Whether you’re targeting your upper lip area or bikini line, this model makes it easy to get into every nook and cranny via its 330-degree rotating head. All the while, it helps reduce pain by keeping your skin at a crisp 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On top of featuring a cooling sapphire screen, the FDA-approved device uses a narrower spectrum of light pulses designed to improve results, has six temperature settings, and six modes for tackling various hair textures and thicknesses across the body. Plus, the device even has a special post-treatment setting designed to lighten dark spots and soothe redness.
Key features: Rotating head with cooling technology, 6 temperature settings, 6 modes for the body
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, cord, razor, goggles, guide card
Usage: 3-4 times per week for the first two weeks, 2-3 times per week during weeks 2-3, and 1-2 times per month after one month of use
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Buy this. Now. I used to shave my legs, get out of the shower, get a chill, and then [be] able to feel a little stubble. Or, I’d shave my delicate areas and still see hairs below the skin. I had low expectations, since I had been using a similar device but from four or five years ago. This machine WORKS! I used it a little more than instructed, but I also have a lot of hair. After a month of using it, I went on a four-day vacation, and I really only had to spot shave my legs a little. I even quit using it for the last two weeks, and I have not seen any hair return for most of my treated areas. This machine is worth the price. If you are on the fence, remember how much you dislike shaving before going into salt water. And remember that this is an investment for your future self.”
6
Best for Beginners
XSoul At-Home IPL Hair Removal
Now 50% Off
$100 at AmazonShop at Walmart
Pros
- Easy to use
- Should be long-lasting
Cons
- May take time to see results
With over 10,800 reviews and an average four-star rating, the XSOUL is beloved by countless shoppers for being easy to use and “truly effective.” There are five settings you can work your way up to depending on your tolerance, as well as two straightforward modes—one auto and one manual—for targeting large and smaller areas. Since it’s equipped with over 999,999 flashes (which should last you up to 10 years!), it’s also a solid long-term investment.
Key features: 5 intensity levels, auto mode for larger areas & manual mode for smaller areas
Flashes: 999,999
What’s included: Device, cord, two razors, goggles, skin tone and body hair type chart
Usage: 1-2 times per week for the first 5 weeks, one time per week during weeks 6-8
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a great product with lots of flashes. The instructions are easy to follow. If you are just getting started with laser hair removal, this is the product for you.”
7
Best for Sensitive Skin
Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal
Now 27% Off
$239 at Amazon$329 at Walmart
Pros
- Works quickly
- Can be used on face
Cons
- Can be a little noisy
Pain is a legitimate fear when it comes to laser hair removal—after all, you’re zapping away at your hair follicles with powerful pulses of light. Thanks to this Ulike device’s cooling technology, which cools your skin as you use the device, any painful sensation you might feel is greatly reduced. You can use it anywhere on your body, including your bikini line, armpits, and legs, and you can switch between three modes depending on the sensitivity of the area. Plus, if you’re in a rush, the auto-glide mode delivers a flash every 0.7 seconds.
Key features: Comfort modes, auto-glide mode, cooling technology
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, cord, goggles, razor, leather bag
Usage: 3 times per week for the first three weeks, 2 times per week during weeks 4-6, and 1-2 times per month during weeks 7-10
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this device! I’ve been using it for several weeks now and pretty much don’t have to shave pits or legs. Lady bits are taking a lot longer, but I probably have 50 percent less there and will continue using it in hopes that by summer, I won’t have to shave at all. Works great for the pesky upper lip/chin hairs too!”
8
Best for Versatility
Aopvui IPL Hair Removal
Now 25% Off
$90 at Amazon
Pros
- Affordable
- Has skin rejuvenation and acne settings
- Should be long-lasting
Cons
- May not work well on lighter hair
Aopvui’s FDA-cleared device is a number one best seller on Amazon, complete with a whopping nine intensity levels and two flash modes. It even comes with two extra settings for skin rejuvenation and acne in case you want to combat multiple concerns in one go. Some shoppers report their hair grew back noticeably thinner within weeks, and one even mentioned significant results after a single use.
Key features: 9 intensity levels, 2 flash modes
Flashes: 999,900
What’s included: Device, cord, goggles, razor
Usage: 2-3 times per week in the first 8 weeks, 1-2 times per week during weeks 9-12, and once per week after 12 weeks
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “You can start on a low setting and work your way to higher settings as you get used to it. I am used to laser hair removal, so I set mine pretty high. I did my arms and armpits and also my legs. The hair literally disappeared with a single shot, and later when I saw spotting from places I missed, I went back over it and did it again. This is such an awesome product. It works best on areas where the hair is dark or coarse, but overall it gets rid of the hair. It’s very user-friendly and easy to get the hang of.”
Who should use an at-home IPL device?
Most at-home IPL and laser devices are best suited for people with fair to medium skin tones and hair colors that are darker than their complexion. This is because both technologies work by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. “The contrast between the pigment in the hair and the skin allows the device to more effectively target the hair follicle without causing damage to the surrounding skin,” explains Dr. Rokhsar. “So, people with darker complexions or lighter hair may not be good candidates for at-home IPL or laser devices, as these may not be able to effectively distinguish between the hair follicle and the surrounding skin.” If you have a darker complexion, Dr. Rokhsar says in-office lasers are your safest option. “These can work on a wider range of skin tones since the targeted wavelength can be adjusted to avoid damage or discoloration.”
Similar to at-home laser devices, Dr. Rokhsar notes that some over-the-counter IPL devices can also be used for other cosmetic purposes like combatting acne and dark spots. (Dermatologists may also use professional IPL devices to treat vascular lesions.)
Additionally, “at-home IPL devices are useful for people who want to treat larger areas of the body, as they can cover a larger treatment area than laser devices,” Dr. Rokhsar says. But for those with incredibly stubborn or thick hair, remember that IPL may not be the most effective choice. “IPL isn’t usually as successful as a laser at permanently removing hair,” Dr. Rokhsar says. “Due to its mild energy heating profile, IPL may not penetrate as deeply into the skin or target the hair follicle as precisely.”
How long does it take to see results with IPL, and how long will they last?
“Like laser hair removal, IPL offers permanent hair reduction,” explains Dr. Kobets. ”This eventually removes most of the treated hairs, but some hairs may continue to grow back—especially if there is a strong hormonal component to the hair growth. You should start to see hair reduction even with the first treatment, but sometimes six or more treatments are needed to get to the desired results.”
Keep in mind that other factors like skin tone, hair color, and thickness can also affect success. “Some people may experience complete hair loss in the treated areas, while others may require occasional touch-ups to maintain smoothness,” adds Dr. Rokhsar. “It can take several months to see the full results of IPL hair removal, as the hair growth cycle is gradual and some hair follicles may require multiple treatments to effectively be targeted. The results of IPL hair removal can last for months or even years, depending on the individual.”
Does IPL hair removal hurt?
“IPL hair removal can cause some discomfort or mild pain during treatment, but the level of discomfort can vary depending on based on an individual’s skin sensitivity, the treatment area, and the intensity of the device,” says Dr. Rokhsar. “However, most people report that IPL hair removal is less painful than other methods such as waxing or threading.”
To help reduce the chances of pain, Dr. Kobets recommends choosing a device with cooling technology. For an in-office treatment, she’s a fan of Sciton’s BBL. “This professional-level device has an ‘In Motion’ option where the heat and energy build up gradually, and the crystal keeps the skin surface cool,” she says. “The latest HERO version also pulses continuously to avoid any ‘striping’ and is relatively safer.”
What’s the best way to prep for IPL hair removal?
Dr. RokhsarDr. Kobets
- “Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks prior to IPL treatment,” says Dr. Rokhsar. “Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and complications and make the treatment less effective. If you are tan, do not use an IPL hair removal device. Instead, wait for your skin to return to its normal color.”
- “Avoid using certain skincare products such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or exfoliants for at least one to two weeks prior to IPL treatment, as these products can increase skin sensitivity and make the treatment more uncomfortable,” he warns. Also, Dr. Kobets says don’t use IPL devices on any existing rashes or areas of inflammation. “If you have a history of cold sores, make sure your dermatologist prescribes you oral cold sore medications prior to treatment,” Dr. Rokhsar adds.
- “Shave the treatment area one to two days prior to IPL treatment, as the device works best on hair that is at or slightly below the surface of the skin,” he says. Additionally, “don’t wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams four to six weeks before your procedure,” Dr. Kobets advises. “Doing so will be a waste of time and money for you since those plucked hairs are the actual target the IPL is trying to get.”
- “Read the instructions and make sure you understand the device’s features, settings, and safety protocols before starting,” Dr. Rokhsar notes.
- “Before using the device on a larger area, perform a patch test on a small area of skin,” he says. “Wait at least 24 hours after the patch test to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.”
What's the best way to use an IPL device?
“First, choose the appropriate setting for your skin type and hair color,” explains Dr. Rokhsar. “Start with a lower setting and gradually increase the intensity if necessary. Next, apply a cooling gel to help minimize discomfort during treatment (you can also apply a cooling gel or ice pack to the skin after your treatment). Then, hold the device against the skin and press the button to emit a pulse of light. Move the device to the next area and repeat the process. Be sure to overlap each pulse slightly to ensure even coverage. When you’re done, moisturize the treatment area to help soothe the skin and minimize dryness or flakiness between sessions.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Cameron RokhsarNew York Cosmetic
Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
Why trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this story, ELLE editors interviewed two dermatologists and scoured customer reviews to find some of the best at-home IPL devices on the market. When choosing between styles, factors like the number and types of settings, comfort features, and amount of flashes for each device were considered. A range of top-rated, FDA-approved devices were also included.
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Sam Peters
Senior Commerce Editor
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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Carol Lee
Carol is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty. Before joining ELLE.com, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine. She’s always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.
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