Best IPL Handsets
We Spent the Last Three Months Testing the Best-Selling Laser Hair Removal Handsets
Written by Natalie Thompson
Hair Specialist & Senior Editor
*Any products mentioned are ones we personally tested & loved.
After experiencing the many pitfalls of shaving (ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, and speedy re-growth), we contemplated alternative hair removal methods this season. Since professional laser hair removal isn't the most time-friendly option (visits take up to two hours, & cost upwards of $800 per session), and some of us can't head out to an appointment right now, we're looking at the next best thing: at-home laser hair removal devices.
We tested 24 at-home laser hair removal devices recommended by the FDA, including models from Tria, HappySkinCo, Silk'n, Braun, and Vitacare. We rated the best five options based on the following criteria:
Results
We tested how many weeks it took for us to stop our hair growth, ideally trying to stop hair growth a couple months into weekly use. A few of the devices ended up working extremely well, delivering permanently hairless, silky skin to us.
Cost
If you were to go the in-office route, it would end up costing up to 800 dollars per session (between 6-8 sessions needed for laser hair removal. We were able to get great results with devices that ended up costing less than $400, with the best results from a handset costing just around $179.
Safe for At-Home Use
New York-based dermatologist Josh Zeichner, MD, considers at-home lasers a safe alternative. "Lasers work by emitting a beam of light that is absorbed by a specific target in the skin," Dr. Zeichner explains. "In this case, the light is absorbed by pigment in the hair follicle to heat it up and destroy it, so the hair does not grow back. At-home devices work similarly to professional treatments, but use slightly lower energy levels."
We looked for the laser hair removal options on the market that remove hair permanently & were suitable for at-home use
Why We Chose Vitacare As
Our #1 Favorite
$179*
By far, everyone had the best results with the Vitacare handset (known for their clinical devices, their at-home devices are also perfect for permanent hair removal).
A fan favorite since their company began, it features adjustable power levels, and glide mode - allowing for a complete laser hair removal session in just 10 minutes. For all of us, it took just about 8-12 sessions using it once per week to stop unwanted hair growth.
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Painless, left my skin with a pleasant warmth after a session.
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FDA approved for at-home laser hair removal.
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We stopped having to shave after a couple months of weekly use.
*Price During Sale
Remington IPL6000Q iLIGHT Pro Plus Quartz
$449
We've had great results with Remington; for those of us who used the Remington, it took about 12 sessions for permanent hair removal.
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Like Rosacare, it has a glide mode option, which makes it very easy to cover large areas quickly
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A bit heavy, but with heavy-duty results - for most of us it gave us results after just over a month of use.
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It's a great option if you already have a more precise permanent hair removal product as a compliment to it.
$384
Silk’n Permanent Hair Removal Device
Like Remington & RosaCare, it's able to permanently stop unwanted hair growth after about 12-15 sessions. It's loved for it's handheld size & simplicity of use.
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Like the Remington and RosaCare, Silk'n works on all skin tones.
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It has a sleek, aesthetic design - and does its job efficiently with powerful energy levels.
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Priced $319
$429
Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X
This option is designed with a comfortable handheld design allowing for an easy laser hair removal treatment.
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Features a comfortable design
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This option is mainly used for laser hair removal across smaller areas.
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A little pricey at $429.00, but it gave us results.