11 Best IPL Hair Removal Devices – Top Laser Machines For Home

waxing or shave, but you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Where do we sign?!

While home IPL devices can be a decent investment price-wise, think about how much you’ll save on those waxing appointments in the long run.

Do you need a refresher course on the best IPL machines and why you might want to try one out? View our full overview below.

Best IPL Hair Removal Devices 2023

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Here’s all you need to know about the best IPL hair removal devices around, should you choose to defuzz.

What is IPL and how does it work?

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a form of light therapy. It works by targeting hair at the root with a flash of light, which 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 quickly can I expect results?

Each brand differs, but most suggest starting with a 12-week programme, followed with less frequent top-up sessions to maintain the desired look. Just like a good training schedule, you won’t see results overnight, but keep on top of treatments and you should start to see a noticeable difference.

Can I use IPL on my skin tone?

Sadly, IPL isn’t suitable for everyone. The ideal candidates are those with dark hair that contrasts in colour to their skin tone. Light blonde, white or grey hair simply doesn’t contain enough melanin for these devices to get to work, and red hair also doesn’t respond to this type of light.

Skin tone is also a factor to take into account. If you have darker skin, the higher level of melanin can be picked up by the device, and may cause damage, making it unsafe for use.

If in doubt, you can read more about the Fitzpatrick skin type scale here, which classifies skin types and sensitivity in more detail. All of the machines on our list include an automatic skin tone sensor to determine optimum intensity and safe settings for your skin tone.

Does IPL hurt?

While not as painless as shaving (albeit way more long-lasting), the feeling of IPL is commonly described as a warm zap, similar to flicking an elastic band. Just remember, over time you’ll need fewer treatments (and it’s definitely less painful than epilating). A lower light intensity can help to reduce discomfort, which is worth remembering around the bikini line!

Things to consider when buying an IPL device

Some devices come with a pre-set amount of flashes (most have a minimum of 100,000) and will need a replacement lamp when these run out. Others have an unlimited number, so will last a lifetime.

The shorter the gap between flashes, the quicker your treatment time is going to be. It’s also worth checking out the number of treatment heads included in the pack. If you’re planning on using it on the upper lip or bikini line, a smaller head may be preferable.

Look out for devices with a number of modes. For precision, you may want to select the stamp mode, but if you’re using it on larger areas like the legs, the glide mode will speed up treatment time.

Whichever device you go for, it’s very important to read the instructions thoroughly.

How we test IPL devices

Products below that feature a Women’s Health Lab Approved logo have been tested by a panel of 140 women, who tried a range of at-home IPL hair removal devices over a six to 12-week period.

Following the instructions to the letter, they fed back on how effective each device was at removing hair from the legs, underarm, bikini line and upper lip — and how easy it was to do so. They also recorded any regrowth that appeared and shared the results.

The remaining IPL devices, marked as Editor’s Choice, have been hand-picked by our WH editors to give you even more choice.

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