Best Laser Hair Removal At Home Devices

The best devices for at-home laser hair removal are those that allow you to customize your treatment settings. This allows you to choose how much time each laser pulse lasts, which can help prevent overheating and burning of your skin. It’s also important that any device you buy has a built-in cooling system so that you don’t burn yourself while using it!

When it comes to hair removal, nothing is better than laser treatments. Laser hair removal has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that the technology has become affordable enough for the average person to use at home. Laser hair removal is effective because of its ability to target specific follicles in the skin and destroy them while leaving surrounding areas untouched. This means that you can get rid of unwanted hair without damaging your skin or causing pain or irritation.

Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal At Home Devices, Differences Between Bikini And Brazilian Laser Hair Removal

Best Laser Hair Removal At Home Devices

After years of shaving, waxing, and sugaring, your go-to hair removal process can understandably start to feel like a serious hassle—so much so that you may start considering a more permanent alternative. When it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair on your legs, underarms, bikini area, or face, laser hair removal is a safe, long-lasting treatment that can eliminate stubble and fuzz for good.

Unfortunately, these treatments can come with a price tag in the thousands. A single laser therapy session might cost a couple hundred dollars, but for full results, you’ll need to get four to six sessions. Depending on where you’re getting laser hair removal (say, your upper lip versus your legs), the cost can also go up. Luckily, there are plenty of at-home devices that come at a fraction of the price of in-office treatment and can be used safely and effectively. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy one.

Best Dermatologist-Approved Device: Tria Hair Removal Laser
Best Budget-Friendly Option: Iston Permanent Painless Hair Removal Device
Best Travel-Friendly Option: Silk’n Infinity
Easiest to Use: Mismon Hair Removal Machine
Best Anti-Aging Option: BoSidin Painless Permanent Hair Removal Device
Best for Reducing Ingrown Hair: Braun Silk Expert Pro 3
Best for All-Over Use:XSOUL Painless Hair Remover Device
Best for Fast Treatment: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Best for Sensitive Skin: Yachyee Painless Laser Hair Removal Device
Best for Dark Spot Treatments: Faustina 3-in-1 IPL Device
Best for Bikini Line: AMZGirl Hair Remover Device
Best for Coarse Hair: Imene Hair Remover
Best for Touch-Ups:Finishing Touch Lumina Painless Hair Remover
Best for Legs: Gozye Wholebody Hair Removal Device
Best for All Hair Colors: Ora Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

What is laser hair removal?

Before any kind of medical procedure, it’s a good idea to fully understand what you’re undergoing—the same is true for laser hair removal. Essentially, a device emits light, which is absorbed by the pigment in a hair follicle. “You’re heating up the pigment that is in the hair follicle,” explains David J. Goldberg, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “That heat damages the follicle, so it reduces in size and eventually doesn’t produce hair.”

There are two different types of technology that are used in these kinds of hair removal devices: laser-based and intense pulse light, or IPL. Joshua Zeichner, MD, founder of Zeichner Dermatology in New York City, explains that the main difference between these devices is the light they emit—lasers emit one wavelength, whereas IPL devices emit several wavelengths. While they’re different, he says they both work to remove hair: “We have very effective laser devices and very effective IPL devices.” In terms of at-home tools, however, you’re far more likely to find ones that use IPL.

Because this technology targets the pigment of the hair, it’s not suitable for everyone. Laser hair removal doesn’t work on blonde or white hair, and for those with darker skin tones (or tattoos!), it can prove more challenging and even dangerous. “These devices cannot tell the difference between melanin in the hair and melanin in the skin when they are close in color,” explains Caroline Robinson, MD, founder of Chicago’s Tone Dermatology. This can result in risks such as irritation, blistering, and dramatic hyperpigmentation. Many at-home hair removal devices provide charts that show their level of safety and effectiveness for different hair and skin tones. If you’re unsure whether laser hair removal, either with an in-office treatment or an at-home device, is suitable for you, speak with a dermatologist before trying it.

How does at-home laser hair removal compare with in-office treatments?

“At-home devices utilize the same technology as many in-office devices, but at much lower energy levels,” explains Jessie Cheung, MD, founder of Chicago and New York-based Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness. “That translates to slower heating of the hair follicle, so each treatment takes much longer and there is less damage to the hair follicle, so more treatments are needed.”

While home devices are less expensive than an in-office treatment in the long run, they require far more patience and consistency. While you might come in once a month for a professional treatment, Dr. Goldberg suggests using a home device once a week for six to eight weeks. “Compliance often becomes an issue, but if you can stick to it, you’ll get a reasonably good result, but it’s not going to be as good as an office device because it’s not as powerful,” he tells Health. “The more power you can deliver and the more you can heat up the follicle, the better it’s going to be.”

Because at-home laser hair removal devices aren’t quite as powerful as the professional alternative, they are a great option for people to use after they’ve already received an in-person treatment—after all, although it will grow back slower and finer, hair can still grow back after it’s lasered. “Nothing’s ever perfect,” Dr. Goldber says. “We have to be realistic.” He adds that it’s important to realize how long at-home hair removal can take—because home devices have less power and a smaller surface area than those you’d use at your dermatologist’s office, it can be time-consuming to treat larger portions of your body, like your legs.

Dr. Zeichner suggests that home devices can alternatively be a good starting point. “As you use these devices, the hair gets finer and grows slower, since the laser stuns, if not partially destroys the follicle. Even if the hair grows back, there are longer shave-free intervals,” he tells Health. “When you’re left with just fine hair, you often need a more powerful laser to finish the job.”

How can you effectively use an at-home laser hair removal device?

Because these devices target the root of your hair, avoid plucking, waxing, or sugaring a few weeks before you start the removal process. Shaving is okay, but let your hair grow a day or two for the best results. “You just want enough hair to conduct the heat to the root, but not too much at the surface so that the heat gets trapped there,” Dr. Cheung tells Health. If you’ve had a tan, she adds, wait at least two weeks so the pigment cells in your skin are less active, so they won’t reach the heat of the device.

Like you should with any skin product, patch test it before using it on especially sensitive areas, like your bikini line or face. You might feel a pinching or stinging sensation when you use it, but it shouldn’t be more than mild discomfort. “I’ve never had anybody complain that they couldn’t use a home device because it hurt too much,” says Dr. Goldberg. If you’re especially sensitive to pain, he advises using a topical pain-reliever (like Apercreme).

Think at-home laser hair removal could be the right decision for you? Here are the best devices, according to these dermatologist guidelines and customer reviews, for safely and effectively zapping away unwanted stubble from the comfort of your own home.

What you’ll love: This FDA-cleared hair removal device combines intense pulsed light and radio frequency to effectively remove hair of all colors across varying skin tones (even reviewers with fair skin and lighter, auburn hair reported quick, effective results). The brand suggests using it across your targeted areas once per week over the course of six weeks for permanent results.

What customers say: “On my most stubborn black and coarse hair, I’d say easily 75 percent of it is gone,” said a Nordstrom reviewer. “On my not so stubborn hair, I have noticed about a 90-95 percent reduction. My leg hair is growing so slow and so sparse that I can shave once a week, whereas before I was shaving daily. Even then very little hair is left to shave. My under arm hair is nearly all gone.”

Keep in Mind: This can not be used on the ears, jaw, neckline or other sensitive areas.

Differences Between Bikini And Brazilian Laser Hair Removal

Whether or not you want to undergo laser hair removal procedures is simply a matter of preference. While there’s nothing wrong with leaving hair down there, there are many people who feel more comfortable with little to no hair. Which is why, when it comes to hair removal, men and women have many options to go hair-free. Two of the most popular procedures right now are the bikini laser hair removal and the Brazilian laser hair removal.

So what are the differences between a bikini and Brazilian laser hair removal? A bikini laser hair removal includes only the hairs in the bikini line, while a Brazilian laser hair removal covers more areas, including the upper thighs, the entire pubic area, and the area between the buttocks. Choosing which one to get ultimately depends on your preference, so here’s more of what you should know about these hair removal procedures.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing

Only good laser hair removal equipment will give you the results that you want, whether you opt for a bikini or Brazilian hair removal. Although you have many options when choosing a hair removal method, laser hair removal treatment is one of the best long-term solutions to getting rid of unwanted hair. 

If you’re still hesitant with laser hair removal procedures like the bikini or the Brazilian treatments, then try weighing its pros and cons along with otherwise more traditional hair removal procedures like waxing. 

	Laser Hair Removal	Waxing
Cost	Around $300 to $550 per session. You’ll need 5 to 12 sessions spread every 4 to 6 weeks, followed by a maintenance session every two years.	Around $20 to $120 per session for either bikini waxing or Brazilian waxing. You’ll need to wax at least twice a month to keep your pubic hairs from growing long. You’ll need to wax consistently to reduce the pain of waxing and see better results.
Process	Lasers target your hair to heat up the hair follicle. This damages it to the point that it can’t grow hair anymore.	A hard or soft wax is applied to the treatment area and attaches to your hairs. The wax pulls away the hair from the roots.
Pros	Long-term results. After finishing all your treatments, hair will take months or years to grow out. It’s not a permanent hair removal solution, but it’s the only long-term hair removal option. No ingrown hair, razor burn, and rashes. Treatments stop hair from growing entirely, preventing ingrown hairs from causing painful bumps.   Cost-effective in the long run. Although laser sessions are more expensive, the results last longer and only require maintenance once every two years.	Cheaper sessions. You can opt to only wax when necessary (i.e. summer), but the process can be more painful if you don’t wax regularly. Good for all skin tones, skin types, and hair colors. Wax can work effectively on all skin and hair colors. Can be done at home. Waxing can be done safely at home.
Cons	Some laser equipment aren’t appropriate for dark skin or lighter hair. Most lasers are best for patients with dark hair and light skin tone. If your provider doesn’t have the high-quality aser equipment, those with darker skin may experience skin discoloration, while those with lighter hair colors may not have effective treatment. At-home laser hair removal isn’t that effective. At-home laser hair removal devices don’t have the same power as laser equipment professionals use. Can cause burns if you don’t shave. It’s recommended that you shave or trim your pubic hair because long hair can cause burns on the skin during the process. Don’t wax your skin before treatment, since this pulls out hair, which is needed for an effective treatment.	Less cost-effective in the long run. Although waxing sessions are cheaper, more sessions are needed to maintain your hair, which doesn’t stop normal hair growth. Causes ingrown hair. There is a chance for hair to curl when it grows back, causing an ingrown. Requires you to grow out your hair. Even if you aren’t comfortable with hair in your private areas, you’ll still need to grow your hair out to at least a quarter of an inch so that the wax has something to cling to.

Who needs electrolysis?

Hair growth is normal and often desirable. But sometimes people want electrolysis because they:

• Are unhappy about where hair grows (for example, between the eyebrows, on the upper lip or on the breasts).
• Have hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth.
• Are gender transitioning.

What parts of the body can electrolysis treat?

Electrolysis can treat most areas of the body, including the:

• Back.
• Bikini line, thighs and lower legs.
• Breasts and abdomen.
• Face, including lip, chin and eyebrows.
• Fingers and toes.
• Underarms.

What causes unwanted hair growth?

Causes of extra hair growth include:

• Heredity issues (genetics can influence whether you have a lot of body hair or not).
• Hormone levels, such as high levels of androgens (male hormones).
• Certain drugs, such as some steroids.
• Certain illnesses, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What device is used during electrolysis?

Medical electrolysis devices are called epilators. They destroy the growth center of the hair using an electric current.

What happens during electrolysis?

Electrologists use a thin needle, which is often even finer than the hair. They insert the needle into the opening of the hair follicle. A small electrical current destroys the hair growth cells. The skin where the needle enters may feel temporarily hot or like a pinch.

How many electrolysis treatments will I need?

You will need several appointments. The number of sessions needed to achieve permanent hair removal differs from person to person. Typically, you need an appointment every week or every other week. The appointments can last for up to a year and a half.

Treatment length depends on several factors, including the body area and the type of hair growing there. If you’re treating a larger area, or an area with coarse hair, you’ll need more treatments.

Why do I need so many electrolysis treatments?

Hairs have different growth cycles. Your hair follicle produces hair and discards it through shedding. This hair production cycle is a process of growth, rest and replacement. Individual hairs are in different phases of this cycle. More than one treatment catches the hairs at the right point in the cycle to destroy them.

How long does electrolysis treatment last?

An electrolysis treatment lasts anywhere between 15 minutes and one hour.

What do I need to know after the procedure?

For the first 24 hours after your treatment, try to avoid activities that may irritate the hair follicles, including:

• Anything that causes sweating.
• Tanning.
• Staying out in the sun.
• Applying makeup.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What is the advantage of electrolysis?

Many people experience permanent hair removal after finishing electrolysis treatments. Also, electrolysis works with the widest range of skin and hair types. It’s good for sensitive areas of the body, like the face or bikini line. The main disadvantage to electrolysis is the length of time needed to achieve permanent hair removal.

Are there any risks or complications of electrolysis?

Electrolysis is very safe. Very slight risks of infection (from an unsterile needle) or scarring exist if the electrolysis is not done correctly. These risks are very low if you choose a certified, professional electrolysis practice.

You may have a slight reddening of the skin during or right after treatment. It’s very short-lived. People with darker skin may have temporary dark spots on their skin. The spots fade over time, so don’t use bleaching cream on them.

Will electrolysis leave a scar?

Scarring is rare after electrolysis treatments.

Is electrolysis painful?

Electrolysis doesn’t typically cause too much discomfort. You may feel a slight tingling. Talk to your electrologist about a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) if necessary.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What is the recovery time after electrolysis?

You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.

Is electrolysis permanent?

Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones. It is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair will not grow back.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

What should I ask an electrologist before the procedure?

When you meet with the electrologist, ask:

• How will the procedure feel?
• How long is each session?
• How many visits do you think I’ll need?
• How much will this treatment cost?
• Will insurance cover electrolysis treatment?
• How long have you been practicing electrolysis?
• How many people have you treated?

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

What should I look for when choosing an electrologist?

Electrologists are trained professionals who can safely perform electrolysis procedures. When choosing an electrologist, ask about:

• Qualifications: Many states require licensing or certification for electrologists. Check that the provider’s certificate is up to date and on display. If your state does not regulate electrology, ask if the provider attended an accredited electrology school.
• Recommendations: Ask friends or family members for recommendations from personal experience. Or ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.
• Consultation: Many practices offer a free electrolysis consultation. Ask any questions you have at this first visit so that you feel comfortable with your choice.
• Cleanliness and hygiene: At your consultation, ask about cleaning and sterilization procedures. See if the practice looks clean and if workers use disposable equipment. Make sure you are comfortable with the electrologist.

How does electrolysis compare to temporary methods of hair removal?

Many people use chemical depilatories, such as liquids or creams, to remove leg hair. The chemicals in these products can irritate your skin. Chemical hair removal can be messy and take a long time. Waxing, another method of hair removal, can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits may be messy and hard to use.

Can I use an at-home electrolysis device?

Electrical electrolysis devices exist on the market, available for home use. But it’s best to go to a trained electrologist for electrolysis. They use high-quality, sterile equipment and can individualize the treatment to best suit your needs.

For people who want to remove body hair, electrolysis can offer a permanent solution. A trained electrologist performs the procedure, which is generally not painful. After several treatment sessions, you’ll likely be hair free. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if electrolysis may be right for you.