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9 Of The Best IPL Devices To Invest In
Remove fuzz in a flash with one of these at-home devices
You don't need us to tell you that body hair is an entirely personal choice. To those who love and embrace theirs, we say 'carry on living your best life' – but if you choose to prune, shape or remove what you naturally have, that's also your prerogative.
Anyone who does remove their body hair on a regular basis will know that every hair removal method has its pros and cons. Epilators can be affordable, but you have to embrace the pain, while shaving and waxing can be itchy and time-consuming. Enter at-home IPL hair removal, otherwise known as intense pulsed light.
While you might already know what IPL hair removal involves, it's likely you have questions. So here, let us explain everything you need to know about IPL, before we reveal the beauty team's best-on-test IPL devices to invest in now.
The best IPL devices of 2024
What is an IPL device and how do they work?
IPL hair removal devices are hand-held machines that remove any unwanted hair by directing a powerful beam of light at the follicle, damaging its root and stunting regrowth (sometimes permanently). You can glide them over larger areas of the body, such as your legs, or use the stamp mode to target smaller areas more precisely – think your bikini line or upper lip.
The best at-home IPL devices can be pricey — expect prices to start from around £200 — but they’re also an investment that could save you money over time (and stop you throwing so many rusty razors into the bin).
For effective results, you're advised to shave before using your IPL hair removal device, rather than waxing or using an epilator. Some hair needs to be present in order for the light to target it, but if the hair is too long, it will be harder for the light to reach its final destination: the follicle.
Who can use IPL?
The biggest downside to IPL hair removal devices is that they're only effective on hair that is a contrasting colour to the skin. People with pale to medium skin tones and dark hair will see the best results. Sadly, if you have dark skin, light hair or tattoos on the areas you want to de-fuzz, IPL isn’t for you.
IPL hair removal should also be avoided during pregnancy and by anybody undergoing certain medical treatments.
How often should you use an IPL device?
Most brands suggest using your IPL device regularly over the course of three months, followed by additional top-up sessions. With consistent use, hair should start growing back more slowly and finely, before stopping altogether.
What are the side effects of IPL hair removal?
IPL hair removal is safe, as long as you use a device from a trusted brand and follow the instructions carefully. The procedure is quick and shouldn’t hurt; it may feel hot and tingly (similar to a quick elastic-band snap).
Side effects including redness and slight discomfort aren’t unusual and shouldn’t last, but blisters and burns are rare. Always see a doctor if you suffer an adverse reaction after using an IPL device.
IPL vs laser hair removal: What's the difference?
IPL is not the same as laser hair removal, which uses a different, more powerful light source to target a concentrated area of body hair and permanently stop regrowth after four to eight treatments.
IPL can be done at home but laser hair removal can only be performed by a trained professional. As you'd expect, an at-home device will require more consistent use — and patience — to achieve equivalent results.
How we tested IPL devices
We asked 140 testers to try out a range of the best IPL devices over six to 12 weeks, noting how effective they were at removing hair on the legs, underarms, upper lip and bikini line. They also assessed how long it took for regrowth to appear, how easy the device was to control, and how comfortable it felt to use.
These are the ones they think are worth spending your money on.
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
Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
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