Using laser technology to remove unwanted body hair is effective & delivers results quickly. In the past, you were required to visit a dermatologist’s clinic to have the procedure carried out since the equipment required were costly and called for specialized expertise.
Today however, there are DIY kits you can buy and use at home to remove hair just as effectively as you would at a professional’s clinic, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the long term. We review 5 of the best home kits currently available in the market in this article.
I’ve received many emails & comments from readers asking me which device is ideal for their particular needs and condition. I realize the majority pertains to the intended area of use (face, legs, underarms etc.). So I’ve attempted to split them into two main categories and created summary reviews for each (these are shorter than those on this main page so it can also be helpful if you are short on time)
* Select The Category That Best Applies To You Below. If you are unsure whether laser hair removal is right for you, read the entire article below first.
| Most Effective | Highly Rated | Best Value for Money |
|---|---|---|
| iLight Ultra | LumaRx | Tria 4X |
 |  |  |
| >> Read Review << | >> Read Review << | >> Read Review << |
Important Facts to Keep in Mind Before Laser Treatment
A few years ago, I was like many of you, frustrated by ineffective hair removal methods and put off by the prohibitive costs of professional treatment. While I was excited by the prospects of DIY laser treatment, the feedback from others who have tried this method seems to be mixed and made me nervous. For some it appears to be nothing short of a life changer while for others…it makes them want to tear their hair out (no pun intended) and some have even gone as far as to declare this whole laser hair removal thing a scam!
Well, forget all the marketing hype and also the fear-mongering created by people who do not understand this technology. There is a science behind laser hair removal and I created this article and resource to make it as easy as possible for you to determine whether DIY laser hair removal (LHR) is right for you and if so which is the best home device that can help you maximize your results. Hopefully this will save you from walking down the path of frustration!
Let’s begin with a simple questionnaire. Take some time to answer the following before we move on to the reviews:
>> CLICK HERE If You Want To Skip Directly To The Reviews <<
1. What is the color of the hair you intend to remove? *Note, if your hair has different shades along its length, use the hair color closest to the roots to make a judgment.
Does your hair color fall between light brown to black? If so, it is very likely that laser treatment will be effective.
If your hair color is red or blonde, laser treatment might still work, but it will definitely be less effective and you will take a much longer time to see results. *note: many people with blonde hair actually have darker e.g. light brown hair near the roots.
If your hair color is white or grey, DIY laser treatment will more or less be ineffective.
What if your hair color is mixed e.g. brown with patches of grey? Then your results will likely be mixed as well. However, if your intention is to remove the more visible darker colored hair then LHR could still work for you.
Now that you know how your hair color will affect the results of your treatment, let’s take a look at skin color:
2. What is your skin tone?
Is your skin tone between white to light brown? If so, most LHR systems are safe for you.
If your skin tone is medium brown or darker, most LHR systems are not safe for use on your skin. The laser energy (that is designed to target dark pigmentation) can damage your skin or cause de-pigmentation.
* UPDATE Jan 2017: There is a device called Iluminage Touch which appears to be suitable even for dark skin tones. Check out our review here if you have a darker skin tone
All the machines we cover below all have built in sensors to determine whether your skin tone is suitable so if you are unsure, you can engage the sensors on a test patch of skin to confirm suitability.
Alright, now that you have an idea whether LHR is right for you, here are a few more things I want you to understand before we move on to the reviews:
>> CLICK HERE To Skip Directly To The Reviews <<
Final Points To Note Before Laser Treatment
DO NOT wax, epilate or otherwise undergo any other hair removal treatment that removes the hair at the roots while undergoing laser treatment: Your hair roots need to be present for laser energy to be absorbed and hit the hair follicles (the whole aim is to destroy the hair follicles). If the entire hair shaft is empty, then laser treatment simply does not work. This is a major reason why so many people that attempt DIY laser hair removal fail! Shaving is perfectly OK as the hair roots are left intact. In fact, what you should do is just to shave and clean the area before laser treatment.
DO NOT use on darker areas of skin: The skin on the genitals and anus tend to be darker and more sensitive so it is not recommended to treat those areas directly. If you have tattoos or birthmarks that are darker than surrounding skin, exercise caution and use the skin tone sensor on your device to check the area for suitability before proceeding.
The thickness of your hair may determine how fast you see results: In general, the thicker the hair you intend to treat, the faster you will see results. Thicker hair has greater surface area and contains more pigment (color) that will absorb more laser energy compared to finer hair. If you are treating fine hair, you may need to be more patient and go through more sessions to see results. * You should go for a laser-system (which is stronger) rather than an IPL-system if you are treating fine hair: check out our recommendation here
Different people WILL experience different results: We are all unique, there are so many factors that will determine what sort of results you will get. For example, the size and shape of your hair follicles, the actual color of hair at the roots vs. the tips are but just a few factors that will determine how soon you will see results.
Alright, now that you have determine whether laser treatment is right for you and how to maximize the results you are going to get, let’s help you select the right hair removal machine!
You should also check out actual user reviews (check out the links below to view them) to see whether a particular device works for a particular skin or hair color.
Top Laser Hair Removal Machines Compared
Below are 5 machines that are worthy of consideration if you are serious about hair removal. Note that all of them are FDA approved.
I have personally used 3 of them: Silk’n, Tria, & Remington, and I will talk about my experience and the pros and cons with each of the devices.
I haven’t had the chance to test the final 2 machines yet, but I chose to cover them because they are quite popular too and I have received comments and emails from readers asking about them.
My Top 2 Picks: If quality, effectiveness & long term return on investment is what you are looking for, consider the following 2 most effective at-home laser hair removal devices:
1. Remington iLight Ultra
By far the most cost-effective solution for treatment of extensive areas like chest, back and the entire leg
* now also cleared for face use
PROS
- The laser head is larger than the Tria, making it ideal for treating larger areas like the legs or the back
- Unlike the Tria system (see below), you do not have to charge this device every single time you use it so it can be used for prolong time periods – users have reported using it for over 2 hours per session without issues
- IPL systems are generally less intense than laser ones, however Remington has enhanced the original iLight Pro with this Ultra version, greatly increasing its strength such that only 4 flashes are required per square inch of skin treated
- Unlike cartridge systems that offer only about 1500 flashes per cartridge, this system uses a quartz that delivers up to 65,000 flashes meaning it can last 30 times as long as the regular cartridge.
CONS
- You have to purchase a replacement quartz after using it for 65,000 flashes or so. That said, Remington estimates that 1500 flashes can deliver 2-3 full body treatments, which means that a single quartz can last you 40 full body treatments on the low end. If you conduct 2 full body treatments per month, (covering the entire body like face, arms, chest, legs etc.) it means that each quartz can last about 2 years. If you only treat parts of your body, e.g. your legs, you could easily double the lifetime to 4 years. Each replacement quartz costs about $80-$90
*Update October 2016: This model is cleared for face use and comes with a facial attachment specially designed for use on the face. Check out the link below for details .
- Even though this is an enhanced IPL machine, some users still find its strength to be less than that of a laser based one. This means that you may need to be more patient and wait a couple more sessions to see significant results.
What do consumers have to say about the Remington Ultra?
Most users saw effective results with this system, even though some have commented that they needed more time with this (compared with salon laser sessions) to see the results coming. Perhaps because this is an IPL rather than a laser system, there were fewer complains about pain or discomfort that we find were more common with laser treatment. That said, some consumers sensitive to pain or using it on sensitive areas still found it beneficial to use the device in conjunction with a numbing cream or gel.
Cost & Maintenance
The official cost of this machine is $499. Even with extremely intense use, e.g. 3 full body sessions per month, you would only need to replace the quartz once in two years. For the average user, a single quartz would most probably cover a normal lifetime use of the product. A replacement quartz retails for $80-$90.
2. Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X
I used this device to spot treat some of my problem areas with stubborn hair growth like my underarms. I find it great for areas that require precision like the face, underarms and bikini area; strong enough to remove even fine hairs.
So far I’ve been hair free for about 6 months in these problem areas after using the device for about 4 months
Why You Should Consider Using This Device
PROS
- Lasting results: A clinical study of 79 subjects found a 70% average hair count decrease after the second treatment. In the same study, it was found that 3 treatments were all that was required to see a stable decrease in hair count over the next 12 months
- Does not require cartridge replacement unlike other machines
- Built in skin tone sensor to ascertain suitability
- Ultra-portable cordless design & the small laser head makes it ideal to treat delicate areas or areas with contours like above the upper lip, underarm and bikini areas
CONS
- Some consumers find the laser head a little small for larger parts of the body like the legs, making those parts somewhat more time consuming to treat
- The device does not operate when being charged using the power adapter. This means that when used on the highest power setting, it can operate for a maximum of 40 minutes before requiring recharging
- This device is designed to last for 90,000 flashes. There is no replacement cartridge that can be purchased to extend its life after that and some consumers prefer a device whose life can be extended indefinitely. However, to put things in perspective, other models that come with replacement cartridges typically last only 1,500 flashes per cartridge. If you do the math, at an average of $30 per replacement cartridge, it would be way more expensive to buy replacement cartridges to obtain the same 90,000 flashes Tria delivers! To be more specific, it is estimated that you need 3000 flashes for 2 full body sessions. This means that 90,000 flashes can give you about 60 full body sessions. This translates to a lifespan of two and a half years if you do 2 full body sessions per month, and much longer if you only treat certain parts your body (for example if you only treat your legs, this device could potentially last you five years).
What do consumers who have used this device have to say?
Most users who followed the recommended treatment schedule found this device effective and many see results just after the first session. The main gripes consumers have with this product is the small laser head which translates into a longer treatment times for larger areas like the legs and the back.
Cost & Maintenance
On online stores it sells at anywhere from $450 to $600. The main justification for the higher price tag is that the Tria system does not require replaceable laser cartridges meaning that it will cost virtually nothing for maintenance in the long run.
Budget friendly, decent results: the following are products you can consider if a lower price point product that still delivers decent results is what you are looking for
3. Silk’n Flash & Go
CLICK ON IMAGE To See What Other Users Have To Say After Using This Product
This was the very first device that I used and I’m loving it up to this day. I like that it has a very straightforward point-and-shoot design and the treatment window (4 cm2) is sized such that it is convenient for treating both smaller areas (upper lip etc.) and larger areas like the legs.
As this device uses pulse light technology rather than laser, it is virtually painless compared to professional treatment. The only drawback I found was that it takes a longer time to see results compared to laser systems so I had to be more patient. But I guess I shouldn’t be complaining given that this thing costs less than $200 and has already saved me thousands of dollars worth of professional treatment! At the end of the first 8 weeks of treatment, I saw an 80% reduction in hair growth in the areas that were treated.
PROS
- Budget friendly: you can pick it up for a little less than $200 (see link below)
- Can be used both on the face (below the cheeks) & body
- Virtually painless compared to laser systems
- Versatile: can be used for both face (below cheeks) and body treatment
- Models purchased after 2014 comes with an upgraded 5000-flashes cartridge (1000 previously) that can provide 5 to 6 full body treatments
CONS
- Takes a longer time to see results compared to laser
- Maintenance treatment may be required for areas with stubborn hair growth
VERDICT: This system is very versatile and provides excellent value for money. It is especially great if you are new to laser treatment and don’t want to spend too much on an expensive system, but still want something that can deliver good results.
* If you are looking to purchase a refill cartridge for the Flash & Go, I recommend purchasing the Long Life Upgrade Kit Cartridge rather than the regular cartridges. The long life cartridge contains 120,000 flashes that equates to more than 100 full body sessions and will last you a long long time. Much more value for money than the regular cartridge that only has 1000 flashes! (check out link below)
>> CLICK HERE To See Actual User Feedback & Current Promotions For The Silk’n Flash & Go <<
>> CLICK HERE To View The Flash & Go Long Life Upgrade Kit Cartridge <<
4. BellaLite By Silk’n
PROS
- Suitable for use by both men and women
- Uses state-of-the-art Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology to guarantee effective removal of hair
- Comes with three laser lamp catridges (1 preinstalled and 2 as replacements)
- Designed to cover a substantially large treatment spot. As such, it is one of the fastest devices you can use to remove hair at home, you need less than half an hour to treat the entire length of your leg for instance.
CONS
- Compared to laser technology, pulsed light is somewhat gentler, and it generally requires more sessions to achieve the same results as compared to a laser based machine
How effective is it? What do users think?
The Bellalite is fairly well loved by both ordinary users and dermatological experts as an ideal system for getting rid of hair at home. It is especially considered effective in getting rid of facial hair on the underarms. What is more, the product reportedly works well across all demographics with users of different ethnic backgrounds, both men and women reporting that they were delighted with how the system produced discernible results.
Some of the rare complaints about the Bellalite have been either owing to what users consider its stinging pain when in use. Others have also complained that the device seemed ineffective unless they first of all completely shaved off the skin areas they intended to treat.
Cost and Maintenance
The Bellalite costs between $240 and $250 on different online stores selling the product. Since it comes with two spare disposable cartridges, the device can be used for up to 6 months without need to run into any maintenance costs. Its longevity is aided by the fact that it has been designed to cover a larger skin area than your typical system would and therefore each treatment uses much less power.
>>CLICK HERE to Check the Latest Testimonials & Offers on the Bellalite <<
5. Silk’n SN-002 SensEpil All-Over Handheld Device
Features:
- The SensEpil follows FDA approved technology to ensure virtually pain-free way to get rid of unwanted hair
- Designed for quick setup and application in removing hair
- New improved design ensures greater effectiveness as well as ease of use
- Product comes with a single lamp cartridge and instructional How-To DVD
- Not suitable for use by people with dark skin or light colored hair
How Effective is it?
Users who fit the correct user profile recommended by the manufacturers (light skin and dark hair) invariably report consistently encouraging results. Within a year of use, many report that hair reduction of up to 75% especially for those seeking to get rid of hair in the upper legs and bikini area.
Most of the dissatisfaction with the SensEpil have been about users who find the laser cartridges very short-lived. Considering that the system is usually packaged without spare cartridges, the costs can be considerably high.
Cost and Maintenance
The SensEpil is one of the cheapest, yet considerably effective home hair removal machines money can buy. Selling at $200 or less online sounds like a great bargain. The downside of it is that the system does not come with a spare laser cartridge and within a couple of months you will have to order a replacement if you want to continue with the treatment.
>>CLICK HERE to Browse Comparison, Reviews & Latest Promotions for the SensEpil <<
Good Home Laser Hair Removal Machines To Consider
| Image | Brand/ Name | Rating (out of 5) | Price | Pros/ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Remington iLight Ultra Face & Body Hair Removal System | 4.3 | $449 | Pros: The iLight Ultra is appropriate for both face and body; the large treatment window (3cm x 3cm) makes it ideal for large areas, but it also includes an attachment for use on the face; cartridge contains 65,000 flashes; utilizes IPL technology; skin tone sensor ensures safety; gentle. Cons: High-end price; corded operation. |
 | LumaRX IPL Full Body Hair Removal Device | 4 | $449.00 | Pros: Large flash window (3cm x 3cm) makes it the best choice for full body treatments; includes treatment cap for face; features two flash speeds; cartridge contains 65,000 flashes (no need for replacement parts); UV filter protects skin. Cons: High-end price; corded operation. |
 | Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X | 3.8 | $359 | Pros: Tria is one of the most recognized names in hair removal; the 4X features a small head for use on face and sensitive areas; utilizes professional diode laser technology (not IPL); great battery life; cordless operation; cartridge contains 90,000 flashes (no replacement parts needed). Cons: More painful than other models; too small to treat arms/legs; expensive. |
 | Philips Lumea Comfort IPL Hair Removal System | 3.6 | $199.99 | Pros: Affordably priced; cartridge contains 200,000 flashes (no replacement lamps needed); designed for sensitive areas; less painful than other models; 2-year warranty; UV filter protects skin; 5 energy settings; small and simple. Cons: Corded operation; not for use on face; issues with power button; many conditions/circumstances prohibit use. |
 | Silk'n Flash&Go Hair Removal Device | 3.5 | $149.99 | Pros: Affordably priced; great for face and sensitive areas; “pulse speed” for fast treatment; virtually painless compared to professional treatments. Cons: Corded operation; cartridge contains 5,000 flashes (will need to buy replacement parts); uses gentle HPL instead of IPL; bad customer service. |
 | iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System | 3.5 | $356 | Pros: This product stands out because it is approved for all skin tones. The iluminage combines IPL with radio frequency to deliver painless and effective results; easy to use. Cons: Corded operation; not cost effective; replacement cartridges needed; questionable results. |
 | Silk'n SensEpil Hair Removal Unit (combo pack) | 4 | $285 | Pros: Large treatment window for use on arms and legs; combo pack includes hair removal device + four cartridges; average price; not painful; can use on face. Cons: Utilizes HPL instead of IPL (less effective) corded operation; awkwardly shaped; machine overheats easily; bad customer service |
 | Remington I-Light Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal Device | 3.5 | $399 | Pros: Large window makes treating arms and legs easy; appropriate for face and body; includes face attachment; IPL technology; 5 intensity levels; 2-year warranty; comes with a “lifetime cartridge.” Cons: High-end price; corded operation; painful; some users found the treatment window too small. |
Summary of Top 5 Hair Removal Machines Reviewed In This Article
- Tria 4X: is on the pricey side, but has a reputation for delivering lasting results. The Tria 4X was designed to treat small areas like the upper lip, underarms, and bikini area. Tria technology is strong enough to remove fine hairs.This device does not require replacement cartridges. The Tria4X is cordless and portable; not ideal for large areas like the legs or back.
- Remington iLight Ultra: is a cost-effective solution for unwanted hair on large areas including the legs, chest, and back. Remington features a large treatment window for easy use.Corded use allows for long treatment sessions. Quartz cartridges contain 65,000 flashes, which last 30x longer than traditional cartridges. Cartridges must be replaced, but one quartz can last two years or longer.*Includes facial attachment.
- BellaLite by Silk’n: utilizes HPL (instead of IPL) to gently remove unwanted hair. The BellaLite model is designed for use on large areas and includes two replacement cartridges. It can also be used on smaller areas like the face and underarms.The BellaLite is designed for efficiency; users can treat one entire leg in less than 30 minutes.
- LumaRX: is the ultimate solution for full body hair removal. LumaRX is on the expensive side, but features a 3cm x 3cm flash window for large areas.The LumaRX model includes an attachment for the face. Cartridges contain 65,000 flashes (no need for replacements); device features 2 flash speeds and a UV filter for protection; corded operation for long sessions.
- Silk’n Flash & Go: has a “point and shoot” design that is great for beginners. Silk’n is an inexpensive and versatile option for hair removal; replacement cartridges are required.The treatment window is appropriate for large and small areas (incl. face). This device utilizes pulsed light technology, so it is gentle and far less painful than devices like the Tria 4X (results will take longer).
Our Verdict
If you are not concerned by the higher initial investment, and looking to treat specific spots of your body or face (e.g. upper lip, underarms), the Tria offers the greatest precision and effectiveness in our opinion.
However, if you are looking to treat larger areas of your body like your legs and back, then you should consider the Remington or Bellalite system instead, which offers much greater convenience and affordability for prolonged treatment of larger areas.
Also read: Guide to effective skin tightening creams that are best for the face & neck
How can we buy Bellalite and other products in Nepal, Kathmandu?
Hi Thapa, I’m not sure if these machines are sold in Nepal, but if not you could probably try to purchase them online and have them delivered to your country 🙂
Just came across this: Silk’n SensEpil XL 65k. It seems to have what the Tria system falls short in: it has a cord which means no need to stop and recharge, and it’s 65,000 pulses which is very close to what Tria claims to offer. Tria can operate to a limit of 90,000 pulses, and cannot be refilled and thus needs to be thrown away. However the XL 65k, once the 65,000 pulse-limit is reached, can be refilled with a cartridge. Plus the treatment window is 6cm2 which is very large and suitable for large areas, unlike the Tria system which is less than half of that. It seems to be the best device in terms of time saving, efficiency and investment. Opinion?
Hey T, thanks for your comment! We were excited initally when we saw the XL 65k, however we were seriously concerned when we came across several instances of feedback from consumers about how the the bulb of this model was prone to blowing up and becoming a fire hazard. So we decided to drop it from our shortlist. We have just reviewed another product from Remington that we feel is the best for treating large areas and has great extendable lifetime. It will be added to this article soon – do check back for updates!
*Update: Review of the Remington machine added! Check it out above!
Diana, where did you purchase your 4x? Also, do you know of any big differences between the 4x and the Tria Prescision? It’s much smaller but I’m curious of it’s effectiveness in comparison.
Hi! I bought my 4x from Amazon around Christmas last year..The Precision model is really small – it’s touted to be designed for upper lip and underarm & bikini areas, but I think it’s really ideal for the upper lip because you can fit the tip there nicely. For the other areas I think the 4x is more efficient with the larger head..plus you can use it for other areas of the body as well. The company claims that both devices have the same underlying technology..I’m not sure of the exact energy levels of both devices…but I suspect the 4x can go up to a higher energy level because it has 5 levels while the Precision only has 3..
Hi Diana.
Thanks for the review and comparisons. It was just what I was looking for!
Question: Have you personally used or know someone who has used any of the three? If so, how effective were the results?
Hey Gina, I personally have been using the 4X for about 6 months now. I use it on my underarms and saw good results within 6-7 sessions. For me its slightly painful so I use Lidocaine cream which helps ease it a lot. Hope this helps!
Hi
I am a male aged 33 years. I would like to treat my back, abdomen & shoulders. Will the 4X work/suited for me?
Is it suited for Men? I am asian of fair colour skin & dark hair.
You help & opinion is most appreciated.
Hey Rehman, dark hair color is ideal for laser treatment. If your skin is light brown or even lighter (see the skin tone chart above) then it should work well. The areas you mentioned are absolutely fine and it should work for both men and women. Hope this helps 🙂
Is protective eyewear recommended? The Amazon site shows safety eyewear for green blue lasers. What type of lasers are the products you compared? Also, will any of these products work for coarse or light facial hair?
Hello! I’m not entirely sure whether these lasers are classified as blue or green? However, I personally do recommend safety eyewear, especially if you are going to do prolonged (half an hour or more) treatment. The flashes does get somewhat taxing on the eyes after a while, and I certainly err on the side of caution and put on goggles every time I do treatment. Hope this helps
would like to know if you have tested NO NO and what conclusion was made.
thanks much
Melody
Hey Melody, unfortunately we haven’t tested that system yet, but we might do so in the near future!
Hi Melody,
I tried the No No last year and was very upset with the customer service and the product. I used it on my chin and it cut my chin very badly it looked like I had been scratched by a cat. I emailed the picture to the company and did not even get an apology and I had to keep making calls every week to try and speak with a customer service rep but no one returned my calls or no apology was received. Hope this helps.
hi!iam female age of 19!iam asian of fair color skin and dark color hair.i have a lot of unwated hair on my cheeks chin and upper lip and also some other parts on my body!iam also recently suffering over weight and hormonal imbalance and p.c.o.d.please suggest me which of the following laser treatment is suitaable for me?
Hey Sanaya, if you are treating fine areas of the face like the upper lip you may want to consider Tria (see my review and response to other comments for the reasons) . It’d also work for other parts of the body. You may also want to consult a physician for your existing conditions before starting hair removal. Hope this helps and all the best!
thank you so much!diana!
Hi Dagmara, thanks for your comment. I’m sorry to hear about your condition. Does it affect large parts of your body? The 2.5 yr estimate was based on frequent use and full body treatment, so if you use it only on certain parts of the body it certainly can last longer than that. I use the Tria because I mainly use it to treat fine/ delicate parts of the body like the underarms, upper lip & bikini areas. I find the design easier to maneuver and more precise for those parts. If you are looking to treat extensive parts of your body like the entire leg, I would recommend looking at the Remington or Bellalite system just because treatment area of the laser head is larger. Hope this helps!
hi…does the tria hair removal laser work on fine hair?im white and the fine hair on my back for example is very light..so i guess the hair follicles arent black…i was wondering if tria would work on that!
thanks
Hello, unfortunately both laser and pulsed light do not work well on light colored hair. I’d recommend looking at other options like waxing, epilating or just shaving. Hope this helps!
Hi, I am a male with olive skin color and dark hair. I was wondering which of the devices do you recommend for me and if I can use on my private area as I have unwanted hair I want to get rid of. The area I’m talking about is kind of sensitive so I’m not sure if these products are safe.
Appreciate your advice.
Thanks.
Hey Tim, I’m not exactly sure which parts you are referring to, but if you are thinking of using it directly on the genitals or near the anus….please DO NOT do that! It’s unsafe! If you are referring to the bikini area it’s OK, even though it can be more painful than other areas so you might want to use a numbing cream before treatment. I personally prefer the Tria for that area as I find it better in terms of precision & spot treatment. Be sure to set it to the lowest level on your first try!
Hi Diana, what are your thoughts on the silk n go luxx compared with the tria and the tanda me. Do you think I should just ahead with the tria? I am looking specifically for under arm and Brazilian hair removal. I am fair/medium toned skin and do not have problems with the sun since I have tanned quit a bit in my life. In those areas I have dark hair so I think I shouldn’t have any issues. I just am really debating which one to eventually get 🙁
Hey Katelyn,
The Silk’n flash & go uses HPL technology similar to the Bellalite machine discussed above. It is definitely more budget friendly which is a plus, but if conscientiousness & patience aren’t your virtues then you might want to go with Laser instead (depending on the individual, some find HPL can take 2-3 times as long to see similar results). I haven’t really tested or seen Tanda Me in action so I can’t comment on it….
Hi, thanks for your reviews – very comprehensive and helpful. I wanted to ask whether the Remington is painful to use? I hear IPL us usually less painful than laser – would you agree? I am interested in the Remington for my bikini line, do you know the dimensions of the part that comes into contact with skin? – so I can judge whether it’s suitable for me.
Hi Yan, yup, I would say that IPL is generally considered less painful than laser because it is less intense (that’s also why it can takes slightly longer to see results). The contact/ treatment area of the Remington is 2 square centimeters. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi, do any of these work for permanent hair removal? Like, if I use one for a year will my hair stop growing or at least grow back thinner and less coarse? Or is this something I have to do my whole life?
Hey Kristina, there is no device or system that can guarantee total permanent hair removal. For example, the products reviewed can only claim ‘permanent reduction in hair growth’ under FDA rules. See this FDA document for example. That said, depending on the individual and the density of hair on the areas used, a result close to permanent removal is possible. I personally saw an 80% (just a rough estimate) reduction in my underarm hair growth after 2 months of treatment – the new hairs that grow out are much less dense and thinner. Though I still do maintenance treatment from time to time, I get a sense that compared to before I did treatment, the reduction is stable and would remain for a long time even if I stopped treatment completely. My sister, on the other hand, who did treatment for her legs, even though she also saw good reduction in density overall, still sees quite a number of errand hair strands that seem to be quite stubborn and grows back, so she has to do more regular maintenance to get rid of those strands.
hi again, thanks for replying to my earlier comment
i just wanna know if there’s any new technology that works on fine hair,white skin.
thanks
Hi, laser and pulse light technology works by targeting dark hair follicles so as long as your hair color falls within the recommended tones, it should work. However, it will take a longer time to see results on finer hair versus thick hair in general as finer hair has less surface area for the laser energy to be absorbed.
Hi Dana,
I’m a African American women with dark hair,I was wondering what would be best for me ? & also my budget is about $250.
Hi Tonie, if your skin tone is light brown or lighter (see chart above), you can consider the Silk’n Flash & Go system based on your budget 🙂
Hi,
This is great! I was wondering which one of the above will you recommend to be used both on facial hair as well as body?
Thanks!
Hi! I would go for the Tria as the finer tip is excellent for the face area
Hi Diana
If you should choose, which of the two top picks would you choose for a big area?
Are they equal in efficiency? It has to work with light skin and black to light brown hair.
Thanks.
Hi Andre, I’d go with the Remington Quartz for large areas…should work fine for your skin and hair tone profile 🙂
Hi Diana! First thanks for the review! I am a woman and I have some questions about these devices. My skin tone is between light brown and beige and I am considering buying a laser hair removal device. I want to treat my entire body including the whole bikini area and reaching the anus. Is it safe to use any of these devices on my body? Which one would you recommend?
Hey Sweet! I’m glad you liked the review. For full body treatment, I’d go for RemingtonorSilkn because they provide a larger skin contact area and makes it more efficient to cover larger parts of the body, including the areas you mentioned.
I’m wondering why you told Tim not to use these devices on his genitals because its unsafe, but you recommended the Bellalite to Sweet for the exact same areas?
Hey Ketava, my understanding was that Tim had the intention of using it directly on the genitals which is a no-no. For the general bikini area its fine – which is what I’m assuming Sweet was referring to…looking at her comments again though I’m not sure if she includes the anus itself when she says ‘reaching the anus’, which of course is a no-no too!
Thanks for seeking clarification!
Hi Diana
First of all thanks for detailed information of the products. I want to buy one of the laser products for my entire legs, because I have hairy kegs. My skin is light brown and hair black. No method seems to be effective as I epilate but every other day hair come back. That is why want to get rid of them.
But my question is that can we shave in between the sessions as almost every laser device instructions say use the device every two or so weeks , so what to do during that time until we can use it again after two weeks.
Please reply
thank you.
Hey Soma! Thanks for your comment. Shaving in between laser sessions shouldn’t be an issue at all 🙂 In fact, it is recommended to shave before each session. But do not epilate, wax or do any sort of treatment that will remove the hair roots as that will render laser treatment ineffective.
Hello Diana,
I am a male age 29, and am close to the advised color to be using laser hair removal products (I’m right in between medium brown and light brown). Should this be something I back away from because I’m close to the “not safe” section? And I also have a skin condition, but the condition is caused by hair follicles being very coarse and breaking off in the skin (Acne Inversa/Hydradenitis Suppurativa [they say there is no cure]). My areas of interest are my buttocks and bikini line. Is it okay to laser hair off in areas that have acne (in general)? I have not sought out a dermatologist, I just don’t have the money (for many treatments). I’m just trying to find ways to ease myself. Thank you for reading.
Hi Jackson, in terms of skin color, most devices come with in-built sensors that should tell you whether your skin tone is suitable for treatment or not (you can probably just return the product if it turns out that it is unsuitable). However, I’m not sure whether your condition is suitable for treatment or not and it is best if you consult a physician before seeking any treatment yourself..
Hi Diana! Thnx for sharing such an informative review. I am planning to by tria. I just want to know if it is compulsory to shave the areas before laser treatment. I am cautious as I have never shaved my face before. And will there be any swelling or redness after treatment, if yes how long will it last. Are there any long term side effects of this laser therapy. Thankyou
Hi Ayesha. It is not compulsory to shave before treatment, but shaving does increase the efficacy of the treatment as it maximizes the intensity of light actually hitting the hair follicles (according to advise by experts that I came across on a few forums). However, it is best to do it 24 to 48 hours before the actual treatment so as not to irritate the skin.
Personally, the redness disappears in about half an hour for me and I like to use a cold Aloe Vera gel as it really soothes my skin and makes it feel good after treatment! Hope this helps.
Hi Diana,
I am thinking to buy one of hair removal devices for upper lip and chin. I wonder about the side-effects like red marks after the procedure and others, what are they and how long it lasts? What are recommended products to use after laser removal that it won’t be so visible next day? Does daily cream and other face products affect this area after hair removal in any way?
Thank you!
Hi Kristi, personally the redness goes away relatively quickly for me (30 minutes or so), but it could vary with people..what you could do is to start off with the lowest setting or intensity to test things out and gradually increase it once you become comfortable. I like to use a cold Aloe Vera gel (that I keep in the fridge) for post-treatment – I find that really soothing :)….but I guess any simple soothing gel/ cream would have a similar effect!
Diana, thanks a lot of this excellent review and for answering each and any of the questions, kind of rare on general blogs.
I am a male 40 yrs old and considering this product for legs. I am more leaning toward EMINGTON but I will also look at BELLALITE. Which one would you say?
I am told that while shaving and not using wax, the hair gets actually stronger and stronger, if I try these treatment and let’s see I stop after a year or so, would you say my hair grow back as they were before or they could tend to get thicker and stronger. And do I have risk that the hair grow back in some spot and not in others eventually?
My point is if I give it a try to test results, would you see any draw backs, consequences.
My hair leg are roughly 2cm long, I have white skin and dark hair.
Thanks for your help,
Max.
Hey Max, males in general experience stronger and thicker hair growth and typically the stronger systems (i.e. laser-based ones) tend to work better. That said, out of the various pulse-light-based ones, Remingtonis considered one of the strongest so that could work well for you.
In terms of hair growth, there will always be a chance of errand strands/ uneven re-growth after treatment has ceased – that really varies from person to person. However, in general people will see sparser hair growth (less dense and thick) compared to pre-treatment even after stopping treatment for a prolonged period of time, since light treatment destroys/ degrades the hair follicles/ roots. Hope this answers your question!
Hi. I am African American with dark skin and dark hair. I do think it’s discrimination. Something needs to be made specifically for darker skin then besides waxing and shaving and I don’t see anybody coming out with anything of the sort. It’s a shame. Is there anything I can use on my skin besides waxing and shaving?
Hi Erika. I understand your frustration, present technologies work on a difference in skin color and hair color. So if both are either dark (like in your situation) or very light, the technology does not work. That is pure physics, has nothing to do with discrimination. I hope this helps, although it does not solve your wish to find something that works for you as well. The technology is getting better and better, maybe in the future it works for dark/dark as well as light/light skin/hair color.
Hey Erika, check out our review of the Me My Elos system. It can be found through the link “for both face and body” at the top of the page
Hi,
I really hate my beard. I am a 24 yr old white male. it is not super heavy so I can go a day without shaving but I just don’t want to see hair. What product would you recommend for the upper lip and beard area for white men? thank you.
Hey Peter, these devices are generally not suited for male facial hair (even though some manufacturers or marketers may claim otherwise) as it is too dense and coarse for treatment to be effective…you’d probably do better with professional treatment as they have specially calibrated devices for that purpose
Hi diana:
Thanks for the detailed reviews and assistance, but I was wondering did you or any one tested or tried Me and MY elos pro machines ?? As I read they the fastest per session among the rest of the devices!! but I am not sure are they as effective as remington andTria
Thanks
Hey Jaissa, we’ll be reviewing that machine soon – I’ll post an update once that’s up!
Hi,
I have PCOS and am looking at removing upper lip and chin hair since with the syndrome it grows in excess. I would also like to use it for my legs. I would also like to get something I could use on my husband, he is wanting to get rid of full back, neck and some chest hair. I was wondering what you would suggest since I want to use it for both. We both have dark hair and tan very easily, but have not been tan in those areas for many months, my husband wore a shirt almost all of last summer and I wore a lot of sun screen and hats when out in the sun. He had also said he would like to get rid of some facial hair, on his neck and on the upper area of his cheek where he gets really bad razor burn.
Hi Jade, since you’d be using it on the lip/chin/neck areas that require more precision – the 4X might be a good choice as it has a finer tip plus it can be used on the body too. The in-built skin sensor should be able to determine whether your skin tone is suitable. However, do note that these devices are not suited for male facial hair so your husband shouldn’t use it on his face. Hope this helps 🙂
Is it safe to use the tria system on my face. I have mild facial rosacea and psoriasis.
Hi Susan! My apologies but I’m not qualified to give you any advice on that…you should consult a physician about your condition before deciding whether to use any system…
Most of these machines seem to be for body use. I have heavy hair growth on upper lip, jaw area and neck. I have olive skin and dark hair. Which machines would be best for my problem area. This has been a constant source of stress and the possibility of finding an answer to it is encouraging.
Hey Beverly, I thinkTria would be ideal because its finer head is great for those areas
Hi Diana:
I want to ask. Should we use laser eye protection glasses while using trial laser 4x? Thx in advance..
Hi Anna. yes that is definitely recommended.
Does it have a machine for African skin?
Hi William, check out our review of the Me My Elos system here
Hi Diana,
This is very interesting, i’ve tried to use the sensepil a couple of years back and i don’t think it worked at all so i stopped.
I’m a guy with quite lots of hair and i’m fine with hair on my legs but chest and back is very annoying and want to get rid of it. They’re quite dark and thick hairs so i think it will work fine.
But my question is, i want to decide whether Tria or Remington. Do you have any article that compares these two? Which would you recommend for me? I think i’m okay with spending a bit more time on one if it have better results than the other so for me the priority is the one with better results.
Thanks a lot
Hi Otto, if you are thinking of treating mainly the back and chest, I’d say go with Remington because it has a larger treatment window that makes it more efficient for treating more extensive areas. In terms of results I think both would ultimately be similar, although you may take a few more sessions to see significant results with Remington because it’s a pulse light rather than a laser system. But again because the areas you are treating are so extensive and don’t require as much precision (as compared to the face and bikini areas for example) Remington should work well for you
Hi, I am looking at a hair removal system for my entire body. I have fair skin and medium brown hair. My concern is that in addition to my underarms and legs, I would like to completely remove all of my pubic hair as well. Is the pulse thermolysis method safe to use on the outer skin of the genitals? Is there any way to safely use that method to remove all the hair in the pubic/genital area? I noticed you had warned Tim and Sweet against using that method in that area. I do not want to invest that kind of money into a system that I cannot get the full use or benefit of. Any advise would be really appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Kristine, treatment should NOT be conducted DIRECTLY ON THE GENITALS under any circumstance. The area around the genitals (e.g. bikini line) are fine but you should give it a safety buffer of 1 to 2 inches. The main reason for being cautious is because the skin around the genitals tend to be darker and more sensitive, and there is a risk of pain or even injury. When treating these areas I’d start with the lowest energy setting and test areas further away from the genitals first before gradually progressing further.
Hello!
I wanted to know if teenagers could use it too?
Thanks.
Hey Caroline, generally speaking the product manufacturers do not recommend treatment for individuals below 18 years of age (although it’s true that many salons and spas do conduct treatment on teens as young as 13 years old) so you should keep this in mind and exercise discretion.
Hello, I am a male of hispanic descent with olive colored skin and black hair. I committed the stupidly unnecessary act of adding some transplanted hair to the front of my hair line a while back and now that I’m going more bald, I want to remove that hair. What could you recommend… I know that on the site it says DIY is generally not done above the cheeks. I want to tackle this line of hair at the front of my hairline. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I really love this site!
Hey Marco, from what I know none of the systems can be reliably or safely used on the head. I’d suggest that you consult a professional or where you had your hair transplant done for advice. All the best!
Hi. I have a question. I know these machines are already better deals when it comes to saving money… Compared to salon prices and continuous visits. Would it be a really extreme mood to buy a used one off amazon or ebay? Are these machines the kind of thing that for hygiene purposes are better off to buy new? How terrible can a used one be? (I’m looking at the Tria)
Hey Ana, I’ve never used a used machine personally…in terms of hygiene I suppose you could relatively easily disinfect the set before use…but I’d be more concern about the reliability of the device…whether someone is selling it because there are some faults with it and also whether it would be covered by a warranty in the event that it breaks down
What would you reccommend for dark skin (Afro Caribbean skin)?
Hey Jonell, please see my review of the Me My Elos system (under the link ‘ideal for face and body’ right at the top) 🙂
Hi. I’m 36 years old asian female with fair skin tone and dark hair. I have pcos and have been having laser treatments at the hospital. Now my hair is dark brown/greyish but growth is still fast. Please suggest which laser will be best for me.
Many thanks
Hi Sobia, sorry for the late response. Please see my reply to Charmaine below who has a similar question. One thing to note is that these home systems do not work well with grey/ white hairs. The overall effectiveness of the treatment will depend on the proportion of grey hairs you have (the less grey and the more brown hairs the better)
Hi, im trying to research all these machines and the info is so confusing. My 16 yr old girl has pcos. She is fair complexion with dark hair.Her hair growth is dense all over her body & regrows within days of shaving or waxing. I want to get her something to help her but not sure what is suitable. Hoping you can suggest 1 for me. Trying to find one that does not need replacement parts hopefully for $600 or less.
Hi Charmaine, fair skin + dark hair is the ideal combination for laser treatment. Since the treatment area will be extensive, I’d suggest using the Remington iLIGHT Pro quartz system as I find it the most efficient and cost effective for the treatment of large areas of the body. Most systems require replacement cartridges, but the quartz system lasts 20 times longer than regular cartridges, meaning it only has to be replaced after being used for a long time. It currently costs about $350, which is about $100 more than the iLight Pro systems that use cartridges. But considering the cost of cartridge replacement, the quartz system would have paid for itself after a couple of months.
One thing I would suggest would be to stop any waxing or epilation treatment and just do shaving for a couple of weeks before commencing laser treatment. The reason is that for laser treatment to be effective, the hair roots must be present (as laser treatment is supposed to destroy the follicles via the hair roots). Waxing and epilation would remove the roots and make laser treatment ineffective.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best!
Hello, I have had several diode laser hair removal sessions in the salon in all my body except my face and I am now thinking of buying the 4x for my face. I am wondering why in the salon they can use the diode laser in ALL your body (including pubis, anus, area around nipples, etc) and you can’t at home with the 4x. And secondly I would like to know the efficiency abdomen area and linea alba (of course with light skin and relatively dark hair )
Many thanks!
Hi Tesa! The reason that laser treatment on genitals is discouraged for home treatment is because those areas are generally darker which might increase the risk of skin damage. There are actually different types of lasers, and the salon might be using the Nd:YAG laser which can be more safely used on dark skin. Unfortunately, this technology is not available on home kits (not that I’m aware of anyway). I haven’t treated my linea alba area so unfortunately I can’t comment on efficiency on that area…
Hello, while using the Remington should I use any special eye googles, gloves, etc. and should i put on a cream or gel afterwards that you would recommend?
Hi Heather! I personally use the Remington on my legs – I wear eye protection goggles for laser (many models available for less than $10 on Amazon) but do not use any gloves. For aftercare, I use an aloe vera gel that I keep chilled in the refrigerator. Hope this helps!
would laser treatment help reduce ingrown hairs caused by epilation? I have light skin and very dark hair and would like to use on leg and bikini line. the only area the epilator does not cause ingrown hairs is on my arm pits. What do you suggest?
Hi Luisa, are the dark pigments of the in-grown hair visible or are they completely ‘hidden’? If they are visible, there is a good chance that laser would help as the laser energy works by seeking out the dark pigments of the hair roots. Also, if you intend to do laser treatment you should stop epilation and allow the hair to grow back as epilation removes the hair root leaving no target for the laser to act on. Shaving would be fine.
Hello,
I have read the article and through the questions, but I am still having some trouble determining which system is best for me. I have very light skin, and dark, VERY course hair. I’ve actually had professional IPL treatments done at a salon on my underarms and bikini line, and have only seen a minor reduction – it has almost completely grown back. Could this be because the salon was not treating on a high enough setting? Is at-home treatment a good solution? I am looking to treat my legs, underarms, and bikini line, and I am more concerned about which device will have the best results rather than the quickest.
Thanks!
Hi Adrienne! In general, the energy delivered by IPL is not as strong as laser. For individuals with very strong hair growth or resilient hair follicles, IPL may not be sufficient to deliver long lasting results. Have you tried laser? If you are looking for home treatment, I’d recommend going for the Tria system as it uses laser vs. the other systems that are all pulsed light systems that do not seem strong enough for you.