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Photo:Shape / Marissa Stampolis
However, you canremove hair at homeusing these gadgets yourself.
At-home laser hair removal is similar to in-office hair removal, albeit with markedly less power for safety reasons.
You’ll likely see some noticeable improvements after just a couple of weeks.
PHOTO: Amazon
The brand states that up to 99% of hair can be removed with consistent use within 3 months.
After the initial 12-week treatment schedule, you may need maintenance treatments every four to eight weeks.
It makes the whole at-home hair removal process feel more pampering rather than chore-like.
PHOTO: Ulike
And thats hardly the coolest thing about it.
This machine is gentle and efficient enough to power through two to three weekly treatments.
Its also one of the easiest and most gentle to use.
PHOTO: NOOD
Testers described the feeling from hair removal as less painful than a rubber band snap.
They found it gentle enough to use twice weekly, but long-term results will require persistence and patience.
Its also designed to work for anyone with darker skin, considering it’s FDA-approved for all skin tones.
Nood The Flasher 2.0 is an FDA-approved device with a large digital display.Shape / Samantha Aronson
However, they were impressed by the hair removal unit itself.
Shape
Best IPL Laser Hair Removal unit
RoseSkinCo.
Each of these is suited to a specific body part or need, like ingrown hair or coarse stubble.
PHOTO: Amazon
This straightforward methodology makes it exceptionally easy to know which mode to use at any given time.
We found each feature helped simplify the at-home hair removal process, making it ideal for first-time IPL users.
We also love the cordless charging dock that disinfects and cleans the unit while its not in use.
The SmoothSkin Pure Mini Intelligent Ultrafast IPL Permanent Hair Reduction device has smart sensors.PHOTO: Shape / Ruby Grais
It has a standard gold head, two precision heads, and one wide head.
The standard head is best suited for use on underarms.
The precision heads are for the bikini area, chin, and upper lip.
The wide head is for larger areas such as the chest or thighs.
Before purchasing, you’ll want to check the company’s hair and skin tone chart.
Testers noticed a significant reduction in hair thickness after three treatments using every other week.
Be sure to follow the gear instructions and wear protective goggles or eyewear.
Its wise to shave before at-home treatment since hair will absorb the laser energy, says Dr. Hirsch.
The singe (and for many, the odor) is bothersome.
For best results, some devices even advise using an epilator before treatment.
Dr. Engelman says yes, “with the right machine.”
This varies based on the unit and the person, Dr. Hirsch says.
PHOTO: Skinstore
For the devices we tested, the average recommendation was weekly or biweekly.
If you have recently tanned, sunburned, or are pregnant, avoiding laser hair removal is also wise.
Shape writerMaddie Barberupdated this article in 2024 with additional expert-recommended picks and insight.
Iluminage Touch 4ever Home Permanent Hair Removal IPL & Radio Frequency System is for any skin tone.Shape
The Shape team used the following experts for insight and product recommendations for this story:
PHOTO: RoseSkinCo.
PHOTO: JOVS
The JOVS Mini Wireless Hair Remover device is sleek and compact with six intensity levels.PHOTO: Shape / Sophie Lucy
PHOTO: JOVS
The Jovs Venus Pro II Hair Remover has modes for specific treatment areas, including underarms.PHOTO: Shape / Michael Navarro
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 has automatic sensor lights and three interchangeable heads.Shape / Marissa Stampolis
PHOTO: Silkn
The Silk’n Infinity Hair Removal Device is lightweight and sits comfortably in your hand.Shape / Taylor Calta
