The 12 best IPL devices for quick, easy and pain-free hair removal

📅 October 24, 2024 ✍️ By Dylan Chan ⏱️ 10 Mins Read 🗂️ IPL hair removal for man and woman 🕒 Last updated: October 28, 2024 📌 Tags:IPL

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Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal 9000 Series

Key specifications

Power	Mains
Cordless	No
Features	Two treatment heads, 10 light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and glide), skin tone sensor
Flashes	400,000 flashes
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)

Best IPL hair removal device

Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0

£299 at Bondi Body

Pros

Comes with protective sunglasses
Can be used all over the body
Quick and easy to use – no need to switch attachments for other areas of the body

Cons

Noticeable warmth on the skin
Not compatible for darker skin tones or those with fair hair

Giving top results in just three weeks, this compact cordless machine packs a real punch. The Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0 is one of the speediest tools around, allowing for quick and long-lasting hair removal. Plus its ergonomic design means you can get into all of those hard-to-reach spots with ease.

Taking the faff out of the process, there's no need to change attachments for different areas – instead, there are multiple settings to choose from which will re-generate depending on skin tone.

It's also quiet to use, so it's ideal for zapping those hairs in front of the TV.

Key specifications

Mains	Yes
Cordless	Yes
Flashes	> 300,000 flashes
Usage	Once a week for 12 weeks
What's in the box?	Device, adapter, pouch, safety glasses and instructions
Features	8 light intensities, auto and manual modes

£199 at Amazon

Credit: SmoothSkin

Pros

Users reported that it delivers very effective results
Can be used all over the body and the face
Is equipped with a skin tone sensor
Works on sensitive skin

Cons

It's not cordless

Best IPL device with unlimited flashes

Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device

£356 at Amazon

Pros

Results can be seen after only one use
Comes with multiple attachments and energy levels
Easy to use

Cons

Some users reported that it's less effective on darker/more tanned skin tones
A little heavy

Sensica's Senilight Pro is loaded with unlimited flashes. That's right, can you justify the splurge now?

Yes it comes with all the bells and whistles – including a cordless design, multiple attachment heads and six different energy levels – but it also has an Automatic Glide Mode, meaning you can move the IPL over your skin without having to press any buttons. Life just became so much easier.

Key specifications

Power	Mains
Cordless	Yes
Flashes	Unlimited
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

Best compact IPL device

Silk'n Infinity Premium 400,000

£289 at Amazon

Pros

Easy to use on those hard-to-reach areas
Can be connected to a mobile app
Comes with a skin tone sensor
Simple settings to navigate

Cons

Takes multiple treatments to see results

This device aims to keep any discomfort to a minimum, covering the whole body in just 20 minutes. There’s a built-in sensor to scan the skin and select a light setting appropriate for you, plus an app to keep on top of treatments. It’s compact, with a precise head, and it's not painful. Result!

Although it comes with a cord, its ergonomic and petite design still makes it easy to get into the hard-to-reach areas. It also packs a powerful punch, with 400,000 flashes and a 3cm treatment zone to ensure no area is missed.

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 needed
Flashes	400,000

Best IPL devicesensitive skin

SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite

Now 38% Off

£93 at CurrentBody

Pros

Has an in-build skin tone detector
Easy to travel
Simple to use
Effective on a wide range of skin tones

Cons

It's not cordless

With 120 flashes per minute, the Pure Mini Lite is a small yet mighty gadget that reduces hair growth in as little as four weeks.

You can count on safety first here too — this device has a built-in Smart Skin Safety feature to check your skin tone before each flash, and will only activate if it’s safe to do so.

Key specifications

Power	Power supply
Cordless	No
Features	Two treatment modes and built-in skin sensors for safe and effective treatments
What's in the box?	SmoothSkin Bare+ Device, power supply, power cable, instructions
Usage	Ten minutes full body, once a week for 12 weeks
Flashes	Unlimited

Best IPL deviceprecision

Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 3

Now 48% Off

£270 at Amazon

Credit: Braun

Pros

Comes with multiple heads and a razor for all-over zapping and shaving
Some users noticed a reduction in regrowth after the first use

Cons

Some users reported that it can tingle in sensitive areas

Ideal for using all over the body, this Braun IPL device has a precision head for those hard-to-reach areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line.

It also has an adaptive sensor that continuously reads your skin tone — which can vary across your body — and alters its flash intensity for the best results. See results from twelve weeks onwards.

Best 2-in-1 IPL and skincare device

JOVS JOVS Venus Pro II Device

Now 10% Off

£247 at CurrentBody

Pros

180 degree rotating head is easy to use
Can be used everywhere on the body
Switches off when not in use
Comes with protective glasses

Cons

The cooling fan is quite loud

We're usually sceptical about two-in-one products delivering the most powerful results, but this device proved us wrong. While the IPL head tackles unwanted hair, the 'skin rejuvenation' mode uses flashes of light to help boost collagen and elastin production, aiming to leave you with firmer-looking skin.

The rotating head makes it easier to reach all areas of the body, and all testers said they were hair-free in six weeks. If you're nervous about the pain element of hair removal, this device also features ‘ICE’ technology, which cools skin down to help eliminate discomfort.

Key specifications

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

How quickly can I expect results?

‎

Each brand differs, but most suggest starting with a 12-week programme, followed with less frequent top-up sessions to maintain the desired look. Just like a good training schedule, you won’t see results overnight, but keep on top of treatments and you should start to see a noticeable difference.

Can I use IPL on my skin tone?

‎

Sadly, IPL isn’t suitable for everyone. The ideal candidates are those with dark hair that contrasts in colour to their skin tone

Light blonde, white or grey hair simply doesn’t contain enough melanin for these devices to get to work, and red hair also doesn’t respond to this type of light.

Skin tone is also a factor. If you have darker skin, the higher level of melanin can be picked up by the device and absorb the light energy, potentially causing damage.If in doubt, you can read more about the Fitzpatrick skin type scale here, which classifies skin types and sensitivity in more detail. All of the machines on our list include an automatic skin tone sensor to determine optimum intensity and safe settings for your skin tone.

Does IPL hurt?

‎

While not as painless as shaving (albeit way more long-lasting), the feeling of IPL is commonly described as a warm zap, similar to flicking an elastic band on your skin, and some heat, though if it feels too hot you need to ease up on the device.

Just remember that over time you’ll need fewer treatments (and it’s definitely less painful than epilating). A lower light intensity can also help to reduce discomfort, which is worth remembering around the bikini line!

Things to consider when buying an IPL device

‎

Some devices come with a pre-set amount of flashes (most have a minimum of 100,000) and will need a replacement lamp when these run out. Others have an unlimited number, so will last a lifetime. The shorter the gap between flashes, the quicker your treatment time is going to be.

It’s also worth checking out the number of treatment heads included with your device. If you’re planning on using it on the upper lip or bikini line, a smaller head, or a device with interchangeable attachments, may be preferable.

Look out for IPLs with a range of modes. For precision, you may want to select the stamp mode, but if you're using it on larger areas such as the legs, the glide mode will speed up treatment time.

Whichever device you go for, it’s very important to read the instructions thoroughly.

Florence Reeves-White

Senior Beauty Writer

Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

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Clare Stephenson

Beauty Ecommerce Writer

Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.

Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact reviews such as deep dives into skin concerns and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.

Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.

When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.

Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.

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