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While there are many hair removal methods today, most of them are far from perfect. From in-grown hairs to razor burn, the pains of shaving and waxing have made many turn to laser hair removal, which promises a permanent reduction in hair growth.

Getting laser hair removal done professionally can be quite costly, but there are several at-home devices that are more affordable and still effective for zapping off hair. The thought of lasering your face or body may sound scary, so we talked to dermatologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about at-home IPL hair removal devices. When researching devices for this list, we looked for models with FDA clearance, proper safety features, and customer seals of approval.

Ready to say goodbye to unwanted hair? Below, discover the best at-home IPL hair removal devices to shop for now.

Our Picks

1. Ulike Sapphire AIR+ Dark Green IPL Hair Removal Handset

Top Features:

• Painless hair removal by Sapphire Ice-Cooling technology
• Savings more than $10k expense than hair removal at a beauty salon
• Salon-like hair removal in the comfort of your own home
• Safety and hygiene are guaranteed with no skin damage
• Easy to sensitize with its flat window design
• Treat all body parts’ hair with five intensity levels
• 284grams ultra-light compact design for travel convenience
• Effective hair reduction by 90% in just 4 weeks

Buy here: https://www.ulike.com/collections/ulike-air-series/products/sapphire-air-dark-green

Your Questions, Answered

How does laser hair removal work?

“Laser hair removal is a procedure in which a beam of light is used to destroy the root of the hair follicle to permanently prevent the hair from growing back,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The beam of light is selectively absorbed by the pigment cells within the hair follicle.”

While these treatments are much less painful than waxing, there can be some discomfort involved. “It feels like a snapping rubber band,” says Dr. Jaliman. “The more powerful the machine, the more discomfort you will feel. Some areas are more painful than others. However, it’s nothing you need painkillers for.” If you do feel irritation or pain, she suggests applying a cold pack to the area right after your treatment.

Is at-home laser hair removal safe?

“It is safe if used properly and instructions are followed,” says Dr. Jaliman. Like with any new skincare treatment, it’s recommended to patch-test a small area of skin and wait to see if any complications arise. “Don’t just start zapping your device when you take it out of the box,” she adds. “This puts you at risk of injury or even burning yourself. Treat one area at a time and don’t over-treat the same area repeatedly!”

Keep in mind that laser hair removal doesn’t work the same for everyone. “In general, laser and IPL hair removal devices work best when there’s more contrast between the skin and the hair. The best candidates for energy-based hair removal are those with coarse or terminal dark brown or black hair and lighter skin tones,” says Dr. McKenna. “Blonde, gray, or red hair lacks enough melanin needed to attract the laser’s follicle destroying energy, as does hair which is ultra-fine (‘ peach fuzz’). Similarly, dark skin with dark hair can lack the contrast needed to heat the hair and not the skin.”

Even though home devices tend to be weaker than salon models, Dr. McKenna says they can still cause irritation, hyperpigmentation, or even burns, especially in darker or deeply-pigmented skin. More brands are creating devices that can treat darker skin tones, though it’s always best to first double-check with the specific device and start with the lowest power setting. You can also consult with a professional at a salon if you aren’t sure if lasers will work for your skin.

How do I use a laser?

Just like with other hair removal methods, you have to take certain steps before and after laser to get the best results. “Do not wax or pluck the hair, as you need the root in place as a target for the laser,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Make sure that the skin is fully washed, removing any creams or cosmetics before using the laser.”

You need to shave all areas that will be lasered a day before treatment. You also want to avoid sun exposure, including using self-tanners, two weeks prior to treatments as they can make your skin darker and burn. Acid-based cleaners, peel pads, and topical retinoids can also make your skin more sensitive and should be avoided in between treatments.

After treatment, your skin might be a little irritated and red, so it’s best to avoid tight clothes, hot water, and any strenuous exercise for the next couple of days. As the hair grows back, it may start to shed, which is a sign that the laser is working. You can gently exfoliate the area to speed up the shedding process.

Each device has different instructions on how often to use the laser, but it usually takes a few months of consistent use to see significant results.

Are the results permanent?

While many people use lasers with the hopes of never having to shave again, there’s no guarantee the treatment will remove all your hair, forever.

“Multiple factors such as hormonal changes, medications, the efficacy of the device, and whether or not the treatment regimen was consistent will affect results,” says Dr. McKenna. “Touch-ups, spot treatments, and even ongoing treatments can be necessary with at-home devices. But for many women, it’s still better than the irritation and inconvenience of shaving, waxing, or tweezing.”

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