10 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices of 2022

Our GH Beauty Lab experts regularly test all kinds of hair removal products, from waxing kits and razors to depilatory creams and epilators. For years, we’ve tested a variety of skincare gadgets, such as dermaplaning tools and facial cleansing brushes.

To create this list, we combined our expert-picked laser devices with previously selected IPL machines that include the newest and best products on the market based on a combination of extensive research, dermatologist and hair removal expert recommendations, vetted customer reviews, stand-out features and FDA clearance. GH Beauty Lab Executive Director Binur Aral, Ph.D., also tested the SmoothSkin Pure Fit and the Nood The Flasher 2.0, using each device on half of her body and face. Along with evaluating and comparing the results of each device, she took note of their features, safety and ease of use.

“First and foremost, you want to make sure that you are buying a safe device from a reputable company,” says Tavernise. “You can find just about anything online these days so you have to be smart about your purchase.”

When it comes to the technology, Tavernise shares a few features to look for:

• If the device is plug-in or battery operated. “I think it’s better to have a USB for plug-in so it’s easy to charge and best for on-the-go,” she says. “Plus, some may need a recharge if you’re planning a full body laser session.”
• What attachments are included. If you are just planning to do small areas or your face, this isn’t as critical but if you want to use on small and large areas, you want to make sure there are multiple heads or it could take a long time to do a bigger area, like legs.
• How many pulses it will last for. Generally speaking, the more, the better. “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,” Tavernise says. “Some only have a 30 minute battery life when it is fully charged.”
• What skin tones it will work best on and if that includes yours. “One that works on a multitude of skin types may be a better option, as sometimes you may not realize if you have had a slight change in skin color from being exposed to the sun,” says Tavernise.
• 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.

As mentioned above, the main differentiating factor between laser and IPL is the sources of light. “You can visualize it like this: laser is more concentrated in a direct beam, like a laser pointer, and IPL is a more widespread bright flash of light,” says Tavernise.

“IPL uses broad-spectrum visible light, can require multiple treatments for best results and has proven to be potentially less effective than laser,” says Tavernise. It doesn’t work 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 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,” Tavernise adds.

While they operate differently, both laser and IPL use heat to damage the hair follicle. Over time, they both can significantly reduce existing hairs and future hair growth.

In the long run and with proper use, at-home laser removal can save you thousands of dollars from expensive salon visits — but it has its downsides. Dermapathologist Gretchen Frieling, M.D., adds that in-home lasers are comfortable to use, and shares a few tips that might help you decide if at-home laser hair removal is right for you:

• Make sure you’re the right candidate. 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.
• Less expensive can mean less efficient. Since at-home lasers are smaller and cover less area than pro devices, they may take a longer time to achieve results.
• Don’t overdo it. According to Aral, you should always follow the particular device’s guidelines — and not do it more often than suggested — as each one may be slightly different.
• Younger candidates should wait it out. The minimum accepted age to begin laser hair removal is 14-years-old, but Dr. Frieling says that the treatment is most effective when hormone levels have somewhat stabilized, around 17 to 20-years-old.

“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 so it is crucial to check that the device will work with your skin tone.”

Birnur Aral contributed her expertise to this story by testing some products and sharing insight on others and the category overall. In addition to her 15 years of leading clinical and consumer testing in the Beauty Lab, Aral has R&D experience through her seven-year stint at Unilever U.S. She has contributed to content in countless beauty categories ranging from anti-aging products to sunscreen safety. She also has written explainers that tease out the science behind beauty products and debunk misconceptions.

Dori Price compiled the additional products for the story, as well as new expert advice for differentiating between lasers and IPLs and shopping suggestions. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.

Shanon Maglente is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.