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Of all the various body hair removal options available—from shaving with the best razors to sugaring to waxing—laser hair removal (both professional and at home) is the only strategy that promises more permanent results. However, in-office treatments can be costly, which is why there is a surplus of at-home laser hair removal devices waiting to enter your life.
They say summer bodies are made in the winter, but who says the adage only pertains to working out? Just as you employ the right equipment, clothing, and diet to achieve the body you want, the same goes for the smooth skin you desire.
At-home handheld hair removal devices come in two categories: IPL or a diode laser. Most at-home laser hair removal devices rely on IPL—intense pulsated light—therapy, in which tiny beams of light at different wavelengths zap the bulb within each hair follicle. “In essence, it is using heat to destroy the hair follicles,” says dermatologist Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, who mentions that dermatologists also use versions of IPL for photo rejuvenation procedures (a.k.a. fading dark spots).
According to dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, it’s important to note that most at-home devices are “best suited for small to medium hairs in small areas—upper lip, chin, cheeks, bikini, etc.,” he says. “They are typically not meant for large surface areas like the back.” (There are a few exceptions, but we’ll get to that later).
To help you wade through the treacherous waters of the World Wide Web, we consulted our experts and customer reviews to find the 10 best at-home laser hair removal devices for women.
This FDA-approved device features a sensor that adapts the light intensity to your skin tone, striking the perfect balance between safety and efficacy. For sensitive skin, there are also three “comfort modes” to choose from: normal, gentle, or extra gentle. The device comes with two interchangeable heads for more precise results in different areas, like the face, armpits, and bikini line.
Best for: Fair to medium complexions
Hair color: Black to light brown hair
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’m eight weeks in and it has worked even better than I’d hoped. Other than a few stray hairs, my legs are completely hairless, and I have no need to shave between treatments.”
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In a perfect world, most at-home laser hair removal devices would be equipped to be used forever and ever. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly the case, but this device comes pretty close. Fitted with 600,000 flashes, which equals about 40-plus years of full-body treatments, you can bet this tool will be in for the long haul.
Best for: Fair to dark complexions
Hair color: Black and brown hair
Nood rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nood reviewer says: “The flasher is easy to use and I am already starting to see results in the first four weeks! Cannot wait to see what it does in the next four weeks!”
This compact, lightweight, FDA-approved device is the most time-efficient option out there. The device itself is corded, so keep that in mind. However, as its title suggests, you simply press the button where you want to laser for a quick treatment. Plus, it’s safe to use on your face!
Best for: Fair to medium complexions
Hair color: Black to light brown hair
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Yes, this really works. I have very light skin with dark hair. I started using this every three days and my bikini line and upper lip hairs are now pretty much non-existent.”
Before you start shopping (and zapping) away, we do have one important editor’s note: Since laser hair removal relies on melanin to produce results, it’s often not effective on lighter hair colors, like blonde and light gray, which, by nature, contain less pigment. If you have a lighter hair color, consult with a dermatologist before investing your money into an expensive at-home device. Also, read the fine print of every product description because most companies disclose this information upfront. Laser hair removal is also safe for people of color, but certain lasers can cause hyperpigmentation and irritation on darker skin tones, so again, it is best to consult your dermatologist.
For in-office treatments, “The gold standard is the Gentlemax Pro by Candela. It is a dual alexandrite and Nd-Yag laser that can treat all skin types, hairs of various sizes, and in various locations,” says Dr. Lal.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about at-home laser hair removal devices and tested a few top-rated products for this piece. Freund and ELLE.com editor Nerisha Penrose pored over reviews for the best at-home devices, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
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