8 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices Of 2026, Tested By Women's Health Editors
Our favorites include Braun and Epilaser.

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Summer is still going strong and we’ve already planned our warm-weather vacation wardrobe. We’ve swapped out spring jackets for breezy dresses, sneakers for sandals, and treated ourselves to new sunglasses. With warmer weather comes shorter hemlines and stylish swimwear, which means we’ve been mulling over how to achieve the smoothest look year-round.
Disposable razors are convenient, but dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, says they can cause microscopic nicks and irritation. Waxing provides immediate results, but the upkeep and the pain of simultaneously ripping out dozens of hairs from our legs are as painful as it sounds. Enter at-home laser hair removal devices, which dermatologists and our hard-to-please editors swear by for their legs, bikini lines, underarms, and faces.
They zap unwanted hairs at their roots, significantly slowing regrowth and leaving skin smoother. While they don’t offer permanent hair loss, we’ve found the long-term effects are worth using one of these devices. After testing them for more than three years, we’re confident that you’ll also enjoy the long-term results they deliver. Most of these devices take anywhere from one to four weeks for initial results, and up to 12 weeks for full results to show. Starting now gives you enough time to ensure that you’re hair-free by your next vacation to these Travel Award-winning destinations.
Need more motivation to start now? It’ll take four weeks for visible results to show, which means if you start now then you’ll notice a difference by Labor Day Weekend, with better results by the time you enjoy a gorgeous fall wedding. So start your at-home laser hair removal treatments now, stay consistent, and by the time your next beach trip hits, you’ll forget what shaving even feels like.
Best Laser Hair Removal Devices
- Best Overall: Braun Skin i-expert
- Best Value:RoseSkinCo. OG IPL Hair Removal Handset
- Best More Affordable Braun Device:Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
- Best For The Face And Body:Ulike Air+ IPL Laser Hair Removal
- Most Amazon Reviews: XSoul At-Home IPL Hair Removal
So what makes laser hair removal devices worthy of a spot in your busy routine? They have an upfront time commitment: you have to initially use one up to five times a week. But after a few months, your upkeep routine drops significantly to once or twice each season. They’re also more cost-effective than professional treatments. Hear us out: A laser that costs $500 is basically the same price as a professional hair removal session, and the results from that in-office treatment won't last forever, but you will continue using your at-home laser for years.
Ahead, we asked seven dermatologists about how to shop for laser hair removal devices and their no-fail product recommendations. They also answered your most burning questions in our FAQ section after our product highlights.
What to Consider
There are a lot of laser hair removal devices on the market, which is why you should consider a few of these pointers before investing.
Device Type
IPL and diode lasers both slow hair growth and reduce the thickness of individual strands by scanning for pigment and targeting the hair follicle, says dermatologist Melanie Kingsley, MD. But, they each have their benefits and limitations.
Intense Pulsed Lights (IPL)
IPL is the most commonly used type of light in at-home laser hair removal devices. This technology uses broad-spectrum light to target melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its color. The light is also unsuitable for dark and deep skin tones because it can’t distinguish between melanin-rich skin from the pigment of dark hair, says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. However, if you have a fair to olive complexion with dark hair, then you’re an ideal candidate for IPL treatments.
Diode
Until recently, all at-home laser hair removal devices were IPL lasers. But Epilaser has a game-changing laser for home use. Unlike IPL lights, which emit a broad-spectrum of light ranging from 400 to 1,400 nm, diode lasers are unique because they use a more concentrated wavelength of light (around 810 nm). This precise wavelength means it can better target the hair follicles rather than accidentally burning your skin, making it more accessible for some people with darker complexions.
What does this mean for you?
Both are effective, but diode lasers are slightly more versatile. That said, no matter which one you go with, you’ll need multiple treatments to maintain your hair-free results.
Features
Flashes
One of the biggest considerations is the number of flashes a device is equipped to deliver. This number indicates how long the device will last, according to Dr. Nazarian. "Many devices contain about 200,000 flashes, which is typically good for more than 15 years, although it also depends on how many areas you’re treating," she says. Other recommendations on this list, like the Smoothskin, have unlimited flashes, which means they'll theoretically last forever, but are pricier.
Continuous Flashes s Single Flash
- A single flash emits one pulse of light, providing greater control and precision to smaller areas, including your face and underarms. The short pause between flashes allows your skin to cool down, which helps prevent irritation.
- Continuous flashes are fast, repeated pulses of light that removes unwanted hair quickly, making them ideal for larger areas like your legs.
Intensity Modes
Extra features like multiple intensity modes—lower options for sensitive skin; higher settings for those who want to see results fast (see the Nood)—or interchangeable heads for precise treatment all over the body (hi, Braun) can increase the price. The amount you spend comes down to the features you want in your device and how long you want it to last.
Cooling Capabilities
One of the best ways to reduce discomfort during laser hair removal is to use cooling technology. It lowers your skin’s temperature—before, during, and after each laser pulse—to help you better tolerate longer and higher treatment settings safely.
Treatment Area
Devices with bigger heads are more efficient on large areas. For more targeted flashes, opt for rigs with compact heads, such as the Iouniya Laser Hair Removal, which can be used on both the face and body. If you have sensitive skin, consider stretching your treatments out to once a month to start and gradually up the frequency once your skin can handle the laser hair removal treatment. The final hair-free results will take longer to achieve but at least you won’t risk irritating your skin. FWIW, she says you’ll notice thinning hair after your first four treatments.
Once you choose your device, know that it can take some time to see results. While every device is different, you’ll probably use it weekly anywhere from four to 10 weeks before noticing lasting results, says dermatologist Bertha Baum, DO. The final results might take longer to achieve, but you won’t risk irritating your skin. FWIW, warm weather likely won’t return until April or early May meaning you’ve got several weeks to achieve smooth results. Either way, Dr. Baum says you’ll notice thinning hair after your first four treatments.
Price
This technology has come a long way and, while pricey, it's a long-term investment that pays for itself. Think of it this way: A laser that costs $500 is basically the same price as a professional hair removal session, and that in-office treatment won't last forever but you will continue using your at-home laser for years. And FWIW, we found a few discounted, top-rated Amazon picks that start at just $42, but you’ll want to hurry since these are fleeting deals.
How We Chose
At Women’s Health, we prioritize hands-on editor testing to ensure you don’t waste your time or money. Ahead, is insight on what went into our editorial process while trying the latest and greatest at-home laser hair removal devices.
Editor-Tested for Over 3 Years
After testing these devices since February 2022, beauty director Brian Underwood, deputy deals and trends editor Eunice Lucero-Lee, and luxury commerce editor Sarah Maberry whittled down this list to 12 of the best laser hair removal devices. We also tapped contributors Jasmine Gomez, Lily Wohlner, and Brigitt Earley to ensure these devices work across most skin tones.
They all boast impressive features, are comfortable to use, and offer incredible value. Plus, these picks are FDA-cleared, so they’ve been evaluated for safety and efficacy. Several dermatologists also shared their no-fail laser hair removal tips and best in class product recommendations.
We Tried Price-Conscious and Splurge-Worthy Picks
And because we know what it’s like to ball on a budget, we also considered pricing. TBH, Laser hair removal devices aren’t exactly cheap. Many cost between $300-$600, especially when shopping from these expert-approved devices from well-respected brands, such as Braun.
To help, I carefully researched dozens of other cheaper, yet top-rated Amazon laser hair removal devices. Ultimately, I found four Amazon picks that are aligned with expert guidance and are currently discounted as low as $35. Talk about major savings! For added peace of mind, they all earned thousands of rave reviews from real Amazon customers.
So if you're ready to ditch daily shaving and bi-monthly waxing, we're confident—based on our own testing and our dermatologists' advice—that this list contains only the best, most effective options on the market worth your hard-earned coins.
Meet the Experts
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Bertha Baum, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida.
- Azadeh Shirazi MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, California.
- Melanie Kingsley, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Carmel, Indiana.
- Caroline Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago.
Are at-home laser hair removal devices safe?
Dr. Nazarian confirms at-home laser hair removal devices are generally safe and effective, citing a 2019 paper. The biggest challenge with many at-home devices comes down to their inability to differentiate between dark skin and dark hair due to their pigmentation. Dr. Nazarian cautions that melanin-rich complexions risk absorbing too much laser energy that increases the risk for burning. . If this is you, then see your dermatologist for a recommendation on the best laser hair removal treatments and devices.
It's also a good idea to do a patch test and not expose the treated area to sunlight for a week, says Dr. Shirazi. Your treated skin is temporarily more sensitive, and you risk sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and delayed healing. She also doesn’t suggest using the laser on tanned and tattooed skin, open wounds, moles, or birthmarks to avoid changing their appearance or cause accidental burns.
Truthfully, they're not optimal for sensitive or dark skin. Many at-home devices cannot distinguish between melanin-rich complexions and dark hair, says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. Anyone else can still give them a try.
And, like with salon treatments, it's important to practice patience—this isn't a "one and done" situation. Many devices need to be used multiple times weekly to achieve the initial results. Plus, each at-home session can take 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how much body and facial hair you plan to remove. While a tad annoying upfront, this minor inconvenience has a major payoff because your hair will regrow back slower over time with regular use.
Are at-home laser hair removal devices effective on dark skin?
Truthfully, they're not optimal for sensitive or dark skin. Many at-home devices cannot distinguish between melanin-rich complexions and dark hair, says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. Anyone else can still give them a try.
And, like with salon treatments, it's important to practice patience—this isn't a "one and done" situation. Many devices need to be used multiple times weekly to achieve the initial results. Plus, each at-home session can take 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how much body and facial hair you plan to remove. While a tad annoying upfront, this minor inconvenience has a major payoff because your hair will regrow back slower over time with regular use.
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Additional reporting by Brigitt Earley and Lily Wohlner.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.

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