We updated this piece to include devices in the Amazon Spring Sale, which you can check out in its entirety here.
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
1
2
Best IPL device for range of settings
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
Read more
3
Most affordable Philips IPL device
Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device
Read more
4
Best IPL hair removal device
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device
Read more
5
Best IPL hair removal device
Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0
Read more
6
Best IPL device for beginners
SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Device
Read more
7
Best IPL device with unlimited flashes
Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device
Read more
8
9
Best IPL device for sensitive skin
SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite
Read more
10
Best IPL device for precision
Braun Silk·expert Pro 3 PL3132 IPL Device
Read more
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 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 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. If you have darker skin, the higher level of melanin can be picked up by the device and absorb the light energy, potentially causing damage.
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 on your skin, and some heat, though if it feels too hot you need to ease up on the device.
Just remember that over time you’ll need fewer treatments (and it’s definitely less painful than epilating). A lower light intensity can also 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 with your device. If you’re planning on using it on the upper lip or bikini line, a smaller head, or a device with interchangeable attachments, may be preferable.
Look out for IPLs with a range of modes. For precision, you may want to select the stamp mode, but if you're using it on larger areas such as the legs, the glide mode will speed up treatment time.
Whichever device you go for, it’s very important to read the instructions thoroughly.
The best IPL devices for easy hair removal...
1
Best IPL device for fast results
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
1
Best IPL device for fast results
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
Impatient? The Phillips 9000 Series acts fast, with results seen in just around three weeks. It has a cordless design and four curved attachments which perfectly work around your body's curves – like your underarms and bikini line.
Speaking of, we found this IPL particularly good at tidying up the edges of your bikini line, keeping the area fuzz-free after six weeks of use. And, just like previous Phillips models, it features the same 'SmartSkin' technology which recommends the optimum setting for your skin tone.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | Yes |
Features | SmartSkin Sensor |
What's in the box? | Storage pouch, four attachment heads |
Usage | Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed |
Flashes | >450,000 |
With 10 intensity levels to choose from, this device offers the most personalised experience of all the models in this edit. A particular favourite is the glide mode, which speeds things up by delivering flashes on larger areas of the body (such as the legs), while the stamp mode is ideal for small, more sensitive areas.
The pack also comes with a handy razor so you can get started right away. And with the equivalent of 22 years’ worth of flashes pre-loaded, we reckon it’s a worthwhile investment.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Two treatment heads, 10 light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and glide), skin tone sensor |
Flashes | 400,000 flashes |
What's in the box? | Precision head, razor, device, instructions |
Usage | Body hair requires one treatment a week (for four to 12 weeks) then whenever you need (every one to two months) |
3
Most affordable Philips IPL device
Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device
3
Most affordable Philips IPL device
Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device
Now 24% Off
This device delivers the same powerful hair-zapping technology as the other Philips models on our list, while being a bit kinder on your bank balance. It claims to work on a variety of different hair and skin types too — from dark blonde to black — to break the hair growth cycle.
Not only does it do a stellar job at stunting hair growth, but it also reduces the thickness of the hair on the face and body after just four weeks, without causing any pain or irritation.
If you really want to get your money’s worth, download the Lumea app, which helps you personalise your treatment schedule, as well as providing you with tips and tricks to get the most effective results.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Five skin type settings, Lumea app, skin sensor |
What's in the box? | Satin Compact pen trimmer with eyebrow comb and cleaning brush, cleaning cloth, attachment head, precision attachment head, device, manual. |
Usage | Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed |
Flashes | >250,000 |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Best IPL hair removal device
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device
4
Best IPL hair removal device
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device
Now 22% Off
Let’s face it, the quicker we can see results, the better, and this advanced machine promises you’ll notice a difference in just four treatments. Taking away any guesswork, there are four attachments designed to effectively target the face, body and delicate bikini area.
Click the head in place and a clever sensor will help you find which of the five light intensities is best for your skin tone. We passed it onto some willing testers, who found that after a 12-week period, most hair had stopped growing back altogether.
And, if you’re the forgetful type, it’s worth downloading the Philips Lumea app to keep track of your treatment plan — it will give you helpful reminders when your next session is due.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Flashes | >250,000 |
Features | Five light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and slide), Lumea app, skin sensor |
What's in the box? | Device, adapter, pouch, three attachment heads and instructions |
Usage | Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed |
5
Best IPL hair removal device
Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0
5
Best IPL hair removal device
Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0
Giving top results in just three weeks, this compact cordless machine packs a real punch. The Bondi Body Laser @ Home V2.0 is one of the speediest tools around, allowing for quick and long-lasting hair removal. Plus its ergonomic design means you can get into all of those hard-to-reach spots with ease.
Taking the faff out of the process, there's no need to change attachments for different areas – instead, there are multiple settings to choose from which will re-generate depending on skin tone.
It's also quiet to use, so it's ideal for zapping those hairs in front of the TV.
Key specifications
Mains | Yes |
---|---|
Cordless | Yes |
Flashes | > 300,000 flashes |
Usage | Once a week for 12 weeks |
What's in the box? | Device, adapter, pouch, safety glasses and instructions |
Features | 8 light intensities, auto and manual modes |
If time isn’t on your side, this sleek-looking IPL device claims to do a full body treatment in just 10 minutes. It also features an in-built sensor, which scans your skin to pick the best light intensity for you, so you don’t even have to think about it.
When it comes to hair removal, it's comfortable to use and visibly reduces hair in just a matter of weeks. It comes with three settings for a fuss-free application, and can be used on both the body and face. With unlimited flashes too, you’re getting great value for money.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Three skin type settings, skin sensor |
What's in the box? | Device, manual. |
Usage | Once a week for 12 weeks, then touch-up where needed |
Flashes | Unlimited |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best IPL device with unlimited flashes
Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device
7
Best IPL device with unlimited flashes
Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device
Sensica's Senilight Pro is loaded with unlimited flashes. That's right, can you justify the splurge now?
Yes it comes with all the bells and whistles – including a cordless design, multiple attachment heads and six different energy levels – but it also has an Automatic Glide Mode, meaning you can move the IPL over your skin without having to press any buttons. Life just became so much easier.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | Yes |
Flashes | Unlimited |
Features | Two treatment heads, six intensities, two treatment modes (pulse and glide), skin tone sensor |
What's in the box? | Device, treatment heads, charging cable, storage bag and instructions |
Usage | Body hair requires treatment every two weeks for the first four weeks, then once every four weeks afterwards. For facial hair, use it every two weeks for the first five weeks then every four weeks. After seven weeks for body hair and eight for facial hair, top-up as and when needed |
This device aims to keep any discomfort to a minimum, covering the whole body in just 20 minutes. There’s a built-in sensor to scan the skin and select a light setting appropriate for you, plus an app to keep on top of treatments. It’s compact, with a precise head, and it's not painful. Result!
Although it comes with a cord, its ergonomic and petite design still makes it easy to get into the hard-to-reach areas. It also packs a powerful punch, with 400,000 flashes and a 3cm treatment zone to ensure no area is missed.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Five intensities, skin tone sensor, compatible treatment plan on the mobile app |
What's in the box? | Power cord, device, UK, EU and US power plugs and instructions |
Usage | Initially every two weeks, after two months every four weeks, and after this treat as needed |
Flashes | 400,000 |
9
Best IPL device for sensitive skin
SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite
9
Best IPL device for sensitive skin
SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite
With 120 flashes per minute, the Pure Mini Lite is a small yet mighty gadget that reduces hair growth in as little as four weeks.
You can count on safety first here too — this device has a built-in Smart Skin Safety feature to check your skin tone before each flash, and will only activate if it’s safe to do so.
Key specifications
Power | Power supply |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Two treatment modes and built-in skin sensors for safe and effective treatments |
What's in the box? | SmoothSkin Bare+ Device, power supply, power cable, instructions |
Usage | Ten minutes full body, once a week for 12 weeks |
Flashes | Unlimited |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best IPL device for precision
Braun Silk·expert Pro 3 PL3132 IPL Device
10
Best IPL device for precision
Braun Silk·expert Pro 3 PL3132 IPL Device
Ideal for using all over the body, this Braun IPL device has a precision head for those hard-to-reach areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line.
It also has an adaptive sensor that continuously reads your skin tone — which can vary across your body — and alters its flash intensity for the best results. See results from twelve weeks onwards.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Features | Three intensity levels, skin safety sensor |
What's in the box? | Braun Silk-Expert Pro 3 PL3132, premium bag for storage, precision head, Venus razors |
Usage | Nine minute sessions over regular treatment plan |
Flashes | 300,000 |
11
Best 2-in-1 IPL and skincare device
JOVS JOVS Venus Pro II Device
11
Best 2-in-1 IPL and skincare device
JOVS JOVS Venus Pro II Device
We're usually sceptical about two-in-one products delivering the most powerful results, but this device proved us wrong. While the IPL head tackles unwanted hair, the 'skin rejuvenation' mode uses flashes of light to help boost collagen and elastin production, aiming to leave you with firmer-looking skin.
The rotating head makes it easier to reach all areas of the body, and all testers said they were hair-free in six weeks. If you're nervous about the pain element of hair removal, this device also features ‘ICE’ technology, which cools skin down to help eliminate discomfort.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | No |
Flashes | >500,000 |
Usage | Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed |
Features | Six energy modes, 180° rotating head |
What's in the box? | Six attachment heads |
12
Best unisex IPL device
Silk'n Silk'n Glide Unisex 200,000 IPL Device + Silk'n Cleansing Box
12
Best unisex IPL device
Silk'n Silk'n Glide Unisex 200,000 IPL Device + Silk'n Cleansing Box
If you have a significant other at home who takes an interest in your grooming routine (read: tries to use your device whenever you're not looking), then consider this a hygienic IPL must-have.
A great price for a device you can share, it claims to deliver up to 92% hair reduction after eight treatments, and it even cleans itself with blue LED light every time you pop it back into the storage case.
Key specifications
Power | 2 AAA Batteries, Power Adapter with UK Plug |
---|---|
Cordless | Yes |
Features | Cleansing box for cleaning device with LED light |
What's in the box? | Silk'n Glide Unisex 200,000 IPL Device, power adapter with UK plug, Silk'n cleansing box, storage case, cleaning cloth, two instruction manuals, two AAA Batteries |
Usage | 20-minute treatment repeated to specific treatment plan over weeks |
Flashes | 200,000 |
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Best for facial hair removal
Philips Lumea IPL 9900 Series
13
Best for facial hair removal
Philips Lumea IPL 9900 Series
The Phillips 9900 series is a pricer alternative to the 9000, but if you're willing to make the splurge, there's a clear-cut reason why.
Our panel not only found this machine relatively pain-free, thanks to its sensitive mode, but it particularly impressed on facial hair removal.
Testers saw a noticeable reduction in hair here in just four weeks, and the included Facial Hair Remover enabled easy prep before using the device. Also included are four attachments with different sized windows for use on different areas of the body, including the face and bikini line.
Key specifications
Power | Mains |
---|---|
Cordless | Yes |
Features | SmartSkin sensor, 4 intelligent attachments: body, face, bikini, underarms, exclusive AI-powered app features, both cordless and corded use, + Facial Hair Remover |
Flashes | 450,000 |
What's in the box? | IPL Hair Removal Series 9900 deviceFacial hair removerWhat's in the boxIntelligent face attachmentIntelligent bikini attachmentIntelligent underarm attachmentLumea IPL app including exclusive SkinAI featuresLuxurious pouch |