We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The 12 best IPL devices for quick, easy and pain-free hair removal
Some of these machines are £300 off right now!
Want more tried and tested recommendations from the Editors of Women’s Health? Sign up to our new weekly newsletter The Edit. Click here to subscribe.
Looking for an effective way to remove or reduce body hair? Allow us to introduce you to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal. Not only does it offer more permanent results than waxing or shaving, but it can be done from the comfort of your home. Where do we sign?!
Although at-home IPL machines can be quite the investment, bear in mind you'll be saving on those waxing appointments or razor purchases in the long-term. Plus, it can avoid the dreaded shaving rashes and bumps, as well as in grown hairs, from relentlessly shaving.
Best IPL hair removal devices 2024
Here’s all you need to know about the best IPL hair removal devices around, should you choose to de-fuzz.
What is IPL and how does it work?
IPL works by targeting hair at the root with a flash of light that converts to heat below the skin’s surface, preventing further growth. Treated hairs fall out naturally, while any regrowth is finer — and, with maintenance, can stop altogether.
Before getting started, you’ll need to shave the area you’re treating. IPL needs some hair for the light to ‘grab’ onto (so avoid waxing or epilating just before), but it shouldn’t be used on longer hair as that could result in burning the skin.
Then, you just press the device onto the skin and zap away.
How we test
Unless you're already au fait with IPL devices, they can be a tricky investment to make. With so many models and styles to consider, how do you know which is the best IPL for you? To find the top models, we looked at everything from ease of use and how quickly we saw results, to what attachments it comes with and good its value for money is.
The best IPL devices for easy hair removal...
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
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
Watch Next
Save up to 30% on the 18 best vibrators in 2024
12 best cleansers for oily skin
25 best fitness apps to download ASAP
12 best mattresses for back pain