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Whenever I write about body hair – or body hair removal – I always feel the desire to first caveat: what you do with your body is totally up to you! But if you’re interested in going hair-free, I’m happy to share my experience and thoughts on the best and most economical way to get there.
So, with that said, a bit about my body hair journey: after years of shaving my very thick and coarse hair very regularly, I gave laser hair removal a go. At the time it was really popular, and it was advertised as the solution – forever! – for body hair removal. Unfortunately, after several sessions, I wasn’t seeing much progress. So, I moved to waxing. Tired of another recurring appointment to keep track of, I finally found Nood’s Flasher 2.0, which taps into the power of IPL (or intense pulsed light therapy – more on that below).
After reading about Nood’s impressive (and pain-free??) results, I gave it a try. Below, my thoughts on how the device stacks up against the laser hair removal treatments I thought were going to be the answer to my body hair woes.
Quick Verdict: Nood vs. Laser Hair Removal—Which Is Better?
For my needs, Nood was the winner. After trying both professional laser hair removal and Nood’s at-home IPL device, I found Nood more convenient, comfortable, and affordable, while still giving me noticeable hair reduction with consistent use. However, IPL and professional laser hair removal aren't the same technology, and results can vary based on factors including hair color, skin tone, treatment area, and hormones.
Nood vs. Laser Hair Removal: What’s the Difference?
Nood’s Flasher 2.0 uses IPL, or intense pulsed light, while professional laser hair removal uses concentrated laser light to target hair follicles. Both approaches are designed to reduce hair growth, but they aren't interchangeable: professional laser treatments are performed with medical-grade or professional devices, while at-home IPL devices are designed for consumer use.
For me, the biggest difference was convenience. With Nood, I could treat my body at home on my own schedule rather than making and paying for repeated appointments.
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Effectiveness: Is Nood as Effective as Laser Hair Removal?
Nood: Nood’s Flasher 2.0 delivers results over 6–8 weeks with consistent use. In my case, I noticed the first results as early as ten-ish days in, and then a significant reduction in regrowth after about five weeks. Now, my hair is much finer and sparser than it used to be. According to the brand, the magic is in the multiple wavelengths IPL delivers, whereas a traditional laser only offers one wavelength. That means IPL is quicker and able to cover larger areas of skin – and its results are permanent with continued use for touchups here and there after your initial multi-week journey.
Laser Hair Removal: Laser hair removal offers a more concentrated approach, using a single laser wavelength to target follicles. Results are typically seen after 4–6 sessions, though it depends on the area and other personal factors (like hormones). Both methods promise up to 80% hair reduction, but I love that I can use Nood on my time, at home, without booking a salon visit.
Winner: Tie
Cost: Is Nood Cheaper Than Laser Hair Removal?
Nood: The Flasher 2.0 costs $199, and the Noodist Pro Kit, which includes the Nood 2.0 in addition to the brand’s complete body care set, is $507. This one-time purchase means unlimited sessions, with no need for pricey follow-ups or scheduling maintenance appointments.
Laser Hair Removal: Professional treatments cost anywhere from $100ish–$600 per session, depending on the size of the area. For permanent results, you’ll likely need 6–12 sessions, meaning your total could easily exceed $2,000—and that’s just for one area.
Winner: Nood
Comfort: Does Nood Hurt Less Than Laser Hair Removal?
Nood: While I was skeptical about the claim that Nood is “pain-free,” I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The sensation is pretty mild, and most of the time, I barely notice it.
Laser Hair Removal: Professional laser hair removal is known for a rubber-band-snap sensation, though it can be more intense depending on the area and your pain tolerance. That’s because laser devices are more concentrated, which can make the experience more painful than IPL. While not terrible, it’s hard to sign up for the sensation knowing a more comfortable option exists – that works just as well.
Winner: Nood
Convenience: Is At-Home IPL Easier Than Laser Hair Removal?
Nood: This is where Nood really shines. You can use it at home, on your own time. The setup is simple—shave and exfoliate beforehand, conduct a quick skin test, and go! Each session takes about 10 minutes per area, and there’s no downtime.
Laser Hair Removal: Salon treatments mean coordinating schedules, driving to appointments, and factoring in recovery time. While effective, the process can be a bit of a headache – especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. Plus, there’s also the issue of ongoing maintenance sessions to consider.
Winner: Nood
Overall Winner: Nood
With essentially the same (if not better) results than laser hair removal, Nood’s Flasher 2.0 is unbeatable for at-home convenience, affordability, and long-term effectiveness. At $199, it’s a fraction of the cost of professional treatments, with none of the hassle. Plus, it’s gentle on the skin and fits seamlessly into my self-care routine.
If you’re weighing your options, I’d wholeheartedly recommend giving Nood a try. Hair removal doesn’t have to be painful, expensive, or time-consuming—and Nood proves it.
Nood vs. Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Is Nood as good as laser hair removal?
Nood uses IPL rather than professional laser technology, so the two aren't identical. In my experience, Nood delivered noticeable hair reduction while being significantly more convenient and affordable than professional treatments.
How long does Nood take to work?
Nood says results develop over several weeks with consistent use. In my experience, I noticed initial changes after about 10 days, followed by more noticeable hair reduction after several weeks.
Can you use Nood instead of laser hair removal?
For some people, an at-home IPL device can be an alternative to professional hair removal treatments. However, IPL isn't suitable for every combination of skin tone and hair color, so check the device's guidelines before purchasing or using it.
Is Nood worth the money?
For me, yes. Compared with the recurring cost and time commitment of professional treatments, Nood was a more affordable and convenient option, and I was happy with the hair reduction I experienced.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, we believe the best product recommendations come from real-world experience. This story is based on our editors firsthand experience using Nood’s Flasher 2.0 compared to professional laser hair removal and waxing. She evaluated the device based on the factors that matter most when choosing a hair-removal method: effectiveness, cost, comfort, and convenience.
