We Spent the Last Three Months Testing 24 FDA-Registered At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices — Here's What Actually Works (and Painless)
Written by Megan Caddel
Hair Specialist & Senior Editor
After experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), we contemplated alternative hair removal methods this season. Since professional laser hair removal isn't the most time-friendly option (visits take up to two hours, & cost upwards of $400 per session), and some of us can't head out to an appointment right now, we're looking at the next best thing: at-home laser hair removal devices.
We tested 24 at-home laser hair removal devices, including models from Tria, HappySkinCo, Silk'n, Braun, and Aqwilux. We rated the best five options based on the following criteria:
Results
We tested how many weeks it took for us to stop our hair growth, ideally trying to stop hair growth a couple months into weekly use for hairless, silky skin to us.
Cost
If you were to go the in-office route, it would end up costing up to 400 dollars per session (between 6-8 sessions needed for laser hair removal. We were able to get great results with devices that ended up costing less than $300, with the best results from a handset costing just around $139*.
Best for At-Home Use
New York-based dermatologist Josh Zeichner, MD, considers at-home lasers a safe alternative. "Lasers work by emitting a beam of light that is absorbed by a specific target in the skin," Dr. Zeichner explains. "In this case, the light is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle to heat it up and destroy it, so the hair does not grow back. At-home devices work similarly to professional treatments."
We looked for the laser hair removal options on the market that remove hair long-term & were suitable for at-home use.
$139*
By far, everyone had the best results with the Aqwilux handset (known for their clinical devices, their at-home devices are also popular).
- Costs $254 at standard cost
- Quick 5 minute sessions (rather than the standard 20-30 minutes.)
- Painless treatments
- With glide mode - results take only 5 minutes per session
- The automated pulses make it very simple to use - unique feature only featured with Aqwilux and Remington.
Remington IPL6000q Ilight Quartz
$486
Mainly for larger areas, Remington can be difficult for precise laser hair removal; for those of us who used the Remington, it took about 14 sessions for permanent hair removal.
- Over several treatments inhibits future hair regrowth
- Difficult for precise areas.
- A bit heavy, but with heavy-duty results - for most of us it gave us results after just about 14 uses.
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X
$204
With Tria - it takes around 14-18 uses to stop unwanted hair growth. It's designed for more precise permanent hair removal as it does not include a glide-mode option.
- Good for precise use, but difficult for broad areas like the arms & legs.
- Complete results after 14 sessions.
- Priced at $449.
Silk’n IPL Hair Removal Device
$429*
Like Remington & Aqwilux, it's able to permanently stop unwanted hair growth after about 12 uses. It's loved for it's handheld size & simplicity of use.
- Comfortable, handheld design & easy to treat any area.
- Simple to use, it's a great choice for permanent hair removal.
- $429 at standard price.
- Similar to Aqwilux - Silk'n stops hair growth within 12 uses.
