2024’s Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According To Experts | British Vogue

Thanks to a new generation of at-home laser hair removal devices, you can now zap off any unwanted body hair without having to leave the house. In fact, the best at-home laser hair removal devices don’t just leave your skin feeling silky smooth and hair-free, they do so in the most painless way possible.

While shaving, waxing, epilators and electric trimmers are perfectly effective at removing body hair, they often come at a price, from ingrown hairs and itching to redness and irritation. Furthermore, unlike the best at-home laser hair removal devices, the results are often painful and temporary, which is why it’s time to think about levelling up your body care routine. We spoke to the experts for a 101 on laser hair removal. Below you’ll find everything you need to know, plus Vogue’s tried and tested favourites for your smoothest shave yet.

When it comes to eliminating unwanted body hair, at-home laser hair removal devices are the most effective. “Home hair removal lasers use pulsing light technology to target and destroy hair follicles, preventing hair from growing back,” says Brooks. “When the light beam is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, it converts to heat which damages the hair follicle and prevents hair growth.” It also works by decreasing the thickness of each individual hair, and the density of hair overall, which is why, after each session not only do less hairs grow back, but the thickness of each hair that does grow is massively reduced.

The length of time at-home laser hair removal lasts varies according to the device and individual hair growth pattern, which is why it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. “Most treatment protocols are once a week for 12 weeks,” says Talbot. “This means you catch the hair in different stages of the growth cycle. You’re likely to see results sooner but for long-lasting results, that 12 week cycle is important.” After that, you can use as and when for maintenance.”

Yes, it is recommended you shave the area prior to treatment in order to ensure the light is being directed to the hair follicles under the skin, rather than being absorbed by hair on the surface.

Read more: The Best LED Face Masks For Clearer Skin, Tried And Tested

The main difference between IPL and laser at-home hair removal is the type of light used. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light to target hair, while laser hair removal concentrates a single wavelength of light to target specific hair follicles. “Lasers are more effective for permanent hair reduction, while IPL devices may be better for treating larger areas of the body,” says `Dr Babamiri. “However both types of devices can be effective for at-home hair removal, but in-clinic treatments will give a more impressive and longer-lasting result.”

At-home devices use lower energy levels than in the salon, so are generally safe to use. “We always recommend checking the safety features of your chosen device,” says Talbot. “Having FDA approval is a good starting point as a device won’t have been passed through their rigorous testing program without proof of safety.”

The best at-home laser hair removal devices work on all different skin tones and hair colours. However, they are proven to be more effective when there is a greater colour contrast between the skin and the hair. Which is why not all devices work equally on darker skin or light blonde, grey or red hairs. Always check the colour chart for guidance.

Not only does Braun’s IPL beauty set neatly contain every essential for a smooth shave, but it’s also home to the smartest device on this list. Boasting responsive tech that assesses your skin tone and adjusts light intensity accordingly, it’s a sound choice for safe and effective home hair removal. You needn’t be a pro to master this tool either – the accompanying app offers instructions in real-time and a calendar that schedules and reminds you of your weekly sessions. Complete with attachments for everywhere from the face to the bikini line, it removes hair permanently in a mere matter of weeks, after which you only need the occasional treatment to maintain your results.

Vogue-approved review:

“Depending on your skin tone, laser hair removal can be complicated. In the past, I‘ve spared no expense travelling to specialist clinics that offer the right wavelengths for my Fitzpatrick 5-toned skin. Yes, Braun’s device is a considerable investment, but it is a fraction of the cost I’ve spent on repeat in-clinic appointments – and using it I’ve found it’s like having a laser technician on call in the comfort of your own home.

From exactly how to glide the tool over hair follicles to exactly when you’re due for another session, the Pro 7 Skin-i does all the thinking for you. It signals when you’re using the incorrect attachment for the area you’re trying to treat and reads your skin tone continuously, only pulsing light when its sensors deem it safe. As well as a built-in fan to keep skin comfortably cool, the carry case includes a quality razor to prep the area for your session. By week four, you’ll find there is barely any hair left to remove. It’s an absolute find for a lifetime of dolphin-smooth skin.“ – Tracy Achonwa, beauty commerce writer

Braun

IPL Pro 7 Skin-i Expert Beauty Set

Braun

Delivering 100 flashes per minute, this high-performing laser hair removal device can cover the entire body in just 10 minutes. Boasting three operating modes, you can adjust the device depending on the treatment area. Expect to see 97 per cent less hair in four weeks.

SmoothSkin

SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite

Amazon

Pain-free, quick, and ultra-efficient, this innovative home tool from K-beauty brand Ulike works to maintain epidermal temperature during treatment, eliminating any burning sensation caused by IPL flashes.

Ulike

Sapphire Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Handset

Amazon

Target all areas of the body with this 180-degree rotating device from Jovs. With six removal settings, you can treat the whole body in 10 minutes, while in-built anti-aging LED technology works to boost collagen and elastic production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and leaving skin bright and rejuvenated.

JOVS

Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation and IPL Hair Removal Device

Amazon

Boasting four different attachments to cater to different areas of the body, from the jawline and legs, to the upper lip and bikini area, this powerful device from Philips delivers 92 per cent hair reduction after just three sessions.

Philips

Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige

Philips

Emitting 400,000 flashes, this high-speed device from Braun treats both legs in less than five minutes, while its precision head allows you to reach more challenging areas. It’s also easily adaptable with two sensitive modes.

Braun

Silk Expert Pro 5

Amazon

Ideal for darker skin tones, this effective hair removal device works on all areas, opening up your pores and allowing the light impulses to target the hair follicles effectively.

Silk'n

Infinty 400k Hair Removal For Light To Dark Skin

Amazon

Read more: The Best Epilators For Silky Smooth Legs At Home

Cordless and so ideal for on-the-go body care, this effective IPL device boasts unlimited flashes for whole-body treatments, with the ability to adapt to suit your skin tone.

Sensica

Sensilight Pro With RPL™ Technology

Amazon

Look Fantastic

This award-winning device from Tria delivers salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home. Targeting hair at the root, skin is left smooth and stubble-free.

Tria

Hair Removal Laser 4X

Amazon

Read more: Which Hair Removal Method Is Best For You And Your Body?

With a self-adjusting bendable head, this laser hair removal device from Foreo delivers great results in just 12 weeks. With five intensities and two modes, it’s a versatile option that works on the face and in sensitive areas, too.

Foreo

Peach 2 Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device

CurrentBody

Beauty Bay

Not only is Bondi Body’s V2 Laser ergonomically designed to glide over the body, it’s also virtually pain-free. Better still, it reduces pigmentation, sun spots and broken capillary veins, too.

Bondi Body

V2 Laser @ Home

Bondi Body