Keep in mind that at-home devices are not as powerful as the ones found in a professional setting, so in general it may take longer to see results. “Think of them as more of a maintenance option” between professional laser-hair-removal sessions, says Dr. Hirsch. But before you buy one, there are a few more things to consider.
Type: In a professional setting, a provider may have a variety of actual lasers to remove and reduce hair. At-home lasers are pretty uncommon, since they can be way too powerful in that setting. Instead, you’ll see that most devices use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which combines flashes of light and heat to target the melanin cells in hair (particularly the follicle) in order to kill it. IPL, while not as strong as a laser, is safer for at-home use and has proved to be just as effective at removing and reducing hair. Sometimes you’ll find IPL combined with other technologies, like radiofrequency, to bolster its effects.
Flashes: Many of these are not rechargeable, so think of the number of flashes as your battery life. A flash refers to a pulse of light; as soon as you’ve used all of them up, you either have to refill the device (if possible) or get a new one. The good news is that most devices out there include more than enough flashes to adequately reduce hair for years, especially since once you achieve your initial results, you only need to use it every so often to maintain them. But if you have particularly thin or stubborn hair or are concerned with running out of flashes, look for an option with a high or, better yet, unlimited number.
Size: Yes, the size of the device matters, because you want something that’s not bulky, making it hard to hold and move around your body. But what also matters is the size of the window the light comes out of. A larger window means the device is able to treat a wider surface area quickly—this is ideal if you want to remove hair on areas like your chest, legs, and back. The downside, of course, is that a larger window can make it tough to use the device on smaller areas and for detail work. Many will get around this by offering interchangeable attachment heads. Always consider the area you want to treat when choosing a device.
Power source: You’ll usually find two options: corded and cordless, with corded as the more common choice. Like many tools, corded options generate more power, and since these at-home laser-hair-removal devices require a good amount of juice, you’ll often need to keep them plugged in even as you use them. Ultimately, this means you’ll need direct access to a wall outlet.
Modes/Settings: Many will feature different modes and intensity settings that let you adjust the power of the light to avoid burning, irritation, and other skin damage. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or are planning to use the device in more sensitive areas, like your groin or armpits. Starting on a lower setting and gradually working your way up is recommended, but if you have very sensitive skin, you may want to just keep it on the lowest setting. Though results will be slower, you’ll lower the risk of side effects.
FDA-cleared: Most make similar claims and use similar technology, so it can be hard to tell which are legit. A useful rule of thumb is to look for a model that is FDA-cleared—in other words, the FDA has reviewed and confirmed the claims made by the company and has also deemed the device safe for at-home use.
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