Which Hair Removal Device is Right For You?
Which Hair Removal Device is Right
For You?
There’s a good chance you’ve seen at least one enthusiastic TikToker with an at-
home device that promises to permanently zap away unwanted hair—or so they say.
Though it’s no substitute for a laser hair removal session at the dermatologist’s
office, “at-home devices do have the potential to be effective if they are used
consistently and properly,” says board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols, founder
of NicholsM. However, most at-home hair removal devices rely on Intense Pulsed
Light (IPL) rather than true laser technology hair care products. And IPLs use a wider spectrum of light
to destroy the hair-growing cells than a laser would, which can cause significant skin
damage. The key to a safe, effective at-home device is finding the right wavelength
of light. “Avoid devices that have a wavelength below 500 nm, as it’s very easy to
burn the skin with this type of device,” Nichols warns.
To ensure that you’re not causing any damage, look for a device that has an optical
filter designed specifically for laser hair removal beauty store. This will filter out any non-hair-
growing light beams and only let in the beams that will target your melanin and
disable your follicles. The size of the spot, or how large an area the device can treat,
and the intensity, or power, is also important to consider. A higher intensity setting
can damage your skin, so it’s best to start with a lower intensity and work your way
up until you find the perfect balance.
The best hair removal devices on the market offer a range of settings that adjust for
skin tone and hair color. Some are even designed to target the darker areas of your
body, like the neck and back of the legs. To help you decide which is right for you,
Institute Beauty Lab scientists and recommended by dermatologists.we’ve rounded up the FDA-cleared favorites that were tested by Good Housekeeping
This sleek-looking, handheld device is easy to maneuver and has four attachments
that can treat a wide variety of body parts. Our testers found it a breeze to use,
especially on their arms and legs. They also liked how quickly they saw results. “I
could see a difference after only four treatments,” wrote one tester.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this one from Tria Beauty uses a
true laser instead of IPL to destroy the follicles and reduce hair growth over time.
Testers were impressed with the results, describing this hair remover as fast-acting
and delivering satisfying results from their face to their bikini line. To get the best
results, you’ll need to commit to multiple treatment sessions; most people need a
minimum of eight to experience long-term reduction in hair growth. The
manufacturer recommends waiting between treatments to avoid burning the skin. If
you’re concerned about the device harming your sensitive skin, make sure to follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations for patch testing, which requires you to shave
a small patch of your skin and zap it with the device.
