The best IPL and laser hair removal devices

(Image credit: CosBeauty)

Hair is everywhere. And while some people are fine letting their hair grow as nature intended, others prefer a more manicured look. But achieving that smooth look and feel isn't as easy as taking a razer and going to town. The hair will only come back thicker, and think of the demanding maintenance schedule not to mention the unsightly stubble, the potential for razor burn and the ingrown hairs.

No, for hair removal like this, you're going to need something a bit more high tech, something like an at-home laser hair removal or intense pulsed light (IPL) system. But which one of these systems is right for you, and which is the best of the bunch? 

We've done extensive research and these are the best IPL and laser-hair-removal devices you can buy now.

(Image credit: Tria)

Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X

Specifications

Size: 11.3 x 10.1 x 5.8 x inches
Weight: 62.4 ounces
Pulses: 90,000
Fluence: 7-22J/cm2
Warranty: 60-day money-back guarantee

Reasons to buy

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The best hair removal laser overall

When it comes to getting rid of hair, the Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser is at the top of everyone's list. Using the same diode laser technology found in your dermatologist's office, the FDA-cleared Tria is noted for its ability to remove dark, coarse hair on both the face and body. If you go to the site, there's a skin tone-hair color graph that lets you know if the device is safe for you to use.

For those who can use the device, its high fluence rate is the secret to its success in removing hair. However, that higher rate could mean more pain for some people, which, paired with Tria's small coverage, could mean a lot of uncomfortable zaps. Still, many users report significant hair reduction when using the device on a bimonthly basis for three months. After that, you'll only need touch-ups every now and then. 

Aside from its efficacy, Tria's popularity stems from its small, handheld size and its lack of a cord. The large LCD display at the top of the device makes it easy to track how many treatments you've done, as well as the power level. Tria gives you a recommended number of treatments for each area to ensure you get the best result. Underarms, for example, should get 100 pulse treatments.

(Image credit: CosBeauty)

CosBeauty IPL

Specifications

Size: 7.2 x 4.7 x 2.6 inches
Weight: 12.3 ounces
Pulses: 100,000
Fluence: 5J/cm2
Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

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An affordable IPL hair removal system

The CosBeauty IPL is the most affordable hair removal system on our list. The device has received praise for its speedy process, with some users claiming it takes only 8 minutes to do a full arm or a leg. You should start seeing results after two to four sessions.

Unfortunately, the CosBeauty IPL is safe only on lighter skin tones with darker hair. The CosBeauty also ships with a pair of safety glasses. It can be used on the upper mouth, arms, armpits, back, legs and bikini area.

In addition to IPL treatments, the CosBeauty has interchangeable heads that the company says can stimulate collagen regeneration. There's also an acne-treatment head that the company says can kill acne-causing bacteria. One of the main complaints about the CosBeauty comes from its cord, which consumers say it is too short. That can be a problem if you're trying to get to a hard-to-reach area.

(Image credit: Braun)

Braun Silk-Expert 5 IPL

Specifications

Size: 14 x 6.8 x 4.3 inches
Weight: 16 ounces
Pulses: 300,000
Fluence: 4-6J/cm2
Warranty: 100-day back guarantee, 1 year warranty

Reasons to buy

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A great combination of speed and endurance

If you're searching for longevity, look no further than the Braun Silk Expert 5. The hair- removal IPL lamp is rated for an incredible 15 years of monthly use. It's known for its efficiency on face and body hair, and Braun claims use of the lamp will result in permanent hair reduction in only four weeks. But it doesn't just give fast results, thanks to Glide Mode the device can pulse more areas at a faster rate. But if you're trying to remove hair on a smaller area, like your lip or bikini line, the precision attachment can take care of all the finer details.

Speaking of finer details, the device works best with shaved skin. To ensure you follow directions, the Silk Expert 5 ships with a Venus razer along with a cute storage bag. Braun designed the Silk Expert 4  with 10 energy levels, making it safe enough to use on your face. However, the device will work only with certain skin tones.

For such an expensive product, we were a little surprised that it doesn't have a display so newbies can easily navigate the settings.

(Image credit: Remington)

Remington iLight Essential

Specifications

Size: 7.2 x 7.2 x 4 inches
Weight: 24.6 ounces
Pulses: 350,000
Fluence: 4J/cm2
Warranty: 100-day back guarantee, 1 year warranty

Reasons to buy

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Tiny, inexpensive but big on power

We like the Remington iLight Essential for its price and its size. It's one of the cheaper hair removers on the list. And thanks to its small size, it's easy to maneuver into those tricky areas. The iLight is rated for 15 years of use, and you'll never have to worry about replacement bulbs since Remington claims the quartz lamp can deliver up to 350,000 flashes.

While it should work with most skin tones, the integrated skin tester will let you know if you're cleared for use. If you are, the TriggerLess technology should glide along your skin, delivering three times the flashes of competing devices. You should exercise patience when using this device, as it may take some time for hair- reduction results to show.

(Image credit: Iluminage)

Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction Device

Specifications

Size: 9.1 x 9.1 x 6.8 inches
Weight: 64 ounces
Pulses: 120,000
Fluence: 9J/cm2
Warranty: 1 year warranty

Reasons to buy

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Plays well with all skin tones and hair color

The Iluminage Touch is one of the few IPL systems that work with two of the most difficult cases in laser hair removal darker skin and fair hair. That's because the Iluminage doesn't just rely on IPL, it also uses RF (radio frequency) to create the company's "elos" technology, which works on just about everything. The verdict still seems to be out on white hair.

You use the Iluminage like any other IPL device. You can switch between gliding or precision pulses to get the job done. However, unlike competing devices, it may take a little longer to see results. And you have to use the Iluminage more often than other devices (once a week versus bimonthly). However, for people with darker skin or lighter hair, this seems like a fair trade-off since a device that caters to them is few and far between.

That stated, the catering doesn't come cheap. And at 64 ounces, the Iluminage is the heaviest device on our list.

Sherri L. Smith

Sherri L. Smith has been cranking out product reviews for Laptopmag.com since 2011. In that time, she's reviewed more than her share of laptops, tablets, smartphones and everything in between. The resident gamer and audio junkie, Sherri was previously a managing editor for Black Web 2.0 and contributed to BET.Com and Popgadget.