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.

Our top at-home laser hair removal devices 2024, 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

Does laser hair removal work on stubble? ›

They can't even go over areas with hair that has a rough stubble because it damages the laser and increases the chances of getting burned/pigmented, as well as makes the laser treatment hurt more.

Will stubble fall out after laser? ›

What happens to stubble after laser hair removal treatment? After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

How well do at home laser hair removal devices work? ›

It depends on the person, but people generally see results within 6-10 treatments. As previously mentioned, the devices available for use at home are not as powerful as the devices you would find in a dermatology office, and therefore more treatments are usually needed. Does laser hair removal hurt?

What happens if you use IPL on stubble? ›

If you don't shave before your laser hair removal session, the light energy may not penetrate the hair follicle, resulting in an ineffective treatment. In addition, if the hair is too long there is a risk of uneven coverage which can cause patchy results.

Does hair remover work on stubble? ›

Nair will work on hair stubble if it's above the surface of the skin. If the stubble is very short or at the skin's surface, the cream or lotion may not reach it.

Why won't my hair shave off after laser? ›

If you feel like your hair isn't shedding at all, this could be due to a few factors. In some cases, the hair may be too light, the treatment intensity too low, or the hair might be in the wrong growth stage. Our laser hair removal experts can assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment.

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 do I still see stubble after shaving? ›

But if your razor is brand new, shave-ready, and sharp with a fresh blade , and you still get stubbles after shaving, your skin may be the problem. Sometimes, there can be too much dead skin on the surface that prevents the blade from cutting your hair accurately.

Can you overuse at home laser hair removal? ›

You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.

Do cheap at home laser hair removal work? ›

At-home laser hair removal does work...

...but that doesn't mean it's always permanent. You'll likely need touch-ups every so often after you've reached your desired results — and you may end up getting an in-office treatment anyway. "Remember, IPL is not true laser technology," says Dr. Haecker.

What happens if you use an at home laser hair removal every day? ›

Sometimes we hear that customers are using our 4X Hair Removal Laser every day, thinking that doing so will speed up the results. Unfortunately, using our hair removal device daily will not do anything but waste the number of laser pulses contained within the laser.

How to make at-home laser hair removal more effective? ›

Expert Tips for At-Home Laser Hair Removal
  1. Consider Your Skin Tone & Hair Color. Lighter skin with dark hair performs best for laser hair removal. ...
  2. Don't Forget a Patch Test. As a best practice, Dr. ...
  3. Never Pluck or Wax. ...
  4. Start With Clean Skin. ...
  5. Take Your Time. ...
  6. Prepare for Some Discomfort. ...
  7. Maintenance Is Key. ...
  8. Avoid These Areas.
Aug 18, 2020

Which is better epilator or at-home laser hair removal? ›

Epilation is cheaper than laser treatment, but the latter provides a far more risk-free and permanent result. You must always exercise caution when using an epilator. The device can lead to grievous injuries when not handled with care.

What to look for when buying home laser hair removal? ›

A machine with an appropriate window size will let you treat the area quickly. Operational power (in Watts): The more power the machines use, the more effective they are. If the power is lower, then the treatment will take longer. A device with 2000 Watts or higher would be a good choice.

What happens if I don't shave before laser? ›

Potential Risks of Skipping the Shave

Cause skin irritation: Unshaved hair can lead to post-laser redness, inflammation, and swelling. Increase burn risk: Longer hair can excessively absorb laser energy, heightening the risk of burns and blisters.

Does laser work on unshaved hair? ›

Unshaved hair would attract lower laser energy on your skin and less concentrated energy means fewer hair follicles will be treated. In fact, it has been found that lowered laser energy tends to actually stimulate hair growth rather than weaken the hair follicle.

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 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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