Laser hair removal is a safe, effective method of removing unwanted hair. The treatment can be used to remove hair from the face, legs, back, armpits and bikini line. If you want to remove the hair on your back, chest or shoulders it’s best to choose a clinic that has experience in treating men’s skin.
The treatment uses a laser beam which passes through the skin and targets the hair follicle without damaging surrounding tissue. The beam then kills the cells at the root of each hair follicle and causes them to fall out when they naturally shed. After several treatments with a laser your unwanted hair should gradually stop growing back as new hairs are unable to grow due to this targeted destruction of their root cells during each session.
In this article, you’ll also read about best laser hair removal at home and how light can hair be for laser hair removal.
Home Laser Hair Removal For Light Hair
Best overall: Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
- Price: $499
- Number of pulses: 200,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium
- Hair tone suitability: light brown to black
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
Tria laser hair removal devices use diode lasers, the same technology many clinics use.
The LED screen helps guide treatment and shows the remaining battery life.
The Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X scans skin and hair tone, only unlocking if safe to use. It also chooses a safe setting for each individual. Higher settings are more painful and more effective, but they are not suitable for every skin tone.
This product comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 60-day risk-free trial. The company offers free shipping.
Pros and cons
The Tria hair removal laser 4X has the following advantages:
- it features advanced diode laser technology
- it has an LED display that guides the user through each treatment
- it has inbuilt safety features
However, it has a short battery life of 30 minutes. Additionally, it has a small laser which may increase use time on the targeted area.
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Best travel-friendly: Silk’n Flash&Go Express
- Price: around $279.65
- Number of pulses: 300,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium brown
- Hair tone suitability: light brown to black
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
The Silk’n Flash&Go Express is small, portable, and easy to hold. However, its wide head may make it less effective on curved areas of the body, such as the underarms, knees, or upper lip.
The Silk’n Flash&Go Express comes with a free app. This helps the user schedule treatments for the most effective long-term hair removal.
It uses IPL technology, which may mean that it takes longer to see results.
This product comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, free shipping, and a 60-day money-back guarantee in the US and Canada.
Pros and cons
The Silk’n Flash&Go Express has the following advantages:
- compact and lightweight size
- a free app to schedule treatments
- a range of power settings
- provides up to 15 years of use for full body treatments with monthly top-up treatments
- features multi-plug adaptors, making it convenient for travel
However, it may be difficult to use on some smaller, more curved areas of the body. Additionally, it does not feature an LED display.
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Best low-cost: MiSMON IPL
- Price: around $190
- Number of pulses: 300,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium brown
- Hair tone suitability: light brown to black
- Body area for use: all, apart from the face
- FDA cleared: yes
This laser hair removal device is an affordable and lightweight option. It is one of the few models with safety goggles to protect the eyes from the bright light that comes with IPL technology.
The MiSMON IPL hair remover relies on the user to judge the right setting for their hair and skin tone. This may increase the risk of burns or skin damage.
This device comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty and 3-months free return or replacement.
Pros and cons
The MiSMON IPL hair remover has the following advantages:
- it is lightweight and affordable
- the gun-shaped design can reach out to certain body parts better than some other default-shaped IPL devices
- safety goggles are included to protect the eyes
- it is waterproof
However, there is a delay between pulses which means that hair removal sessions may be slow. Additionally, this product does not come with special attachments for different body parts, making it may be more difficult to use on smaller, more tricky areas.
Unlike many other devices, this model does not automatically detect skin and hair tones, choosing the safest setting for the user.
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Best for efficiency: Braun Silk-expert Pro 5
- Price: from $399.99
- Number of pulses: 400,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium brown
- Hair tone suitability: light brown to black
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
The Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 has a wide range of intensity settings, and the user can easily adjust it to suit their individual pain threshold. It uses IPL technology and automatically adapts to a person’s skin tone for safety.
It features three power modes: normal, sensitive, and extra sensitive. It can easily be adjusted to suit the person’s skin type.
It is one of the fastest at-home laser hair removal devices on the market. Using it should be less time-consuming and provide quick results. However, tracking treatment may be less easy as the device does not have an LED display.
This device comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and free shipping.
Pros and cons
The Braun Silk-expert pro 5 has the following advantages:
- it features a high number of pulses
- it has skin tone and skin type settings
- it provides a quick and efficient hair removal
However, this device heats up quickly and does not come with an LED display.
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Best for ergonomic design: JOVS Venus Pro II IPL
- Price: around $400
- Number of pulses: 500,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium
- Hair tone suitability: medium to dark hair
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
The JOVS Venus Pro II IPL hair remover combines optimal pulse technology (OPT) with continuous pulses and red light to help break the hair regrowth cycle.
According to the manufacturers, OPT is an advanced and improved version of IPL and may provide a more effective result.
It features a cooling system that reduces the heat of the pulsed light on the skin. This means there is no need to pre-treat the area with gels, creams, or ice packs. It also has an ergonomically designed head that rotates 180 degrees to fit into and reach difficult areas.
This model also features an LED option which may help reduce visible signs of aging.
The manufacturers state that pulses flash at 0.7-second intervals, which may make the hair removal experience quick and less painful.
This device has six function modes and six intensity levels, targeting different body parts. It also has six adjustable energy intensities to accommodate different skin sensitivities.
The JOVS Venus Pro II IPL hair remover has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and free shipping.
Pros and cons
The JOVS Venus Pro II IPL hair remover has the following advantages:
- a built-in cooling feature
- six treatment heads
- may help treat signs of aging
- ergonomic rotating head
However, this model is A higher cost than other options on the market. Additionally, it is not suitable for light hair or dark skin.
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Best for sensitive skin: SmoothSkin Pure Fit
- Price: around $380
- Number of pulses: unlimited
- Skin tone suitability: light to dark
- Hair tone suitability: medium to dark
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
The manufacturer claims that the SmoothSkin Pure Fit can give noticeable results in 2 weeks, removing up to 99% of hair after 12 weeks of treatment.
This device features three comfort settings: power, speed, and gentle. These have ten intensity levels. Additionally, it has precision head adaptors for small areas and safety features such as a UV filter and automatic skin tone adjustment sensor to protect the skin.
The SmoothSkin Pure Fit has a 2-year manufacturer warranty against faults, a 90-day money-back guarantee period, and free shipping.
Pros and cons
The SmoothSkin Pure Fit has the following advantages:
- it is easy to use
- it has precision head adaptors to tackle even the smallest areas
- it has in-built safety features to protect the skin
- it has a built-in UV filter
- unlimited flashes
However, results are not permanent or long-term, and it can take up to three months to obtain full results.
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Best for beginners: Braun Silk-expert Pro 3
- Price: around $236
- Number of pulses: 300,000
- Skin tone suitability: light to medium
- Hair tone suitability: light to black
- Body area for use: all
- FDA cleared: yes
Braun states that this product can treat both legs within 9 minutes at its lowest energy level.
It features a skin tone sensor with UV protection which continuously reads the skin tone and automatically adapts the light intensity for safety.
This product comes with a Gillette Venus razor to remove hair before the IPL treatment, a precision head, and a carry pouch. These additional accessories, along with its small and light design and gentle mode setting may make it a good option for beginners.
The Braun silk-expert Pro 3 comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty and free shipping.
Pros and cons
The Braun silk-expert Pro 3 has the following advantages:
- it has a light, compact design
- it has a skin tone sensor with UV protection
- it has a gentle mode setting
However, it may take people longer to see visibly permanent results as the Braun silk-expert Pro 3 is less powerful than some other competitor brands. People with light skin tones may also benefit from a more powerful IPL.
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How Light Can Hair Be For Laser Hair Removal
Because lasers are attracted to pigment, they work best on hair that’s brunette or darker. “Laser currently does not work on hair that has no pigment, i.e. light blonde, light red, and white hair,” Christian says.
And it’s also ideal if your hair is coarse. “If hair is very fine, it will not pick up the laser well,” Dr. Frank says. Though all of that could change in the future: Christian says Romeo & Juliette is currently helping with research on lasers that’ll work on less pigmented hair. And Dr. Frank notes that a new technology called LightSheer Desire can be used on all hair types and colors (except for grey), though people with light blonde or red locks “should have low expectations.”
It won’t really work if you’ve recently waxed or tweezed.
But you can shave before right before your session. In fact, you should: “To get the best results, shave before getting laser hair removal, so you can target the hair follicle,” Dr. Frank says. “Waxing or tweezing removes the hair follicle and then we are unable to target it completely. If you have to wax, do it at least a week before, so the hair follicle has time to grow back.”
Laser Hair Removal At Home
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.
Laser hair removal works with the help of high-heat lasers or intense pulsed lights (IPLs) that dissolve hair and temporarily disable hair follicles. That way, the follicles won’t be able to produce new hairs for up to several weeks.
You used to have to visit a dermatologist for laser hair removal. While our experts still recommend seeing a professional, you might consider advanced at-home laser hair removal devices you can use at your own convenience.
How we chose
We reviewed these devices based on their safety, efficacy, and price. While only two are true laser hair removal devices, the rest are IPL devices that work in a similar way.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $200
- $$ = $200–$400
- $$$ = over $400
Best overall
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser
- Price: $$$
Pros: People say it really works.
Cons: Some people report that it hurts to use the device, and it takes a while to see results. Others weren’t happy with the limited battery capacity and the fact that the laser targets a very small area.
Details: The Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser is one of two devices for laser hair removal cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This laser claims to have three times the hair-eliminating energy than other devices.
Best for coarse hair
MiSMON Laser Hair Removal
- Price: $$
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.
Best for precise treatment
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser Precision
- Price: $$
Pros: It delivers the same power and efficacy as the larger Tria laser hair removal device.
Cons: As with the original Tria, the treatments can be painful, and it may take time to see results.
Details: This device has the same technology and FDA clearance as the original Tria laser, but it’s designed for targeting smaller areas such as the upper lip.
Best for sensitive skin
COSBEAUTY IPL
- Price: $$
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.
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.
Best for efficient treatments
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL
- Price: $$
Pros: The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL is equipped with a feature that’s said to naturally adapt to your skin tone, so you’ll see fewer side effects. It should also take less time to see results than other devices.
Cons: This device has a higher price tag, and it doesn’t come with an LED display like some of its competitors do.
Details: If you’re looking for slightly faster results in an at-home hair removal device, consider the Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL. The brand promises full results at just 4 weeks, which is less than half the time of most other brands.
Most versatile
mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device
- Price: $$
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.
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.
At-home laser hair removal device comparison
| 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. |
How to choose
Shopping for the right laser hair removal device goes beyond simply looking for the best reviews. You’ll want to make sure that a prospective device 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.
- varying intensity levels
- an electric cord for longer usage or 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.
Your budget is another consideration, but you may not want to be too frugal or else you’ll miss out on important features. A good at-home laser device usually costs $100 or more.
How to use
Now that you have your preferred laser hair removal device, you’ll want to do the necessary preparation before use. Make sure the device is fully charged and read the safety instructions. Clean and dry the desired area of skin before use.
To keep the device in tip-top condition, store it in its original box or in a safe place, such as your bathroom cabinet.
The number of treatments you need depends on the device and your individual hair growth. The key is to be consistent about your use to see results.
While laser hair removal is often touted as permanent, the reality is that your hair follicles will heal and produce new hairs at some point.
It can also take a few sessions to see results. But you don’t want to overuse the device, as it can lead to skin irritation and hyperpigmentation.
Safety tips
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.
There also aren’t enough clinical studies available to prove that at-home lasers are more effective than hair removal at a dermatologist’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.
Hyperpigmentation, blistering, and irritation are possible side effects in all users. Make sure you follow all instructions included with your device.
While no downtime is required with this procedure, you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight for several days after using a laser hair removal device. Doing so will help reduce the risk of side effects.
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.
When to see a doctor
Not all devices are safe and effective for all skin tones or hair colors. Talk with a dermatologist to make sure the product is safe for you. They can provide tips for using the device and safety tips to prevent scarring.
Frequently asked questions
Is home laser hair removal safe for the pubic area?
Many at-home laser hair removal devices are safe to use around the bikini area. Avoid using them directly on the genitals.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
When used correctly, there are usually minimal side effects to laser hair removal treatments. However, sometimes you can experience blistering, scarring, scabbing, or other changes in skin.
Is at-home IPL safe?
When used correctly, at-home IPL devices can be safe and effective. At-home devices are created with a lower strength than the devices used in doctor’s offices.
If used incorrectly, at-home IPL devices can cause blistering and burns if used on the wrong skin type, so it’s important to be careful with these devices.
Does hair grow back after at-home laser hair removal?
The hair follicles that have been treated should stop growing hair. You should notice fewer hair follicles growing hair. The hair that does grow back will likely be thinner and more fine.
Takeaway
While laser hair removal is traditionally done at a dermatologist’s office, you may still be able to mimic some of the benefits at home. Take the time to compare available features, using this guide as a starting point.
Talk with your dermatologist for further advice on selecting the best hair removal methods for you.