7 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Long-Lasting Smooth Skin
Smooth, hairless skin in just a few pulses.
Tested by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab DirectorExpert consulted: Chiara ButlerBeauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Reviews Analyst
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For smooth, hair-free skin without nicks or painful wax strips, beauty pros swear by laser hair removal. The treatment zaps hair follicles, offering lasting results. While professional, in-office laser hair removal is pricey, at-home devices now make this professional-grade technology more affordable and convenient (albeit less powerful).
There are two main types of devices: laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). "Both minimize or eliminate hair, but differ in light type, effectiveness and precision," explains Sabina Wizemann, the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty Lab director. "Laser devices use a focused wavelength of light for precise and targeted results, while IPL emits broad-spectrum light that covers larger areas but may require more sessions."
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab tested dozens of at-home laser hair removal devices, evaluating features like flash count and sensors. Check out our top-tested picks below to learn which option will suit your needs best.
Pros
- Wide range of treatment intensities
- Multiple treatment heads
- Both contact sensor and skin tone sensor are very precise
- Doesn't overheat
Cons
- Pricey
A Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner, Braun's latest IPL device is both the first smart IPL and the brand's fastest tool, claiming to permanently reduce hair in just three weeks.
It's Wi-Fi enabled and connects to an app which helps you track your treatments and your hair reduction progress and reminds you when it’s time for another treatment. Plus, it alerts you if you miss any spots or if the device is not correctly applied and automatically adapts the flash power to the user's skin tone and hair.
"While the technology is new, the hardware of the device itself is mostly the same as the last version, the Silk Expert Pro 5," said Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. A pricey option, it has 10 intensity levels and comes with four heads: one wide, one standard and two precision heads for face and body (which are labeled so you won't confuse them).
We found the device and app intuitive and user-friendly. The device is simple to operate and maneuver, with conveniently placed controls and easily interchangeable heads. Plus, "the contact sensor and skin tone sensor on this IPL are really impressive," Butler said. "It won’t flash until the lamp is fully pressed against the skin, so that you don’t accidentally look into the lamp."
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY: "I was impressed with how easy the IPL was to operate and to move to different areas of the body with minimal interruptions since the device is quick to produce back-to-back IPL flashes to zap the hair follicles in treatment areas," said one Amazon reviewer. "I also liked that the device did not overheat or get too warm for a thorough session period."
| Flashes | 400,000 |
| Levels | 10 (plus three comfort levels) |
| How to Use | Using the app, select the desired body part. The system will set the appropriate duration. Hit start and follow the instructions on the screen. According to the brand, you will see visible results in three weeks, but they recommend weekly treatments for 12 weeks to achieve optimal results. And then monthly maintenance treatments after. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
Pros
- Includes seven intensity levels to customize treatment
- Helpful on-off button
- Lower price point than other models
Cons
- No precision head attachment
- Does not have an automatic skin tone detector
Cute and compact, Nood's IPL device is less intimidating in the grand scheme of at-home laser hair removal. It works quickly — the brand touts 10-minute treatments — and offers seven different intensity levels to choose from based on your skin’s sensitivity.
Testers appreciated The Flasher 2.0's on-off button (a rarity in IPL devices). However, since it doesn't come with a precision attachment for smaller spots, one noticed that the bright light of the flashes escapes from the sides, which could potentially make it less effective and unsafe for your eyes. One plus: Nood will replace the tools if the flashes ever run out and offer customers a full refund within 90 days if it doesn't work for you, no questions asked.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: "I like how easy this device is to use," said one of our testers. "Plus, I loved having control over the treatment. The instructions were simple to understand!"
| Flashes | 600,000 |
| Levels | Seven |
| How to use | Hold the flasher at a 90-degree angle and flash before moving on to the next area of the skin. Do three full passes, moving slowly across skin. For best results, use daily for 8 weeks. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
SMOOTHSKIN Pure FIT IPL Laser Permanent Hair Removal
Pros
- Automatic skin tone sensor
- Has a long service life (10 years)
- Directions are easy to follow
Cons
- Only comes with one precision cap
- Turns on automatically and the fans start whirring when you plug it in
Hairless results come in speedy timing thanks to this GH Beauty Award winner. The Smoothskin IPL device received rave reviews from a top dermatologist and tester, who “saw noticeable results with this device after a single use." The top-notch technology features a sensor that automatically detects your skin color to apply the right amount of light intensity and won't flash if your skin tone is not compatible.
Plus, if the device is not held flush against your skin, it won't flash, making it safe and easy to use. It has three settings that allows you to customize the treatment to each area, too, but only one precision cap, which testers didn't love. One tried the speed mode on her legs and the gentle mode on her face and reported minimal discomfort. “I also find the user guide very informative and well written, which is rather a rarity in the device space,” she said.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: "Overall, I am impressed with just how easy this device is to operate without feeling painful," shared one tester. "I will definitely continue using it!
| Flashes | Unlimited |
| Levels | 10 |
| How to use | Before any laser treatment, remove hair and use only on clean, dry skin. Choose either glide or stamp mode depending on the body area you are treating. Use once a week for 12 weeks. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
Pros
- Cooling feature for comfort
- High energy (at the highest setting)
- Has an auto-flash feature
Cons
- Only one treatment head
An updated version of the Ulike Air+ (one of our previous top picks), this device has three treatment intensities, and like its predecessor, a special cooling feature in the treatment head that cools the skin for comfort during treatment. However, it only has one treatment head, unlike many of its competitors.
"I was impressed with how cold it felt," said Butler. "The max energy output of this device is higher than the old device and the brand claims it can yield 90% hair reduction in four weeks of use."
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY: "It works!" said one Amazon reviewer. "The cooling system is perfect and keeps it comfortable. It also has an auto-flash feature so you don't have to keep pressing the button."
| Flashes | 300,000 |
| Levels | Three |
| How to Use | Place the device's head directly on skin and start at the lowest setting first. You can increase gradually based on your skin's sensitivity. For weeks one to three, treat skin three times per week. For weeks four to six, treat two times per week. For weeks, seven through 10, treat one to two times per month for long-lasting results. The brand claims visible results in three weeks. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
BoSidin Painless Permanent Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Cooling feature helps soothe skin
- Head rotates for easy maneuvering
Cons
- Will not automatically detect skin tone
BoSidin takes pride in the fact it uses the same "medical-grade technologies" that professional cosmetic centers use.
The precision head rotates from side to side for hard-to-reach contours, like near the bikini area. Several users agree that the device is painless or nearly pain-free. But if your pain tolerance differs, it even offers a cool mode to help shield you from the burning intensity of the light flashes. It does lack a skin tone sensor, which many other devices offer.
WHAT TESTERS SAY: "A totally painless process," said one tester. "I really appreciate that the light will not [flash] if the device isn't placed totally on your skin. It's very comfortable to hold and angle the right way to reach the back of my thighs which is always a tricky spot."
| Flashes | Unlimited |
| Levels | Six |
| How to use | Adjust to your preferred mode, then vertically contact the depilator with the skin. Refer to the brand's recommended usage frequency, which vary upon the area. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
Foreo PEACH 2 Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Treatment is comfortable on skin
- Large treatment head works on different body parts
- Vents deliver cool air while using
- Easy to use
Cons
- Device needs to be unlocked by app before the first time
Soft to hold against your skin, this IPL device has a smooth silicone handle and a unique treatment head where the lamp is surrounded by a ring of silicone. Plus, there are air vents inside the silicone ring that deliver cool air to the treatment area.
Butler liked that while the treatment head is bigger than the other IPLs she reviewed, it still conforms to smaller areas like the ankles quite well. "However, on a very small area like the chin, I think some light will escape," she said. "It felt very comfortable to use on my legs, and I never experienced discomfort, even at the highest setting."
One thing Butler was not a fan of: The device's companion app which has to “unlock” the tool by scanning a barcode or entering the serial number before it can be used at all. "I found the unlocking process unnecessary — I had to try multiple times to get it to activate." Thankfully, after unlocking the device you don’t need the app to use it.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY: "I am so over the moon with this Foreo IPL hair removal device," said one Amazon reviewer. "I used it twice in the same spot over a week and I could see visible results; I'm so excited to keep going!"
| Flashes | 500,000 |
| Levels | Five |
| How to use | Use for 10 minutes once a week. The brand claims users can see visible results in 12 weeks. |
| Technology Type | IPL |
Currentbody Skin Laser Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Large treatment area
- Can be used on the face and body
- Has ice cooling technology for minimal pain
Cons
- Major splurge
While many of the devices on our list use IPL technology, Currentbody's new tool uses a diode laser, which is a concentrated laser beam.
We haven't yet tested this one in the Lab but it does have FDA clearance. According to the brand's independent clinical testing (which was performed on 29 participants over 56 days), the device reduces hair count by 82% in 8 weeks and 93% of users noticed slower hair growth after 4 weeks. It has a large treatment area letting you cover a lot of skin quickly, a built-in skin tone sensor and ice cooling technology to prevent irritation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY: "I was very impressed with its ease of use — it made hair removal fast and easy," said one Current Body reviewer. "After just three weeks, the hair in all those areas has reduced and I can't wait to see what results I get in the next few weeks. It's so exciting," shared another.
| Flashes | 400,000 |
| Levels | Six |
| How to Use | To prep, do a patch test 24 hours before the first treatment and shave the treatment area beforehand, making sure it is clean and dry. Press the treatment window against your skin and use a ‘stamp and release’ motion. Use the device 3 times a week for the initial 3 weeks, then once a week from week 4 to 12, and keep using it weekly until you see the results you want. |
| Technology Type | Diode laser |
How we test at-home laser hair removal devices
For years, our GH Beauty Lab experts have regularly tested all kinds of hair removal products, from waxing kits, razors and dermaplaning tools to depilatory creams and epilators.
When reviewing at-home laser hair removal tools, we referenced the device manuals to compare specs including expected service lifetime and maximum energy output, as well as features like automatic skin tone sensing. We tried the skin contact sensor on each model to check that it would only flash when in contact with skin. We also looked at the features within the apps of app-enabled devices.
For further analysis, we gave the devices to people in the Institute to use at home. These testers then gave notes on their device’s ease of use, performance and their overall satisfaction with it.
What to consider when shopping
✔️ Skin tones: First and foremost, figure out what skin tones it will work best on and if that includes yours. Derma-pathologist Gretchen Frieling, M.D., adds that users with lighter skin and darker hair will see the best results. Most machines won't be able to pick up lighter hair colors (blonde, gray or red), or won't be able to differentiate dark hair from dark skin. However, some devices are an exception to this rule and work across a multitude of skin types.
✔️ Safety features: Many of the devices above have sensors that won’t flash if your skin tone is too dark or if the device is not held properly against the skin — this is a good feature to seek out. Additionally, IPL is a broad spectrum light, meaning it consists of a range of wavelengths, and this may include UV wavelengths that can damage your skin. Most IPL devices have a filter that blocks out the UV light, but always double-check for it.
✔️ Flashes: Look for how many pulses it will last for. Generally speaking, the more, the greater the lifespan of the device but this shouldn't be your only consideration when making a purchase. The efficacy of a hair removal device relies on the type of the wavelength, intensity and power of the emitted light, as well as the overall quality of the technology used to apply it.
If you are looking for a cordless device, consider battery life. "If you are trying to target a larger area it can take many pulses, so just be sure to look at the battery life before you begin," says Joie Tavernise, medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare. "Some only have a 30-minute battery life when it is fully charged."
✔️ Attachments: Treatment head attachments of different sizes make it easier to treat a wide range of body zones. Some devices with skin contact sensors won’t flash unless the treatment head has full contact with the skin, which can be tricky in small, curved areas like the ankles or chin. Small attachments help in those areas, and wider attachments help treat large areas like the legs quickly.
What's the difference between professional and at-home laser hair removal devices?
The main difference between professional and at-home tools is the intensity of their light sources and the nature of their light sources. As mentioned above, Laser hair removal devices (both professional and those few available for at-home use) emit “a laser that corresponds to a single wavelength of light,” says Tavernise. "IPL stands for 'intense pulsed light' and uses broad-spectrum visible light."
What is better: IPL or laser hair removal?
"Although they operate differently, both laser and IPL devices accomplish the same goal: to seek out areas of pigment, a.k.a. dark hairs and use heat to damage the hair follicle," says Tavernise.
Over time, they both can significantly reduce existing hairs and future hair growth. While very similar, laser hair removal has a slight leg up. IPL doesn't work quite as well on light or red hair and isn't recommended for every skin tone, including darker or tanned skin, generally speaking. "Laser hair removal utilizes a laser, which is a single wavelength and different from broad-spectrum light," Tavernise explains.
She finds that professional laser can work for a wide range of skin tones, especially darker tones, and the professional treatments can be less painful for most because of the built-in integrated cooling systems. "In my experience, professional laser treatments have the ability to target larger areas faster with better results," she adds. Over time, they both can significantly reduce existing hairs and future hair growth.
Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe?
"Lasers and IPL are both very powerful technologies that can be dangerous when used incorrectly, but for the most part these devices are safe," says Tavernise. At-home devices are made with significantly less power and the light is less concentrated than you will find in a professional setting. "This does not mean that there is zero chance that something can go wrong, but the odds of something happening are very low," she says.
Tavernise advises that the most important precaution to take is ensuring that your skin tone will react well to the treatment. "Those with a high amount of melanin and pigment in their skin have a higher risk of getting burned and scarring so it is crucial to check that the device will work with your skin tone." The GH Beauty Lab advises to always follow the particular device's guidelines — and not do it more often than suggested — as each one may be slightly different and there is a risk of scarring if used improperly.
One additional note before you start: “It's a good idea to talk to a doctor who specializes in dermatology prior to undertaking any home treatment approaches, particularly for individuals with a history of skin conditions or cancers," says Wizemann. "This precautionary measure should ensure your skin stays healthy.”
Does at-home laser hair removal actually work?
The short answer: yes. "These devices use light energy to target melanin in the hair follicle and heat it up, damaging the follicles and slowing regrowth," says Butler.
Do at-home lasers permanently remove hair?
"It’s impossible to say the effect is permanent," says Butler. Given enough time, the hair could grow back. "Hormonal changes like pregnancy can also affect hair growth," she adds.
Are at-home laser hair removal devices FDA-approved?
Laser hair removal devices are not required to have an FDA mark when being brought to market. "Most at-home hair removal devices are not FDA-approved, as they are lower-risk tools," says Wizemann. "Some are FDA-cleared and list that on the packaging, which is typical for consumer devices like at-home hair removal products," she adds.
"The marks FDA-approved and FDA-cleared relate to how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews products," explains Wizemann. They show different levels of safety and effectiveness for at-home devices. "FDA approval means a product has been thoroughly checked and confirmed to be safe and effective," she says. "On the other hand, FDA clearance suggests that the product is considered safe based on comparison to another already existing product, but it may not have undergone the same extensive testing."
Meet the experts
- Joie Tavernise is an NYC-based medical esthetician and the founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare, a skincare clinic that specializes in medical grade skincare treatments. She has been a practicing esthetician for 20 years.
- Gretchen Frieling, M.D., is a medical doctor in Massachusetts with over 18 years of experience in the aesthetic, dermatology and pathology fields.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price compiled and researched products for this article and sourced expert advice for differentiating between lasers and IPLs as well as shopping suggestions.
She worked with GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann on the most recent update, who explained the difference between laser and IPL devices, FDA approval and clearance and other details about laser hair removal. Since joining Good Housekeeping, Sabina has touched, researched, tested and evaluated thousands of products for almost a decade. She carried out various studies from sunscreens (including formulas for sensitive and oily skin and mineral types), night creams, eye creams, makeup cleansers and more.
Price worked with GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler on a previous update, who shared new product picks along with further details on existing picks.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Chiara (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she conducts hands-on testing of health and beauty products. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University. Before joining GH in 2022, she worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of brands and learning to decode ingredient lists, evaluate ingredient efficacy and scrutinize product claims.
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