The Best Home Laser Hair Removal Devices for Men, According to Dermatologists
Our experts recommend devices from Braun and Nood.
Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
ANY MAN WHO has ever manscaped before knows that there is a certain level of annoyance that comes with it. There are the products (the shaving cream, the razors, the trimmers), there’s the careful technique to minimize cutting and nicking (not to mention the flexibility involved), the time it takes (so much) and, of course, the cleanup. It can be enough to drive even the most patient guy a little crazy. Is it any wonder, then, that laser hair removal is so popular?
"Laser hair removal (or more correctly, laser hair reduction) works by damaging the hair follicle, thus preventing further hair growth," says Dr. Jaimie DeRosa of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. Basically, laser hair removal/reduction is the set-it-and-forget-it of manscaping, which is a very attractive idea, but does come with some catches. Typically in-office laser hair removal requires multiple sessions over the course of years (!) and can cost into the thousands of dollars. Or, you could go with a home laser hair removal device.
Best Home Laser Hair Removal for Men
Home laser hair removal devices for men are not as effective as the machines you can find at a laser clinic, but these devices can still give you significant hair reduction when used correctly and consistently. "Since the at-home laser hair removal devices are less powerful, it will take longer to see results but is still a great option for those who don’t want to go to an office for laser hair removal and also for those who want to maintain their results after a round of in-office laser hair removal," said Dr. DeRosa.
A word of caution before you pick up a device though: the way laser hair removal works is by targeting the pigment of the hair follicle, which is why it does not work on white or gray hair and is really best for people with darker hair and lighter skin. Those with light hair and skin may not see results, either, and those with dark skin may see skin lightening when using certain technologies (this also means you can’t use it over tattoos). If you have dark skin, it’s best to seek the advice of a professional before attempting laser hair removal and, if you get an at home device, make sure it’s specifically designed (and tested) for darker skin tones.
What to Consider
Before you decided which at home laser hair removal device is best for you, consider these factors.
Type
Most at home laser hair removal devices use a technology called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The flashes of light target the pigment inside the hair follicle and heats it to stunt regrowth. Over time, this effectively “kills” the follicle so the hair doesn’t regrow. It’s not actually a laser, but it works in a similar way to the actual lasers found in doctor’s offices. You may find other technologies paired with IPL, like radiofrequency, which can help increase the effectiveness of IPl, but generally, you won’t find any real lasers for at-home use.
Flashes
Consider this the battery life of the device. The flashes are often preloaded into the device so once you run out, you’ll have to purchase a new one. The good news is that most devices include a staggeringly high amount of flashes, so you probably don’t need to worry about running out until years down the road. If you’re worried about that, though, look for a device that contains unlimited flashes.
Size
What areas of your body you’re trying to remove hair from should inform what size device you go for. Larger areas, like your back, chest or legs, will require a device with a larger surface area, which detail work, like around your groin or armpits, requires a smaller surface. Some brands tackle this by including multiple attachments with varying sizes of windows, which allow light to pass through in larger or smaller areas. If you’re using the device on multiple surfaces of the body, it’s a good idea to look for one with interchangeable attachments.
Power Source
Generally, you’ll find two power sources: corded and cordless. Unlike with things like hair clippers, corded versions of at home laser hair removal devices aren’t generally more powerful, but you can use them for longer periods in on go. On the flip side, a cordless option offers more flexibility on where you can use it since you don’t have to be near an outlet to power it up. Plus, it can make twisting and turning your body around the cord unnecessary.
Modes
Some devices you see out there include different modes, which temper the intensity of the light to make for a more comfortable experience, particularly if you have sensitive skin. IPL is a little painful no matter how you slice it, but some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. In this case, the highest settings are not always the best settings, do you catch our drift? If you have sensitive skin or are worried about pain, consider a device with multiple modes to allow you to customize the experience.
FDA-Cleared
In most cases, all laser hair removal devices will work the same way, but some models are cleared by the FDA, meaning that the administration has looked at the technology and data the device offers, and the required studies using the device, and deemed it not only safe for at-home use, but that it actually delivers on what it claims to do. When in doubt about a device, if it has an FDA clearance, you know the claims are legit.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we tested every major laser hair removal devices on the market, and consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top home laser hair removal devices for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, evaluated their effectiveness, cost, and pain level of every treatment. Read on for our favorite devices.
Watch Next
![Video player poster image preview for Men's Health US Section - All Sections & Videos](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vidthumb/f25a0979-2e82-446c-8c4b-916f7eeb8306/thumb_1920x1080_00002_1576183505_88109.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=1200:*)
![walmart grooming sale walmart grooming sale](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mh-7-2-shavers-sale-668413174d332.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.498xw,0&resize=360:*)
The Best Deals on Grooming Devices on Walmart
![best anti chafing sticks best anti chafing sticks](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mh-7-1-anti-chafe-6683146927c4e.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.250xw,0&resize=360:*)
The Best Anti-Chafing Sticks, Tested
![shavers shavers](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/2023-06-09-mh-still-life37954-64ad671337c96.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.176xw,0&resize=360:*)
8 Impressive Electric Shavers on the Market Now
![best disposable razors best disposable razors](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mh-6-18-razors-6671bfa445d23.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.250xw,0&resize=360:*)
The Best Disposable Razors for Men