CurrentBody Skin Laser hair removal review

What is it?

This is a mains-powered infrared Diode laser hair removal device from CurrentBody launched in November 2023. It has a large spot size of 3cm² which sends powerful light energy at a single 810nm wavelength into your skin. There, it damages and disables your hair follicles, slowing and then stopping your hair regrowth.

Learn more about how home laser hair removal works.

CurrentBody are part of The Beauty Tech Group, and have launched other clinically proven at-home products such and LED masks, LED hair rejuvenation, and Radio Frequency devices. This is their first device in the at-home hair removal market.

CurrentBody explains that this laser is different and better to at-home IPL devices, because:

“Laser, unlike IPL, uses a concentrated laser beam to permanently disable hair growth, giving you lasting results.

While both technologies have their advantages, laser hair removal is faster, more precise, while delivering permanent hair reduction.

Whilst the technical characteristics of this laser are spot on, scientific studies of professional laser vs IPL (at comparative intensities) prove inconclusive results as to which is better.

Learn more on how laser and IPL compare here.

The CurrentBody Skin Laser has a maximum energy intensity output of 7 J/cm² compared to the most powerful IPL device with 6.5 J/cm². So, based on the hair-zapping energy sent to your follicles, this laser promises long-lasting hair reduction results comparative to that of at-home IPL. Furthermore, what I like about this laser, is the large spot size and the cooling technology, which promise fast and pain-free sessions.

Can I use it?

This quick reference checklist determines if it’s safe for you to use CurrentBody Skin Laser. Before you buy, you should also check the user guide for a comprehensive, up-to-date list of warnings and contraindications.

Prolonged sun exposure before or after your sessions increases your skin sensitivity and so the risk of side effects. However, CurrentBody don’t suggest any timeframe guidance, just a vague the laser ‘should not be used after exposure to the sun.”

In this case, and based on other devices, I’d suggest waiting until any sun tan fades and a week after any prolonged exposure to the sun. Also, cover up and use a sunscreen of SPF 30+ after your treatments to avoid unprotected sun exposure

The 12-week treatment schedule is intensive to start with 3 sessions per week for the first 3 weeks, then once per week up to week 12. If you miss or stop your sessions, your hair will probably grow back.

To treat your full body takes around 19 minutes with the CurrentBody Skin Laser. If it is difficult to commit this effort, at-home laser may not be for you.

Next, let’s unbox this laser…

First impressions

The laser comes in the distinctive white sturdy minimal and sophisticated cardboard box. I like the the angular line graphic depicting a powerful laser pulse.

Levels of dense white moulded foam secure the kit inside. It’s all colour coordinated and a tight fit. There’s not much plastic, and the cardboard box is recyclable, however the white foam is not.

Keep the box to store the laser and cables between uses. It fits in a deep drawer, under your bed, or in a cupboard, and looks good on a shelf too.

In the CurrentBody Skin Laser device kit:

• CurrentBody Skin laser device
• Mains cable (with UK plug)
• User guide booklet
• Quick start leaflet

Next the quality, design and features of the laser kit…

Quality & design

The first thing I notice about this laser is the very chunky, angular shape. The rounded body has a slimmer handle connected at an abrupt right angle. If you’re a fan of Chris Hemsworth (which I am), you may see the resemblance to Thor’s hammer. Or a large 90s travel hair dryer with nozzle attached (if Chris isn’t your cup of tea).

This boxy shape doesn’t scream ‘ergonomics’ like Philips or Braun does, but the styling I rather like. 

The laser is a smooth, off-white colour with a subtle shimmer, and contrasting dark reflective metallic accents. The cooling air vents create pretty and interesting patterns. And I like the repeated black line graphic laser pulse on the handle too. This care and attention elevates the rather boring silhouette, creating an overall retro feel.

There’s just one button to control the laser, placed at the top and back of the long handle. Long-press it to turn the laser on and off. And a single press cycles up through each of the 6 intensity levels and back to one again. The 6 white indicator lights above it illuminate to show your chosen intensity level. There’s no flash button because the device auto flashes when against your skin.

The laser has 6 intensity levels and operates at slightly higher power than IPL devices (from 2 to 7 J/cm²). This promises you longer lasting results than less powerful rivals. Select your intensity level based on your skin sensitivity test and the highest level which is comfortable for you. Drop down a level if you feel any discomfort.

There’s just one fixed flash window The silver metallic nozzle tapers to a vertical flat surface of 2cm wide and 4cm high. Set inside a thin border is the glass covered aperture. To one side and at a slight angle is the small rectangular skin sensor. This scans your tone and detects your skin contact, which in turn controls the automatic flashes.

It also keeps your eyes safe, as your skin must cover the aperture or else it won’t flash. So, you can’t accidentally flash it into mid-air anywhere near your eyes. 

The power cable comes in 2 parts. First, the long flexible and robust cable connects to the device. At the ther end is the heavy power pack. Then, a shorter cable with a plug connects from the power pack to the mains outlet. The weight of this power pack means you get the first 145cm of flexible cable as usable slack to work around your body. The laser comes with a country specific plug.

I like the small but helpful details with the laser, such as these handy velcro ties to keep the cables tidy.

How & when to use it

Before you do your first session, read the user guide and do a skin sensitivity test.

You can read the user manual in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. It’s a quick and easy read which covers the laser device overview, safety info, suitability colour charts, warnings, how to use, patch test instructions, treatment schedule, maintenance, warranty, troubleshooting and tech specs.

To do your skin sensitivoty test:  Shave your treatment area. Turn on the laser and complete the skin tone check. Then, starting at level 1, zap a section of skin. Increase to level 2 and repeat on an adjacent section. Continue until the zaps become uncomfortable or you’ve zapped all levels up to intensity 6. Wait one hour and if there’s no skin reaction, you can complete zapping the treatment area at your preferred intensity level.

When to use it

This at-home laser demands effort and commitment with a frequent start-up schedule to get you to smooth, and give your longest lasting results.

You do 3 sessions per week for the first 3 weeks. This is more effort than most rival IPL devices (which typically require 1 treatment. per week). During weeks 4 to 12, drop to once per week. If after 12 weeks you’re happy with your results, you can stop your treatments.

CurrentBody says some new hairs may grow after this course. You can shave and zap them as they appear. The user guide also states you can treat monthly after week 12 to keep any new hairs or regrowth at bay.

Learn more later in this review about what results to expect.

How to use it

Here are the simple steps:

1. Power on
2. Test your skin tone
3. Select your intensity & unlock
4. Cover your skin in zaps!

First, power on the laser into standby mode.

Second, test your skin tone is within the safe range. A white light and a beep means it’s safe to use.

Next, select your intensity level and unlock the laser. Use the highest and most comfortable level you found during your skin test.

My skin tone is fair and it’s comfortable for me on levels 5 or 6.

Double-press the button to unlock the laser…

Now, zap your skin! When you hear the beep, the laser is pulsing. There’s no button to press, the flashes keep coming every second or so.

After each beep, move the laser aperture to the next spot and repeat. CurrentBody says to use a stamping motion, but it also works if you glide along your skin. Continue until you’ve zapped all the skin in your treatment area.

Later in this review, I share some helpful tips and advice on the best technique and approach for using this laser.

The laser goes into standby mode if not zapped in 10 seconds. Double press the power button to unlock it again and continue.

Long press the power button to turn off the laser. It turns itself off after 5 minutes of inactivity.

Next, let’s see how easy and fast it is to use, and what it feels like, too.

Ease of use

The CurrentBody Skin Laser is chunky and heavier than rivals, but comfy and controlled with simple operation. It flashes on skin contact so there’s no button to press and it’s easy once you master the technique. There’s no app, but it’s straightforward without one, anyway.

Sessions are amongst the fastest, with easy, quick and steady pulses everywhere. You can’t see the laser light, so there are no annoying flashes (as with IPL). The pulses feel like little warm pinpricks, but with no pain or heat thanks to the cooling technology.

Let’s look at this more closely now…

Ease, comfort & precision

First up, the controls and operation are simple.

You can set your power level before or after the skin tone test. I do it before so I don’t forget to increase it and zap at too low an intensity. And the skin tone check is reassuring if you don’t have the lightest skin tone. 

However, the 10-second auto lock feature caused me some frustration when starting out. That’s because, in the time I take to decide how to zap, I hear the double-beep and the laser locks before I can start! So, take your time and test your grip and approach before unlocking the laser. Once you’ve mastered your technique, it’s no longer an issue.

Second, it’s very easy to pulse too. The laser nozzle tapers with a small and uniform edge around the aperture, so it’s easy to gauge where you’re zapping. In addition, the skin contact sensor is responsive and fast. It quickly detects your skin, which means the pulses are consistent and reliable.

Move the laser along 1cm at a time – which is the vertical width of the aperture – to cover your skin with minimal overlap or missed bits. It’s easy to measure by eye. And I love that there’s no annoying bright light compared to at-home IPL devices. That’s because our eyes can’t see this laser light energy. So, you can look directly at what you’re doing throughout your session without being dazzled by bright flashes!

And because you can’t see the laser pulses, the beeps are essential feedback from the device. They tell you when it’s zapping. Hold it still during each beep/zap and move to the next spot when it stops. They’re high, quiet, and inoffensive, but could be slightly annoying for anyone else sitting close by.

There are indicator lights on the device too, but they don’t tell you when to move position. You must hear the beeps for that. So, you can’t listen through earbuds as you zap. And if you’re hard of hearing, you’ll need a helpful assistant.

Next, the laser handle is comfy to hold despite the overall chunky shape and weight. It’s balanced when held upright, and not too heavy when the weight rests on top of your legs, arms and torso. There’s no flash button to press either, so you can easily adjust your grip with no strain.

However, hold it at the wrong angle and it feels big and awkward. It took me a few sessions to find the fastest and most comfortable technique. You can learn my tips and advice in the next section.

Session speed

Once you’ve mastered this technique, sessions are fast so you can treat your entire body in one quick sitting. You get one zap roughly every second. And there’s no difference in the rate on the lower versus higher intensity levels. So, it’s consistent and easy to find your rhythm. You can also slide the laser over your skin, which is slightly faster. However, the stamping motion affords more precision and control, especially on uneven and harder to reach areas.

Here are the results from my speed tests. My full body test covers full legs, bikini line, underarms, and face (upper lip and chin).

Time per session taken from the avergae of 5 test sessions.

What does it feel like?

As you work, and the laser heats up, the whir of the cooling fan gets louder. But your skin won’t sting thanks to the cooling tip around the laser aperture.

And it’s a distinct sensation compared to rival IPL devices. For me, IPL has a temporary, diffuse, and subtle sunburn type of heat throughout your skin. With this laser, it’s smaller, and a finer pinprick sensation deeper in and away from the surface of your skin. It’s hotter in some areas, such as your bikini line and underarms, where your hair is thicker and denser. But overall, there’s no pain, even at the highest intensity.

If it feels too intense in any area, simply lower the intensity level. Your skin may feel warm and a little tingly or itchy afterwards. But this doesn’t last long. It’s also best to avoid any deodorant or creams on your treatment area for at least a few hours, too.

Side effects are rare but can occur (especially if you expose your skin to the sun).

Finally, I appreciate the flat laser aperture. That’s because it’s very easy to wipe clean after each session. Let it cool for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. This is better than IPL devices which have a mirrored recess in the flash opening which is awkward to clean.

Helpful tips for using your laser

First, here is my general advice to get a comfy and safe set-up for your laser sessions.

I’ve tested the CurrentBody Skin Laser over several weeks on my legs, extended bikini line, tummy, underarms, face and neck. There are a few different grips which alter the orientation of the aperture (horizontal or vertical) to best fit different contours, and determine if the handle gets in your way or not. Smaller body areas are straightforward to treat. Legs take a little more practise, but once mastered you’ll appreciate the laser’s speed and extra easy pulses.

So, here are my tried and tested tips for using the CurrentBody Skin Laser on different body areas. It covers the stamping technique, the best and most comfortable grips, and staying focused on the job. Then, I share my tips to get easy flashes and accurate coverage on different body areas including legs, bikini line, tummy and torso, underarms, and face.

Next, learn what results you’ll see and how long it takes.

When & what results

During the first 3 weeks of intensive sessions, you’ll see your hairs thin and reduce, and the growth rate slows down. Shave before your next treatments, and/or in between sessions as you need to.

After 4 weeks, you should have noticeable hair reduction. This means less and softer, lighter hairs. Shaving before your treatments is easy as the hair is finer and sparse. So, razor bumps and rash fades too. Keep going and complete the full start-up phase. 

Between weeks 8 to 12, your results should be significant, and you may even be totally smooth. Many see ingrown hairs disappear too. Complete the full 12 weeks even if you are hair-free. You can keep going with weekly sessions beyond 12 weeks if you feel you need them.

The user manual suggests monthly maintenance sessions to stay smooth. However, on the website, CurrentBody says you could need just one session per year! This is possible following the long and fairly intensive start-up schedule. However, results vary by individual, so your needs may be somewhere in between.

You may also periodically see new hairs growing, so don’t ditch your razor! And hormones, or conditions such as hirsutism and PCOS may mean your hairs never fully disappear, but become slower growing and much easier to manage. 

Now, lets look at the negatives with the CurrentBody Skin Laser.

The negatives

There are a few negatives with the CurrentBody Skin Laser.

First up, as mentioned earlier, the laser is a tad chunky and heavy. This means it’s not as intuitive or handy as rivals, such as the SmoothSkin Pure Adapt or Braun Pro IPL. But after a few sessions, it’s easy enough to remember your best technique. And being fast and easy to flash compensates for this, anyway. 

Second, the cooling fan is rather noisy, and the 10-second auto lock feature is a little too quick when you’re just learning the best way to zap. But these are minor issues.

Third, because you can’t see the light energy from this laser, you must hear the beeps to know when each pulse is done. So, if you can’t hear them, the laser pulses are hard to time and you’ll need a helpful assistant instead.

Next, the start-up schedule demands more frequent sessions than rival at-home IPL devices. You must do 3 sessions per week for the first 3 weeks. This is roughly a session every other day, whereas IPL devices are typically one per week. So, make sure you have spare time to fit in these sessions. Each treatment is fast (a full body within 20 minutes) but it’s still a commitment you must stick with to see your best results within the expected timeframes.

Finally, it’s very expensive. So now, let’s look at if it’s worth the money…

Is it good value?

There’s a hefty price tag on this device (£579 / $759) precisely because it’s a unique home hair removal laser. It’s 100s more expensive than most at-home IPL devices, so what does this extra buy you?

The laser is excellent quality, very easy, & with the speediest sessions. It’s also pain and sting free, with no annoying bright flashes. The start-up schedule is a little more intensive than rival IPLs, but that extra effort promises longer-lasting smoothness between top-ups.

I think it’s good value, and I love the reassuring Worldwide 90-day money-back guarantee (although a 10% restocking fee is deducted from your refund). You can save a little using the voucher code below, too.

Buy CurrentBody Skin Laser 🛒

I hope you’ve found this CurrentBody Skin Laser review helpful. If you spot something that looks wrong, or if you’ve got a question, please let me know!

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