The *One* and Only Thing I’ll Use for DIY Hair Removal

When it comes to at-home hair removal, there’s no shortage of options on the market, between traditional razors, hair-removal waxes, hair-removal creams, and laser-hair removal devices. Yet, with each method, there seems to be some drawback, be it pain, expense, the imminent return of hair, or the need to let your hair grow out in between sessions. But there’s one approach that seems to have fewer negatives than the rest: at-home IPL hair removal.

If the term IPL (intense pulsed light) sounds familiar, that may be because it’s often used to improve the texture and tone of skin, but this broad-spectrum light therapy has also been shown to reduce hair growth long-term. By targeting the melanin found in hair follicles, IPL destroys the root and prevents regrowth, all in a simple and fairly painless manner. And the best part? You can do IPL from the comfort of your couch, thanks to a variety of easy-to-use devices designed for at-home use.

To help you find the IPL hair removal device that’s right for you, I've narrowed it down to the 12 best options (with the help of board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD), all of which are sure to deliver effective, long-lasting, and safe hair removal at home. But first:

Our top picks for the best IPL hair removal devices of 2022:

Now keep reading for the full list of the 12 best IPL hair removal devices along with everything you need to know about shopping for a new device and safely using it at home.