This At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Gets Rid of Stubble for Good (2024)

If you’re looking for smooth, stubble-free skin, the best at-home laser hair removal devices can actually deliver some promising results. Maybe you’re thinking of the painful devices of the past (you know, the ones that take forever to work), well, good news: These devices have come a long way. For starters, there are more options than ever. Not sure where to start? We spoke with real-life testers and dermatologists to learn more about laser hair removal. Trust us: You'll retire your razor after using these devices.

The best at-home laser hair removal devices, at a glance

Common laser hair removal questions

  • What is at-home laser hair removal?
  • How does laser hair removal work?
  • Does laser hair removal hurt?
  • Is laser hair removal safe?
  • Is laser hair removal permanent?
  • How long does laser hair removal take to work?
  • What to know about laser hair removal aftercare
  • What to know about laser hair removal and sun exposure

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  • 1/19

    Best Overall: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL

    You've likely seen this laser hair removal device all over your social feeds, and for good reason. For starters, “it’s quick and easy to use with three sensitivity modes—normal, gentle, or extra gentle—so it’s less painful than other products on the market,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley, couldn't agree more. In just 10 to 15 minutes, she tackled her armpits, legs, and bikini line. “It didn't hurt at all,” she says. “Maybe a tiny zing here and there, but nothing even remotely significant. And there's only one big button to press. If you hold it down, it'll even deliver continuous flashes, so you can complete large areas like legs in, well, a flash.”

    Braun promises results in as little as four weeks, and this time frame was spot-on in Earley's testing. “After weekly treatments for four weeks, 99% of my hair had stopped growing completely,” she says. Also nice: It comes with a precision head attachment for the bikini area, a Venus razor to aid with pre-laser-hair-removal, and a storage pouch.

    • Pros: Fast with a visible reduction in body hair in just a month
    • Cons: Not ideal for facial hair
    • Laser type: IPL
    • Intensity levels: 3
    • Flashes: 400,000 lifetime flashes
    • How to use: Shave with the included razor, then choose your comfort mode. Put the applicator in contact with skin, then glide it along the treatment areas while pressing the button. Repeat weekly.
    • What reviewers say: I’m on my sixth treatment and have already seen significant results! I use this every Friday and shave prior. I went to shave before my 6th treatment (one a week) and there was almost nothing to shave. I use it on my legs, underarms, arms and bikini area. I was very hesitant about buying this but did my research and read all of the reviews (not just on Amazon). If this doesn't work for someone, it's most likely due to user error, not using it consistently once a week or having the wrong skin-hair contrast (I have dark hair and light skin). I can't wait until the end of the 12 weeks as I am already so very happy with the results! —Kam, reviewer on Amazon

    Save when you shop for the best at-home laser hair removal devices with these Target coupon codes.

  • This At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Gets Rid of Stubble for Good (2)

    2/19

    Best Cooling Laser Hair Removal: Ulike IPL Permanent Hair Removal Device

    Since IPL works by heating up the hair, says Dr. Woolery Lloyd, things can get hot fast. This sleek little device uses cooling technology to lower the temperature to 50°F where it meets your skin, minimizing any pain from heat. It has unlimited flashes as well as a generously sized flash window, which gives you the ability to treat a larger area in a shorter amount of time. And, for easy use, each of the five intensity levels corresponds to a difference area of the body—so you don't have to figure it out yourself.

    “This was the first at-home hair removal device I ever used, and I was really impressed by it,” says Earley. “The cooling feature was a nice touch that made me more comfortable, since I was nervous it would hurt. Spoiler alert: It did not. I started to see results in a little over a month. Overall, this one provides a really great value.”

    • Pros: Intensity levels are easy understand
    • Cons: A snap feeling at higher intensity levels
    • Laser type: IPL
    • Intensity levels: 5
    • Flashes: Unlimited lifetime flashes
    • How to use: Glide the device over clean, dry skin. Repeat three times a week for the first four weeks, then twice a week for weeks five through eight. Monthly maintenance treatments are recommended.
    • What reviewers say: When I tested it, I didn’t know what to expect. Would it zap? Would it burn? How loud would it be? With just a click of the button only a bright flash appeared, nothing else (but be sure to wear the glasses as the light will damage your eyes!!) Afterwards, the area tested felt as if you touched the skin with an ice cube but only lasted for a couple minutes. The fan inside wasn’t too loud as it’s for a cooling effect. Overall, it well exceeded my expectations! —Kris, reviewer on Amazon
This At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Gets Rid of Stubble for Good (2024)

FAQs

This At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Gets Rid of Stubble for Good? ›

Best Diode Laser: Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X

Will laser hair removal work on stubble? ›

By destroying the hair at the root, you will no longer need to worry about hair curling back into the body and becoming ingrown or irritated after shaving. Laser hair removal is a proven and effective way to ensure your skin is smooth and stubble-free.

Why do I still have stubble after laser? ›

With hairs at different stages at any given time, a single laser session can only target hairs in the active growth phase. This discrepancy means that hairs not in the active phase during treatment will continue to grow, leading to the perception of stubble.

Does IPL remove stubble? ›

Shaving before your IPL hair removal treatment helps the light beam to focus in on the hair root. When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'.

Is there an at-home laser hair removal that actually works? ›

Yes, at-home laser-hair removal devices do work, but they take consistency. Because at-home devices use lower energy levels than in-office treatments, they require continued use (think: weekly, or every time you shave) to notice similar results, says cosmetic doctor Ana Mansouri, MD.

Does removing facial peach fuzz cause stubble? ›

Since vellus hair on your face is so fine and soft (unlike terminal hair), it won't cause stubble as it grows back.

What happens if you do laser without shaving? ›

If the hair is long, this can lead to the laser burning the skin because it traveled the length of the hair and attacks the closest source of melanin. In this case, the skin. However, if the hair is short enough, it will only target the hair until it reaches the root of the follicle.

Why do I look hairier after laser hair removal? ›

The appearance of increased hair growth after laser hair removal can be concerning, but it's important to understand that this is a normal part of the treatment process. Hair shedding, hair growth cycles, and misconceptions about hair growth can all contribute to the perception of increased hairiness.

Why is my hair still growing after 10 laser sessions? ›

After laser hair removal, hair is most likely to grow back on the chin, neck, and other areas of the face. This may be due in part to hormonal fluctuations and the reactivation of hair follicles by androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone.

Is it normal to still see hair after laser hair removal? ›

The truth is, nobody can ever be permanently hair-free by just undergoing laser hair removal treatments. In fact, you will still notice growing hair after each session, although it will be much lighter, thinner, and finer in texture, especially on the legs and arms.

Can I use IPL on my pubic area? ›

First things first, let's answer a pressing question: can you use IPL on the bikini area safely? Yes, you can! That is, as long as you have a device, like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, that has a specific attachment designed to work with the contours of this area of your body.

Do I have to shave every time I use nood? ›

Light is bright but I just close my eyes before each flash (you can wear sunglasses but they're not necessary). A faint smell if you have hair growth when you use it but you should shave before use so it focuses on the follicles and not the growth (don't wax - need the follicles there).

Does Dermaplaning get rid of stubble? ›

Facial hair can also make it harder for you to apply makeup smoothly and evenly. Dermaplaning temporarily removes the entire layer of facial hair known as vellus hair — dermaplaning does not permanently remove hair. Over time, facial hair grows back after dermaplaning.

What are the downsides of at home laser hair removal? ›

Downsides of At-Home Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Although the FDA clears most at-home laser hair removal devices, there's still some risk of side effects such as injuries, burns, and skin irritation. The risk is especially high if you use a machine that's incompatible with your hair color and skin tone.

Are at home laser hair removal machines worth it? ›

If you're looking to reduce the amount of hair you have or make it finer, then at-home laser hair removal devices are worth it. They're significantly more affordable than professional sessions and can be performed in a matter of minutes, making them much less of a time commitment.

Is home IPL better than laser hair removal? ›

IPL works best for light to medium skin types with dark hair, as well as targeting light brown hair. Neither method is suitable for blonde, gray, red or white hair. Although laser devices and IPL technology both use light energy, laser hair removal machines are proven to be more powerful.

How much stubble do you need for laser hair removal? ›

Answer: Stubble prior to laser hair removal

The less stubble present the better. The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle. If there is a significant degree of stubble on the surface of the skin, this can create a heat sink that increases pain and raises the risk of a burn.

Does laser hair removal work on shaved skin? ›

As previously mentioned, shaving the area is encouraged as long as no plucking or waxing is going on. A shave 24 to 48 hours before the appointed date is important. While the hair root is invisible, the laser can seek it out within the pigment.

How low should I shave before laser hair removal? ›

The reason for this precaution is simple – you want to remove as much hair as possible so that it doesn't absorb most of the laser's energy. When shaving, try to get as much of the hair follicle as possible.

How short should hair be before laser? ›

My recommendation is to have a close shave a day or two before your treatment. However, it's crucial to avoid shaving too closely immediately prior to the session. Shaving too closely right before your appointment can increase the sensitivity of your skin, making the treatment more uncomfortable.

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