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The 10 Best Facial Laser Hair Removal Devices to Shop Now
Over shaving, waxing, or tweezing? Reach for one of these high-tech tools instead
The best facial laser hair removal devices make it a breeze to upgrade your at-home beauty routine or maintain the look of a professional in-office treatment. Board-certified dermatologist Hadley King tells Bazaar that laser hair removal works by emitting wavelengths of light that target pigmented follicles at the root. “The light energy is converted to heat, which permanently damages and destroys hair follicles,” she explains. Like laser devices, IPL, or intense pulsed light tools are also commonly used for hair removal but use several light flashes at once to target pigmented follicles.
Shop the Best Facial Laser Hair Removal Devices
How quickly a person experiences permanent hair removal is often dependent on several factors, including the device used, hair type and color, skin color, genetics, and hormone levels. Board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gymrek says it can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to see results.
“Darker, thicker hair usually will respond better because it absorbs more light and generates more heat to kill the hair growth center,” she says. “Lighter skin enables stronger energy to be used by the device both at home and in the office safely and will yield better results.” Gymrek adds that if the device is strong enough and if the hair is in the growth phase and is dark enough to absorb the light, long-term removal is possible. “If the follicle is damaged but not destroyed, the hair will grow back, but it will usually be thinner."
Which option gives you plenty of bang for your buck? We rounded up some of the best facial laser hair removal devices and buzzy IPL tools worth shopping that are each FDA-cleared or approved for use at home. And keep scrolling for more on shopping for the right hair removal device, plus, expert tips on taking care of your skin before and after a treatment.
Pros
- Features a large treatment window
Cons
- May not be ideal for targeted treatments on face
This multi-purpose laser hair removal device uses 15-minute sessions to reduce facial hair from the cheek down, along with body hair on your underarms, legs, and bikini line. The device uses a diode laser and six settings options to get skin its smoothest. It also features a cooling system to discomfort at bay mid-treatment.
One satisfied customer writes: "I've been using the CurrentBody Skin Laser Hair Removal Device on my upper lip, armpits, bikini line, lower legs, and even my toes. After just three weeks, the hair in all those areas has reduced and I can't wait to see what results I get in the next few weeks. It's so exciting!" —Rachel
Silk'n IPL Hair Removal Device for Face and Body
Pros
- Includes three attachments for more precise treatment
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Least effective on red, gray, or red hair
- Not cordless
The Silk'n 7 contains several features Gymrek looks for in one of the best at-home laser hair removal devices. Along with a skin tone sensor and rotating head to target hard-to-reach areas, there's no need for cartridges with this device. Plus, it uses a combination of optical energy and galvanic energy to help open pores and allow light to better target the hair follicles for faster results.
Ulike Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Includes skin tone sensor
Cons
- Not cordless
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones and ineffective on red, gray, and blonde hair
King counts herself as a fan of Ulike's IPL devices for at-home treatments. "Ulike's hair removal devices use IPL technology, and they are the first brand to combine this with professional cooling technology to make the hair removal process as comfortable and safe as possible," she adds. The device can be used on most areas of the body and provides four modes according to your removal needs. Its fast mode is ideal for in-between touch-up treatments, while the tool's high mode is ideal for thicker hair.
One satisfied customer writes: "I’ve been using this for about 4 weeks now and I can honestly say my leg hair is almost completely gone. It says to use it every other day, but there were times I forgot and used it later. Waiting on the day when my legs are hair free but until then, this works awesome!!" —Staci
Foreo Peach 2 go IPL Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Travel-friendly size
- Features five treatment levels and two modes for use on the face and body
- Features safety sensor
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones or on red, gray, and blonde hair
- Not cordless
This compact IPL device is small but mighty. Despite its travel-friendly size, it features a treatment window covers three times the skin areas than competitors, which allows for faster full-body treatments. Featuring five intensities, two treatment modes for use on the face below the cheek line and body, and a cooling system for a more comfortable experience, the device is said to deliver results in two weeks. It also has a safety sensor that only activates the IPL treatment when the device is making full contact with the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I don't have a ton of free time to go to a salon to get professional hair removal, so I took a gamble on this. I think it works great and has definitely slowed the hair growth and thinned it out! Great purchase and will continue to use and see how well it removes all the hair!" —Brittany W.
Pros
- Features LED display
- Ergonomic, easy-to-hold design
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Not cordless
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones or on red, gray, and blonde hair
At $200, the Flasher 2.0 is one of the least expensive at-home IPL options on the market. The FDA-cleared device features multiple modes that make for a more pleasant laser hair-removal experience, like a continuous glide mode so you can address more skin in one treatment and less intense modes for particularly sensitive areas, like the upper lip. It offers a lifetime flash guarantee and has an LED display window so you know exactly what treatment mode you're utilizing.
One satisfied customer writes: "I’m a swimmer and my bikini line is always a nightmare for me. This works so well!! I also use it on my upper lip and underarms. Love love love!!!" —Ash
Pros
- Includes multiple heads for different parts of the body
- FDA-approved
Cons
- Not cordless
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones or red, gray, and blonde hair.
Braun's IPL device includes both standard and wide attachments, that can be used on larger areas like the legs and arms, as well as on smaller areas like your upper lip or bikini line. Its FDA-approved design also detects which skin tones are suitable for treatment and adjusts its flashes accordingly. Another appealing feature? The device won't flash if it's not properly aligned with the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I've been using it for 5-6 weeks. The hair on my lower legs is almost all the way gone. Bikini line and under arms is taking a bit longer, but it has definitely slowed growth and is more sparse." —KLG
Jovs Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Features a rotating head
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Not cordless
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones or red, gray, and blonde hair.
Here's a stylish emerald green IPL device that uses sapphire ice-cooling technology to help your removal sessions be as comfortable as possible. Along with being aesthetically pleasing, it's also highly effective and uses an unlimited number of flashes plus a pivoting head that rotates up to 330 degrees for expert precision. The tool is great for minimizing hair growth on the face, along with larger areas like the arms, legs, and bikini line.
One satisfied customer writes: "I absolutely love this product!!! I’ve been using for several months now consistently every 3-4 days and there’s a drastic improvement and almost no hair on my legs. Still working on underarm and bikini area." —Jami E
Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System
Pros
- FDA-cleared
- Can be used to remove lighter hair shades
Cons
- May not be ideal for beginners
- Not cordless
This IPL and radio frequency tool provides permanent hair removal over time and is ideal for those with lighter hair or deeper skin tones. It also contains up to 120,000 flashes to give you more bang for your buck.
One satisfied customer writes: "I have had the Iluminage Touch now for over a month and I am very happy with the results! First it was easy to use...all you had to do was open the (beautiful) box and plug it in! After just a few sessions, I have already seen great results! I am now pool ready!" —NJane
Smoothskin Pure Adapt IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Easily glides over body contours
- FDA-cleared
- Works quickly to remove hair
Cons
- Not cordless
- Not suitable for deeper skin tones and ineffective on red, gray, and blonde hair
Sick of finding stray hairs post-treatment? Reach for this popular IPL device that contains two use modes, three modes for comfort, and adaptive technology to leave your face and body soft and smooth. Plus, the device's head nicely adapts to the curves of your body, making it easier to glide the device over your skin. And for safer use, it also features a skin tone sensor and four-point contact system to protect your eyes from flashing lights.
One satisfied customer writes: "I recommend this product to anyone interested in laser hair removal at a fraction of the med spa price." —Emily M.
RoseSkinCo. Lumi Permanent Hair Removal Device
Pros
- Compact
- FDA-cleared
Cons
- Doesn't include a cooling system
- May take up to 12 weeks to show results
This compact IPL device fits perfectly in the palm of your hand—and in your carry-on. It includes six intensity levels for a customized treatment and can also be used below the cheekbones to minimize hair on the upper lip and chin.
One satisfied customer writes: "I was a little unsure if it would work but I'm definitely seeing progress! I have no regret buying it and would highly recommend to anyone else!" —Shelly
Meet the experts
- Dr. Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Dr. Robyn Gymrek, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
What are some common features found in the best facial laser hair removal devices?
- Safety sensors: Gymrek recommends choosing an at-home IPL or laser hair removal device that is outfitted with safety sensors that prevent light flashes if the device is not in full contact with the skin, as well as skin tone sensors that "automatically read and adjust the energy that will be delivered so that darker skin is protected from injury." Some devices with skin tone sensors won't release a flash of light if it senses a skin tone that is unsafe to treat.
- FDA-clearance or approval: Before purchasing an IPL or laser hair-removal device, be sure the technology is either FDA-cleared or FDA-approved. This certification helps indicate that the device is safe for use, depending on your skin tone and health concerns.
"FDA-approved means that the FDA has decided that the benefits of the product outweigh the known risks and manufacturers have to submit a pre-market approval application—as well as clinical testing results—to get approved, explains Gymrek. "FDA-cleared means that the manufacturer can demonstrate that the product is 'substantially equivalent' to another similar legally marketed device that has already been approved."
- Science-baked studies: Gymrek suggests checking to see if the device you're interested in has scientific studies to back up its claims.
- Design: Consistency is key when it comes to laser hair removal, so you'll want to choose a device you will feel comfortable using to get the best results. Some features to look for include an ergonomic design, a rotating head, a cooling system to help ensure a painless application, and multiple modes and intensity settings.
Are the best at-home laser hair removal devices safe for facial skin?
Not all laser hair removal and IPL devices are suitable for both the face and body, which is why professionals recommend thoroughly reading your device's instruction manual and using tools as directed. "My concern regarding facial hair removal is that it takes a lot of treatments and patience," Gymrek explains. "The hair is thinner and therefore doesn’t absorb as much light, so it takes longer to achieve results."
It's also important to keep in mind that not all at-home hair removal devices are safe for all skin tones and hair colors. "Because these devices target melanin, the pigment in our skin and hair, the best candidates will be those with light skin and dark hair," King says. "That's the ideal setup so that the device can target the hair without damaging the skin. Darker skin will increase the risk of burning and lighter hair can decrease the effectiveness."
Many at-home laser hair removal devices indicate which skin tones and hair colors they are suitable for, but you should also consult with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure they’re safe for you to use.
Additionally, those with certain health conditions may be advised to avoid laser hair removal or IPL treatments, so check in with your doctor first.
How should I care for my skin after laser hair removal?
"Be gentle with the skin after treatments," Gymrek advises. "For several hours, I would recommend not to exercise, as it could lead to friction on the area, and the sweating could potentially irritate the skin." The expert also says to be vigilant with sun protection and avoid applying scrubs, topicals with acids, and retinoids for a day or more after your treatment if the skin is red or irritated.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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