Blog
The Best At-Home IPL and Laser Hair Removal Devices for Every Skin Tone (Plus, the Top Deals at Amazon)
The Best At-Home IPL and Laser Hair Removal Devices for Every Skin Tone (Plus, the Top Deals at Amazon)
Although we love to splurge on visiting spas and clinics to indulge in the latest star-worthy facials and treatments IRL, nothing beats the convenience of enjoying high-tech health and beauty gadgets from the comfort of your home. When it comes to skin-care tools — specifically long-term hair removal — some folks may also prefer the privacy of treating skin at home. They also may want a more permanent solution beyond shaving or waxing. This is why some of the best at-home IPL laser hair removal devices have seen a rise in popularity among stars and fans alike.
At a Glance: The Best IPL and Laser At-Home Hair Removal Devices
- BEST IPL DEVICE OVERALL: Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5, $349
$430 - BEST CLINICAL-LEVEL DEVICE: EpiLaser 980, $$995
- BEST WITH SKIN-CARE TREATMENTS: Nood Flasher Pro, $349
$399 - BEST VALUE: Ulike Air 3, $240
$329 - BEST UNDER $50: Meukpe’s IPL Laser Hair Removal Device, $38
$67 - BEST UNDER $100: Lysmoski IPL Laser Hair Removal Device, $55
$86 - BEST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: Braun Silk Expert Mini, $199
Laser vs. IPL Hair Removal: What’s the Difference?
Laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal devices use different types of light to remove body hair by targeting and destroying the hair follicle to prevent growth. Most laser hair removal treatments are administered by professionals at medical spas and salons, and use a more targeted and powerful light to reach deeper into the dermis to directly reach the hair follicle. Professional laser treatments are more expensive but deliver results faster.
IPL hair removers can be done at home and can deliver results when used as recommended, but usually requires more treatments to see results. Some devices administer as 999,000 flashes of light, making at-home treatments more affordable.
“At-home devices are generally weaker versions of in-office procedures and do not yield comparable results while carrying higher risks of complications,” Dr. Teresa Song, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, tells The Hollywood Reporter. “In-office lasers used in medical spas for hair removal, which undergo FDA monitoring, are considerably more effective, and carry less risk of burns and hyperpigmentation compared to at-home devices when performed by experienced physicians.”
Song adds that while at-home IPL devices and other DIY skin treatments (such as LED light therapy masks) are cleared by the FDA for use in hair removal, they may potentially lead to complications if used incorrectly. For example, not all treatments are recommended for dark-brown to black skin, or Fitzpatrick Skin Tones V to VI.
Keeping Song’s sage insight in mind, we’ve scoured the web for the most well-reviewed IPL hair removal devices out there. Our list includes everything you need to know about how to choose the best at-home IPL and laser hair removal tools, including which Fitzpatrick Skin Tones they’re suited for, the number of flashes, the laser wavelength (power level range) and more criteria to consider.
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 Laser Hair Removal System
Laser wavelength: 500-2000nm
No. of power levels: 10
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: Yes
Time to expect results: 2 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to V (very fair to brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
If you’re new to at-home hair removal, start with Braun’s latest version of its best-selling Silk Expert Pro 5 hair removal device, which claims to be “the safest, fastest and most efficient IPL.” The new model now features the latest SKinPro 2.0 technology that can automatically and continuously adapt to your skin tone. The device also covers a wider range of skin tones compared to the others on our list.
It also offers head-to-toe treatments via three new hair removal attachments: a standard head for lower legs, arms and armpits; a wide head for the back, chest and upper legs; and two precision heads for the chin, upper lip and intimate areas.
Fans appreciate the device’s three intuitive power modes (standard, gentle, extra gentle), with the most sensitive setting being a go-to for first-time users. Good for 400,000 flashes (or uses), which the brand says will last about six years. The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 comes with the most accessories, including a standard cap, two precision cap, a wide cap, a Venus razor and a chic vanity case.
EpiLaser 980 Laser Hair Removal Device
Laser wavelength: 980nm
No. of power levels: 1
Modes: Auto
Cooling system: No
Time to expect results: 12 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: Yes
Suitable for: Upper lip, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones V to VI (medium to dark brown tones; light brown to black hair colors)
One of the only at-home devices safe for Fitzpatrick Skin Tones 5 and 6, the Epilaser 980 laser hair remover uses its patented Smart Precise Optical Targeting (SPOT) technology to deliver clinical-quality results at home. It does this by identifying, isolating and treating individual hair follicles without affecting the skin’s melanin. It’s also the only item on our list with a rechargeable battery, making it great for traveling. The company also offers the EpiLaser 808 for light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick scale I to IV).
Nood Flasher Pro
Laser wavelength: Not listed online; estimated 540-1200nm
No. of power levels: 5
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: Yes
Time to expect results: 4 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to IV (very fair to olive light-brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
Nood’s new Flasher Pro is the only IPL hair removal device on our list that can also be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. The company says the device offers “clinical-grade” results at home, thanks to its MaxPulse IPL technology that reaches the full depth of the dermis. features two lenses: one for hair removal and another for anti-aging treatments.
The device also includes two free daily aftercare serums when you shop directly through Nood’s website.
Ulike Air 3 Ice-Cooling IPL Device
Laser wavelength: 560-1200nm
No. of power levels: 3
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: Yes
Time to expect results: 3 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to IV (very fair to olive light-brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
Laser hair removal devices that feature a cooling system help increase the comfort level of the entire experience. Users love Ulike’s Air 3 IPL device for its clinical-grade hair-removing technology, which retains an ice-cooling sensation at 67°F for a nearly painless hair solution at home. It features three modes: Soft (for face and upper lip), Body (for legs and arms) and Power Mode (for the arm pits and bikini area). The Air 3 also has an Auto-Glide Mode that automatically emits pulses at regular intervals, and a Manual Mode to give you more control during your treatment. Plus, save an extra 27 percent when you use the product page code at checkout.
The brand does not recommend the Air 3 for those with brown or dark brown skin tones, or red, light blonde or white/gray hair.
For a limited time, upgrade to the Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device and save 23 percent off.
Meukpe IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Laser wavelength: 600-1200nm
No. of power levels: 5
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: No
Time to expect results: 8 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to IV (very fair to olive light-brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
Another Amazon favorite is Meukpe’s IPL device, which is accessibly priced, easy to use, offers five energy level settings and comes with two working modes: manual and auto. It can be used on the bikini area, armpits, upper lip, chin, face, back, chest, stomach, arms and legs. Good for 999,900 flashes.
Lysmoski IPL Laser Hair Removal with Cooling System
Laser wavelength: 600-1200nm
No. of power levels: 9
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: Yes
Time to expect results: 8 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to IV (very fair to olive light-brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
Lysmoski’s laser hair removal device and cooling system features an ergonomically designed shape and lightweight feel, and comes with a built-in cooling mechanism that makes the hair removal process substantially more comfort. This device can get a full hair removal done in just 12 minutes.
Braun IPL Silk Expert Mini
Laser wavelength: 500-2000nm
No. of power levels: 1
Modes: Auto and manual
Cooling system: No
Time to expect results: 2 weeks
Portable/rechargeable: No
Suitable for: Face, arms, armpits, chest, stomach, bikini area, legs, back
Recommended for: Fitzpatrick Skin Tones I to V (very fair to brown skin tones; black to dark blonde hair colors)
Braun Silk Expert Mini is a compact version of the brand’s best-selling hair removal device. It features the same SensoAdapt skin sensor for automatically adapting to your skin tone and is designed for hair on the chest, back, arms, stomach and legs.
The brand says to expect long-lasting, visible results within three months and a capacity of up to 300,000 flashes (or the equivalent of 16 years of full body treatments). The corded hair remover comes with a handy travel pouch, too.