My Experience with the Popular CurrentBody Diode Laser Hair Removal Device — Why I Won't Be Using Razors Again

In the world of beauty tech, trying out new products that truly simplify my routine while giving great results is a real treat. That's exactly what drew me to the new CurrentBody laser hair removal device, which is the first diode laser designed for at-home usage. Having tested other popular at-home hair removal tools that use intense pulsed light (IPL) technology, I was curious about how different this diode laser would be and whether it could deliver on its promise of better and faster results.

Most hair removal devices available for personal use rely on IPL, which uses a broad spectrum of light to reduce hair growth over time, but is not ideal for all skin tones. The CurrentBody device uses a more focused wavelength around 810 nanometers, emitting energy that penetrates deeper into hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin. Dermatologists often use diode lasers in professional clinics because of this precision, especially when treating a wider range of skin types compared to IPL. This makes the CurrentBody device stand out from others you might find on the market.

At $759, this device is definitely an investment—it's about twice as expensive as similar IPL devices I've tried before. While that might seem like a lot upfront, the key question is whether it can save you time and hassle in the long run by efficiently reducing unwanted hair and extending the periods between treatments.

It's important to remember, though, that no at-home laser hair removal device offers permanent hair removal — only professional in-office treatments can claim lasting permanence. That said, if a device can provide longer-lasting smoothness with less frequent upkeep, it’s definitely worth considering. With that in mind, I decided to put the CurrentBody laser to the test and share my honest thoughts on its performance and ease of use.

The working principle behind the CurrentBody laser is fairly straightforward yet effective. It emits an 810-nanometer wavelength diode laser which targets the melanin pigment in hair follicles. The light energy is absorbed by the hair’s melanin and converted into heat, temporarily disabling the follicles and slowing hair regrowth significantly.

One reason diode lasers like this are preferred in clinical settings is their ability to treat certain darker skin tones more safely than IPL, which can affect skin with a broader light spectrum causing discoloration or burns if used improperly. Still, CurrentBody advises caution and recommends the device only for those with pale to light brown skin and hair ranging from light brown to black. Those with the darkest skin tones are advised against using it due to safety concerns.

Most experts agree that at-home laser hair removal devices, when used correctly, are safe and effective. The key is to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly regarding patch testing and usage frequency to avoid adverse effects like burns or pigmentation changes.

For example, Dr. Ross Kopelman, a respected hair transplant surgeon, emphasizes the importance of doing an initial patch test on a small skin area before full use, monitoring for any unusual reactions over 24 hours. Also, it’s critical not to overuse the device; most manufacturers advise against using the laser more often than instructed, as misuse can cause skin irritation or other problems.

The CurrentBody laser includes built-in safety features such as skin tone sensors that emit audible alerts if your skin tone isn’t suitable for treatment, ensuring you only use it when it’s safe.

Starting with the basics, the device is pretty straightforward. You begin by cleaning the treatment area thoroughly, making sure to remove any makeup, moisturizers, or lotions that might interfere with the laser’s performance. Shaving the area beforehand is also required since the laser targets the hair follicle from beneath the skin surface, and visible hair can reduce effectiveness.

While the device doesn’t come with a shaving razor like some competitors do, this is a minor inconvenience since most people have one handy. Once the skin is clean, dry, and free of hair, you turn on the device, which has a single button that you hold for two seconds to start. Then you place it on your skin, and if your skin tone is compatible, the device will beep, allowing you to ready the laser by pressing the button twice. You can adjust the intensity through six different levels, choosing what feels best for you.

The CurrentBody device is somewhat larger and heavier than other home IPL devices I’ve used, resembling a compact travel hair dryer with a comfortable handle and a window sized just right to cover a decent area at once while still being precise enough for smaller treatment zones like the upper lip or bikini line.

From the outset, I was keen to push the laser to its highest setting, which the brand says delivers the quickest results. I was relieved to find that the treatment was completely pain-free — no tingling, prickling, or discomfort. This matches the experience of other users, including a colleague who tried it on his back and shoulders and noted only a faint warming sensation during sessions.

Following CurrentBody's recommended schedule, I treated my legs and underarms three times per week for three weeks. Remarkably, within that short time, I noticed hair growth was much reduced and the hair that remained grew in thinner and sparser. This quick progress was encouraging, and I’m excited to continue a maintenance routine of monthly treatments up to 12 weeks, after which the hair reduction should be stable and require only occasional upkeep every few months.

Overall, I’m genuinely impressed with the CurrentBody diode laser. Being the first of its kind available for home use, it represents an exciting step forward in at-home beauty technology. The speed of visible results was faster than with other devices I’ve tried, and the pain-free experience made it easy to stay consistent with treatments.

One area I hope the makers will improve for future versions is the skin tone compatibility range, as expanding safe usage to include darker skin tones would make this innovative technology accessible to many more people.

Though pricey, the device’s effectiveness promises to save time and money on salon appointments over time and might even eliminate the need for professional laser treatments altogether for some users. If you’re someone who’s been frustrated by the hassle of shaving or waxing or disappointed by the slower results of other at-home devices, the CurrentBody laser could be worth the splurge.

If you’re thinking about giving it a shot, remember to follow safety guidelines carefully, perform patch tests, and be patient as consistent use over weeks brings the best outcome. Good luck on your journey to smoother, hair-free skin!