BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Safety, efficacy and ease-of-use of a hair removal diode laser for consumer use were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment group consisting of 77 appropriate users measured safety and efficacy from three self-administered treatments. The non-treatment group consisting of 44 inappropriate users measured safety from delivery of a single laser pulse. RESULTS: The mean hair reduction was 61% 3 weeks after the first treatment, 70% 3 weeks after the second treatment, 60% 1 month after the third treatment, 24% 2 months after the third treatment, 6% 3 months after the third treatment, 41% 6 months after the third treatment, 31% 9 months after the third treatment, and 33% 12 months after the third treatment. The only observed side effect for appropriate users was transient erythema. CONCLUSIONS: In simulated consumer use, the laser was highly effective at removing hair with minimal side effects for appropriate users. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.