"I've previously had professional laser treatment but wanted something to use as a top-up and to get rid of upper lip facial hair. I am so pleased with the results. Don't expect instant changes, it does take around 3 weekly sessions to start seeing any differences. I am reassured too when the lights all light up confirming it's positioned correctly otherwise the lights go red. Works straight out of the box and as far as pain goes there isn't any. A worthwhile investment."
Key Features: 1o power settings, three removal modes, target precision head, skin-safe sensors, UV protection, unlimited flashes
Recommended Usage: 10 minute treatments once a week for 4 months
New Launch
Ulike Air 10
Now 25% Off
$299 at ulike.com
Pros
- Visible results in just 2 weeks
- Offers salon-quality results for stubborn hair
- Cooling system allows for pain-free experience
Cons
"I think it’s important to choose well-made and trustworthy devices both for safety and reassurance of efficacy," says Dr. Nazarian. The pro recommends Ulike's new Air 10 (an updated version of the brand's best-selling Air 3) because it features dual lights for a faster and effective treatment, salon-exclusive technology suitable for coarser hair types, a skin sensor that auto-adjusts depending on skin tone, and cooling system that protects the skin and prevents burns.
One reviewer says: "It does NOT hurt... I’ve used it about a week now and already notice a huge difference. The cooling feature is by far the most brilliant feature. It’s so easy to use and the sleek design sits in hand comfortably. I love not having to change my light heads to it."
Key Features: Four comfort modes, ice cooling technology, and skin sensor
Recommended Usage: 3x per week for the first month; then once every two weeks or once a month for touch-ups
Best for Coarse Hair
Nood Flasher 2.0
$199 at Amazon
Pros
- Visible results in eight weeks
- Safe for facial hair
- Quick 10 minute treatments
Cons
Coarse hair is no match for Nood's Flasher 2.0, which eliminates unwanted hair without the razor burn or ingrowns caused by traditional removal methods. Bonus points for its mini size, which makes it easy to treat hard to reach areas such as underarms and the bikini line.
One shopper raves: "The Flasher 2.0 by Nood is hands down the best IPL laser hair removal device I've ever used. It's efficient, effective, and makes the whole process of getting rid of unwanted hair a breeze."
Key Features: Seven intensity levels, skin sensor, digital display screen
Recommended Usage: 2x per week for the first two months; then once every 1-2 months as needed for touchup
Best for Dark Skin
Iluminage TOUCH Permanent Hair Reduction System
$449 at Nordstrom
Pros
- FDA-Cleared
- Suitable for blonde and red hair
Cons
Most at-home hair removal devices on the market are ineffective on darker skin tones, but the Illuminage Touch is an FDA-cleared system, using both IPL and radio frequency energies, that claims otherwise.
But as Dr. Shirazi notes, "those with darker skin tones should be cautious as there’s higher risk of complications such as burns or hyperpigmentation."
One shopper says: "I am an Indian with African roots and I have thick coarse black hair with a lot of growth... and I've used it only twice but I have seen my growth decrease already, I could go longer without shaving and is so easy to use! It doesn't hurt either, its only a little warm sensation, and the best part is you can do it at your convenience."
Key Features: Three settings, unlimited flashes
Recommended Usage: 1x per for a minimum of six weeks
Best for Travel
Foreo Peach 2 Go
$299 at foreo.com
Pros
- Visible results after two weeks
- Cooling technology offers pain-free experience
- Suitable for a carry-on suitcase
Cons
An IPL device that's tiny, but mighty. A smaller version of Foreo's fan-favorite Peach2, the Peach 2 Go offers a larger treatment window, faster flash, and built-in skin cooling system to ensure a comfortable experience. Perhaps the best part of all? It's travel-friendly.
One fan of the full-size device reports: "I have been using it for 3 months now. It is very easy to use and the process itself is pretty mush fast, not longer them depilation itself. It can be used on all wanted zones. I noticed that I have less and less hair. Few more treatments and I am ready for the summer."
Key Features: Five intensities, safe skin sensor, built-in cooling system
Recommended Usage: 1x treatment per week for 12 weeks
Best on Amazon
Braun Silk Expert Pro5 IPL Hair Removal Device
ShopAmazon
Pros
- Visible results in three weeks
- Gentle on sensitive areas of the body
- Suitable for men
Cons
Amazon shoppers are obsessed with the Braun Silk Expert Pro5 IPL device because treatments are super fast (we're talking just five minutes for both legs) and offers 10 intensity levels with three comfort modes.
One reviewer says: "I’ve had this hair removing device since 2020... Thanks to this device I am hair free from the knees down, bikini area and armpits. I have fair skin and darkish hair. Since I’ve gotten rid of all the hair I wanted, I now only use it for touch ups. I no longer follow a schedule, just do it whenever I see random little hairs showing up every few months."
Key Features: 10 intensity levels, three comfort modes, skin tone sensor
Recommended Usage: 1x per week for 12 weeks; then monthly for touchups
Best for Full Body
Silk'n 7 Light-Based Hair Removal Device
€564 at cultbeauty.com
Pros
- Suitable for most skin and hair colors
- 92 percent hair reduction in just six weeks
- Rotatable head
Cons
The newly launched Silk'n 7 boasts neat technology, such as optical and galvanic energy for a more effective treatment, a rotatable head for hard to reach areas, and three additional attachments for precision.
One shopper says: "You can start seeing results from week 4, I highly recommend."
Key Features: Rotatable head, optical and galvanic energy, three different head attachments, five energy levels
Recommended Usage: 1x per week for a minimum of six weeks
Best Cooling
JOVS IPL Hair Removal
Now 17% Off
$300 at Amazon
Pros
- Features rotating 330° head for hard to reach areas
- Offers various modes and levels
- Quick and easy to use
Cons
An IPL device with an adequate cooling mechanism to reduce risk of burns is a must. JOVS version features 37F sapphire ice cooling technology that makes the hair removal process practically painless and comfortable to use on in sensitive areas.
One shopper says: "So quick and easy to use. You don't need to wait between flashes for the device to recharge like with some of the others, the face is also bigger and therefore covers more skin surface area. The fact you can turn the head is huge... I used it 3 or 4 times a week for like a month. After just a few treatments I noticed not as much hair growing back."
Key Features: Rotating head, cooling technology, six modes and levels
Recommended Usage: 3x per week to start
What is the difference between IPL and laser hair removal?
"Lasers use a beam of coherent light that’s absorbed by melanin in the hair follicles, whereas IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths instead of a concentrated single wavelength of focused light beam," explains Dr. Shirazi. "In both cases, the absorbed light energy by the hair follicle, converts to heat, thereby damaging the follicle. In general, laser hair removal is more powerful and more effective than IPL for permanent hair reduction, but it also hurts more as a result."
Dr. Nazarian also notes that IPL is best for lighter skin tones and darker hair colors: "There was a great paper published a few years ago that highlighted the successful approach of home IPL in achieving permanent hair removal and conveniently offering a safe option for many people."
Do IPL devices remove hair permanently?
According to Dr. Shirazi, IPL lasers "significantly reduce hair growth, but they typically don’t result in permanent hair removal."
Dr. Nazarian adds, "most at-home devices require consistent use up-front, and then infrequent use for maintenance, much like in-office lasers, but they are quite effective."
Are at-home IPL devices safe?
"IPL devices don’t work on all skin tones," says Dr. Nazarian. "Because they typically work by using a wavelength that is absorbed by melanin, the ideal candidate for these types of hair removal would have very light skin, and very dark hair, ensuring that their hair is what absorbs the majority of the light or laser energy."
For those with more melanin and darker skin, "it’s best to avoid or first do a test spot before treating a larger area of skin," says Dr. Shirazi, adding that "it will not work on light hair colors, such as blond, white, gray, or even red hair as there’s no melanin or target for the light so it doesn’t see it to remove it."
Furthermore, Dr. Shirazi adds, "it’s important to wear eye protection and be sure to look for safety features such as skin tone sensors, adjustable intensity setting, and tip cooling mechanisms."
Here are more of Dr. Shirazi's do's and don'ts:
- Do a test spot first.
- Do not expose the treated area to sun light for at least seven days.
- Do not use if you have a tan or very dark skin as it could cause a burn.
- Do not use on skin that’s open, tattooed, or has moles, warts, or birthmarks.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Rachel Nazarian, MD., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC and an expert for Ulike, award winning, at-home IPL hair removal device.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, Calif. who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
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Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.
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