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There's nothing wrong with body hair — it's completely natural, normal, and safe to keep. However, if you're looking for a long-term way to eliminate pesky body hair then these expert-recommended IPL hair removal devices might be a great fit for your needs. To help you determine if IPL is the right treatment for you, I tapped two of my most trusted board-certified dermatologists about the skincare innovation. The doctors and my fellow editors also shared their no-fail IPL hair removal devices — and they all boast glowing online reviews on Amazon and CurrentBody.
The Best IPL Hair Removal Devices
- Best Overall: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device
- Best for Travel: Braun Silk Expert Mini PL1014
- Fastest-Acting IPL Device: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
- Best New Release: Ulike Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device
- Best Splurge: Braun iExpert IPL Hair Removal Device
What is IPL?
First things first — what exactly is IPL? And why are so many beauty enthusiasts and TikTokers using at-home IPL hair removal devices? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, M.D., describes intense pulsed light (IPL) as a hair removal treatment similar to a laser. "It emits a wide range of wavelengths, whereas a laser releases a single wavelength of light. IPL targets melanin pigment in the hair follicle, which heats it, destroys the follicle, and prevents hair regrowth," he says.
What are the Pros and Cons of IPL Hair Removal?
Camp, who practices at MDCS in NYC, and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group also in NYC, weigh in on the benefits and limitations of IPL hair removal devices.
Pros
IPL is a Semi-Permanent Hair Removal
Unlike shaving, which can require daily maintenance, and painful sugaring and waxing that visibly grows back after a few weeks, IPL offers a more durable form of hair removal. "Patients may need touch-up treatments once or twice a year after a series of treatments to maintain their results. The results of waxing last about three to four weeks before the hair starts to grow back," says Camp.
He adds that while at-home IPL hair removal devices are fantastic, they're not as strong as in-house tools at a doctor's office. This shouldn't be a problem for most people — but if you have any qualms about at-home IPL hair removal or wondering if you're an ideal candidate for using a device at home then consult with your local board-certified dermatologist.
Coarse, Dark Body Hair Be Gone
Regardless of which IPL hair removal device you use, they're all ideal for removing coarse, dark hair. Those with finer or lighter-colored hair might not get the best results because the laser can't identify your lighter body hair. "Energy-based devices used for hair removal, like IPL or laser, perform best on individuals with fair skin and dark hair. The contrast in the amount of pigment between skin and hair allows for more effective treatments," explains Camp.
Readily Available
Speaking of these expert-loved devices, Camp highlights that because there are hundreds of options available, it is a convenient at-home hair removal option.
Cons
IPL is not safe for all skin tones
Both dermatologists caution those with melanin-rich complexions against using IPL hair removal devices because they're at a higher risk for their skin absorbing the laser's energy which can cause discoloration or burns. Typically, this includes those who are a four or deeper on the Fitzpatrick scale, like myself.
Moles and tattoos
Do not use an at-home IPL device over a tattoo or a mole because it could change their appearance.
How We Chose
Since I have a darker complexion, it's not advisable for me to use IPL hair removal devices. To bring you unfiltered, first-hand experience, I asked my fellow Hearst editors about their all-time favorite IPL hair removal devices. Nazarian shared her no-fail pick — and it's also adored by one of my teammates. Additionally, I carefully researched promising IPL hair removal devices and asked Camp for his honest feedback for added reassurance.
This list is tightly edited, as only six items met my vetting process, which included looking at the strength of the lights, battery life, and average star rating. I also considered prices, and found a solid just under-$200 IPL hair removal device. While spending around $200 on a skincare tool is pricey, the IPL device's cost is relatively affordable. Other models are well over $500, and I only included one because it earned major snaps from an editor. More affordable options I found during my vetting process under $200 are from white labeled Amazon brands with no real scientific research or even dermatologist testing behind them. To help ensure your utmost safety, I cut them from the story.
I also initially planned to feature a fifth pick from Nood, which Camp describes as "Appropriately named, this easy-to-use device advertises a pain-free hair removal experience." However, one of my fellow editors had a poor experience with the device — the were no real visible results and it broke after a few weeks — and in an effort to bring you only the best of the best, I eliminated it from inclusion.
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Pros
- Braun is a well-respected brand in the hair removal space
- Loved by multiple editors and a dermatologist
- Equipped with 3 sensitive modes for added comfort
- Flashes 30% more than previous Silk-expert model
Cons
- A full charge lasts for at least one full-body IPL treatment, but we wish it was longer
Our best overall IPL hair removal device earned snaps from two editors and Camp. Additionally, it boasts thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews, which is always comforting. Thus, I was confident this was our best overall recommendation.
For Tatjana Freund, a Hearst contributing writer, this Braun IPL device is a fantastic alternative to painful and expensive in-office laser hair removal treatments.
"The Braun Pro 5 became my go-to since I began to see finer and less hair after just one session. It's quick, less painful, truly effective, and much less humiliating than crying in an esthetician's office," she says.
Mackenzie Dunn, the home and lifestyle commerce manager, is also a fan of this top-rated model. She says, "I used it on my bikini line, legs, and underarms and have been satisfied with the results. Plus, the best part is being able to do it all (and manage the upkeep) from the comfort of my home!"
Dunn's biggest tip is steady use. "Consistency is key with this device. It works well if you use it often — around twice a week to start — and then as needed for maintenance," she advises.
Camp adds, "This device can be used with a variety skin tones and hair colors, and is designed in such a way to be portable and easy to store."
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$239 at Amazon$329 at Walmart
Pros
- Includes safety goggles
- Auto-Glide Mode boasts a fast flash for quicker at-home treatments
Cons
- It weighs 4 pounds
Fashion and luxury commerce editor and trending products expert Sarah Maberry has tried a couple of IPL hair removal devices but highlights the Air 3 as her top choice.
"When lasering sensitive areas like my bikini line or armpits, the last thing I want to do is get zapped. Splurging on the cooling technology of Ulike’s Air3 is totally worth it [if] you’ve got sensitive skin or a low pain tolerance. It's far easier to remember to complete all your treatments when the process is pain-free," she says.
It's no wonder this model is also Nazarian's top pick. "The IPL is powerful, but to protect the skin from overheating it has a cooling tip that maintains skin temperature. It's also incredibly fast, so larger areas can be treated within a few minutes, making compliance more likely due to the convenience," she explains.
Notably, the proprietary Sapphire Ice-cooling technology ensures your skin heats up to 50-104 degrees Fahrenheit versus an average of 150-212 degrees Fahrenheit of Ulike's competitors. Camp adds that lowering skin temperature protects it from damage that can occur from overheating.
Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device Review 2024
$189 at Amazon$177 at currentbody.com
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Safe for the face and body
Cons
- No cooling functionality
Only have $200 to spend on a new IPL hair removal device? I got you covered with a top-rated model Amazon reviewers are gushing over. This battery-powered mini device is clinically tested to reduce unwanted hair within three months.
Camp says it's a compact, more accessibly priced IPL hair removal device that can be used on a variety of skin tones and hair colors. What's most impressive about this product is that the skin sensor adapts its IPL energy intensity depending on the user's skin tone for a custom and safer removal process.
Not only is it the smallest option, but the lightweight skincare tool comes with a handy travel pouch that's perfect for on-the-go touchups and those who are traveling this summer and the upcoming holiday season. In addition to the slim device and pouch, there's a Venus razor for fast hair removal in between sessions.
After the first use, you'll consider this as a beauty must-have. You'll notice a significant reduction in the appearance of unwanted hair in just a few weeks. The hair will also become thinner and sparser, which is always appreciated, especially for a relatively affordable price.
