In anticipation of summer and swimsuit weather, you may be considering laser hair removal. As opposed to shaving—which can get tedious—this method damages hair follicles to reduce growth over time, ultimately giving more long-term results than a razor. The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is our pick for the best laser hair removal device overall, featuring 10 intensity levels and four interchangeable caps for full-body treatment. For users with coarse hair, we recommend the ultra-efficient Nood Flasher 2.0, which produces visible results in as little as three weeks.
Devices designed for home use are typically IPL (intense pulsed light) tools—many of which are featured in our roundup—that work to achieve similar results as a diode laser would. Though similar to in-office laser treatments, the energy level of gadgets for home use is much lower, according to dermatologist Dr. Ramya Garlapati. They can also be helpful for maintaining the results you get from a professional service. In addition to leaning on our beauty expertise (co-author Jane Sung is a Forbes Vetted deputy editor and Claire Epting is a beauty updates writer), we researched, interviewed experts and sought out firsthand product experience to recommend the eight best laser hair removal devices that are safe and effective.
Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Best Full-Body Laser Hair Removal Device: Ulike Sapphire Air3
Best Value Laser Hair Removal Device: RoseSkinCo. Lumi
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Coarse Hair: Nood The Flasher 2.0
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Large Areas: SmoothSkin Pure Adapt
Best Cooling Laser Hair Removal Device: Jovs Venus Pro II
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Dark Skin Tones: Iluminage Touch
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Travel: Silk’n Infinity Fast
Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall
Versatile Tool For Your Face And Body
MOST POPULAR
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Flashes: 400,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 10 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Can be used on the face and body
- Designed with SensoAdapt technology
Cons:
- Not safe for light hair color or dark skin
Braun’s Silk Expert Pro 5 has several features to help you get rid of unwanted hair more efficiently. It features a gliding mode for quickly treating large areas, like the legs, and a stamping mode for hard-to-reach areas, like the bikini line. It also has SensoAdapt technology, which automatically adjusts the flash intensity for safe use on skin. There are 10 intensity levels total, and it’s possible to treat both legs in just five minutes at the lowest energy setting.
According to the brand’s website, results can be seen in as little as four weeks with regular use. The set includes four attachment caps that allow you to safely target different areas of your body, including your armpits and face. (We also picked the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 as the best laser option in our roundup of the best facial hair removers.) Included with the device is a Venus razor for touchups.
Best Full-Body Laser Hair Removal Device
Cooling Device That Minimizes Discomfort
Ulike Sapphire Air3
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Has a cooling feature
- Unlimited flashes
- Thumb-free auto glide mode
Cons:
- Only three intensity levels
The Ulike Sapphire Air 3 is so easy to use, you may feel emboldened to use it on your entire body. Its sapphire ice-cooling technology makes the process as painless as possible, while the thumb-free auto glide mode allows you to cover large areas of your body in one fell swoop. The device delivers flashes every 0.7 seconds, and a full-body treatment can take as little as 12 minutes. You can expect to see results in about three weeks, with treatment frequency starting at three times a week and gradually reducing to every month.
Best Value Laser Hair Removal Device
Compact And Painless To Use
RoseSkinCo. Lumi
Forbes Vetted readers get $20 off the Lumi (and Lumi bundles) by entering code FORBES20 at checkout.
Flashes:300,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 6 |FDA-cleared:Yes
Pros:
- Painless
- Gives fast results
- Suitable for the face
Cons:
- No handle
- Small size may mean longer treatments
Most at-home laser hair removal devices come with larger price tags, but this one from RoseSkinCo. makes our list as the best value pick. Although it’s more affordable, the device doesn’t falter when it comes to results; you may start noticing positive benefits as soon as three weeks, so long as you use the device once per week. (Long-term hair removal can be expected after 12 uses, over the course of six to 12 weeks.) It offers six intensity levels and is suitable to use all over your body, including your armpits, legs, face and bikini area. Note that the device shouldn’t be used above the cheekbones or on the inner part of the bikini area.
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Coarse Hair
Effectively Zap Hair In 10-Minute Sessions
Nood The Flasher 2.0
Forbes Vetted readers get $10 off the Flasher 2.0 (and all purchases at Nood) by entering code FORBES10 at checkout.
Flashes: 600,000 | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Treatment can take as little as 10 minutes
- Easy to use
- Effective on patches of coarse hair
Cons:
- Can take up to eight weeks to see lasting results
This device offers a larger treatment window, meaning you only need about 10 minutes per session. Nood’s technology also includes one of the highest-intensity lamps that targets hair at the root, without causing sensitivity and redness—even on coarse hair. “The Flasher 2.0 has a thoughtful, compact design that fits nicely in the hand, and it’s lightweight enough that lengthier IPL sessions don’t feel like a chore,” says one of our testers.
The device is so effective that you’ll see results within as little as three weeks and will notice more permanent hair removal in six to eight weeks. You can switch between three modes, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. It’s best suited for very fair to light brown skin, but may not be as effective or safe for darker skin tones. For more info, read our in-depthNood reviewhere.
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Large Areas
IPL Tool That Adapts To Your Curves
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL | Intensity levels: 10 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Great for larger areas
- Has 10 settings
- Includes a UV filter
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- May not be effective for finer hair
This recently upgraded device glides over large and small areas to provide lasting hair removal results. The Pure Adapt’s head automatically adjusts to the contours of your body, preventing missed spots and unwanted burns. “I’ve been using this device for about three weeks, and it’s the definition of user-friendly: You just plug it in, aim it at your target area and press a button,” says one of our testers.
There are three comfort modes (Power, Speed and Gentle) that allow you to tailor the device to your targeted areas. “It’s minimally painful, and comfortable to hold and wield,” our tester says. “While hair is re-growing, it does seem like it’s coming in less coarse, which is a great sign.” Its smart sensor calibrates the ideal IPL for your specific skin and hair type, and each treatment takes about 10 minutes. The device is safe to use on all areas of your body, as well as your face. According to the brand, you can expect to see visible results in just two weeks.
Best Cooling Laser Hair Removal Device
Ergonomic With Useful Features
Jovs Venus Pro II
Flashes: 500,000 | Laser type: OPT | Intensity levels: 6 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Has a cooling feature
- Includes six treatment heads
- Helps treat signs of aging
Cons:
- Not safe for light hair or dark skin
The Jovs Venus Pro has several elements that make it worth the investment. It has a 180-degree rotating head (for better precision), a skin-cooling feature (for added comfort) and useful attachments, like an LED option that also helps reduce visible signs of aging. Unlike the other options on this list, this model uses optimum pulsed light (OPT) technology, which is a more enhanced version of IPL that may provide more effective results. It has six function modes and intensity levels for customized treatment on your legs, underarms, face and bikini lines. A full-body treatment can be completed in around seven minutes, and visible results can be noticed in as soon as four weeks.
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Dark Skin Tones
Works On Any Complexion
Iluminage Touch
Flashes: Unlimited | Laser type: IPL with RF | Intensity levels: 3 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Has three energy levels
- Safe for all skin tones
- Works on various hair colors and skin tones
Cons:
- Charging station takes up a lot of counter space
The Iluminage Touch is a laser for the face and body that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) and radio frequency (RF) to gently zap away unwanted hair. It’s this combination that makes this pick safe for darker shades of skin—in fact, it’s the first at-home laser that’s cleared by the FDA to use on all skin tones. The device features three energy levels that can be used on a wide range of hair colors, including blonde, dark blonde and red hair. It comes with a precision adaptor and an epilator attachment to optimize treatments. The Iluminage Touch also provides results fast—users can expect to see a noticeable decrease in hair growth after just two treatments, and full results in seven weeks.
Best Laser Hair Removal Device For Travel
Ultra-Light Device That Packs Easily
Silk’n Infinity Fast
Flashes: 600,000 | Laser type: eHPL (galvanic and optical energy) | Intensity levels: 5 | FDA-cleared: Yes
Pros:
- Good for large and small areas
- Has five energy levels
- Noticeable results after three or four treatments
Cons:
- Not suitable for light hair
This upgraded Silk’n device targets follicles on a wider range of skin tones than its previous iteration. Its enhanced Home Pulsed Light technology (which is a safer, home-friendly version of IPL) now uses galvanic energy to helps its light reach hair follicles more deeply—and twice as fast than the previous model. Since the laser uses energy from a bulb instead of thermal heat, it’s designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it our top pick for travel. You can expect to see noticeable results after three to four treatments, and full results after eight. It’s also safe for use on your underarms, legs, bikini lines and face, and has five intensity settings to customize your treatment.
RECOMMENDED BYFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of beauty and grooming stories, relying on our personal expertise, as well as thorough insight from qualified professionals.
- Every iteration of this story has been reviewed by deputy editor Jane Sung, who has over two decades of beauty industry and product testing experience. Sung has overseen the publication of multiple Forbes Vetted roundups of hair removal products, including the best electric razors for women and the best body hair trimmers.
- Alongside Sung, this story was co-authored by beauty updates writer Claire Epting, who has previously covered a variety of grooming topics, including the best body scrubs and the best eyebrow growth serums.
- For this article, we consulted with two dermatologists. Both shared their deep knowledge on what to look for in the safest and most effective laser tools for hair removal. Dr. Ava Shamban is a cosmetic dermatologist who works out of her LA-based practice, Ava MD, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ramya Garlapati.
- We regularly review this article to ensure the accuracy of prices, product details and list placements.
How We Chose The Best Laser Hair Removal Devices
When compiling this list of the best laser hair removal devices, we considered the top options on the market at different price points and capabilities.
- We combed through customer reviews and examined the most efficient tools. We researched each one to learn about its features, attachments, modes and number of flashes.
- We verified that all eight models on our list are cleared by the FDA as safe tools for at-home hair reduction.
- To ensure we provided the most accurate information, our team considered Shamban and Garlapati’s expert advice while researching recommendations.
- We also incorporated insights from product tester Jessica Timmons, who tried the Nood The Flasher 2.0, as well as managing editor Emmy Favilla, who tested the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt.
What To Consider In A Laser Hair Removal Device
If you’re looking for an at-home laser hair removal device that provides results on par with a professional treatment, there are several factors to consider. Here’s what to consider.
Laser Type
Most at-home laser hair removal devices use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to remove unwanted body hair by permanently destroying the follicles in the treated area. However, some devices, such as the Jovs Venus Pro II, use optimal pulse technology (OPT), which is an enhanced version of IPL that can penetrate the skin more deeply and therefore may be more effective. A select few devices (including the Iluminage Touch) combine IPL with radio frequency (RF) heat energy, which reduces IPL intensity so it can be used across a wider range of skin tones.
Flashes
You can think of the number of flashes (also known as pulses) as the lifespan of the laser. It determines how long you can use the tool before it wears out. In many cases, you can achieve the results you want with one device. According to cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban, areas such as the lip and face generally need about 25 to 50 flashes; the underarm or bikini line might need up to 200 flashes; larger areas like the legs may need 500 to 600 flashes each; the chest or back may require 700 or even 800 flashes.
Skin Type And Tone
Laser hair removal devices aren’t one size fits all. “Some may not be advisable for darker skin tones, which have a higher chance for issues such as burning or hyperpigmentation,” says Shamban. “Usually, lighter skin with darker hair is the best combination, but some can be used on all skin tones and types.” (See the Iluminage Touch, our pick for dark skin tones.) Most devices have multiple intensity levels as well; a higher intensity level will deliver faster results, but it may aggravate sensitive skin. Opting for a device with a skin-cooling feature can remedy some of the pain and irritation caused by more powerful treatments.
Treatment Area
It’s a good idea to keep your desired treatment area in mind when selecting an at-home laser hair removal device, especially if you want to cover larger parts on the body. An automatic flashing feature (like the one found on the Ulike Sapphire Air 3) allows you to cover more surface area without having to hold down a button. Some devices, like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, include different detachable laser heads that allow you to target specific places that are hard to reach, like the bikini line.
Safety Information
Safety is often a concern when using one of these laser tools. “Any device purchased for home usage should be FDA approved or cleared,” says Shamban. This information should be indicated or marked on the device’s packaging or instructions. It’s also important to pay attention to the list of usages, as some versions are only safe to use on certain areas. In addition, Garlapati says that “there is a risk of burning your skin and causing hyperpigmentation if you do too many passes.” That’s why it’s important to diligently follow the directions depending on the area that you want to treat.
Tips For At-Home Laser Hair Removal
For those who are just starting laser hair removal at home, we’ve gathered a few tips to make the process easier. Here’s what to keep in mind, according to Shamban.
- Start with clean, hydrated skin. “Whether you’re doing laser hair removal at home or in the [dermatologist’s] office, the first thing is to make sure that the area is clean and moisturized,” says Shamban. Ideally, you should shave skin two days before treatment. “If the hair is too long, it will absorb too much energy from the laser and will burn the surrounding skin.”
- Moisturize your skin following each treatment. “More than prep, it’s important to take care of the skin afterward with a very mild hydrocortisone cream, such as is available over the counter, and perhaps some aloe and ice,” says Shamban.
- Keep an eye out for irritation and ingrown hairs. As you continue to shave the new hair that grows in, watch for any signs of irritation and blocked hair follicles. Shamban notes that you can treat these skin conditions with a salicylic acid wash followed by a lightweight moisturizer.
- Don’t expect to see results right away. Since at-home devices aren’t as strong as the equipment found in a professional setting, you have to have a bit of patience when using them. Even with consistent treatments, Shamban says that it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks to begin seeing a difference in hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Laser Hair Removal Device Is Best?
Based on our research, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is the best laser hair removal device for at-home use because it’s versatile, intuitive and suitable for most people. Specifically, it features the brand’s SensoAdapt technology, which means it automatically adjusts the intensity of the flashes to suit your skin. It also comes with four attachment caps that help you target specific areas of the body, including sensitive and harder-to-reach areas like your underarms and face.
What Is The Strongest At-Home Laser Hair Removal Machine?
We chose Nood The Flasher 2.0 as the best option for coarse hair due to its high-intensity lamp and ability to target thicker, stubborn strands. The Jovs Venus Pro II, our pick for the best cooling laser hair removal device, features OPT (optimal pulse technology) as opposed to IPL (intense pulsed light), which can increase effectiveness. Just note that it’s not deemed safe for light-colored hair or dark skin tones.
Is It Safe To Use Home Laser Hair Removal Devices?
It’s generally considered safe to use laser hair removal devices at home, as long as it’s from a reputable brand and you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. As you consider devices, it’s extremely important to see which are designed for your skin and hair type. Some devices may be ineffective, or worse, harmful to certain hair types and complexions. Also, check for FDA approval; all the products we recommend on this list have been cleared by the FDA.
