It’s not only women who detest having too much body hair. Men have this problem as well sometimes. That’s why having a ipl or laser hair removal machine at home can come in handy.
Why a hair removal machine? Well, it’s convenient, fast, and pretty efficient in a non-messy way (compared to some of the alternatives).
Yes, it may cost a bit, but the price tag is worth the investment just as an electric hair shaver or other body grooming device often is.
Too much body hair can lower your self-esteem and limit your choice of clothing you can hear. You don’t want those little hairs to cause so much trouble, do you?
Before the advent of laser hair removal machines, hair removal solutions were slow and not always efficient.
Shaving leaves nicks and cuts on the skin. Waxing may be effective for some but for many who have thick and stubborn hair growth, this process can be inconvenient, besides being too expensive and too painful.
So let’s get practical and discover some hair removal machines that really get the job done without much effort.
Our Favorite Laser Hair Removal Machines for Men & Women
Explore now our careful selection of popular and top-rated hair removal machines you can use safely at home. Including both best buys and premium products.
Remington iLIGHT Ultra Face & Body FDA Cleared At-Home Hair Removal System
Powerful, effective, and easy to use–the Remington iLIGHT Ultra tops our list of favorites. It lives up to its promise of reducing hair by 94% after just three sessions. What’s more, it’s painless to use and comes with a convenient charging station.
The pulses range from barely noticeable to a vague sting, which can be helped by shaving before but this varies widely from person to person.
FDA cleared and clinically proven, this one comes with a lamp that has only a 94,000 flashes durability but the results make it a very sound investment.
Remington iLIGHT Pro Plus Quartz At-Home Hair Removal System
The Pro Plus iLIGHT isn’t just a toned-down version of the Ultra we featured above but a more accessible choice for people who’ve never used this kind of device before but a powerful device in its own right.
It’s just as easy to use and you’re not scarifying any essential features. It’s essentially got the same performance you can count on. The color’s different, sure, but that’s not a deal-breaker, right?
Important to note: this works ideally with light caucasian skin and dark brown/black body hair skin/hair combination as advertised. You may feel the zap. It stings but definitely worth it.
DEESS IPL Hair Removal Device Series 3 Plus
DEESS IPL Hair Removal Series 3 comes close on the heels of the Remington iLIGHTS in our list. The slim, lightweight design makes it convenient to use and has easy intensity settings.
Lasts for around 350,000 flashes, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing it in this lifetime if you take proper care of it.
You can see excellent results after only a few sessions and in 12 weeks completely get rid of body hair. Plus it’s pretty fast, requiring no more than 14 minutes or so for dealing with a whole back.
Braun Gillette Venus Silk-Expert Permanent Hair Removal Device Home Use
This one’s design may be a bit wieldy, but this is a powerful device that does it job well and that you can count on.
A great feature is the adaptive skin tone sensor which changes the intensity of the light according to your skin time. This is an above-average feature that can help you optimize results without worrying about burning or injuring your skin.
Overall it’s effective and one of the most advanced and efficient hair removal machines around.
MiSMON IPL Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men, 3-in-1 Skin Care Beauty Device for Skin Rejuvenation & Hair Remover
MiSMON is a popular brand in the world of hair removal machines offering a wide range of devices across all price ranges. This is one of our favorite IPL-powered products from their line.
In addition to effective hair removal, ease of use, and an ergonomic design, it features an ice compress function that helps you avoid burns and redness. This is a feature you want to have if you have sensitive skin.
Extra features include skin rejuvenation and an AC filter that may help deal with skin conditions. Overall, it’s a convenient 3-in-1 solution from a reliable brand.
Edousin Permanent Laser Hair Removal Device – 550,000 Flashes
This permanent laser hair removal machine from Edousin was designed to the easy to use for the entire body. That makes it a convenient all-round hair removal solution and a good choice if you’ve never used a similar product before.
The classical design makes it easy to handle and the accessories included in the set help you deal with unwanted leftovers. Overall it’s a dependable choice you should try out.
DEESS Permanent Hair Removal Device series 3 plus
This DEESS Permanent hair removal machine has quite a lot going for it. Apart from unlimited flashes, it has a quick flash time of only 0.9 seconds per flash which make it a good choice when you’re in a hurry.
The built-in Ice Compress technology is easy on the skin, making this solution an easy to use one. And then it also has a photorejuvenation lamp for improving the look of the skin.
We also like the design, which doesn’t only stand out from other products of its kind but also feels like a premium product.
MiSMON At-Home Painless Hair Remover
Powered by the latest ILP technology, this MiSMON hair removal solution promises results after 9 weeks. It’s capable of up to 300,000 flashes and has five energy settings.
It’s easy to handle and suitable for all parts of the body below the face, including the chin. It works over an area of 3 cm2 at a time, which is pretty good considering other similar products in this price range.
MLAY Laser Hair Removal, MLAY IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men
Another hair removal machine that can be comfortably used by both genders, the MLAY Laser Hair Removal is painless to use and packs 300,000 flashes.
You can choose from five different energy levels and expect to see results in as little as 12 sessions.
But note that it’s not intended for all skin and body hair colors. People with a medium brown, dark brown, or black skin complexion and blonde, red, light blonde, or white or gray hair should best avoid it.
Hair Removal Machine Buying Guide
How do you choose the right kind and type of hair removal machine that is the most suitable for your skin?
Especially for a guy with hair in many places, what is right for you, and what do you need to consider when buying a laser hair removal machine? We are here to help!
FDA Approval
To start with, consider safety. Ideally, any laser hair removal machine, whether it will be for professional or for home use, should be FDA approved as safe and effective for permanent hair reduction.
All for home use laser hair removal machines are required by the FDA to have a low level operating capacity. That means lower than the powerful lasers used by medically trained professionals.
FDA also requires built-in safety features that can prevent or limit skin damage if the device is not used appropriately. This extends to accessories like dark glasses that you may need to use while operating the machine.
Laser vs IPL
Laser or IPL? Which is which? Technically speaking, there is really a big difference between laser and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Devices using IPL are not actually lasers. Lasers use a light beam within one specific wavelength which targets the hair follicle treated.
IPL, on the other hand, uses multiple wavelengths. Most of the top hair removal machines we featured rely on IPL technology as an effective way hair removal treatment that shows results within a manner of weeks.
However, laser products can also be effective provided they have FDA approval.
Power Settings/Levels
Hair removal machines with several power settings or levels are the easiest to use and often the most effective. That’s because different parts of the body have different levels of sensitivity.
The lowest level is the best setting for an opportunity to start a test. You can then slowly increase the level as desired to the maximum level that you feel comfortable with.
Some products come with pre-set levels for different parts of the body, and those are often the ones that are easiest to use.
Safety
Aside from FDA approval for consumer use, built-in safety features to look for include:
- Safety lock for the light beam, which will not allow the light beam to fire unless the handset is in full contact with the skin and held steadily
- Safety glasses (we’re not talking about sunglasses here!)
- Safe design that prevents skin damage if the device is poorly configured
- Password protection so that children cannot play with it while you’re not at home
- Security code – Before the hair removal machine can be used the code should be entered before it can be used
Spot Size
The best hair removal machine should have a good spot size. The larger the area that can be covered by the device in one go, the less time will a session take.
Large areas like the chest or legs can be done more quickly when the device has a large spot size. But then if the area to be treated is smaller and more specific, like the bikini line, a hair removal machine with smaller spot size is more suitable.
Spot sizes can range from 1cm to 6cms with most hair removal machines falling somewhere in the middle.
Flashes
Most hair removal machines on the market today use a lamp flash technology. Each lamp is capable of providing a set number of flashes before it stops working. For example, some hair removal machines are capable of 94,000 flashes while others can provide 999,999 flashes.
Just because a machine packs more flashes than another doesn’t necessarily make it the best–you need to weigh in the other features as well. A machine using the latest IPL technology that’s capable of 94,000 flashes can last you a lifetime.
The number of flashes becomes a more important factor if you plan to share the device with a spouse or partner, which will increase usage.
So, make sure to check the availability of replacement light cartridges as in some cases the cost of the replacements needed over time can add a significant amount to the original purchase price.
A hair removal machine that is cheaper than others but requires frequent replacement of light cartridges is not the best deal.
LED/Visual Alerts Display
These features are not necessary but for good measure, these should be present. These are the various visual alerts display available:
- Indicator light for low battery
- Light cartridge replacement
- LED display of the level of power currently in use, the interval of pulse duration, and the pattern of discharge
Comfort Features
More expensive hair removal devices come with extra comfort features like ice compress technology, which increases comfort when used in more sensitive areas.
While good to have, remember that these features are not always essential because most top-rated products don’t cause any pain or discomfort when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Here’s a helpful video on choosing the right hair removal machine to help you make an informed choice.
Are Hair Removal Machines Suitable for Everybody?
All the home laser and IPL hair removal machines currently available on the market as per our research are all suitable for use at home. That said, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on skin tones and the Fitzpatrick Scale to identify your skin complexion.
Most hair removal machines work best for people with darker skin rather than those with light hair.
Men and women can use these laser hair removal machines, but as per case to case basis treatment comparison men need to have treatment more often and longer than women, due to the higher density of body hair in men.
Important: Hair removal machines are not suitable for those with fair or dark skin, also for those with grey or red hair.
If you have light or darker skin and wish to undergo laser hair removal treatment, it’s best to get professional treatment at an approved clinic. For those with light, grey, or red hair only electrolysis hair removal treatment is available.
Laser Hair Removal Machines FAQ
Never used a hair removal machine before? You probably still got some questions.
We’ve put together some of the most frequent questions we’ve heard on the topic and answered them for you. We hope you find the answers useful.
How much does a laser hair removal machine cost?
A hair removal machine can cost anywhere from just under $100 to over $400 dollars for devices with faster action time and more comfort features.
There are a lot of options around from best buys to premium solutions so finding one for your budget shouldn’t be too hard.
Keep in mind that like cars, hair removal machines depreciate in value as soon as they are out of the box. And it’s not likely that you’ll be able to resale them later at a very good price.
Do at-home removal systems work?
The best hair removal machines won’t disappoint you if you use them the right way. Choosing a well-rated product from an established brand is a must in this niche.
Cheaper devices from newer brands seem to work for a time but then either stop working altogether or stop delivering consistent results.
So the candid answer is that some home removal systems work, but not all–trust recommendations and reviews, not hype!
Can you get skin cancer from laser hair removal?
There is some whispered myth circulated about laser and ILP hair removal therapy, that it can cause cancer. The light emitted by the laser hair removal machines passes through the skin cells and directly targets the hair follicles deep within the skin.
Although lasers used in laser hair removal machines do produce a small amount of radiation, this is thought to be harmless. Laser hair removal has been in practice for quite a decade or a little over today, there is no evidence found that laser hair removal treatment causes skin cancer.
If you feel uneasy about the potential health effects of a hair removal machine, make sure to buy a FDA-approved device.
What should you not do before laser hair removal?
Pre-treatment should start 4 weeks before. You should not bleach, wax, tweeze, or use any hair removal creams or undergo electrolysis treatment on the area.
These activities will reduce the effectiveness of the laser hair removal treatment. Sun exposure should also be avoided. Use an SPF 30 sunscreen cream or lotion if you have to spend time out in the light.
During the 1-2 weeks pre-treatment, you should discontinue all tanning procedures you use to include self-tanning creams and sprays, and tanning beds.
During the 24 hours before you begin treatment, you should already be shaving the area you want to be treated.
On the day of treatment, you should not wear or apply any lotions, make-up, and deodorants. Wear light soft and loose clothing to make the area to be treated easily accessible for treatment. Rough and tight clothing may cause discomfort after treatment.
Note that most of the time the skin becomes sensitive after treatment. So easy with the grooming products!
You may also apply a topical numbing cream 30 minutes before treatment time. This goes for all laser hair removal treatments.
How many sessions are needed for laser hair removal?
It depends on the hair removal machine you use. Typically, you will need to undergo at least 4-6 sessions to see results. Some devices show results as quickly as 3 weeks. For hair to stop growing in the treated area, you need to undergo treatment for at least 12 weeks.
Hair grows in cycles, typically every 4-6 weeks depending on the part of the body. Laser hair removal will only work on hair actively growing.
Smooth As a Baby?
Well, maybe not, but definitely a lot less hairy than before! That’s the simple promise that good-quality hair removal machines promise–and deliver. Provided you use them the right way, of course. And that you stick to the treatment instructions provided.
Hair removal devices may not be suitable for all skin types, but they can be right for you. With the right device you not only get rid of a possibly embarrassing problem, but can also save serious money on hair removal treatments at a clinic.
So, how about time you gave hair removal machines a try?
Let us know which one you choose and how well it works for you.
Christian Hume
Badly needing a shave, believe it or not but Christian is a magician with scissors and razors. As sharp as he sharpens his blades and shaves his jawlines is unprecedented. He had his own barbershop for 12 years after deciding to take a break, travel and after meeting Nick, joining this team as the last missing link to help guys with their total make-over. Grooms up!
