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The Best Home Laser Hair Removal Device – Round Up Review

Picture

Laser Device

Type

Price

Rating

Tria Home Laser 4X

Laser

$$$$

Silk'n SensEpil

IPL

$$$

Boots Smooth Skin Gold

IPL

$$$

Remington I-Light Pro

IPL

$$

Philips Lumea IPL

IPL

$$

No!No! Hair Removal System

IPL

$

New technology has given hair removal manufacturers the ability to create new laser hair removal products that can be used from the comfort of your own home.  But, are they any good? And which product is the best on the market?  

We took time to compare the following products in the home laser hair removal sector:- Boots Smooth Skin Gold, Remington I-Light Pro IPL, Tria Laser 4X, Philips Lumea, Silk'n SensEpil and No!No! Pro Hair Removal System.

Useful Background Information

Before you look at the range of products available, it's worth educating yourself about home laser hair removal.  We've compiled a list of resources for you:-

Laser vs IPL - What's the Difference?

For the purpose of this review, we'll be treating laser hair removal devices and IPL devices as one and the same thing.  The underlying technology between the two is slightly different, however there is no current solid scientific evidence to suggest that one performs better than the other.

Use Our Interactive Tool to Find
the Right Device for You:-

Choose your requirements by checking the boxes on the left and the display will update with a list of suitable home laser hair removal devices:-

Suitable for large body parts?
Wireless capability
Doesn't require refillable cartridges
Suitable for dark coloured skin
FDA approved
Suitable for Men
Suitable for Women
Clinical data
Can be used on face

Home Laser Hair Removal Products - Complete Roundup

Editor's Pick

Tria Home Laser 4X

One of the best home laser devices on the market.  This device has the most clinical research to back up its effectiveness - studies show that you are highly likely to achieve substantial hair reduction with its usage (no laser device, home or professional, can legitimately guarantee hair removal, yet).

The device can be used wirelessly with a battery life of 30 minutes and, while the price is higher than many competitors, the cartridge has a significantly longer lifespan (with 90,000 pulses) than other devices making up for the initial expense.

The device is FDA approved and thus comes with adequate safety features (skin tone detector, device locking).  The small head size makes it very good for small treatment areas and the device comes with 5 strength settings.

On the negative side, it's slow for larger treatment areas due to the small head size and the battery life is not great at half an hour (bear in mind that this is the only home laser hair removal device that has wireless capability).​

Things we Liked

  • It's cheap compared to visiting a salon -- Compared to the $12,000 or so you'd spend on total body laser hair removal, the $450 price tag on this device is cheap. For less than $500, you can remove your own hair at home.
  • It's easy to use -- Designed to be as user-friendly as possible, this device is one that pretty much anyone can use. 
  • It's effective -- proven to be effective at hair reduction after consistent use in the majority of cases
  • Safety First-- The locking feature and skin tone detector is a nice additional layer of safety
  • Wireless-- Gives you the freedom to operate the device from wherever you choose
  • Good for Smaller Areas - The TRIA has a relatively small laser head which makes it good for treating smaller areas that require some precision.
  • 5 strength settings - so you can pick the right level for you
  • Backed up by clinical studies -- The Tria is backed up by numerous clinical studies and has been cleared by the FDA

Things we didn't Like

  • Slow for large treatment areas-- Given the small head size, it can take quite a long time to treat larger treatment areas
  • Limited battery life--The battery only lasts for 30 minutes without charging

Silk'n SensEpil

Silkn SensEpil Device

This device is a very strong candidate for being best in its category.  In fact, if you would like to use your home laser hair removal device on large treatment areas (for example back, or full body) then I'd recommend that you purchase this product over the Tria 4X due to its much larger head size.

This is a solid, well built device that is almost $300 cheaper than the Tria 4X​.  However, it should be mentioned that the cartridge will need replacing after 1500 flashes (as opposed to 90,000 with the Tria), so the long term running costs eat away at the initial cost saving over the Tria.  The refill cartridges will cost you around $40 each.

The device comes with a solid set ​of features - it's FDA approved, suitable for large and small treatment areas, has 5 strength settings, is very easy to use and comes with an instructional DVD.

One other thing worth noting:- The Silk'n SensEpil, unlike the Tria 4X, cannot be operated wirelessly.​

Things we Liked

  • Solid, well built device - High quality of manufacture.  
  • Suitable for large treatment areas - The head size is large enough and the time between pulses (3.5 seconds) small enough for larger treatment areas
  • Cheap unit price - At the time of writing the review, the cost of the SensEpil is only $199.  That's almost a $300 saving in comparison to its rival, the Tria 4X
  • Strong safety features - the skin tone sensor is an added protection of misuse
  • 5 Strength Settings - Choose the energy level setting that's right for you
  • Easy to use - very simple to use the device. Point and click.
  • Can be used on smaller areas - despite having a relatively large head, the device is also suitable for treating the smaller more sensitive areas including the bikini area 
  • Massive saving compared to professional laser hair removal - the product is many times cheaper than having laser hair removal done professionally.
  • Clear instructions & DVD - The instruction guide and DVD are very comprehensive, walking through step be step operational instructions for the best results

Things we didn't Like

  • Wired - The applicator is wired to the main unit, rather than being wireless unlike some other brands
  • Refills Required - The initial unit is cheaper than competitors, however the cartridges on this device need replacing after 1500 flashes.  This long term running cost eats away at the initial cost saving.

Boots Smooth Skin Gold

Released to the public in 2014, this is the newest device in the round up review.  The product has been received very well with many people reporting strong results.

 

It's very easy to use, has a skin tone safety feature, can be used anywhere on the body and, unlike most other devices, there is no need to purchase replacement cartridges (an additional cost saving).​

The drawbacks are that the device is not yet FDA approved, is currently only available in the UK, has no safety lock if not correctly placed on the skin, and is more expensive than a lot of its rivals.​

Things we Liked

  • Very easy to use
  • Automatic skin tone detector and safety lock
  • “Gentle” setting
  • Can be used anywhere on the body
  • Sleek design
  • No need to purchase replacement cartridges

Things we didn't Like

  • Not FDA-approved
  • Only available in the UK
  • No safety lock to stop the light if the device is not correctly placed on the skin

Remington I-Light Pro

This is a strong, solid product that has many great features.  The device has 5 power levels, good safety features (including a skin sensor and pressure switch) and easy to use.

The hand set is light, ergonomic and looks trendy.  On top of everything the device comes with an instruction DVD with very clear instructions on usage.

We have two concerns with this product:  1) The spot size is very small, so it's not great for treating large areas of the body.  ​2) We haven't been able to find any clinical data to support the effectiveness of the product.

Things we Liked

  • It's cheap compared to visiting a salon -- Compared to the $12,000 or so you'd spend on total body laser hair removal, the $450 price tag on this device is cheap. For less than $500, you can remove your own hair at home.
  • 5 power levels - you can choose the power setting that suits you
  • Lightweight hand unit - A nice ergonomic, aesthetic and lightweight hand unit makes doing treatments easy
  • Strong safety features - a skin sensor and 2 pressure switches helps to ensure that the device is safe for home use
  • Clear instructions - An instruction manual and DVD are included.
  • Quick recharge between flashes - no hanging around in-between pulses waiting for the device to recharge

Things we didn't Like

  • Slow for large treatment areas-- Given the small head size, it can take quite a long time to treat larger treatment areas
  • Cartridge replacements - After 1500 flashes the cartridge needs to be replaced.  Given the small head size, the total treatment area is less than competitors before a replacement is needed.
  • No clinical studies - there doesn't appear to be any scientific studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the i-Light

Philips Lumea Comfort IPL

The Philips Lumea is one of the cheapest home hair removal devices available on the market at the moment.It's easy to use, very durable (with over 100,000 flashes before the light needs replacing), includes numerous safety features, and has five adjustable power settings.

​The mid-range time per cm2 rating means that it's good for tackling both small and large treatment areas and can be used on both the body and the face.

On the flip side, some tests showed that the energy emitted by the device is too low (2.5 - 6.8 J/cm squared) for permanent hair reduction.  Other minor complaints include that the hand set is also quite bulky and that the device can't be used wirelessly.

Things we Liked

  • Easy to Use
  • Relatively Inexpensive - at around $200
  • No Replacement Parts - initial outlay only
  • Durable - lasts for over 100,000 flashes, equivalent to 6 years of treatments, before the light needs replacing
  • Safety Features - including UV filter & skin sensor
  • Mains Powered - no recharging of batteries
  • 5 Adjustable Settings

Things we didn't Like

  • Lack of Available Clinical Evidence - while the manufacturer claims that the product is backed up by scientific data, it is not readily available for viewing. 
  • Corded - less convenient than cordless, although negating the need to recharge batteries
  • Bulky - the handset is bulky in comparison to some of the other devices available

NoNo! Hair Removal System

Our less than positive review for this product is down to a few main areas.  

There are an overwhelming number of people who have had little to no results with the product - this can't be ignored.  We have also been unable to find any real clinical data to prove the effectiveness of the product.

While the product is by far the cheapest on the market, the replacement parts for the product aren't cheap and make the overall product investment more expensive than the initial low outlay.  

The device is FDA approved and can be used to treat large and small treatment areas (including the face, with the exception of eyebrows).  

Things we Liked

  • Different Strength Settings (Pro) - Choose the energy level setting that's right for you
  • Can treat large or small areas - with tailored tip and buffer sizes, can be used on almost all areas
  • Suitable for face - with the exception of the eyebrows
  • Pain-free
  • No Side effects

Things we didn't Like

  • Replacement Parts - The replacement tips and buffers are fairly expensive.
  • Commitment Required - high number of sessions over a long time to see results
  • Negative Reviews - it is impossible to ignore so many negative reviews, although the explanation may well be the level of commitment required for this product to achieve its potential
  • Lack of Data - Current lack of clinical data to substantiate the long term efficacy of the device

Comparison Matrix of the Home Laser Products

Here's a more technical comparison of the home laser hair removal products.

  • ​Clinical data refers to scientific studies that have been carried out to prove the efficacy of the product.
  • Spot size is the size of the head that emits the laser - this is essentially the size of the treatment area for each pulse / laser emitted.
  • Rep rate - this is the time delay between each pulse / laser emission
  • Time per cm2 - this is the amount of time it takes to treat 1cm2 of the body with the device

Tria 4x Laser

Silk'n SensEpil

Boots Smooth Skin

Remington I-Light

Philips Lumea

Safety Features

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wavelengths

810nm

475 - 1100nm

530 - 1100nm

650-1100nm

575 - 1100nm

Handpiece size

Fat grip to hold

Moderately light

Small and light

Small and light

Bulky

Weight

Heavy for long procedures (645g)

Moderately light

Small and light

Small and light

Bulky

Clinical Data

R.Wheeland, LSM

Alster & Tanzi (2009)

Emerson & Town J. Cos Las Ther 2009

None published

Nuijs et al Laser Surg Med 2008

Spot size

0.793cm squared

6cm squared (30mm x 20mm)

3cm squared (12mm x 25mm)

2cm squared (20mm x 10mm)

3.0cm squared (30mm x 10mm)

Rep rate

2.2 secs max

4.1 secs

1-2 seconds

2.1 secs

4.5 secs

Pulse duration

300ms / 400ms / 600ms

5ms

25-60ms

27.5ms

2.5 - 7ms

Time per cm2

2.52 secs

0.68 secs

<2.0 secs

1.05 secs

1.5 secs

Full Review

Full Review

Full Review

Full Review

Full Review

Full Review

What Does This Data Mean For You?

The Silk'n SensEpil has a much larger spot size than its rivals enabling it to cover larger body areas faster than all its rivals

From this data you can see that the Tria 4X is the slowest per cm2 making it quite impractical for treating larger areas (such as the back or full body).  On the flip side of the coin, however, the smaller head size means that it's great for areas of the body that require precision.

The Silk'n SensEpil has the largest head size and consequently has the fastest time per cm2.  It is therefore more suited to larger treatment areas than any of the other devices. It wouldn't, however, be suitable for use on areas where precision is required.

The Remington I-light is the only device that doesn't have any scientific data to back up its effectiveness - all other devices have some form of clinical data to prove the efficacy of the product.  

Some devices, such as the Philips Lumea, have clinical data that is not readily available for viewing.  The study for the Philips Lumea was not offered on the manufacturer's site and we couldn't find the study online despite substantial research.  Therefore we can't analyse how well the study was carried out.

Time per cm²

Time per cm² is a useful measurement if you want to use the home laser kit for full body hair removal.  Using a machine with a small spot size and slow rep rate can be painstakingly slow for larger body parts.

In the chart above, the smaller the bar, the faster the treatment per cm².

As you can see, the Silk'n SensEpil is clearly the fastest per cm², however it also has one of the slowest rep rates at 4.1 cm.  This makes it useful for larger body parts, but has a head size of 6cm² making it useless for smaller treatment areas.

Cartridge Replacements

There are two types of home laser hair removal machines:-

  1. This type of machine contains a high set number of pulses and can last for an extended period of time, however once you use the total amount, then you'll need to replace the entire device at a high cost.
  2. ​This type of hair removal device comes with cartridges that have a low number of pulses (often these can do a few full body treatment sessions at max) before you'll need to purchase a replacement cartridge.  The cartridges need to replaced a lot more often, but also are cheaper.

Here's what you need to know about the home laser hair removal devices we've reviewed:-

Product

How Often Need Replacing

Maintenance Cost

Tria 4x

90,000 pulses, or 300 battery charging cycles (whichever is less).  It is estimated that you need 3,000 flashes for 2 body sessions meaning that the product can give 60 full body sessions.

There are no refill cartridges - when 90,000 pulses is up, you need to buy a new device

$$$

Big initial cost for the device, however most people will take a long time to use up 60 full body sessions.​

Silk'n SensEpil

The lamp cartridge life is limited to approximately 750 pulses, which are enough to treat an entire body once, or achieve multiple treatments on the legs only, underarms only, and so on.

When the 750 flashes is complete, there is no need to buy a new device, instead you can purchase new cartridges

$$$$$

The initial cost of the device is less than the Tria, but each cartridge can only handle one full body session and is expensive at $37.

This costs significantly more than other home laser hair removal machines in the long run

Boots Smooth Skin

This device gives life for 120,000 flashes - it is claimed that it can provide full body treatment for 6 years before it needs replacing.

Once the 120,000 flashes are used, you'll need to replace the device

$$$

The initial cost of this device is very close to the Tria 4X and can provide 30,000 more flashes.

The device, in the long run, works out to be very similar with the Tria and Remington and is mid-range in cost.

Remington I-Light

The cartridge can handle 1,500 flashes which lasts for around 2-3 full body treatments.

After that, the cartridge will need to be replaced​

$$$

A 2 pack of cartridges retail for around $45.

Another mid-range cost product.​

Philips Lumea

The device comes with 100,000 flashes which is enough for full body treatment for 5 years.

After the number of flashes is complete, you'll need to buy a new device.​

$

Similar to the Tria 4X, except the cost for the device is over $200 lower.

This is quite significantly the cheapest home laser device in the round up review.​

Click here for the full and complete cost analysis of home laser hair removal devices

Cost Comparison of Home Laser Devices

In order to help you further analyse the cost of ongoing use with each of these devices, we have compiled a chart:

The chart has been scaled down, click here for a full size view

Looking at the chart, we can see that the cheapest device is the Philips Lumea comfort. This device is both the cheapest to purchase and, because it has a long lifespan, carries on being the cheapest for the first 24 full body sessions.

The SensEpil starts off as the second cheapest, but over time gets more and more expensive relative to the other options due to the expensive cartridges that only last for one full body session.

The Remington I Light is the only other home laser hair removal device that​ uses cartridges and is cheaper in the long run than the SensEpil because the cartridges are cheaper and can provide 3 full body sessions each.

How Have We Calculated These Costs?

The data and charts provide a snapshot in time that is consistent with the following data

  • ​The initial cost price of the device is the current Amazon.com price in USD (Tria = 450, SensEpil = 199, SmoothSkin = 449, Remington = 230, Lumea = 220)
  • The Tria 4X, Boots Smooth Skin, Remington I Light and Philips Lumea should be able to handle 24 full body sessions without the unit needing replacing
  • The SensEpil needs the cartridge replacing for every full body session.  The cartridge cost price is $37
  • Remington I Light cartridges last for 3 full body sessions and it's possible to buy 2 cartridges for $47.

Please note also, that we have been unable to find how many full body sessions the Smooth Skin and the Lumea Comfort can provide before it needs replacing.  All the evidence we've found suggests that 120,000 and 100,000 flashes respectively should be ample for the 24 full body sessions. 

Click here for a full and complete cost analysis of home laser / IPL machines

What You Should Know About Buying Home Laser Hair Removal Machines

I've noticed from comments and emails through the site that a lot of the same questions keep popping up again and again.  Instead of replying and answering on a 1 by 1 basis, I've decided to document the answers here.

Will Home Laser Hair Removal Work For Me?

The truthful answer is that we don't know if will work for you.  In fact, nobody knows and anybody who tells you differently is lying to you.​

Unfortunately, at the moment, home laser hair removal (and indeed professional laser hair removal) is a bit of a gamble. 

However, I will say this: If you have light skin and dark hair then the chances of home laser hair removal working for you are really quite good.  ​There have been numerous studies performed and most of the participants have achieved in the realms of 50 - 75% hair reduction of the course of the treatment.  

In some rare cases hair growth has actually been triggered by laser hair removal.​ Before you get too worried, this occurrence is very rare and scientists don't yet understand why this happens. 

Does Home Laser Hair Removal Work for Darker Skin Tones?

​If you have a skin colour that is darker than four on the Fitzpatrick scale, then there are currently no home laser hair removal machines on the market that will work for you.

The Fitzpatrick table classification for Skin Colour:

Skin Type

Skin Colour

Hair Color (darkest)

Eye Colour

Description

1

White or very pale

Blonde

Blue, grey, green

Always burns, never tans

2

Pale white with beige tint

Chestnut or dark blond

Blue

Always burns, sometimes tans

3

Beige to light brown (olive)

Dark brown

Dark brown

Sometimes burns, always tans

4

Light to moderate brown

Black

Brown

Rarely Burns, always tans

5

Medium to Dark Brown

Black

Brownish black

Rarely burns, tans more than average

6

Dark brown to black

Black

Black

Never burns

However, there are certain types of lasers that are used professionally in laser hair removal salons that are designed to work with such dark skin types.  Learn more about professional laser hair removal with dark skin.  

Are Home Laser Hair Removal Products Safe?

​As long as you choose a reputable brand (preferably one that's FDA approved like the Tria 4X or the Silk'n SensEpil) and you operate the device in line with the instructions, then the devices are safe.

Home laser hair removal devices operate at a lower fluence than the higher powered lasers used professionally at laser hair removal clinics, so the likelihood of burning is lower.​  Even with the lower fluence, however, if instructions are not followed and the laser is misused then there is a possibility for burns and other side effects to occur.

There are also a number of lesser well known and non FDA approved products trying to break into the home laser hair removal space.  I strongly recommend that you avoid these products - most don't work and some could be dangerous.  

All products home laser hair removal devices on this post (even the ones that haven't been FDA approved) have been proven safe amongst the masses.

What are the Possible Side Effects?

A recent study looked at the side effects experienced by patients that self administered home laser hair removal treatments.  These were the results:-

This is a more severe example of a rash side effect from laser hair removal that went away within 48 hours

As you can see from the chart, most people will experience redness (erythema) in the treatment area in the hour following a laser session.

In some instances swelling can occur (edema). Other less common side effects include hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin), crusting, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and blistering.

It should be noted that all the side effects listed in the study were temporary and cleared up within 12 weeks after the final treatment.​

For more answers to your home laser / IPL hair removal questions,
then check out this full list of FAQ's

Got Any More Questions?

We've tried to be as exhaustive as possible with our FAQ's, but if you have any more questions about home laser hair removal devices then let us know in the comment box below and we will get back to you with an answer!​

Paul
 

I'm a computer science graduate, have a passion for self development and created this site as a side project due to the lack of complete, understandable, helpful and truthful information about hair removal available online.

  • Avatar D says:

    what about the luma rx? i really want to know which is better between the luma rx and the new tria 4x. the luma uses ipl and the tria uses diode laser. i have been contemplating which one to get because they are both very expensive and i live pay check to pay check. i tweeze my chin twice a day. it is so annoying, sometimes i am in tears because it is so annoying and time consuming. i just want to make sure that what i am about to spend my money on is the best and will work the best for me. thank you

    • Sue Sue says:

      Hi D

      Have you seen our review of the LumaRx which was recently published? It gives a lot of information plus a comparison with the Tria 4X: http://hairfreelife.com/lumarx-ipl-hair-removal-device-full-body-review/

      Do have a look at it and hopefully it will answer your questions. If not, post your questions here and I’ll help out.

    • Avatar Paul says:

      The other thing to consider is electrolysis. Here’s why I mention it:-

      1) Electrolysis is permanent
      2) Your chin is a small area with a small number of hairs
      3) It’s guaranteed to work for everyone.

      For the cost of a home hair removal device, you could be well on your way to permanently eliminating your chin hair with professional electrolysis. See our Q&A for more information about electrolysis:- http://hairfreelife.com/electrolysis-facts-misconceptions/

      I wouldn’t recommend electrolysis for large body areas, but for the chin it might be a great solution for you. Let us know if you have any more questions about this.

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