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Hair removal can be a pain, especially when it grows back in a matter of days. However, investing in one of the best IPL machines 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? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about at-home IPL hair removal...
Do IPL machines work?
We're pleased to report that, yes, they do work. 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 machine 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.
The best IPL hair removal devices for 2024:
1
Best IPL hair removal device
Philips Lumea Series 8000
Not sure where to start on your IPL journey? May we suggest Philips’ clever gadget that comes with five intensity settings and a sensor that automatically selects which level will best suit your skin tone.
You can even 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.
2
Best IPL and skincare treatment device
JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover
2
Best IPL and skincare treatment device
JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover
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. This IPL leaves skin hair-free and silky in as little as six weeks and even has an ICE setting, which cools skins down after treatment.
3
Best IPL device for sensitive skin
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
This IPL machine provides you with 22 years’ worth of hair-removal treatments in its lifetime. It has an impressive 10 intensity levels (so you can find the perfect match – even if you have sensitive skin) and the interchangeable heads cover all areas of the body.
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4
Best for fast results
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
4
Best for fast results
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
Philips 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 delivers faster results — slowing down general regrowth by as little as three weeks.
5
Best portable IPL device
Silk'n Infinity 400,000
5
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 helps prevent stubble and ingrown hairs, too.
The precision head is effective at getting into hard-to-reach areas (like the bikini and underarm). Plus, 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.
6
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.
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7
Best IPL device for beginners
SmoothSkin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device
This simple-to-use device features just three intensity levels (power, speed and comfort modes), while the in-built skin sensor automatically adjusts the settings based on your skin tone. What’s more, you can use this handy tool on both your face and body.
8
Best IPL for travel
Braun IPL Silk·Expert Mini
With its compact design and handy case, this IPL from Braun was literally made to travel with you. We love that this hair removal tool is super gentle on the skin – thanks to a clever skin sensor that adapts the intensity of flashes to best suit your skin tone. A suitcase essential for summer holidays, for sure.
9
Best IPL for those in a rush
Foreo Peach 2.0 IPL Hair Removal Device
While we always encourage a good pamper session, we appreciate having the time for self-care is a rare occurrence. Looking to speed up your hair removal routine? Check out Foreo’s nifty IPL. With a dual-lamp design and ultra-fast flashes, this tool allows you to treat large areas of your body quickly.
