The 11 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices in 2024 (2024)

The 11 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices in 2024 (1)

(Image credit: Ulike; Braun; Nood)

By Julia Marzovilla

last updated 20 June 2024

After experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), I'm contemplating alternative hair removal methods this season. Since professional laser hair removal isn't the most budget-friendly option—initial sessions can cost upwards of $600—I'm looking at the next best thing: the best at-home laser hair removal devices.

Before I go any further, body hair is an entirely natural, normal thing, and you should absolutely not feel compelled to remove it if you don't want to—it's a personal choice. (If you're a body-hair-don’t-care kind of person, more power to you!) But if you're into the idea of laser hair removal, are over trying to find the best razors, waxing kits, the best devices to remove facial hair, epilators, or want to save money but are a little freaked about the idea of doing laser hair removal at home, I have expert-recommended and top-rated devices for you to invest in.

Ahead, I chatted with several top dermatologists to recommend the best, safest, at-home laser hair removal devices for you to consider. Keep scrolling to find their expert advice, plus a few safety tips, a breakdown of the types of lasers you'll find on this list, and more.

Marie Claire's Favorite At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

Best At-Home Hair Removal Device Overall: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
Best At-Home Hair Removal Device for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X
Best At-Home Hair Removal Device for the Bikini Line: Nood The Flasher 2.0
Best Cooling At-Home Hair Removal Device: Ulike Sapphire Air+ IPL Hair Removal Device
Best Affordable At-Home Hair Removal Device: Kenzzi IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset
Best At-Home Hair Removal Device for All Skin Tones: mē Smooth Permanent Hair Reduction Device

Shop The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL

Promising smooth results in as little as four weeks, this at-home laser hair removal device is fast enough to treat both legs in five minutes flat, plus it has three sensitivity modes so it's as close to painless as you'll get. It uses up to 125 flashes per minute—with a total of 400,000 flashes, or 21 years of full-body use—and is clinically tested to be safe and effective at home. However, this device is not the best for all skin tones and hair type combinations; it isn't suitable for very deep skin tones or very fair hair colors, like light blonde, red, and gray. With hundreds of five-star reviews on Braun's site, this device is fan-adored.

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Laser Type: IPL

Number of Flashes: 400,000

What We Love: Top-rated; has a max of 400,000 flashes; comes with three different heads

What We Don't: Not suitable for deep skin tones; not suitable for light blonde, red, or gray hair

Customer Review: "I got this around 2 months ago as a gift and have been using it every week and even though I have about 4 sessions left until I can see full results, I basically have no hair left on my body! The only thing is that the heads are impossible to clean and I would love to buy new heads for them, haven't done much looking around but hopefully, that's possible" — Braun

Best At-Home Hair Removal Device for Hard-to-Reach Areas

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X

Just short of $700, the Tria 4X will cost you a pretty penny—but it was the first FDA-cleared laser for at-home use, and has become a favorite among dermatologists and patients for legit, professional-level results. “I’m a fan of this device because it has high energy levels and it’s super easy to use,” says Dr. Nazarian.

Dr. Zeichner is a fan of the Tria, too: "This can be used both on dark and light hair, although it will not work on white hair," Zeichner explains. "It is a true laser as opposed to other devices that use a broad spectrum of light." Dr. Sobel suggests trying the Tria laser as well. "The technology safely delivers over three times more hair-eliminating energy than other at-home hair removal devices, making it the most powerful at-home hair removal device," Dr. Sobel explains. The over 1,000 five-star reviews only co-sign Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Nazarian's love of the Tria.

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Laser Type: Diode

What We Love: Dermatologist-recommended; can be used on dark and light hair; wireless design; more effective than others on the market

What We Don't: Not suitable for deep skin tones; not suitable for dark skin tones; not suitable for blonde, gray, or red hair

Customer Review: "I didn't think this would work so well but I see a dramatic difference and I've only had this for a little over a month."— Amazon

Best Laser Hair Removal Device for the Bikini Line

Nood The Flasher 2.0

This is the best laser hair removal device if you’re targeting the bikini line. This Nood gadget uses a less painful multi-wavelength of light that is still just as effective. It’s not wireless, but it has more intensity thanks to the fact that it has a cord. Reviewers note that it is easy to use, but that the process takes a while because you need to go over each area three times. They also note that coarser hair—like on the face—takes longer to go away, but that they notice a difference in the density of their hair after eight weeks. Nood's The Flasher 2.0 device has racked up over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, with many users obsessing over how effective it is.

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Laser Type: IPL

What We Love: 600,000 flashes; fast-acting; top-rated; less painful; good for the bikini line; can be used on the face

What We Don't: Not suitable for deep or dark skin tones; not suitable for white or light blonde hair

Customer Review: “I have used this as directed (go over the area 3x, twice a week for 8 weeks) and while the hair is not 100% gone, it’s about 90% gone and the hair that remains is much finer and grows much slower. I no longer have to shave every day! I will keep using this in these areas for a few more weeks and I’ve also started doing other areas. I would buy this again.” — Amazon

Best Cooling At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Other At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices We Love

Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device for Beginners

Mismon Hair Removal Device

This laser hair removal device from MiSMON uses IPL technology and is FDA-cleared. Results from a clinical trial showed that hair grew more slowly after three weeks and that there was a 94 percent reduction in hair after a nine-week course. It has a LED screen at the top so you can clearly see the amount of flashes you have left. The device has 300,000 flashes, enough for between seven and nine full-body uses. It has five energy levels and is cleared for use on most areas of the body, including the underarms, bikini line, back, and arms. However, it is not suitable for use on the face.The over 400 glowing five-star reviews on Amazon's site speak to how this device works and fast.

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Laser Type: IPL

Number of Flashes: 300,000

What We Love: Comes with protective glasses; has an LED screen for precise use

What We Don't: Large size; not recommended for use on the face

Customer Review: "Have been using this device for about 6 months now. Over 4,000 flashes used. Device powers on consistently, works while treating areas and has adjustable intensity settings. Most importantly, THIS REALLY WORKS. Used to treat my lower back for swimsuit season, after just a few treatments I noticed a significant thinning in the hair that grew back. After a couple of months only light peach fuzz is growing where coarse black hair grew before. The product works and it works well. Excellent value for the money compared to similar devices." — Amazon

The Best 2-in-1 At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device

Jovs Venus Pro II

A common theme among various at-home laser hair removal devices is that the head of the device is so small and unwieldy that a removal session can sometimes take extra time. This device speaks for itself with one big selling point: the 330-degree rotating head is detachable. Plus, no matter where you're looking to treat (face, arms, legs, bikini lines, etc), there's a setting that's going to work for you. The six modes let you remove hair from any part of your body with accuracy, and the cooling screen keeps your skin at a constant five degrees Celsius throughout the process.A quick scroll through Jovs's website will show dozens of glowing reviews, many of which have before-and-after pictures, proving how effectively the Venus Pro II works.

FDA-Cleared: Yes

Laser Type: Optimal Pulsed Technology

Number of Flashes: Unlimited

What We Love: Has a 330-degree rotating head; good for use on the face; cools skin down during use; has unlimited flashes

What We Don't: Not suitable for deep skin tones; Not suitable for gray, light blonde, or red hair

How I Chose the Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices

There are a few key aspects to keep in mind when choosing an at-home laser hair removal device: price point, the number of flashes each device uses, whether a device has FDA clearance, and whether or not a device will work for all skin types or tones. Ahead, I broke down exactly what team Marie Claire—specifically, Marie Claire Beauty Director Deena Campbell, Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, and Fashion E-Commerce Editor Julia Marzovilla (a.k.a. me!)—looked for when reviewing and testing hair removal devices for this list.

I also talked with Dr. Joshua Zeicher, M.D., the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology; Dr. Howard Sobel, M.D., NYC dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin; Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D., dermatologist and medical director of Ingleton Dermatology; Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D F.A.A.D., a dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City; Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling M.D., a Boston-based triple-board-certified dermatopathologist, and Dr. Anahita Mansouri M.D., a cosmetic doctor in the UK.

Skin Type and Skin Tone: Because laser hair removal devices work by identifying each hair’s pigment in relation to your skin, the process doesn't work for everyone. Many of the devices below are marked as not suitable for those with deep or dark skin and darkly colored hair, as well as those with fair skin and gray, very blond, silver, or red hair. Dr. Zeichner says that while the “best hair and skin combination for laser hair removal, in general, is dark hair and light skin,” there have been advancements that allow them to work on a wider range of tones. “Unfortunately, no matter what device you are using, we cannot use lasers to get rid of light blonde or white hair because the lasers need the pigment in the hair itself to act as a target,” Dr. Zeichner adds.

Number of Flashes: "The number of flashes a device emits really depends on the device itself,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Some devices offer a single flash, while others multiple.” He also makes clear that “different devices use varying wavelengths of light, so it is hard to make generalizations.” However, it’s important to make one single pass over a specific area to avoid burns.

Price: The items on this list are investments for a reason. Laser hair removal can be tricky at home, and using any of these devices comes with its own risks. With that in mind, many come with a stamp of approval from one or more dermatologists. If you’re not willing to invest in an at-home device at this point, I recommend speaking to your dermatologist directly or paying a visit to a doctor’s office to find the best laser hair removal solution for you.

FDA Clearance: All of the devices on our list have been cleared by the FDA.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The short answer is yes, laser hair removal does work. However, it comes with a few caveats. "The term laser hair removal is a bit misleading, as it really should be called laser hair reduction," notes Dr. Zeichner. "In some cases it may be difficult to fully remove hair completely." The bottom line? Using your device consistently is the key to complete hair removal.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Dr. Zeichner says that "the lasers definitely decrease the density of hair and the thickness of each individual hair," and that "it takes multiple treatments to give the results most people are looking for"—so, as with most pricey beauty treatments, it's best to stay patient when waiting for your results.

What Are The Different Types of Lasers Used?

There are several common types of laser hair removal devices. Here’s a helpful guide to some of the options you’ll see most often on this list. Since there are several ways to remove hair at the follicle, different devices (and light wavelengths) are used. “One is not necessarily better than another, and it really just depends on what type of technology a company chooses to use,” Dr. Zeichner says. Ahead, I've broken down the most common types of lasers used to remove hair.

IPL: You'll see the acronym “IPL” on some of the devices on this list. IPL devices work a little differently from lasers. “IPL stands for intense pulsed light,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This technically is not a laser since it emits multiple wavelengths of light. A laser, on the other hand, emits only a single wavelength.”
Diode: Diodes use a single wavelength of light to be absorbed by the melanin around the hair follicle.The single wavelength used has a higher absorption rate by melanin. They’re great because they can often be used on a broader set of skin tones. Diodes are also known to cool the skin as they work.
Optimal Pulsed Technology: Optimal Pulsed Technology, or OPT for short, is an advanced IPL laser technology that releases higher-intensity light to target the specified area and speed up the hair removal process.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?

It varies. Some devices promise weeks or even months of a hair-free look. However, it's important to stay consistent. "Each treatment will partially destroy the follicle, so repeated treatments are often needed for the full effects," he explains. "The difference between at-home and professional strength treatments is the energy level of the laser. At-home devices have much lower energy levels to make sure they are safe to use at home, unsupervised. As a result, these treatments are slower to work and require more sessions to give noticeable improvements."

Are At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?

Dr. Zeichner considers at-home lasers a safe alternative to in-office treatments. "At-home devices work similarly to professional treatments, but use lower energy levels. They are more time-consuming to use, but can help. They are also a great option to maintain improvements between professional treatments."

Safety Tips From A Dermatologist

Be Careful Where You Use Your Device: While yes, you technically can perform laser hair removal anywhere on the body, it’s important that you choose a device that’s approved for the specific areas you’re looking to treat. Some of the devices on this list are fine to use on the face or in the bikini line, for instance, while others are not. With that in mind, you should also not perform at-home laser hair removal anywhere where your skin or hair is light, as the devices target the pigment in the hair itself. “It’s important to be cautious in lasering sensitive areas like the genitals, which commonly have more pigment than other areas of the body,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Avoid Damaged, Burnt, or Cracked Skin: If you find that you have irritation or cuts anywhere on your body, avoid performing laser hair removal in that area. “I do not recommend using a hair removal device on parts of the body, where the skin is irritated or broken,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Lasering open or raw skin can lead to significant inflammation, and possibly put the skin at risk for an infection if the laser device itself is contaminated.”

How To Prepare for At-Home Laser Hair Removal

Shave in Advance: Dr. Frieling says that you should actually shave a day ahead of when you plan to use your laser hair removal device.
Avoid Tanning Products: Don't use self-tanning products for at least two weeks before you start.
Avoid Products That Will Irritate the Skin: Dr. Frieling says to "avoid potentially irritating products such as retinoids, retinal, or retinoic acids" prior to your treatment, as well as “brightening ingredients and acidic cleansers."

What Should You Do After At-Home Laser Hair Removal?

Don't Sweat if Possible: Dr. Mansouri says to avoid exercising (or sweating, for that matter) for up to two days because the heat can cause "irritation on freshly treated skin after a session is completed."
Avoid the Sun: Stay out of the sun for up to two weeks.
Be Comfortable: Wear loose-fitting clothes after you finish to keep skin cool.
Calm the Skin: She says to "avoid topicals, including makeup, except for aloe vera gel or calming and soothing creams,” to allow your skin to heal correctly.
Moisturize: Hydrate the skin “After laser hair removal, it is important to apply moisturizer to the skin to hydrate and repair the skin barrier,” says Dr. Zeichner, who recommends Eucerin’s Original Healing Rich Lotion. “If any areas of the skin are particularly dry, or irritated, opt for an ointment to form a protective seal over the skin,” he continues, siting Vaseline’s petroleum jelly as a good option.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD

As the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology, Dr. Zeichner has a broad interest in medical and cosmetic dermatology as well as clinical research. His specialty is the treatment of acne, as well as the cosmetic rejuvenation of the aging face. Dr. Zeichner treats general skin conditions, including eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer. In addition, he is well-versed in the use of Botox and dermal fillers, as well as lasers and chemical peels.

Dr Howard Sobel, M.D.,

Dr. Howard Sobel, MD, operates Sobel Skin, a private practice for dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic medicine in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Sobel Skin was a part of the early stages of the medspa / medi-spa evolution in the United States. Dr. Sobel has been a pioneer of the union between dermatology & cosmetic surgery. Over the years, Dr. Sobel has not only been known for his expertise in all aesthetic treatments, but as one of the bestbotoxandfillersdoctors in New York City. His ability to provide an exceptional outcome never fails, and patients are not only thrilled with their results, but also feel younger and rejuvenated after treatment. Dr. Sobel combines modern technology with over thirty years of experience. His unique practice provides the latest advances in dermatology, dermatologic cosmetic surgery and progressive face and body treatments all in one luxurious Park Avenue facility.Dr. Sobel’s focus within dermatology is to further the total well-being and health of his patients and those who use the products he formulated and created.

Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, M.D.

Dr. Ingleton is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. She received a BA in Psychobiology from New York University and her medical degree from the University of Maryland. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and her Dermatology residency at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, the Dermatology Society of New York and the National Medical Association.

Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D.

Dr. Rachel Nazarian joins Schweiger Dermatology after years of practicing various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, general dermatology and dermatologic surgery.Dr. Nazarian has written many published articles in medical journals as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks, such as Treatment of Skin Disease.Dr. Nazarian serves as a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology, where she completed her dermatology residency. While completing her medical degree at Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Nazarian was awarded a grant from the Women’s Dermatology Society. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Gretchen W. Frieling

Dr. Frieling. “Dr. G,” is a medical doctor with over 13 years of experience as a leader in the Aesthetic, Dermatology and Pathology fields. Her background is notable for intensive training in ballet, which includes attending the Juilliard School in New York City. She combines her artistic eye, perfectionistic qualities, and medical expertise, to give her patients impeccable results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, specifically injectables, Dr. G has mastered the art of re-vitalizing the face by softening fine lines and wrinkles, re-establishing volume, and optimizing overall appearance and beauty. She will listen to your requests and concerns. Dr. G will explain the available procedures that would be optimal for your unique situation. She also performs select body procedures, including fat dissolving, buttock lifting/gentle reshaping, and skin tightening.

Dr Anahita Mansouri

Dr. Ana is a UK-qualified Aesthetic Doctor with a wide range of medical & surgical training experience as well as a background in GP training. She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from Newcastle University in 2014 and has since then completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr Ana is passionate about all things Aesthetic Medicine & Cosmetic Dermatology.

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Julia Marzovilla

Fashion E-Commerce Editor

Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviews the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.

In her near decade of experience, Julia has both written for several top outlets in the E-Commerce space and worked at major fashion labels. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and worked as the Trending Fashion and News Writer STYLECASTER. You can find her across the internet at @JuliaMarzovilla. In real life, you can find her creating shopping guides for her friends, cooking or baking in her too-small kitchen, or buying tickets for the next time Harry Styles is in town.

Julia has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City, her hometown.

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