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The 9 Best Facial Laser Hair-Removal Devices for Smoother Skin
Over shaving or waxing? Reach for one of these high-tech tools instead.
Who has time for in-office treatments these days? When it comes to getting rid of unwanted body hair, the best facial laser hair-removal devices make it simple to achieve a professional-level finish at home.
According to dermatologist Hadley King, laser hair removal works by emitting wavelengths of light that target pigmented follicles at the root. “The light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles,” she tells Bazaar. Like laser devices, intense-pulsed-light tools, or IPL, are also commonly used for hair removal but use multiple light flashes simultaneously to target pigmented follicles.
Shop the Best Facial Laser Hair-Removal Devices
The rate of hair removal for each person depends on several factors, including your device of choice, hair color, skin tone, genetics, and hormone levels. “Darker, thicker hair usually responds better because it absorbs more light and generates more heat to kill the hair growth center,” King adds. “Lighter skin enables stronger energy to be used safely and will yield better results, at home or in the office.” Dermatologist Robyn Gymrek explains that you can expect to see a reduction in hair over time, though she notes long-term removal is possible if the device is strong enough and the hair is in the right growth phase. “If the follicle is damaged but not destroyed, the hair will grow back, but it will usually be thinner,” she says.
To extend the life of a professional treatment and keep your skin feeling baby smooth, we’ve rounded up the best facial laser hair-removal devices and IPL tools below. Keep scrolling our short list of top FDA-approved and editor-vetted picks, along with expert tips on taking care of your skin before and after treatment. Get ready to finally kiss that chin hair goodbye.
Silk’n 7 IPL Hair Removal Device for Face and Body
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Includes three treatment window attachments for more precise treatments
Cons
- Least effective on gray or red hair
- Some reviewers found the design bulky
The Silk’n 7 contains several features that Gymrek looks for in an at-home laser hair-removal device: a skin-tone sensor, multiple treatment window sizes, and a rotating head to target hard-to-reach areas. Although it’s a small investment, it’s certainly worthwhile if you want real results.
The IPL hair-removal device uses a combination of optical energy and galvanic energy to help open pores, allowing light to better target the hair follicles—a fancy way of saying you’ll see super-fast results. Dozens of reviewers sure did.
Customer review: “I’m impressed that after two months, I’m noticing thinner hair on my legs.... This product has done wonders for me, as I used to shave at least twice a week. And now it’s every other week!”
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Built-in skin-tone sensor
- Feels cool against the skin throughout entire treatment
Cons
- Not effective on red, gray, and blond hair
King counts herself a fan of Ulike’s IPL devices for at-home treatments. “Ulike’s hair-removal devices use IPL technology, and it’s the first brand to combine this with professional cooling technology to make the hair-removal process as comfortable and safe as possible,” she notes.
This device can be used pretty much anywhere: your upper lip, chin, cheeks, bikini line, underarms, legs, arms, chest, back. And it offers four intensities, making it great for beginners who want to target both their face and body.
Customer review: “The device is incredibly easy to use, with a simple, intuitive design that makes the whole process a breeze. I also love how quiet it is—no annoying noise, just smooth and effective results.... After just a few uses, I’ve already noticed a visible reduction in hair growth, which is amazing. Plus, the cooling feature keeps my skin comfortable throughout the treatment.” —Daisy
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Comes with two treatment window sizes
- Connects with an app for guided treatments
Cons
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones
- IPL devices aren’t effective on blond, gray, and red hair
If you’re new to the world of IPL hair reduction, consider Braun’s app-connected Skin i·Expert device. It offers step-by-step guidance with a real-time coverage tracker, ensuring you don’t miss an inch. Multiple attachment heads allow you to target tight spots, such as the chin and upper lip, then speed through large areas like your legs and arms.
The FDA-approved device also detects which skin tones are suitable for treatment and adjusts its flashes accordingly. Another appealing feature? The device won’t flash if it’s not properly aligned with the skin, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re doing it right.
Customer review: “As someone who has gone to a laser hair removal spa and spent thousands of dollars, I can tell you that this product has given me better results.... It took three sessions to start seeing a big reduction in hair growth. I just finished my sixth session, and the results have been better than when I went to the spa.”
CurrentBody Skin Laser Hair Removal Device
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Won our Beauty Icon Award in 2024
- Full-body treatments take as little as 15 minutes
Cons
- Large treatment window doesn’t allow for targeted face treatments
- Not recommended for use on darker skin tones or blond body hair
This multipurpose laser hair-removal device from CurrentBody earned one of Bazaar's 2024 Beauty Icon Awards for its speedy treatments and ability to “disable hair follicles at the root for permanent results.”
The FDA-cleared device utilizes a diode laser (translation: a narrow-spectrum light beam that targets specific molecules in the skin), so it works best on thick, dark body hair. Its effective cooling system keeps discomfort at bay during treatments.
Customer review: “I’ve been doing my legs for almost four weeks now and have already noticed that my hair isn’t growing back as quickly or as thick. The results I’m seeing are much faster than what I experienced with IPL before. I’m definitely going to be doing my underarms and bikini line now too.” —Victoria
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Suitable for use on all skin tones
- Six intensity levels and continuous flash mode
Cons
- Not effective on light-colored body hair
Those with deeper skin tones can enjoy safe, effective hair removal at home thanks to DermRays’s FDA-cleared diode laser. It’s one of the first at-home gadgets designed specifically for use on melanated skin.
The 1064nm diode laser harnesses the same technology as most professional machines used at med spas, only it costs a mere fraction of the price. With six intensity settings and a continuous treatment mode, it’ll help you breeze through a full-body session in as little as 15 minutes.
Customer review: “I have a very dark skin tone. Unlike the laser hair removal treatments I’ve tried at salons, this one doesn’t cause any burning sensation.” —Nae
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Travel-friendly size
- Large treatment window speeds up sessions
Cons
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones
- Not effective on red, gray, and blond hair
Foreo’s Peach 2 Go is small but mighty, making it the perfect choice for those who want to complete full-body treatments on the go. The IPL hair-removal device has a treatment window that’s triple the size of most competitors’, which allows for faster treatments with fewer spots missed.
It offers five intensity levels and two treatment modes for use on the face (below the cheek line) and body. A skin-contact sensor and an effective cooling system make for a safe and comfortable experience you won’t mind repeating.
Customer review: “A game-changer for at-home hair removal. It’s incredibly easy to use with the app, and I noticed results after just a few sessions. The device is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and perfect for travel.” —Tabitha
Jovs Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal Device
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Rotating head
- Treatment modes for different body parts
Cons
- Not effective on light-colored hair
If you’re on a tight budget, try the Jovs Venus Pro II. The IPL device uses sapphire ice-cooling technology to help your sessions be as comfortable and close to painless as possible. The pivoting head rotates up to 330 degrees for expert precision. Treatments are so quick that you’ll have time to treat larger areas like the arms, legs, and bikini line once you’ve finished your lower face.
Customer review: “I’ve used it on my upper lip, chin, and underarms so far, and I’m so impressed with the stunted growth. Went from tweezing my face daily to once every week or two and shaving my armpits every week or so, if that.” —Zandra
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Travel-friendly size
Cons
- Doesn’t include a cooling system
- Not suitable for darker skin tones
This compact IPL device from RoseSkinCo. will fit perfectly in the palm of your hand—and slip easily into your carry-on so you can use it anywhere. Its travel-friendly size also makes it great for targeting small areas of the face, such as the upper lip and chin.
Customer review: “I have PCOS and have been struggling with facial hair for years. I’ve done so many laser removal appointments, and they were not helping at all.... I was honestly so scared to shave my neck in order to use Lumi, but I trusted the process. It changed my life. The results were so fast, I could see a real difference in one to two months.” —Clotilde
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be ideal for beginners
Many at-home facial hair-removal lasers aren’t effective on light-colored hair, but this Iluminage Touch is proven to work on almost every skin tone and hair color. It utilizes FDA-cleared IPL and radio frequency to reduce hair thickness and prevalence over time. Reviewers say treatments are relatively painless and that the results are worth the patience and persistence.
Customer review: “It works, but you need to be committed and continue to use it once a week for two to three months. I purchased the epilator attachment, and that seems to improve the results and aid in slowing any regrowth. There is zero pain with this device, and I am impressed with the results of the Iluminage compared to a Tria hair removal laser.” —awesomeg8
Meet the experts
- Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Robyn Gymrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
What should I look for in a facial laser hair-removal device?
- Safety sensors: Gymrek recommends choosing an IPL or laser hair-removal device equipped with sensors that won’t flash if the device is not in full contact with the skin or if they detect a skin tone that’s unsafe to treat. She also says to look for machines that “automatically read and adjust the energy that will be delivered, so that darker skin is protected from injury.”
- FDA clearance or approval: Before purchasing an IPL or laser hair-removal device, be sure the technology is either FDA-cleared or FDA-approved. This certification helps indicate that the device is safe for use, depending on your skin tone and health concerns. “FDA-approved means that the FDA has decided that the benefits of the product outweigh the known risks, and manufacturers have to submit a pre-market approval application—as well as clinical testing results—to get approved,” explains Gymrek. “FDA-cleared means that the manufacturer can demonstrate that the product is ‘substantially equivalent’ to another similar legally marketed device that has already been approved.”
- Science-backed studies: Gymrek suggests checking to see if the device you’re interested in has scientific studies to back up its claims. Seeing before and after photos can also help you get a realistic understanding of the results you can achieve.
- Design: Consistency is key when it comes to laser hair removal, so choose a device that you’ll feel comfortable using. Something as simple as a rotating head, sapphire-ice cooling system, or multiple intensity settings can make all the difference.
How safe are at-home laser hair-removal devices?
Not all at-home hair-removal lasers and IPL devices are safe or suitable for all skin tones and hair colors. “Because these devices target melanin, the pigment in our skin and hair, the best candidates will be those with light skin and dark hair,” King says. “That’s the ideal setup so that the device can target the hair without damaging the skin. Darker skin will increase the risk of burning, and lighter hair can decrease the effectiveness.”
Most at-home laser hair-removal devices indicate which skin tones and hair colors they are suitable for, but we always recommend consulting a dermatologist before using any device.
How should I care for my skin after laser hair removal?
“Be gentle with your skin after treatments,” advises Gymrek. “I would recommend not exercising for several hours, as it could lead to friction on the area, and the sweating could potentially irritate the skin.” She also notes that it’s especially important to protect treated areas with SPF and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
When it comes to skincare, wait a few days after each treatment before exfoliating or using products with potentially irritating active ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C, and acids like AHA and BHA. Instead, opt for soothing products that focus on hydration and skin barrier protection.
How long will it take to see results from a facial hair-removal laser?
It’s important to be realistic with your expectations. “Facial hair removal takes a lot of treatments and patience,” Gymrek explains. “The hair is thinner and therefore doesn’t absorb as much light, so it takes longer to achieve results.” With consistent use, she says, you can expect to start seeing visible results within two weeks to three months.
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