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If you’re sick of shaving, tweezing, or waxing, you might consider more permanent methods of hair removal. Laser hair removal offers the longest-lasting results. Though not completely permanent, you might go weeks without having to redo your treatment.

High-heat lasers or intense pulsed lights can be used to destroy hair and temporarily stop hair growth. It will be difficult for the follicles to produce new hairs for a while.

You used to have to go to the doctor. Our experts still recommend seeing a professional, but you can use at- home laser hair removal devices.

We looked at the safety, efficacy, and price of these devices. Only two of the eight true laser hair removal devices are true lasers.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $200
  • $$ = $200–$400
  • $$$ = over $400

Best overall

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser

  • Price: $$$

Pros: People say it really works.

Cons: Some people report that it hurts to use the device, and it takes a while to see results. Others weren’t happy with the limited battery capacity and the fact that the laser targets a very small area.

Details: The Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser is one of two devices for laser hair removal cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This laser claims to have three times the hair-eliminating energy than other devices.

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Best for coarse hair

MiSMON Laser Hair Removal

  • Price: $$

Pros: Users report that the device is effective, particularly on thicker, coarse hair.

Cons: The downside to this device is that it’s only suitable for dark hair and fair-to-olive skin tones. You also can’t use it on the lip area.

Details: This device uses IPL technology for hair removal, which is said to be gentler and more effective than other methods. The MiSMON offers a one- to five-level range and 300,000 flashes. It also received an FDA safety certificate.

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Best for precise treatment

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser Precision

  • Price: $$

Pros: It delivers the same power and efficacy as the larger Tria laser hair removal device.

Cons: As with the original Tria, the treatments can be painful, and it may take time to see results.

Details: This device has the same technology and FDA clearance as the original Tria laser, but it’s designed for targeting smaller areas such as the upper lip.

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Best for sensitive skin

COSBEAUTY IPL

  • Price: $$

Pros: A skin tone sensor can automatically adjust the light intensity suited to your skin. The majority of user reviews report that the device reduces unwanted hair with consistent use.

Cons: Some people have commented that they see no change using this device and that the battery life isn’t ideal.

Details: The COSBEAUTY IPL is an FDA-cleared device that claims to treat a leg or arm in only 8 minutes.

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Best for small areas

Gillette Venus Silk-Expert

  • Price: $

Pros: The size makes it ideal for smaller areas such as the face, underarms, and bikini area.

Cons: The biggest downside to this product is the higher price tag. Customers have also complained that it’s ineffective for dark skin and that it takes a long time to see results.

Details: As a well-known brand of razors, Gillette also has its own product in the growing laser hair removal niche. The Venus Silk-Expert uses IPL technology and is smaller in size compared with other at-home laser devices. It also comes with a face cleansing brush to exfoliate the skin beforehand for more effective results.

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Best for efficient treatments

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL

  • Price: $$

Pros: The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL is equipped with a feature that’s said to naturally adapt to your skin tone, so you’ll see fewer side effects. It should also take less time to see results than other devices.

Cons: This device has a higher price tag, and it doesn’t come with an LED display like some of its competitors do.

Details: If you’re looking for slightly faster results in an at-home hair removal device, consider the Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL. The brand promises full results at just 4 weeks, which is less than half the time of most other brands.

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Most versatile

mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device

  • Price: $$

Pros: Users say this device is small, convenient, and easy to use. Most report significant hair reduction with consistent use.

Cons: Users say it takes many treatments and a lot of time to see results, and others report not seeing results at all.

Details: This FDA-cleared device claims to work on any skin tone and on a broad array of hair colors.

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Best for painless laser hair removal

BoSidin Painless Permanent Hair Removal Device

  • Price: $$

Pros: Users report 90 percent reduction in hair growth in just 3 weeks and healthier looking skin after 8 weeks. The device also includes a cooling technology to help reduce pain.

Cons: Device may not work well for blonde, gray, or red hairs. Some users report poor customer service.

Details: This BioSidin device uses optimal pulse technology (OPT) plus red light therapy to target hair and boost skin rejuvenation after treatments.

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Device Price Areas treated Hair/skin colors treated
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser $499 All over Black to light brown hair.
Light brown to white skin tones.
MiSMON Laser Hair Removal $239 Not suitable for lip area Black to brown hair.
Olive to fair skin tones.
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser Precision $329 All over Black to light brown hair.
Light brown to white skin tones.
COSBEAUTY IPL $219 All over Black to light brown hair.
White to beige skin tones.
Gillette Venus Silk-Expert $150 All over Black to light brown hair.
Light brown to fair skin tones.
Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL $329 All over Black to light brown hair.
Light brown to fair skin tones.
mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction $269 All over All hair colors and skin tones.
BoSidin Painless Hair Removal $339 All over Black to light hair.
Brown to fair skin tones.

Shopping for the right laser hair removal device is more than just looking for the best reviews. You should make sure that the device you are considering has the following.

  • a guideline for hair color and skin tone: The device should match your own.
  • flash capacity: This refers to the capacity of IPL or laser wavelength. The higher the number, the longer the device is expected to last.
  • The intensity levels are different.
  • An electric cord is battery-powered for ease of use.
  • different attachments for varying body parts: This may include attachments for the bikini area, underarm, face, and more.

You may not want to be too frugal or miss out on important features, but your budget is another consideration. A good at- home laser device can cost a lot.

You will want to do the necessary preparation before using the laser hair removal device. Make sure the device is charged and that the safety instructions are understood. Before use, clean and dry the skin.

If you want to keep the device in tip-top shape, you should keep it in its original box or in a safe place.

The number of treatments depends on your hair growth. Consistency is the key to seeing results.

Laser hair removal is often thought of as permanent, but in reality, your hair will grow back at some point.

“It can take a few sessions to see the results. You don’t want to use the device too much as it can cause skin irritation andyperpigmentation.”

“Laser hair removal results can be more predictable if done by a doctor. The FDA doesn’t regulate at- home laser hair removal devices, so the results and safety aren’t guaranteed.”

“There isn’t enough evidence to show that at- home lasers are more effective than a doctor’s office.”

Other safety considerations involve your natural skin tone and hair color. Laser hair removal tends to work best on people with light skin tones and dark hair.

There are possible side effects for all users. Make sure you follow the instructions on your device.

You will want to avoid direct sunlight for several days after using a laser hair removal device. Reducing the risk of side effects will be achieved by doing so.

It is important to avoid waxing or tweezing between treatments with any at- home hair removal device or laser hair removal procedure. If you shave you will preserve the hair follicle so that the laser or the device can target it during your next treatment.

Some devices are not safe for all skin tones. Make sure the product is safe by talking to a dermatologist. They can give tips for using the device and avoiding scarring.

Is home laser hair removal safe for the pubic area?

Laser hair removal devices are safe to use around the bikini area. They should not be used on the genitals.

What are the negatives of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal treatments have minimal side effects when used correctly. Sometimes you can experience skin changes.

Is at-home IPL safe?

“At- home devices can be safe and effective. The devices used in doctor’s offices are stronger than the devices used at home.”

If used wrong, at- home IPL devices can cause burns and blisters if used on the wrong skin type.

Does hair grow back after at-home laser hair removal?

The hair should stop growing after treatment. You should notice that there are less hair follicles. The hair that does grow back will be thinner and more fine.

“You can still get laser hair removal at a doctor’s office, but you may be able to mimic some of the benefits at home. Use this guide as a starting point to compare features.”

Talk with your dermatologist for further advice on selecting the best hair removal methods for you.