7 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Men, According To Experts

Keep in mind that at-home laser hair removal devices are not as powerful as those you’ll find in a professional setting, so in general it may take longer to see results. “Think of them as more of a maintenance option” between professional laser hair removal sessions, says Dr. Hirsch. But before you buy one, there are a few more things to consider.

Type: In a professional setting, you’ll find a variety of actual lasers that a provider can use to remove and reduce hair. Using an actual laser at home is pretty uncommon since they can be way too powerful for home use. Instead, you’ll see that most devices use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which combines flashes of light and heat to target the melanin cells in hair, particularly the follicle, to kill it. IPL, while not as strong as a laser, is safer for at-home use and has been proven to be just as effective at removing and reducing hair. Sometimes you’ll find IPL combined with other technologies like radiofrequency to bolster its effects.

Flashes: Many at-home laser hair removal devices are not rechargeable, so think of the amount of flashes as your battery life. A flash refers to a pulse of light, so once you’ve used them up, you either have to refill the device (if possible) or get a new one. The good news is that most devices out there include more than enough flashes to adequately reduce hair for years, especially since once you achieve your initial results, you only need to use it every so often to maintain them. But, if you have especially thin or stubborn hair, or are concerned with running out of flashes, look for an option with a high amount or, better yet, unlimited.

Size: Yes, the size of the device matters, because you want something that’s not bulky, making it hard to hold and move around your body. But what also matters is the size of the window the light comes out of. A larger window means the device is able to treat a wider surface area quickly, which makes this ideal if you want to remove hair on areas like your chest, legs, and back. The downside, of course, is that a larger window can make it hard to use the device on smaller areas and for detail work. Many device will get around this by offering interchangeable attachment heads. Always consider the area you want to treat when choosing a device.

Power Source: You’ll usually find two options: corded or cordless, with corded being the most common. Like many tools, corded options allow for more power, and since these at-home laser hair removal devices require a good amount of juice, you’ll often need to use them while they are plugged in. Ultimately, this means that you’ll need direct access to a wall outlet while using them.

Modes/Settings: Many at-home laser hair removal devices will feature different modes and intensity settings that allow you to adjust the power of the light to avoid burning, irritation and other skin damage. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are planning to use it in areas like your groin or armpits where skin is naturally more sensitive. It’s recommended to start on a lower setting and gradually work your way up, but if you have very sensitive skin you may just want to keep it on the lowest setting. Results will be slower, but you’ll lower the risk of side effects.

FDA-Cleared: Most at-home laser hair removal devices make similar claims and use similar technology, so it can be hard to tell which are legit or not. A good rule of thumb is to look for a model that is FDA-cleared, meaning the FDA has reviewed and confirmed the claims made by the company and also deemed the device safe for at-home use.