Here's how to achieve permanent hair removal at home using the best IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal devices. An alternative to salon visits and laser hair removal appointments, these hair removal devices offer convenient, professional-level results. When looking for an at home IPL hair removal device, we've factored in your comfort level, ease of use, skin safety, flexibility to reach large and small areas, and efficiency.
Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just two weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.
The SmoothSkin Pure Fit is a versatile, all-in-one device suitable for the face and body. A full body treatment takes just 10 minutes, and with 89% of users experiencing over 90% of hair reduction after 12 weeks, it's safe to say this device delivers outstanding results.
Advanced safety features protect your eyes, while the three comfort modes and 10 intensity levels provide a personalised and safe hair removal treatment. The Smart Skin Sensing Technology continuously adapts to your skin tone, making it completely safe for light to medium dark skin tones. As a final touch, the controlled Energy System and patented Active Air Cooling Technology ensures every hair removal session is comfortable.
Easiest to use: SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite IPL Hair Removal Device
The most lightweight and compact SmoothSkin hair removal device, the Pure Mini Lite offers easy and effective permanent hair reduction in four weeks. Just like the Pure Fit, a full body session takes only 10 minutes to complete—with 120 flashes per minute, one comfort setting and two modes for stamping and gliding. It's an easy device that achieves real results, perfect for anyone new to permanent hair removal.
It includes innovative safety features to protect your skin and eyes at all times, eliminating the need for protective eyewear. The unique UV Filter and skin contact sensors are intelligent enough to prevent discomfort.
FDA-cleared for use on underarms, legs, bikini line, back, toes, fingers and upper lip. Expect to see up to 92% hair reduction after just 12 weeks of consistent use (one session per week).
Most precise: Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal Device PL5124
The PL5124 offers an advanced at home solution for permanent hair removal. With advanced technology and proven results, this device offers effortless and effective treatments from the comfort of your own home.
It's designed to provide safe and precise hair removal on various body areas, including legs, arms, underarms and face. Boasting a high-precision skin tone sensor, it automatically adjusts the intensity to ensure optimal treatment for your specific skin tone. The device also features 400,000 flashes, which translates to a lifetime of full body treatments.
The ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the ultrafast flashes make a full body treatment achievable in just 10 minutes.
Fastest results: FOREO PEACH 2 Advanced IPL Hair Removal
This is one of the fastest, most simple and effective ways to achieve long-term hair removal. With more power, larger treatment window and built-in skin cooling system, the PEACH 2 ensures a comfortable and painless experience; even in sensitive areas.
FOREO PEACH 2 delivers up to 120 flashes per minute, minimising missed spots during treatment. Its T-Sonic™ Pulsations aid in hair follicle penetration and stimulate healthy blood flow for radiant skin.
With two modes for face and body, five intensities and a self-adjusting head, it caters to all areas effortlessly. The integrated UV filtration system ensures safety for permanent hair reduction in just 12 weeks.
What is IPL hair removal?
Through a series of continuous flashes, IPL technology produces broad beams of various light wavelengths. These beams are specifically designed to be absorbed by the melanin (pigment molecule) present in hair follicles. Once absorbed, the heat progressively weakens and destroys the hair follicle, resulting in lasting hair reduction.
When comparing IPL hair removal with laser hair removal, the key difference is accessibility. Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Alpana Mohta,. M.D explains, “laser requires a bulkier machine and is widely performed by trained professionals in-clinic. Whereas IPL uses a flash lamp mounted on a portable hand-held device, which is available for both clinic-based and home use.”
Does IPL hurt?
No. IPL hair removal is typically pain free because it uses low-intensity light, with at home devices now equipped with advanced cooling air systems and UV sensors to minimise any discomfort.
Who can use IPL devices?
As grey and white hair does not contain enough melanin, IPL treatments do not work on these hair colours. Additionally, red hair contains a different type of melanin, which is also not responsive to IPL treatments.
Very dark skin tones with high melanin content cannot use IPL as it may cause skin damage. Find out if your skin tone and hair colour is compatible for IPL technology here.
What to do before your hair removal session
Six weeks before, avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching to preserve the hair root and pigment. four to six weeks before, refrain from using sunbeds and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent sunburn.
One week before, remove any fake tan, while consistently exfoliating and moisturising throughout the week. 24 hours before, shave the treatment area. Right before your session, make sure your skin is clean, dry and free from product.
Vinona Baines Beauty Journalist
Vinona Baines is an SEO copywriter and beauty journalist with 12+ years of beauty industry experience. As a former MAC PRO makeup artist, she brings her unique industry insight to tackle real beauty concerns with simple solutions. She specialises in skincare, makeup and beauty tech. British Beauty Council Partner.
