy the root of the hair follicle to permanently prevent the hair from growing back,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The beam of light is selectively absorbed by the pigment cells within the hair follicle.”

While these treatments are much less painful than waxing, there can be some discomfort involved. “It feels like a snapping rubber band,” says Dr. Jaliman. “The more powerful the machine, the more discomfort you will feel. Some areas are more painful than others. However, it’s nothing you need painkillers for.” If you do feel irritation or pain, she suggests applying a cold pack to the area right after your treatment.

Is at-home laser hair removal safe?

“At-home laser hair removal devices are not as potent as in-office ones and you will not get the same results. [But] they are safe if used properly and instructions are followed,” says Dr. Jaliman. Like with any new skincare treatment, it’s recommended to patch-test a small area of skin and wait to see if any complications arise. “Don’t just start zapping your device when you take it out the box,” she adds. “This puts you at risk of injury or even burning yourself. Treat one area at a time and don’t over-treat the same area repeatedly!”

Keep in mind that laser hair removal doesn’t work the same for everyone. “In general, laser and IPL hair removal devices work best when there’s more contrast between the skin and the hair. The best candidates for energy-based hair removal are those with coarse or terminal dark brown or black hair and lighter skin tones,” says Dr. McKenna. “Blonde, gray, or red hair lacks enough melanin needed to attract the laser’s follicle destroying energy, as does hair which is ultra-fine (‘peach fuzz’). Similarly, dark skin with dark hair can lack the contrast needed to heat the hair and not the skin.”

Even though at home-devices tend to be weaker than salon models, Dr. McKenna says they can still cause irritation, hyperpigmentation, or even burns, especially in darker or deeply-pigmented skin. More brands are creating devices that can treat darker skin tones, though it’s always best to first double check with the specific device and start with the lowest power setting. You can also consult with a professional at a salon if you aren’t sure if lasers will work for your skin.

How do I use a laser?

Just like with other hair removal methods, you have to take certain steps before and after lasering to get the best results. “Do not wax or pluck the hair, as you need the root in place as a target for the laser,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Make sure that the skin is fully washed, removing any creams or cosmetics before using the laser.”

You need to shave all areas that will be lasered a day before treatment. You also want to avoid sun exposure, including using self tanners, two weeks prior to treatments as they can make your skin darker and burn. Acid-based cleansers, peel pads, and topical retinoids can also make your skin more sensitive and should be avoided in between treatments.

After treatment, your skin might be a little irritated and red, so it’s best to avoid tight clothes, hot water, and any strenuous exercise for the next couple of days. As the hair grows back, it may start to shed, which is a sign that the laser is working. You can gently exfoliate the area to speed up the shedding process.

Each device has different instructions on how often to use the laser, but it usually takes a few months of consistent use to see significant results.

Are the results permanent?

While many people use lasers with the hopes of never having to shave again, there’s no guarantee the treatment will remove all your hair, forever.

“Multiple factors such as hormonal changes, medications, the efficacy of the device, and whether or not the treatment regimen was consistent will affect results,” says Dr. McKenna. “Touch ups, spot treatments, and even ongoing treatments can be necessary with at-home devices. But for many women, it’s still better than the irritation and inconvenience of shaving, waxing, or tweezing.”

Laser Hair Removal Red Flags In Choosing A Safe Salon

When you shop for skincare products, you consider your skin type and goals. If you get lip filler, you scroll through dozens of before/afters to ensure you like the injector’s work. Well, the same due diligence should go into play when picking a laser hair removal salon.

There are many factors to consider, particularly skin tone and conditions.

So, before you purchase that laser hair removal package on Groupon, here’s what experts say you should look out for — and if the salon doesn’t meet these standards, consider it a major red flag.

A legit establishment should be able to provide before and after photos of their clients, to show you what results to expect. This is especially important if you have melanin-rich skin, as not all lasers will work on dark skin tones.

A Variety of Laser Hair Removal Machines

There are many types of laser hair removal devices, and varying types of skin will react differently to each one. Therefore, it’s important to use the right machine to prevent irritation and ensure optimal results.

Christian Karavolas, a laser hair removal expert and founder of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal in Manhattan, says people of color should ask the salon whether they have experience in treating dark skin and if they have an Nd:YAG laser for that purpose. “Also, ask for before and after photos to ensure the results are what you’re looking for,” he says.

For caucasian skin types, Mercedes Doan, Ever/Body’s Manager of Aesthetic Services & Education, says that Alexandrite is the best type of laser. “[They} work the quickest of all laser types and are best for treating larger body areas,” she says.

Available and Up-to-Date Certifications

You wouldn’t go to a doctor who doesn’t have a degree, and the same goes for laser hair professionals. Apart from having gone through laser hair training, most states require certification for providers to legally offer treatments, so look into your state laws and if your salon is up to par.

Additionally, Doan says that a licensed aesthetician or a nurse practitioner are the best choice when it comes to providers who can perform the treatment with safest standards.

VIDEO: Why Sugaring Could Replace Waxing as Your Go-To Hair Removal Method

Online Reviews

Karavolas says that an effective way to learn about a laser hair removal salon is to read customer reviews and referrals. These may not be available on the salon’s site, as they’d only feature positive reviews, so look on sites such as Yelp and Reddit, and even the salon’s social media pages.

Consultations and Patch Tests

Before you start treatment, your provider should sit down with you to ask about your skin type, concerns, conditions, tone, medical history, and more. Once that’s done, your provider should do a small patch test on the treatment area to test the strength of the laser to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin or hurt too much. (Laser hair removal should feel like a rubber band slapping your skin, nothing stronger.)

Doan says that if the consultation is rushed or there’s not much discussion on the process and the provider goes straight to the treatment, it’s a major red flag.

What Are Some Other Red Flags to Look For?

Karavolas says that apart from the above, another red flag is if the provider doesn’t ask about recent sun exposure (tans can effect the efficacy of the lasers) and if their equipment isn’t up to date.

A clear sign that the lasers aren’t up to date is if the provider applies gel to the treatment area before starting. “Those types of lasers only de-stimulate the hair growth while getting treatments, but once you’re done getting treatments the hairs grow back,” explains Doan. “That’s because those lasers target melanin in order to be effective. That’s also why it is a big no for people of color — these lasers can’t differentiate between natural melanin in your skin and melanin in your hair, which can lead to burns.”

Lastly, your provider should instruct you on the best pre- and post-treatment directions, as doing otherwise can cause skin irritation and decrease treatment efficacy.