Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to remove unwanted hair from your body. When done by a professional, it can be very effective in permanently preventing the regrowth of unwanted hair. However, when performed on yourself at home with a low-powered or improperly configured device, you may not get the results you desire.
We strongly recommend that you only undergo laser hair removal by an experienced professional in order to avoid any complications or long-term damage to your skin. While some devices are marketed as “home use” devices, they are not suitable for this purpose and should not be used by anyone other than a trained medical professional with experience in the procedure. In this guide, we review Home yag laser hair removal, dermatologist recommended at home laser hair removal, is yag laser hair removal permanent, and best laser hair removal at home.
Home yag laser hair removal
No! Nd:YAG lasers are used for tattoo removal and cosmetic procedures such as removing pigment from skin and resurfacing scars, but they do not provide adequate power for effective laser hair removal on darker pigmented areas such as legs, arms or backs where there is more melanin in the
YAG laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair. This is why it is a great option for people with darker, thicker hair, but not so great for blondes or redheads. The laser beam targets the melanin in your hair, which absorbs the energy and heats up. This heat damages the follicle and prevents regrowth of your hair.
The best laser hair removal device for home use is IPL. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and it uses light rather than heat to target your hair follicles. It is less effective than other lasers because it can’t penetrate as deeply into your skin, but it’s safer than other options because it doesn’t use heat (which could cause burns).
Nd:YAG lasers aren’t used for permanent hair removal, but they are often used for cosmetic procedures like tattoo removal or skin resurfacing (known as photorejuvenation).
We’ve heard a lot of questions about YAG laser hair removal. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones:
YAG laser is one of the most effective methods of removing unwanted hair, with results that last up to two years. It’s great for treating:
-Men’s beards and mustaches
-Hair on your back, chest, and stomach area
-Arms and legs
Yag laser hair removal is one of the most popular laser hair removal treatments in the world. It’s effective, safe, and affordable. However, it’s also important to know that there are many different types of lasers that can be used for home laser hair removal.
The best type of laser therapy for you will depend on your needs and personal preferences. For example, if you have darker skin, then IPL might be a better option for you than YAG because it works by delivering light energy to targeted areas rather than using heat energy like YAG does.
YAG is often used in dermatology offices because it has a longer wavelength than other lasers—around 1064 nanometers versus 1055 nanometers for IPL—which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin before reaching melanin (a pigment found in human skin cells). This allows YAG to work on all skin types as opposed to IPL which only works on darker skin tones due to its shorter wavelength which means less heat is delivered during treatment sessions and therefore less damage done to surrounding tissues including sweat glands which become inflamed when exposed too long or too often during treatment sessions which leads
What is YAG Laser Hair Removal?
YAG laser hair removal is a method of removing unwanted body hair through the use of a laser. The laser works by breaking apart the pigment found in the hair follicle, which prevents the hair from growing. The process can take several treatments to see results and may not be effective on all skin types. The procedure is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic and does not require anesthesia.
The answer is yes. Yag laser hair removal has been proven to work by researchers, dermatologists, and the FDA. It’s been used to treat a number of different skin conditions including warts, moles, freckles, and unwanted tattoos.
Which Laser Hair Removal is Best for Home Use?
There are many different types of lasers that can be used for hair removal at home. One of the most popular options is the Nd:YAG laser because it’s effective at removing hair from all skin colors and tones.
Is YAG Laser Hair Removal Effective?
Lasers have come a long way in recent years and are now widely used for hair removal. The most popular one is the Nd:YAG laser, which works by targeting and destroying the hair follicle. The laser light penetrates deep into your skin and destroys the cells that produce hair. It is also effective at removing tattoos.
Which Laser Hair Removal Is Best For Home Use?
Home hair removal devices are becoming increasingly popular, but they’re not all created equal. In order to get rid of unwanted hair at home, you need to use a device that has been approved by the FDA as safe for home use. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices are not FDA-approved because they do not emit enough energy to properly remove hair permanently; however, they can be very effective when used on small areas like arms or legs where there’s not much hair growth (only about 10 hairs per square centimeter). IPL devices can also be used on eyebrows as well as other body parts such as hands and feet where there’s less chance of scarring from overzealous use of these types of lasers by inexperienced users who don’t understand how much time it takes for IPL
YAG laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, which is what makes it possible to remove unwanted hair. The YAG laser has been shown to be effective in both home and professional settings. It’s important to note that not all lasers are created equal, and there are some differences between home and professional machines that may affect your results.
Nd:YAG is one type of laser used for hair removal. It works best on dark skin and light colored hair, but can be used with other colors as well. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and refers to a group of light-based technologies used for hair removal. IPL is generally less effective than lasers at removing black or dark brown hairs from fair skinned people, but works better on light-skinned people with dark hair or people with darker skin who have light colored hair.
You’ve probably seen ads for laser hair removal in your local paper, on TV, or online. It’s everywhere! But how do you know whether it’s right for you?
We’ll go through the different types of laser hair removal and tell you which one is best for home use.
Does YAG laser hair removal work?
YAG stands for “yttrium aluminum garnet.” This type of laser is used in many medical settings to treat tumors and other conditions. It was originally intended to be used in medicine, not as a hair removal tool—but people found out that it could also burn off unwanted body hair!
The downside is that it’s painful and leaves scars on your skin. For this reason, it’s not recommended for home use unless someone else does the treatment for you—it’s too difficult to do yourself and keep from burning your own skin!
Is YAG laser hair removal effective?
Laser hair removal is the most popular method of permanent hair removal and is often used to treat unwanted facial and body hair. It works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles, which causes them to be destroyed and prevents new hairs from growing back.
The question is: does yag laser work?
YAG laser hair removal is a type of non-ablative laser, meaning it does not actually remove any skin tissue or damage it. Instead, it targets the pigment in your hair follicles and destroys them without damaging surrounding tissue. The result is that you will see results after each treatment, but those results are only temporary unless you continue with regular visits to your dermatologist or physician’s office for maintenance treatments.
Which laser hair removal device should I buy for home use?
There are many devices on the market today that claim to be able to remove unwanted body and facial hair at home. However, not all of these devices are created equal—some may be more effective than others depending on how they work as well as what type of skin they’re designed for (i.e., light-skinned vs dark-skinned). If you’re interested in purchasing an
dermatologist recommended at home laser hair removal
After experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), we’re contemplating alternative hair removal methods this season. Since professional laser hair removal isn’t the most budget-friendly option (initial sessions can cost upwards of $600), we’re looking at the next best thing: the best at-home laser hair removal devices.
We need to reassert, before we go any further, that body hair is a completely natural, normal thing, and you should absolutely not feel compelled to remove it if you don’t want to—it’s a personal choice. (If you’re a body hair, don’t care kind of person, more power to you!) But if you’re into the idea of laser hair removal, are over trying to find the best razors, waxing kits, or epilators, want to save some money, but are a little freaked about the idea of doing laser hair removal at home, we’ve got you covered.
Best Deals on Laser Hair Removal Devices
This emerald green device has one big selling point: Its 330-degree rotating head is actually detachable! The six modes let you remove hair from any part of your body, and the cooling screen keeps your skin at a constant five degrees Celsius throughout the process. It’s also $110 off right now at JOVS. (If you’re a dedicated Target shopper, this JOVS tool is available for $340 at Target right now (opens in new tab)—down from $429!)
Braun Silk Expert Pro3 Permanent Hair Removal System, $250 $228 at Amazon (opens in new tab)
This classic Braun device is so beloved among laser hair removal connoisseurs, we’ve included two versions of it on our list. Right now, it’s 11% off at Amazon, with the set including a device, a precision head, and a razor to boot.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System, $706 $308 at Currentbody (opens in new tab)
This more advanced (and typically more expensive!) device from Braun is also on sale—for 56% off! The Pro 5 is a more bells-and-whistle version of the above tool—it promises up to six months of smooth skin, automatically adapts to your skin tone as you go, and promises to take care of both legs in under five minutes.
SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Device, $329 $320 at Currentbody (opens in new tab)
This sleek black laser hair removal device from SmoothSkin makes use of a broader range of light wavelengths to cover larger stretches of skin more quickly, and it has unlimited flashes.
How does laser hair removal work?
New York-based dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD explains: “Laser hair removal is a treatment where a laser is used to permanently destroy the hair follicle and remove the hair. A laser is a beam of light of a single wavelength that is absorbed by a specific target in the skin. In the case of hair removal, the light is absorbed by pigment within the hair follicle itself. As the laser destroys the follicle, it will not grow back, giving a permanent effect. This is true whether you are getting a professional or an at-home treatment.”
IPL vs. Lasers
You’ll see the acronym “IPL” on some of the devices on this list. While sometimes used together, IPL devices work a little differently from lasers. “IPL stands for intense pulsed light,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This technically is not a laser since it emits multiple wavelengths of light. A laser, on the other hand, emits only a single wavelength.”
Why the distinction? Since there are several ways to remove hair at the follicle, different devices (and light wavelengths) are used. “One is not necessarily better than another, and it really just depends on what type of technology a company chooses to use,” Dr. Zeichner says.
How long does laser hair removal last?
“The term laser hair removal is a bit misleading, as it really should be called laser hair reduction,” notes Dr. Zeichner. “In some cases it may be difficult to fully remove hair completely.” He also says that “the lasers definitely decrease the density of hair and the thickness of each individual hair,” and that “it takes multiple treatments to give the results most people are looking for”—so like most pricey beauty treatments, its best to stay patient when waiting for your results.
“Each treatment will partially destroy the follicle, so repeated treatments are often needed for the full effects,” he explains. “The difference between at-home and professional strength treatments is the energy level of the laser. At-home devices have much lower energy levels to make sure they are safe to use at home, unsupervised. As a result, these treatments are slower to work and require more sessions to give noticeable improvements.”
Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe?
Dr. Zeichner considers at-home lasers a safe alternative to in-office treatments. “At-home devices work similarly to professional treatments, but use lower energy levels. They are more time-consuming to use, but can help. They are also a great option to maintain improvements between professional treatments.”
Along with Dr. Zeichner, we chatted with Dr. Howard Sobel, M.D., NYC dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin; Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D., dermatologist and medical director of Ingleton Dermatology; and Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group, to tell us the best laser hair removal devices that really, truly work. Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling, a Boston-based triple-board-certified dermatopathologist, and Dr. Anahita Mansouri, a cosmetic doctor at Kat & Co Aesthetics in the UK, about the very best at-home laser hair removal devices that you can use at home.
What to Look For
When it comes to at-home laser hair removal devices, generally speaking, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind: price point; the number of flashes each devices uses; and whether or not a device will work for all skin types or tones. Ahead, I broke down exactly what our beauty team—specifically, our Beauty Director Deena Campbell, Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, and Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla (aka me!)—looked for when compiling this list.
Because laser hair removal devices work by identifying each hair’s pigment in relation to your skin, the process doesn’t work for everyone. Many of the devices below are marked as not suitable for those with deep or dark skin and darkly colored hair, as well as those with fair skin and gray, very blond, silver, or red hair.
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. “Unfortunately, no matter what device you are using, we cannot use lasers to get rid of light blonde or white hair because the lasers need the pigment in the hair itself to act as a target,” Dr. Zeichner says. You should always defer to the package’s directions or to your doctor if you have any questions.
When it comes to the number of flashes to look for, Dr. Zeichner says that “the number of flashes a device emits really depends on the device itself,” and that “some devices offer a single flash, while others multiple.” He also makes clear that “different devices use varying wavelengths of light, so it is hard to make generalizations.” However, it’s important to make one single pass over a specific area to avoid burns.
The items on this list are investments for a reason. Laser hair removal can be tricky to do at home, and using any of these devices comes with their own set of risks. With that in mind, many come with a stamp of approval from one or more dermatologists. If you’re not willing to invest in an at-home device at this point, we recommend speaking to your dermatologist directly or paying a visit to a doctor’s office to find the best laser hair removal solution for you. Hint: It may be worth it for a trained professional to do it for you.
is yag laser hair removal permanent
The latest generation of laser technology offers the most effective method for removing hair. Those lasers are using the thermic energy, which is transferred by the unbundled light pulses. Here the target is the elimination of the hair root, which prevents the regrowth of the hair.
THE TECHNOLOGY
The Nd: YAG laser is a solid-state laser that emits high-energy light pulses that are extremely short and that have a specific wavelength. “Nd: YAG” is an abbreviation for neodymium doped laser with yttrium-aluminium garnet crystal. Upon irradiation of light onto the crystal, an activation of the neodymium atoms is triggered, resulting in the emission of light pulses.
With the Nd: YAG laser a targeted treatment is possible, since the adjusted wavelength is selective regarding colours and structures. This way damaging the surrounding tissue, as well as blood vessels can be prevented. The Q-switched laser emits infrared radiation, which is not visible to the human eye. This radiation has a wavelength of 1064 nm. With this wavelength, the laser light can be optimally absorbed by the melanin. The body’s own dye darkens hair and skin. This way a treatment with the neodymium-YAG- laser is optimally suited for people with a darker skin tone. Since with darker skin the hairs are mostly thick and the hair root sits especially deep under the skin, the YAG laser is the perfect choice. The light pulses penetrate the skin deeply (up to 5 mm) and can reach those ingrained hair roots.
THE HAIR GROWTH CYCLES
Another important point with a permanent hair removal* is the lifecycle of the hair. It can be divided into three phases: growth phase, Growth phase, transition phase and the resting phase. Hair that is in the growth phase can be treated. About one third of the hair is always in this phase. In a permanent hair removal thus several time-delayed sessions are needed to treat all hair. On average, around 8 sessions are needed for a lasting result. After the first treatment a thinning of the hair can be seen, with each subsequent treatment, the number of hairs continues to decrease.
HOW DOES A LASER TREATMENT WORK?
The neodymium-YAG-laser emits light pulses, which is absorbed by the endogenous dye melanin, which is contained in hair. The melanin transfers the light to the hair root, where it is converted into thermic energy and the hair cells and follicles are destroyed sustainably. This results in a stop of regeneration of hair. Here no surrounding tissue or blood vessels are affected, since the wavelength only affects the hair root. During the treatment the applicator is glided over the skin. Here slight tingling or prickling can occur. After the treatment the skin can be reddened, which disappears after two to three days.
BEFORE THE LASER TREATMENT
To prevent unwanted skin reactions, already present tan should be faded before the treatment, because the melanin in the skin could react strongly. For this reason, you should avoid strong UV-radiation about three to four weeks beforehand. Therefore, you should avoid using any sunbeds and use a sun blocker with SPF 50.
For successful hair removal epilation or bleaching of the hair must be avoided. The waxing, plucking or depilation with depilatory cream is to be omitted. One day before the treatment, you should shave, in preparation, the desired body area. With a facial treatment, the skin should be thoroughly cleansed from make-up before treatment.
AFTER THE LASER TREATMENT
Similarly, the skin should be protected from direct sunlight after treatment, between and also the weeks after the end of treatment. Since your skin may be sensitive to UV radiation after laser therapy, pigmentation disorders may occur.
Are you interested in permanent hair removal*? Our Haarfreiheit team will be happy to advise you! We create a specially adapted treatment concept, optimal for your skin and hair types.
best laser hair removal at home
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 IPL Hair Removal Device
What We Love: You can customize the energy, comfort level, and speed.What We Don’t Love: There’s a bit of a learning curve with all the different settings.
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 (power, speed, and gentle) and two operating settings (stamp and glide) 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. The brand recommends using it once a week for 12 weeks, after which you can use it once every one to two months to maintain the results.
Price at time of publish: $379
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 years
Best Splurge
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
What We Love: It uses salon-style technology at FDA-cleared levels.What We Don’t Love: The small laser makes covering large areas tedious.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner recommends this Tria Hair Removal Laser because “it uses diode technology, which is the same that is used in the office. The energy, however, is lower so it can safely be used at home.” The FDA-cleared device has a smaller laser cap that targets hair follicles more precisely and uses less intense light emissions as it goes up to five levels, so it won’t bother your eyes. It also has a clever sensor that lights up green if you have the right skin tone to use the device safely; otherwise it won’t unlock when you put it over your skin. With a 60 day return policy, you can try it out risk-free.
Price at time of publish: $499
Type: Laser | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 1 year
Best for Body
Braun Silk expert Pro 3 PL3111 Permanent Hair Removal System
What We Love: You can easily switch from using this laser on small to large areas.What We Don’t Love: It can burn darker skin tones.
The Braun Silk Expert System uses intense pulsed light (IPL) that has been clinically tested to be a safe and efficient at-home hair removal treatment. Not only does the FDA-cleared device work quickly (you can treat both legs in just nine minutes), but it also comes equipped with over 300,000 flashes, which equals out to an average of 16 years worth of treatments. The precision head lets you zap smaller areas like your bikini line or armpits with ease. For extra safety, the SensoAdapt™ sensor continuously reads your skin tone and adapts the intensity of the flashes. The kit also comes with a Venus razor to use to shave beforehand, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Price at time of publish: $250
Type: IPL | Flashes: 300,000 | Warranty: N/A
Best for Coarse Hair
Silk’n Laser Hair Removal System
What We Love: It uses special technology to better target coarse hair.What We Don’t Love: The light sensor can be a little finicky.
If you are trying to remove coarse hair, this device uses galvanic energy to open your pores, allowing the light to treat thick, stubborn hairs right at their root even more effectively. 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.
Price at time of publish: $429
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 1 year
Best for Dark Skin
ILUMINAGE TOUCH Permanent Hair Reduction System
What We Love: This device is FDA-cleared on all skin tones.What We Don’t Love: You need to buy replacement cartridges once the flashes run out.
If you have darker skin, it can be hard to find an at home laser device that won’t burn your skin. But Iluminage uses elos technology, a combination of IPL and radio frequency, to safely treat a wider range of skin tones and hair colors. The device is FDA-cleared and tested on all skin tones. It has three power levels and is medium sized, so it can cover both large and small areas easily. In a clinical study, participants found that 46 percent of hair was removed after just two treatments, according to the brand. Do note that the device only comes with 120,000 flashes, and you need to purchase replacement cartridges if you want more.
Price at time of publish: $449
Type: EOS | Flashes: 120,000 | Warranty: 1 year
Fastest Option
SmoothSkin Bare Plus Ultrafast IPL Laser Permanent Hair Removal
What We Love: You can laser your entire body in just 10 minutes.What We Don’t Love: You need to use it more frequently than others.
While it’s nice that today’s devices come with so many settings and features, sometimes you want a simple design that you can use quickly. Consider SmoothSkin’s Bare +, the pared down version of our Best Overall pick. You still get the brand’s strong, FDA-cleared IPL technology and safety skin sensor in a compact design that delivers 100 flashes per minute, meaning you can treat your entire body in about 10 minutes. Rather than having different power and comfort levels, it just comes with two modes: stamp and glide. It does require a little more consistency than the Pure Fit (treatment every 2-4 weeks for maintenance), but if you don’t mind consistent but short sessions, this is the device for you.
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 2 years
Best for Bikini Line
BoSidin Permanent Hair Removal
What We Love: The head easily rotates to reach all areas of the bikini line.What We Don’t Love: The buttons are so close together you may hit both by accident.
Anyone that has tried to shave their bikini line knows it’s no easy feat — it feels like you have to do gymnastics to reach all the nooks and crannies. With a head that rotates 180 degrees, this FDA-cleared device can get all the angles down there. The cooling setting is also great for treating sensitive areas and reducing any swelling or redness. The system uses the same optimal pulse technology which combines laser and IPL technology to achieve the perfect blend of energy level and wavelength. The sleek design feels good in the hands and looks as if you truly brought the salon to your home.
Price at time of publish: $360
Type: OPT | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: None
Best Cordless
Sensica Pro Permanent Cordless Hair Removal Device Unlimited Flashed for Women
What We Love: It’s rechargeable and cordless, so you can use it anywhere.What We Don’t Love: It doesn’t come with sunglasses for the bright flashes.
Most hair removal devices require to be plugged in during use, so it’s nice to have a cordless option that you can use anywhere, regardless of where the outlet is. 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. It also has an automatic and manual mode.
Price at time of publish: $445
Type: IPL | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 1 year
Best for Face
Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision
What We Love: It’s easy to use this laser over small areas on the face.What We Don’t Love: The battery only holds a 15-minute charge.
Opt for this Tria Beauty device if you’re trying to target smaller or hard-to-reach areas. It uses the same diode laser technology as the previous pick from the brand. Still, it comes in a more compact and lightweight design so you can easily target hairs on trickier areas, like the upper lip, chin, or along the bikini line. According to the brand, there are five energy levels to choose from, and you should start seeing results after about eight uses. Do keep in mind that the battery only holds a 15-minute charge, so it’s best for zapping small areas quickly.
Price at time of publish: $329
Type: Laser | Flashes: Unlimited | Warranty: 1 year