Our review: During evaluations, I found the device’s controls to be very intuitive, plus I really liked the rotatable head,” says Brigitt Earley, a Glamour contributor who’s tested consumer products for over 15 years. “It’s a game changer for those smaller areas that can be hard to cover with the flash window—like the bikini line. Other devices I’ve tried require much more contorting for these areas, and you still don’t always feel like you’re making the best contact with skin. There’s no worry about that with this laser. It also comes with three precision attachments to help in this department too. There’s a five-inch head that’s the largest on the market at the moment (a handy way to speedily tackle big areas like the legs), a medium-size one for the underarm and bikini line, and a small one for facial hair removal (perfect for the upper lip or a rogue chin hair—IYKYK!). I use the larger attachment for leg touch-ups and love how simple and quick the whole process is. I also use the smaller attachment for more private parts, like the bikini line. In both spots, my experience has been entirely pain-free. Even on the highest setting, I simply feel a bit of warmth.”
Best for Bikini Line: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL
Original video courtesy of Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
You’ve likely seen this laser hair-removal device all over your social feeds, and for good reason. For starters, “It’s quick and easy to use with three sensitivity modes—normal, gentle, or extra gentle—so it’s less painful than other products on the market,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who recommends this pick to patients looking for at-home solutions.
Our review: “I used this all last winter, so that by the time swimsuit season rolled around, I wouldn’t have to shave as frequently. I was really impressed with the results,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “The Braun IPL is very easy to use—just hold down the button and zap away. It comes with different attachment heads, including a narrow one that fits comfortably along my bikini line. I was worried about pain, especially in that sensitive area, but was pleasantly surprised. It’s like a light little flick, and at its lowest intensity, was quite gentle even after a Brazilian wax. It took me around six weeks of weekly treatments (my hair is coarse) to really see my hair growing fainter, and I did notice that it grew back much more slowly after that, thankfully. I also—blissfully—did not experience any nasty ingrown hairs (though I did make sure to use a bikini exfoliator).”
The Braun is a favorite of Earley’s, too. “There are no settings to fuss with—only one big button to press. If you hold it down, it’ll even deliver continuous flashes, so you can complete large areas like legs in, well, a flash. I was able to tackle my armpits, legs, and bikini line in just 10 to 15 minutes—without any pain. If you’re really sensitive, you may notice a slight zing here and there, but I’d be truly surprised if it made you flinch. Braun promises results in as little as four weeks, and this time frame was right during my testing. After weekly treatments for four weeks, the vast majority of my hair had stopped growing. What did grow back was noticeably sparser and thinner,” she says.
Best for More Skin Tones: CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device
Original video by Glamour contributor April Benshosan
CurrentBody’s laser is one of the most exciting launches in the category in recent years because it’s a diode laser rather than a traditional IPL. “Diode lasers emit a single wavelength of light that penetrates deeper into the hair follicle,” says Ross Kopelman, MD, a hair transplant surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration. “I’ve found that diode lasers are generally more effective across a broader range of skin tones and hair types, often requiring fewer sessions than IPL.” The device has a skin-tone sensor and cooling technology that keeps it at a low, comfortable temperature for contact. Its one treatment window is wide, best suited for bigger areas like the legs and chest.
Our review: The CurrentBody laser is lightweight and super easy to use,” says Glamour wellness writer and reviewer April Benshosan. “Plus, it has a large treatment surface area, so you can zap more of your body in less time.” Benshosan says she’s had success using the laser almost everywhere—on her arms, underarms, legs, bikini, and even face. “I use it on the highest setting, and was honestly surprised when I felt a harsh zap, similar to salon lasers, meaning it’s getting the job done.” (Sensitive-skin types, take note: This one may be a bit too strong for you!)
Best for Face: Ulike Sapphire Air 10 IPL Hair Remover Device
Original video courtesy of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
We originally evaluated the Ulike Air+, but the company is replacing that model with this new and improved device. The brand says this iteration has 57% better energy output and a 280% faster flash speed for better efficacy in less time—just two weeks, they say (though you will have to use it every other day for the first month). It features the same cooling technology that drew us to the device in the first place. The internal fan allows the device to effectively operate at a contact temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to the 100 degrees some other devices reach. This makes this laser hair removal device an especially effective choice for more sensitive areas with fine hair, like the face or bikini line. It also has an AutoGlide mode, which rapidly dispenses the flashes as the device moves against the skin without you having to repeatedly press a button.