The 10 Best Laser Hair Removal Tools, Tested and Vetted by Editors

This sleek, white-and-gold-hued laser device promises to provide a visible reduction in hair—sans cuts, bumps and ingrown hairs—after just two uses, according to the brand. But still, tester and PureWow editor Taryn Pire was a bit intimidated at first. “I read the entire user manual because I was scared of what it would do to my temperamental skin,” she told me, adding that—thankfully—it wound up being very easy to use. “I definitely say don't skip the patch test to make sure your skin won't have a bad reaction to the intense light, and be sure not to use it on tattooed areas.”

Due to her sensitive skin, she used it at first on the lowest setting. “I felt nothing during or after using the device. Next, I used the medium intensity setting. On this level, I felt a lightning-fast zap of heat for a fraction of a second, no matter where I used it. It was most intense on my armpits (even more so than my chin and bikini area). There, I experienced some red bumps right after using the product, but they went away in a matter of minutes, and I had no lasting pain.”

So far, the results are promising. “After three weeks of use, I'm feeling hopeful, especially about my bikini line,” Pire said. “The hair is still growing back at its normal rate (it should start coming in slower and patchier after a full month of regular treatments), but my skin has reacted fine in every area I've used it on. I was a competitive swimmer most of my life, so I've been shaving my bikini line since I was 12. I have scars and ingrown hairs that never go away, since I eventually go back with a razor and irritate the area whenever I need to. I also have light, fine hair on the bottom of my chin (courtesy of both my grandmas who passed this trait on to me) that I routinely pluck and remove with a bikini trimmer, since the skin on my face is so sensitive. If I don't need to do that ever again after 12 weeks, I'll be seriously thrilled.”   

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 10
• Modes: 1

If you’re a first-timer (like me), Currentbody makes it easy to test the device on your skin and work its magic. I focus mainly on my armpits, shaving them first and waiting four hours before using the device. The manual was easy to understand, and it even came with visual instructions so you knew exactly how to use the device. I stuck mainly at the lower intensity levels, but once I got the hang of it, it was super gentle on my skin. 

I did feel a slight burn, but the ice cooling technology (which works to maintain low temperature on the skin) made the experience better. It was comfortable and gentle to move around the area in a stamp-and-release sort of motion—plus, the beeping sounds make sure you don’t stay in one spot for too long. My body hair grows so quickly, so I was surprised that after a few weeks it’s been slowing down. I still have a few more weeks to go (as the device calls for 12 or more weeks), but I already see some progress. I would say it’s just very heavy, so prepare for an arm workout for the next 15 minutes or so. 

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 6
• Modes: 1

What the Foreo Peach 2 lacks in intuitiveness, it makes up for in comfort. I’ll let our tester, Destinee Scott, associate seals & deals editor, explain: “This is not a product that you're going to know how to use right out of the box. I couldn't even figure out how to turn it on, but the app helped me set it up. That said, there was a learning curve with this device, but once I got the hang of it, it was easy to use. It has a self-adjusting head that bends with your body, so it didn't feel awkward while I was using it under my arms. There [are] also modes for smaller areas (like the bikini line) so I didn't have to worry about my skin being exposed.”

Better yet, “the tool is totally painless, no matter where you use it,” Scott added. “If you're anything like me, the flashing lights might throw you off and make you feel like it's going to be a painful experience, but I can assure you that it's not. It was very comfortable and never irritated my skin. Like any laser hair removal tool, this one takes time to see results. At the 12-week mark, you may begin noticing that hair isn't growing back as fast. The thing I love about this specific one is that you can adjust the intensity to suit your skin type so you can get the most of each treatment. This tool is also supposed to have permanent results. While I can't say whether that's really the case, I can say that after 12 weeks, I started shaving less and less, especially my legs. I used to shave them almost once or twice a week, but now I don't even have to unless I want to touch-up.”

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 5
• Modes: 2

The Ulike device stands apart due to its claim of noticeable hair reduction within three weeks (rather than the 12 weeks from traditional tools). It has IPL technology that works to eliminate hair and offer a cooling effect to minimize any pain or irritation. As Audience Development Strategist Nicole Frazzini shared, "This device was very soothing to use and had a nice cooling effect that made it virtually painless. I only felt a slight sensation as I was using it, but it was very subtle and didn't bother me."

The unique design makes it easy to glide along the legs, bikini line or armpits. You can try the auto-glide mode that offers light pulses or manual mode for the pros. "This device has definitely done what it promises to do, but you really do have to stick with it to see results as it's not immediate (which laser hair removal never is). After about two weeks, I noticed it taking longer for my hair to grow back, and it's MUCH less prickly than before," she said.

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 3
• Modes: 2

This laser hair removal device is loved for its unique design that works to follow the contour of your body and prevent any missed spots. For Senior Editor Dana Dickey, she used it on her armpits and found it took six to eight placements on each side to zap all the areas. "I was initially confused that I had to be hairless to use the device (I guess I thought it would fry the hair?) and that the device needed to be flush on the skin for it to work. But once I got the hang of it, I just pushed the large button and waited for the red flash and I was on my way," she shared.

It promises to provide a full-body treatment in 10 minutes, so it’s easy to stick to a routine. And in terms of that routine, it’s recommended to use it once a week for 12 weeks for the best results—though the brand claims you can start seeing a difference in about two weeks. "My hair started growing more slowly after one use and now, after six weeks of using it twice a week...now once a week, I'm seeing hardly any hair grow back," she said. "Since I was a complete laster hair removal newbie, I liked how the little hinged guides next to the laser opening would help me make sure the device was the right distance for my skin to recieve the laser. I would recommend this to others. I'm going to start on my bikini line next!"

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 8
• Modes: 3

While many tools can rack up to $400, this Nood device offers the same experience and more for a half the price. The compact design has a large treatment window to cover any area. The brand says you can start to see visible results in just eight weeks if used consistently. Aside from the tool, you’ll also find two skincare products—The Revealer and The Reviver—which help exfoliate and soothe your skin before and after using the tool for a smoother appearance. Dr. Bowles recommends this one, especially for sensitive skin and those with a low pain tolerance. “Noodcan be a good place to start. This FDA-cleared device offers seven adjustable levels for comfort and includes a built-in safety feature that only allows it to flash when fully pressed against your skin, so it's pretty simple and gentle to use,” she shares. 

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 7
• Modes: 1

If you want a professional experience right from the comfort of your couch, consider giving this device a spin. The tool promises long-term results in 12 weeks—minus any ingrown hairs, redness or stubble. The oval design makes it easy to glide along the skin—whether you prefer your legs, arms or anywhere, really. “After using it for just three weeks, I can genuinely say it was a great decision to buy it,” one reviewer shared. “I've noticed such a wonderful difference in hair growth—there’s so much less of it now! I still see some hair in certain areas, but shaving has become a breeze and takes me way less time. I’m delighted with my results.” Just be prepared to set aside some time for this procedure, as a full-body treatment takes about 45 minutes for a smoother finish. 

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 5
• Modes: 1

Yes, the price tag is steep, but when you consider the longevity of the device, it may soften the sting just a bit. With the capacity to store 600,000 light pulses (aka 60 light pulses per minute) before it gives, the Silk’n Motion lasts much longer than most home devices on the market. It uses a combination of HPL light pulsing technology to halt hair growth at the root for longer lasting results. Reviewers also appreciate its sleek design and five customizable energy settings to treat a variety of skin tones. As one reviewer shares, “the Silk’n is easy to hold in the hand and also easy to use. You can choose the levels yourself, depending on the skin type. It can also be easily tested by trying it out on the skin. It is not painful, but sometimes [your skin may feel] sensitive. The device is making acceptable noise. As for the design, it is really very beautiful, and you have it delivered in a nice bag wrapped around it. It also makes it easy to store.”

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 5
• Modes: 2

If your skin is easily irritated or you’re nervous about feeling any sting during treatment, I’d point you to Jovs. With a pre-cooling mode that preps your skin before the heat is administered, users with sensitive skin reported feeling less pain or intensity when using this device as compared to others. Add to that the precision head, which rotates from side to side to reach the curves and contours of your body (like, say, the backs of your thighs). As one fan expresses, “it’s so quick and easy to use. You don't need to wait between flashes for the device to recharge like with some of the others. The face is also bigger and therefore covers more skin surface area. Since the device needs to be pressed against the skin, the fact you can adjust the head is huge. [It] helps to get those areas like the shins and ankles, etc. Also makes it easy for me to use the device on my back.”

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 6
• Modes: 6

With over 12,000 reviews (where 56 percent gave it five stars), this popular pick uses a gentle IPL heat to reduce hair growth. The built-in sensors continuously scan your skin and automatically adjust the intensity with each pass, so you get optimal light delivered to each follicle. For best results, use it consistently and remember that your hair comes in at different stages, so the progress will be gradual. It has five power levels and two modes (auto/manual) to use head-to-toe—plus, it comes with two razors and protective eyewear. One fan writes, “I've been using this laser for almost a year. I have PCOS and have a jawline, chin and thin upper lip hair. I used the laser four times a week, alternating every other day. After just 3 weeks to a month, my facial hair completely slowed down with little to no new growth. Over the year, it seems as if my facial hair issue is completely gone, but that just shows how well the laser works. PCOS is a hormonal issue so if the home laser sessions stop the hair will unfortunately come back. BUT, for now, my face is baby smooth, and I couldn't be happier.” 

Fast Facts

• Intensity Levels: 5
• Modes: 2