Thanks to a new generation of at-home laser hair removal devices, you can now zap off any unwanted body hair without having to leave the house. In fact, the best at-home laser hair removal devices don’t just leave your skin feeling silky smooth and hair-free; they do so in the most painless way possible.
Vogue’s top at home laser hair removal devices at a glance:
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While shaving, waxing, epilators and electric trimmers are perfectly effective at removing body hair, they often come at a price, from ingrown hairs and itching to redness and irritation. Furthermore, unlike the best at-home laser hair removal devices, the results are often painful and temporary, which is why it’s time to think about levelling up your body care routine.
- Jump to the product reviews
- How we choose the best at-home laser hair removal
- Why you can trust us
- How does laser hair removal work?
- What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
- Is laser hair removal permanent?
- Do laser hair removal devices work on all skin tones?
- What to look for in an at-home laser hair removal device
- Meet the experts
The at-home hair removal market is constantly evolving, and with the improvement in technology, laser is becoming an increasingly popular option for long-lasting results. The Vogue team wanted to put that to the test. We called on experts, both dermatologists and our editorial teams from the US to the UK, to road-test the most popular devices on the market, taking into consideration features like built-in cooling, automatic sensors, treatment window and speed for a fast, effective hair removal experience.
The following at-home laser hair removal devices were thoroughly tested over the treatment windows detailed by each individual brand and beyond to find out whether the defuzzing continued long after use. We only included models that effectively removed hair, were easy to use and packed performance and punch.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know, plus Vogue’s tried and tested favourites for your smoothest shave yet.
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Not only does Braun’s IPL beauty set neatly contain every essential for a smooth shave, but it’s also home to the smartest device on this list. Boasting responsive tech that assesses your skin tone and adjusts light intensity accordingly, it’s a sound choice for safe and effective home hair removal. You needn’t be a pro to master this tool either – the accompanying app offers instructions in real-time and a calendar that schedules and reminds you of your weekly sessions. Complete with attachments for everywhere from the face to the bikini line, it removes hair permanently in mere weeks, after which you only need the occasional treatment to maintain your results.
- FDA Approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 3
- How to use it: Remove all visible hair with the included razor and pat your skin dry. Select the appropriate treatment head: standard for underarms, precision for bikini, chin, and upper lip, and wide for larger areas. Plug in, turn on, and choose a sensitivity mode. Ensure the nozzle fully contacts your skin; a white light indicates proper contact. For large areas, hold the treatment button and glide; for smaller areas, press and release.
- Vogue-approved review: “Laser hair removal can be tricky depending on your skin tone. In the past, I’ve spent a fortune visiting specialised clinics that offered the right technology for my Fitzpatrick type 5 skin. While Braun’s device is certainly an investment, it’s still a fraction of what I’ve paid for repeated in-clinic treatments — and it delivers results that feel like having a professional laser technician available at home.
- The Pro 7 Skin-i takes the guesswork out of the process — from how to move the device over the skin to exactly when your next session should be. It automatically alerts you if you’re using the wrong attachment for a specific area and continuously scans your skin tone, only emitting pulses when it’s safe to do so. With a built-in fan to keep your skin cool and a high-quality razor included for prepping the area, the entire experience is streamlined. By the fourth week, there’s barely any hair left to treat. It’s truly a game-changer for achieving long-lasting, silky-smooth skin.” – Tracy Achonwa, beauty writer
- Complete with smart technology
- Visible results
- Easy to use
- Comes with multiple heads, which can be a pro but also requires more kit
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Of all the hair removal devices on this list, this one gets aesthetician Kristin Gunn’s vote. Unlike the other options that use IPL technology with a diffused light effect, this one uses an 810nm diode laser – essentially a focused laser beam. “This penetrates deeper into the hair follicle, where it really needs to be, to stop hair growth,” she says. In layman’s terms, with the hair follicle destroyed, hair cannot grow. While it’s an investment, it’s still cheaper than visiting a med spa or clinic for hair removal.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: Diode Laser
- Intensity levels: 6 intensity levels
- How to use it: Perform a patch test 24 hours before the first treatment. Shave the treatment area four hours beforehand, ensuring it is clean and dry. Plug in the device and hold the power button for two seconds to start. Press the treatment window against your skin and use a ‘stamp and release’ motion.
- Fast results
- Noticeable change in hair growth
- Easy to follow instructions
- Dual action button can be challenging
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This compact device offers precision treatment for targeted areas as well as delivering a smooth, full-body experience when desired. It flashes automatically, eliminating the need to press a button, while the advanced ice-cooling technology prevents overheating and soothes your skin for a comfortable, pain-free session. Setting this device apart from others is its five presets, each designed for different parts of the body, ensuring the perfect setting for your specific needs.
- FDA approved: SGS certified
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 5 modes for different parts of the body
- Hair grows back much thinner
- Easy to use
- Pain-free
- Initial outlay but likely money saver in the long run
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Boasting four different attachments to cater to different areas of the body, this powerful device from Philips promises 92 per cent hair reduction after just three sessions. Including sizes for everywhere from the jawline and arms to the upper lip and bikini line, you’ll appreciate the snap-on heads and their neat storage case if you favour a full body shave.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 5 adjustable settings
- How to use it: Place the device head in full contact with your skin and press the pulse button until the light flashes. Philips recommend treating the desired area once every 2 weeks for the first 2 months, after which you only need monthly touch-ups to prevent hair regrowth.
- Multiple attachments
- Quick treatment process
- Auto adapts to skin tone
- Much be consistent to see results
- Why we like it: With a self-adjusting bendable head, this laser hair removal device from Foreo is especially great for the bikini line and areas that are typically harder to reach. It’s got five intensities and two modes, making it a versatile option that works on the face and areas where skin is more sensitive too.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 5
- How to use it: Shave, then apply Foreo’s purpose-formulated cooling prep gel and massage until it has absorbed into the treatment area. Plug in the device and adjust it to your desired intensity, using levels 1-3 for more sensitive areas. Press and hold the flash button to glide over large treatment areas, or pulse in place and repeat.
- Editor’s tip: Ensure the device head is kept flush against the treatment area, or the light will not pulse evenly.
- Large coverage
- Self-adjusting head
- Precise
- Some issues reported with flash activation
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Cordless and so ideal for on-the-go body care, Sensica’s device boasts unlimited flashes for whole-body treatments, plus sensors that adapt the intensity of energy emitted to suit your skin tone. With the ultra-fast mode, you can treat large areas like the legs in minutes – its rapid 3-second pulse rate makes sessions quick and convenient.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: Sensica RPL™ (reactive intense pulsed light)
- Intensity levels: 6 adjustable settings
- How to use it: Switch on and select a baseline intensity level, then pulse over your desired treatment area. The patented RPL technology will adjust the intensity of light according to your skin tone and the thickness of the hair you have, so it is as simple as gliding a razor over the skin, but with more permanent hair reduction results.
- Built-in sensors for ease
- Cordless design
- Different attachments for different areas
- Relatively loud
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Ideal for darker skin tones, this laser hair removal device has been designed to work on nearly all shades of hair and skin, with the only exception being grey strands that lack sufficient melanin for targeted heating. The real clincher here is the addition of galvanic energy, which opens your pores during use so that light beams can target unwanted hair right at the root.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL + Galvanic energy
- Intensity levels: 5
- How to use it: Prepare the skin by shaving, plug in the device and glide it across the skin, pressing the centre button to trigger the pulsed light. After the galvanic current stops, your pores will reset, and may even shrink – we recommend applying a light body lotion to maximise the smooth appearance of the skin you’ll see as a result.
- Small device so transportable
- Quick results
- Easy to handle
- May not suit darker skin tones
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While we wouldn’t describe IPL as painful, it can get uncomfortably hot at times, and this pick is a godsend for those with a low pain tolerance. Quick and ultra-efficient, the innovative home tool from K-beauty brand Ulike works to maintain epidermal temperature during treatment, eliminating any burning sensation caused by IPL flashes. It also includes goggles to protect the eyes from intense flashes, and auto sensors that read your skin tone to flash only the safest amount of light.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 4 modes for light fuzz to stubborn hairs
- Built-in sensor so it automatically adjusts to the right strength
- Cooling feature included
- Auto-glide option for a speedy experience
- May not be suitable for deeper skin tones or lighter hair colours
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Small but mighty, this high-performing laser hair removal device delivers 100 flashes per minute, and can cover the entire body in just 10 minutes. There are three operating modes, so you can adjust the intensity according to the treatment area – especially useful for sensitive skin around the face. Expect to see 97 per cent less hair in four weeks.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 3
- How to use it: Plug in, press the button in the centre and place on clean-shaven skin to target the hair follicles. Use once a week for up to 12 weeks, then once every month to maintain your results.
- Automatically adaptive to skin tone
- Compact size makes it easier to hold
- Small head so takes longer for areas like legs
- May not suit darker skin tones
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This hair removal device uses IPL for hair reduction, but what dermatologist Dr Alexandra Bowles likes best is its sapphire ice coolant, which helps minimise heat damage, burns, and hyperpigmentation. It also boasts red LED technology – which works to boost collagen and elastin production – so it’s a great pick for brightening old scars on the legs and arms too.
- FDA approved: Yes
- Laser type: IPL
- Intensity levels: 6 intensity levels
- How to use it: Shave the area you wish to treat. Plug in and turn on the device, then select your energy level. The cooling mode starts automatically; adjust as needed. Wear goggles, place the device vertically on your skin, and press the button. After treatment, switch to SR mode and use the SR head to restore skin smoothness.
- Built-in cooling feature
- Comfortable experience
- Quick flash for speed
- Full body can be length treatment
FAQs
How does laser hair removal work?
At-home laser hair removal devices are among the most effective solutions for reducing unwanted body hair. “These devices use pulsed light technology to target and destroy hair follicles, which helps prevent future hair growth,” explains Brooks. “The light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and converted into heat, which damages the follicle and disrupts its ability to grow hair.” Over time, this process also thins out individual hairs and reduces overall hair density. As a result, with each treatment session, fewer hairs return – and those that do are significantly finer.
How long does home laser hair removal last?
The longevity of results from at-home laser hair removal depends on both the device used and an individual’s unique hair growth cycle, making it essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines closely. “Most treatment plans recommend weekly sessions for about 12 weeks,” says Talbot. “This schedule helps target hairs at various stages of their growth cycle. While you might notice improvements earlier, the full 12-week regimen is key for lasting results. After that, you can continue with occasional maintenance treatments as needed.” It's also important to set realistic expectations. Dr Bowles notes that these devices typically offer permanent hair reduction, not complete removal. “Results vary from person to person,” she explains. “Treated hair often becomes finer, lighter and grows more slowly, but it may not disappear entirely.”
Do you have to shave before doing at-home laser?
Yes, it is recommended you shave the area prior to treatment in order to ensure the light is being directed to the hair follicles under the skin, rather than being absorbed by hair on the surface.
Read more: The Best LED Face Masks For Clearer Skin, Tried And Tested
What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
The main difference between IPL and laser at-home hair removal is the type of light used. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light to target hair, while laser hair removal concentrates a single wavelength of light to target specific hair follicles. “Lasers are more effective for permanent hair reduction, while IPL devices may be better for treating larger areas of the body,” says Dr Babamiri. “Both types of devices can be effective for at-home hair removal, but in-clinic treatments will give a more impressive and longer-lasting result.”
Is laser hair removal safe?
At-home devices use lower energy levels than clinical devices, so are generally safe to use. “We always recommend checking the safety features of your chosen device,” says Talbot. “Having FDA approval is a good starting point as a device won’t have been passed through their rigorous testing program without proof of safety.”
Do laser hair removal devices work on all skin tones?
The best at-home laser hair removal devices work on all different skin tones and hair colours. However, they are proven to be more effective when there is a greater colour contrast between the skin and the hair, which is why not all devices work equally on darker skin or light blonde, grey or red hairs. Always check the colour chart for guidance. Due to their action on melanin, many devices are generally not recommended as safe for use in those with dark (Fitzpatrick type 5 and 6) skin tones.
What to look for in an at-home laser hair removal device
When choosing an at-home laser hair removal device, it’s important to evaluate several key factors to ensure it’s safe, effective and user-friendly. Dr Bowles recommends looking for FDA clearance, which indicates the device has been tested for safety and performance. “Make sure the device is compatible with your skin tone,” she says, noting that some models may not be safe or effective for darker complexions. It’s also crucial to confirm whether the device will work with your hair colour, as many are less effective on lighter shades such as blonde or grey. Consider whether you prefer a laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) device — while IPL uses broad-spectrum light, laser devices emit a single, focused wavelength and tend to offer more lasting results. Choose a device with adjustable energy settings so you can tailor treatments to your skin sensitivity and hair thickness. Dr Bowles also stresses the importance of wearing protective eyewear during use, as the light emitted can cause eye irritation or sensitivity.
Meet the experts:
- Caroline Brooks is a skin specialist and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa.
- Heather Talbot is a product expert at CurrentBody.
- Dr Kajal Babamiri is an aesthetic doctor at Clnq Clinic.
- Dr Alexandra Bowles is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Mona Dermatology.