In partnership with Nood. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
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.
We like
We don't like
Effectiveness
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
Nood: The Flasher 2.0 costs $178, and the full Noodist Kit, which includes the Nood 2.0 in addition to the brand’s complete body care set, is just $193. 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
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
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 $179, 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.
