Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (2024)

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (1)

IPL hair removal machines have come a long way in recent years, and advancements in technology mean you can now achieve results to rival a spenny salon course without leaving your bedroom.

We're happy to take a very relaxed approach to hair removal right now – after all, body hair is entirely natural – but if you are considering de-fluffing your bod, it's worth looking into IPL. Because let's be honest, any beauty treatment we can do in minutes while plonked in front of Netflix is very welcome.

But, let's address the elephant in the room. While at-home IPL hair removal machines have come a long way in recent years, it also goes without saying that their price tags have gotten rather spenny too. The initial purchase may sting, but when you compare that to years of in-salon treatments, investing really is the most sensible way forward.

Best IPL deals to snap up now...

What is IPL?

But, firstly, what exactly is IPL? IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It’s a form of light therapy, and is one of the most advanced ways to get rid of unwanted body hair.

How does IPL work?

"IPL hair removal is designed to help break the cycle of hair growth by targeting the hair root or follicle," explains Emily Buckwell, Product Expert at CurrentBody.com. "Light energy is transferred through the skin’s surface and absorbed by the melanin present in the hair shaft."

Once absorbed, this light energy is converted to heat energy below the surface of the skin, which disables the hair follicle, preventing further growth. The treated hairs fall out naturally over the course of a few days (up to two weeks for some people).

Laser hair removal vs IPL

IPL often gets grouped together with laser hair removal, but the two are actually fairly different.

Chloé Fallon, Beauty Marketing Manager at Philips, explains that: "laser hair removal uses a monochromatic laser light, whereas IPL uses a broad spectrum pulse of light. Professional laser treatment is high-energy and focuses on selected areas."

Simply put, laser uses a single, concentrated light, whereas IPL uses a broader spectrum. "There are many names given to laser hair removal, but it is important to understand that IPL is not laser," she adds.

So, why are the two so commonly confused? It's really to do with the results: both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle, and can provide smooth skin in the long term.

Is IPL permanent?

"Even with laser treatment there is no guarantee of permanent hair removal completely," confirms Chloé.

Currently, the only way to get rid of hair permanently is through a treatment called electrolysis. However, IPL offers permanent hair reduction, meaning if you keep on top of the maintenance treatments, the hairs will remain at bay.

What skin types can try IPL?

It’s important to remember that IPL is not a suitable treatment for every skin type and tone.

"IPL is only effective on naturally dark blonde, brown and black hair and on skin tones from very pale to dark brown," says Chloé. "This is because there needs to be enough of a contrast between the skin and hair colour for the device to pick up the hair follicle. IPL will also not work on white, grey and ginger hair."

Furthermore, certain skin tones are not compatible with IPL treatments. Darker skin (five or higher on the Fitzpatrick scale) should steer clear of IPL hair removal, as the higher amounts of melanin in the skin will be picked up by the light, potentially causing damage.

In short, the most suitable candidates for IPL will have pale skin and dark, contrasting hair. If you're unsure, there's no need to worry, as many of today's best IPL devices come with in-built safety features to alleviate any guesswork.

How to use an at-home IPL device

Of course, every IPL device will come with its own bible-sized booklet of instructions and yes, you must read it in full.

Generally speaking, though, you'll need to shave with a razor beforehand, then simply press your device onto the skin where it will deliver a flash of light. As for the pain? It's not so bad: think of a quick elastic-band flick and you're in the right territory.

There's usually a treatment phase of up to 12 weeks, which you'll need to commit to properly, and then top-ups roughly once a month thereafter.

Information overload, right? Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the exciting part: shopping.

1

Best IPL

Phillips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (11)

1

Best IPL

Phillips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestige

Philip's Lumea 8000 Series is like the Tesla of the IPL world – it literally looks like it comes from the year 3000. Which is apt, because it's one of the most high-tech tools around for speedy and accurate hair removal.

Switching to the IPL lifestyle means waiting on results, but this device promises them in as little as four treatments, so you can be as smooth as a dolphin in no time.

There are five light intensities and two treatment modes, which ensures accurate and long-lasting hair removal. It also comes with an in-built skin sensor that automatically selects the right setting for you, so you don’t have to worry about messing it up.

Another super-cool feature is that the device hooks up to the Philips app, so you can track your treatment schedule and watch 1:1 IPL tutorials.

2

Best IPL for long-lasting results

Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (12)

2

Best IPL for long-lasting results

Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series

We’ve all got places to be and people to see, making this speedy option a top choice. With Philips' Lumea 9000 Series, not only will you be hair-free before that episode of Gossip Girl finishes, but you also won't need to IPL again for months to come.

The Lumea 9000 Series is designed with three attachments which can be interchanged depending on where you're using the tool: the flat design can be used on the face, the curved inward attachment is for your body and the curved outward attachment is for those hard-to-reach areas.

But, what gives this 9000 Series the upper hand compared to the first Philips offering on our list, is that this device is cord-free, which means you can IPL whenever and wherever.

Philips is so sure you'll love this gadget that you can get a full 100-day money-back guarantee if you don't immediately become best friends.

3

Best IPL device for speedy results

Braun Skin i·expert, smart IPL Hair Removal System

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (13)

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (14)

3

Best IPL device for speedy results

Braun Skin i·expert, smart IPL Hair Removal System

Now 50% Off

Giving you a full-body treatment in roughly 15 minutes, Braun's latest launch, the i·expert IPL, is one of the brand's most advanced gadgets to ensure that hair removal is as quick 'n easy as possible.

Not only does it have a need for speed, with flashes up to every 15 seconds, but it also delivers accurate, head-to-toe smoothness that lasts. So, if you're strapped for time, this one's for you.

What's really special about this machine is that it comes with 10 levels of intensity that automatically adjusts to every skin tone variation of your body. This ensures precise and thorough results while protecting even the most delicate patches of skin.

You can also connect it to a mobile app that provides you with your own personalised treatment. With each use, the app learns how you remove hair and tracks your progress, guiding you to the best results.

If you're trying to justify the price tag, just know that this gizmo stores over 400,000 flashes, which adds up to 22 years of hair removal. When you compare that to continuous in-salon treatments, well, we'll let you do the math on that one.

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4

Best IPL device for travel

Braun IPL SilkExpert Mini PL1014 Latest Generation IPL

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4

Best IPL device for travel

Braun IPL SilkExpert Mini PL1014 Latest Generation IPL

Let's face it, we're starting to get rather screwed over by the amount of hand luggage we're allowed to take on a plane 🙄. So, if your next trip is looming but you're limited to packing space, this is the holiday-primed gadget you need to know about.

The mini IPL can squeeze into the smallest of spaces but comes equipped with a handy travel pouch to keep it protected. As for the gadget, it cleverly adjusts to your skin tone to ensure precise and fast results, without causing redness.

And because they're just handy to have for those last-minute dry shaves (we've all been there), the kit also comes with a Venus razor.

5

Best IPL for precision

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5 with pouch

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5

Best IPL for precision

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5 with pouch

A step up from the Silk-Expert Pro 5, this premium gadget comes with four different attachments (not forgetting the pouch, of course) to ensure a smooth, salon-quality result.

The brand's SensoAdapt technology allows you to glide the device over the spots you want to remove hair from – whether that's your legs or bikini line – and will adapt its strength depending on the area and skin tone.

With 125 flashes per minute, it will quickly yet thoroughly zap every last hair, even the rogue ones that are often missed.

6

Best IPL for sensitive skin

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5

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Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (18)

6

Best IPL for sensitive skin

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5

Now 50% Off

Braun's IPL Silk-Expert Pro is the kind that sensitive souls will love. Yep, if even just the thought of waxing or epilating breaks your skin out in a rash, don’t worry, it will have you covered.

The IPL features an impressive 10 intensity levels – so you have a variety of choices – and claims to deliver 22 years worth of treatment in its lifetime (the kinda commitment we can get on board with!). It comes with a Venus razor too, so you can be as immaculately groomed as you wish.

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7

Best fuss-free IPL device

Smoothskin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (19)

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (20)

7

Best fuss-free IPL device

Smoothskin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device

Now 10% Off

Too many buttons and settings to play around with can make the hair removal process annoyingly time-consuming, which is where this gadget comes in handy.

It keeps things simple by offering just three settings, while an in-built skin sensor adjusts the light intensity automatically based on your skin tone. It's not cordless, but is admittedly good-looking, and boasts unlimited flashes.

8

Best IPL device for ease of use

Sensica Cordless SENSILIGHT PRO IPL Hair Removal Device

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (21)

8

Best IPL device for ease of use

Sensica Cordless SENSILIGHT PRO IPL Hair Removal Device

Our one bugbear with IPL devices? The consistent clicking you have to do in order for it to zap skin – but this device has solved the conundrum by featuring a glide mode, which allows you to roll over the skin without needing to repeatedly press the button.

If that’s not enough, our testers also saw a difference within four weeks and as time went on it became even more effective at halting regrowth, and made the hair that did come back sparser. it's cordless, super-fast and comes with unlimited flashes: an all-round winner.

Can't talk, we're too busy shopping these *incred* IPL hair removal devices (2024)

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