Found: The 7 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices of 2023

For those of us who chose to remove body hair—be it on the legs, underarms, or bikini area—we have options. Shaving is perhaps the most famous and commonly used method, as it's easy, cheap, and can be done quickly at home. But its biggest drawback is that hairs grow back quickly. That's why lots of folks look for long-term or even permanent solutions. Waxing and sugaring are great professional options, but more and more people are turning to laser hair removal. And they're even doing so in the comfort of their own home, with at-home devices. 

Laser hair removal wields the power of IPL and lasers to target the hair follicle, killing growth at the source. In some cases, this can be permanent, but typically it requires upkeep to ensure the area remains hairless. At-home tools aren't as powerful as the professional tool used in clinics, but they're usually cheaper and more convenient. 

Laser hair removal is the process by which melanin in the hair follicle is targeted and neutralized by a concentrated beam of light (laser) or intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). "That light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., told us about laser hair removal.

The light is actually targeting hair that's in the active growth phase, which is also called anagen phase. Once the hair has been "killed," it won't grow back in the next growth cycle. 

However, not all hair in a given area is in the same part of the growth cycle, as some will be in catagen or telogen. This is why not all hairs are effectively neutralized in one session and will need consistent treatments in order to work.

And as I've noted, the light also targets the melanin pigment in the hairs. This means that some lasers and IPLs aren't suitable for those with darker skin tones, as the light beam may end up targeting the skin rather than the hair. This can cause damage and scarring. Always look for options that are noted as safe and effective for those with darker skin tones (and if you have any questions about that, find a professional you trust who can help you). 

This also means that these devices aren't super effective at blonde or red hair, as the laser isn't able to register the light pigment. Thus, an at-home laser might not be worth your investment. 

There are two main types of devices: concentrated beam of light (laser) or intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). Both IPL and lasers target the melanin in the hair, but they do so using different methods. The main difference between them is the type of light used. With lasers, it's a single wavelength of targeted light. IPL uses a broadband (or multiple) source of light. 

Please use these with caution—there are some risks associated with the tools, especially when outside the protective guide of a professional. At-home devices have come a long way. Most technologies have safety measures in place, so there's less of a chance of error. However, they're not foolproof. 

If you have any concerns about doing it yourself at home, I strongly encourage you to first book a consultation at a laser hair removal clinic. Trained professionals—usually aestheticians—will be better suited to guide you on your journey than any online resource. 

Some IPL and laser devices aren't suitable for darker skin tones, as the broad-spectrum light doesn't discern between melanin in the hair follicle and on the skin. This means they may burn the skin, causing scarring and damage.

In addition, blonde and red hairs aren't able to be detected by the laser or IPL as they don't contain dark enough pigment. These devices won't be effective. 

Most brands are upfront about who should and shouldn't be using their devices. All the brands above have hair color and skin tone charts on their websites, so you can check and see if it'll work for you. (Fair warning: You may have to do some digging on the website to find it, but it's there.) If they don't, I consider that a red flag.

Most devices warn against excessive and unprotected sun exposure for about 24 to 48 hours after use. Thus it may not be the best option during summer months when you're outdoors more.

While it's billed as a permanent solution for hair removal, it's not 100% permanent for 100% of the area treated. 

"Choosing laser hair removal permanently removes about 80 to 90% of hair after a complete treatment series of five to six sessions, but you may still occasionally experience hair growths that are finer and less noticeable," says Moses.

In addition, some areas that are more prone to hormonal hair growth may not take as well. 

"Hormonal areas—the chin, upper lips, and sideburns—will require more sessions, usually between eight to 12," says Christian Karavolas, vice president of the Society of Clinical and Medical Hair Removal and founder of Romeo & Juliette. "Or if someone has a hormonal imbalance, such as PCOS, they will likely need more sessions."

Other things to consider: if you're taking certain medications that can influence your hormones.

In many cases, maintenance appointments are encouraged after you complete the standard sessions. These maintenance appointments can be spaced out by anywhere from six months to years.