The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (2024)

The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (1)

Hair removal can be a pain, especially when it grows back in a matter of days. However, investing in one of the best IPL devices will help you break your hair growth cycle, as these machines claim to banish unwanted body and facial hair in as little as four weeks.

But how effective are these pricey gadgets? We asked our panel of 140 testers to try them out for a period of 12 weeks. Keep reading to see which ones impressed the most.

    Do IPL hair removal devices work?

    We're pleased to report that, yes, they do work (according to over 100 of our testers).

    How? Well, IPL stands for “intense pulse light”, which directs light at your skin’s natural melanin (the pigment that gives it colour) within the hair follicle. This causes hair to go into sleep mode, causing it to fall out and grow less frequently over time.

    Each IPL device will come with its own form of treatment plan, but the general rule is to wait between four to 12 weeks to see real results. After that, hair should grow back thinner or not at all. However, consistency is key, so to reap the long-term benefits, make sure you do a top-up session every once in a while.

    Of course, IPL hair removal devices do have their limitations. Because they target hair pigment that contrasts in colour to the skin, they won’t work on very fair, red, white or grey hair, as they can't detect enough of a difference in colour. Likewise, those with darker skin tones may also struggle for this reason.

    Is IPL hair removal better than laser?

    Although they do a similar job, lasers are a completely different type of hair removal, which you're unable to do at home.

    Lasers use a different type of light source, which is more powerful and targeted, and so can therefore only be done by trained professionals. And, depending on the area being treated, it can be painful, whereas IPL devices will only make the skin feel a bit hot for a few seconds at a time – completely bearable, even if your pain threshold is low.

    Lastly, laser is also more expensive. You need to invest in a course of sessions to banish unwanted hair, which can add up. And while IPL devices aren’t cheap either, there's only one up-front cost to deal with.

    Do you have to shave before using an IPL hair removal device?

    In short, yes. Shaving helps the light reach deeper into the hair follicle, providing you with better results. It’s fine to miss a few hairs here and there – as you have to go over the area more than once with your IPL device – but you may smell a bit of burning where the light burns these strays away.

    You can also shave in-between IPL sessions, unlike with epilating, to help keep you hair-free or whenever you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do a treatment.

    How we test

    Our panel of 140 testers tried a range of at-home IPL hair removal devices, for up to 12 weeks, to determine which were best at removing unwanted hair.

    Testers followed the instructions provided, before reporting back on how effective each was at removing hair on legs, underarms, the bikini line and upper lip. Each device was also judged on ease of use and comfort levels during hair removal.

    Lastly, testers recorded exactly when they spotted regrowth reappear.

    The best IPL hair removal devices for 2022...

    1

    Best IPL hair removal device

    Philips Lumea Prestige IPL BRI954/00

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (2)

    1

    Best IPL hair removal device

    Philips Lumea Prestige IPL BRI954/00

    Not sure where to start on your IPL journey? May we suggest this clever gadget that comes with five intensity settings and a sensor that automatically selects which level will best suit your skin tone.

    It delivered results in just four weeks, with 83% of testers seeing a significant reduction in their hair growth. It was even better 12 weeks in, with 87% or our panel finding most of their hair had stopped growing back, with even stubborn hair appearing finer.

    You can also download the brand’s app, which will create a tailored treatment schedule for each area of your body, as well as give you some handy tips on how to get the best results from the device.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: Yes
    Features: Five light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and slide), Lumea app, skin sensor
    What's in the box: Device, adapter, pouch, three attachment heads and instructions
    Usage: Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed
    Flashes: >250,000

    2

    Best IPL and skincare treatment device

    JOVS Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation Device

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (3)

    It might look like an old-school video camera, but this innovative device is taking tech one step further. It combines IPL with an anti-aging light treatment that aims to boost collagen levels, leaving skin rejuvenated.

    We can confirm that the IPL element left skin hair-free and silky in just six weeks. Sensitive skin? Our testers rated the ICE setting, which cools skin down after treatment.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: Six energy modes, 180° rotating head
    What's in the box: Six attachment heads
    Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed
    Flashes: >500,000

    3

    Best IPL device for sensitive skin

    Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (4)

    3

    Best IPL device for sensitive skin

    Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137

    Now 31% Off

    This IPL machine claims to provide you with 22 years' worth of hair-removal treatments in its lifetime. And while we couldn't test this, we did find that it breezed through leg hair and impressed 90% of our testers with its speed, showing a decrease in hair in just four weeks.

    It has an impressive 10 intensity levels (so you can find the perfect match – even if you have sensitive skin) and the interchangeable heads covered most areas of the body, leaving our testers pleased with the amount of skin it covered. There's only one control button too, making it easy to use.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: Two treatment heads, 10 light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and glide), skin tone sensor
    What's in the box: Precision head, razor, device, instructions
    Usage: Body hair requires one treatment a week (for four to 12 weeks) then whenever you need (every one to two months)
    Flashes: 40,000

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    4

    Best for fast results

    Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series Hair Removal Device (BRI957/00)

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (5)

    4

    Best for fast results

    Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series Hair Removal Device (BRI957/00)

    Phillips is a brand at the forefront of IPL technology, and this snazzy machine is the brand’s latest release. It features the same “SmartSkin” tech we know and love from previous models but delivered faster results — slowing down general regrowth in as little as three weeks.

    It also proved its worth around the bikini line, halting regrowth after six weeks of continued use. The only downside is, it’s not cordless, but with such impressive results, we’re willing to overlook that.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: SmartSkin sensor
    What's in the box: Storage pouch, four attachment heads
    Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed
    Flashes: >450,000

    5

    Best IPL device for removing facial hair

    Panasonic ES-WH90

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (6)

    5

    Best IPL device for removing facial hair

    Panasonic ES-WH90

    If you're looking to remove unwanted facial hair, this is the machine to go for. Our testers said hair grew back finer, with 83% pleased with how slow regrowth was.

    It covers larger areas of the body too but it was a little tricky to get the right angle for an extended amount of time on the armpits. The precision heads it came with proved to be a hit though.

    Key specifications
    Power: Battery or mains
    Cordless: Yes
    Features: Universal voltage, 5 intensity settings, UV filter
    What's in the box: Facial attachment, body attachment, charger and manual.
    Usage: Use every 3 days, over a period of 2 months.
    Flashes: 100,000

    6

    Best IPL device for thinning hair

    Philips Lumea BRI921/00 Advanced IPL For Face & Body

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (7)

    6

    Best IPL device for thinning hair

    Philips Lumea BRI921/00 Advanced IPL For Face & Body

    Now 13% Off

    This more affordable option from Philips isn’t cordless, but it does feature the same skin sensor as our winning model and comes with precision attachments for each area of the body.

    Our testers said regrowth reduced after four weeks and found that the hair that did grow back was visibly thinner and less obvious. After 12 weeks, testers saw a reduction in hair on the face, with no one reporting any irritation or pain during use.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: Five skin type settings, Lumea app, skin sensor
    What's in the box: Satin Compact pen trimmer with eyebrow comb and cleaning brush, cleaning cloth, attachment head, precision attachment head, device, manual.
    Usage: Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed
    Flashes: >250,000

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    7

    Best portable IPL device

    Silk'n Infinity 400,000

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (8)

    7

    Best portable IPL device

    Silk'n Infinity 400,000

    We’ll admit, most on our list so far are a little bulky, but this handheld option is great for travelling with. It aims to do the whole body in under 20 minutes (it’s that effective) but also claims to help prevent stubble and ingrown hairs, too.

    Testers noticed a reduction in hair regrowth and thickness after one month, with 79% seeing a real difference after 12 weeks. The precision head was also effective at getting into hard-to-reach areas (like the bikini and underarm).

    You can connect this IPL device to the brand's app via Bluetooth to set up a personalised treatment plan and keep track of your progress.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: Five intensities, skin tone sensor, compatible treatment plan on the mobile app
    What's in the box: Power cord, device, UK, EU and US power plugs and instructions
    Usage: Initially every two weeks, after two months every four weeks, and after this treat as neededFlashes: 400,000
    Flashes:
    400,000

    8

    Quickest IPL device to use

    Sensica Sensilight Pro Device

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (9)

    8

    Quickest IPL device to use

    Sensica Sensilight Pro Device

    Most IPL devices require you to click a button every time you want to emit a flash, but not this one. It has both pulse and glide modes, but the latter is a game-changer as it automatically flashes as you roll it over skin – requiring zero effort on your part.

    Testers found it tricky to change between heads but loved the precision each one gave. Results were spotted after four weeks and improved over the trial period, with testers seeing sparser, slower-growing hairs by week 12.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: Yes
    Features: Two treatment heads, six intensities, two treatment modes (pulse and glide), skin tone sensor
    What's in the box: Device, treatment heads, charging cable, storage bag and instructions
    Usage: Body hair requires treatment every two weeks for the first four weeks, then once every four weeks afterwards; for facial hair, use it every two weeks for the first five weeks then every four weeks; after seven weeks for body hair and eight for facial hair, top-up as and when needed
    Flashes: Unlimited

    9

    Best IPL device for beginners

    SmoothSkin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (10)

    9

    Best IPL device for beginners

    SmoothSkin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device

    This simple-to-use device features just three intensity levels, while the in-built skin sensor automatically adjusts the settings based on your skin tone. Testers appreciated how straightforward it was to use, without causing any pain or irritation.

    When it came to speed, 85% said it was quick to get through hair all over the body and agreed that hair was visibly reduced within 12 weeks. In fact, everyone said they were satisfied with this product by the end of the trial and would continue to use it.

    Key specifications
    Power: Mains
    Cordless: No
    Features: Three skin type settings, skin sensor
    What's in the box: Device, manual.
    Usage: Once a week for 12 weeks, then touch-up where needed
    Flashes: Unlimited

    The best IPL hair removal devices to use at home (2024)

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Duane Harber

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5818

    Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

    Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Duane Harber

    Birthday: 1999-10-17

    Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

    Phone: +186911129794335

    Job: Human Hospitality Planner

    Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

    Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.