• 15 August 2023
Here's how to achieve permanent hair removal at home using the best IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal devices. An alternative to salon visits and laser hair removal appointments, these hair removal devices offer convenient, professional-level results. When looking for an at home IPL hair removal device, we've factored in your comfort level, ease of use, skin safety, flexibility to reach large and small areas, and efficiency.
Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just 2 weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.
The SmoothSkin Pure Fit is a versatile, all-in-one device suitable for the face and body. A full body treatment takes just 10 minutes, and with 89% of users experiencing over 90% of hair reduction after 12 weeks, it's safe to say this device delivers outstanding results.
Advanced safety features protect your eyes, while the 3 comfort modes and 10 intensity levels provide a personalised and safe hair removal treatment. The Smart Skin Sensing Technology continuously adapts to your skin tone, making it completely safe for light to medium dark skin tones. As a final touch, the controlled Energy System and patented Active Air Cooling Technology ensures every hair removal session is comfortable.
Easiest to use: Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device
The most lightweight and compact SmoothSkin hair removal device, the Sapphire Air 3 offers easy and effective permanent hair reduction after 4 weeks. A full body session takes less than 10 minutes to complete—with 1 flash every 0.7 seconds and 3 comfort modes. It’s an easy device that achieves real results, perfect for anyone new to permanent hair removal.
It includes innovative safety features to protect your skin and eyes at all times, eliminating the need for protective eyewear. The unique UV Filter and skin contact sensors are intelligent enough to prevent discomfort.
The user friendly design makes it easy to adjust the power level for different treatment areas. ‘Soft mode’ for face, upper lips and bikini line, ‘Body mode’ for legs and arms, ‘Power mode’ for chest and underarms. Patented Sapphire Ice-cooling technology offers the ultimate comfort, supported by Dual Air Duct Heat Dissipation for effective heat regulation of 20˚C during every hair removal session.
Most precise: Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal Device PL5124
The PL5124 offers an advanced at home solution for permanent hair removal. With advanced technology and proven results, this device offers effortless and effective treatments from the comfort of your own home.
It's designed to provide safe and precise hair removal on various body areas, including legs, arms, underarms and face. Boasting a high-precision skin tone sensor, it automatically adjusts the intensity to ensure optimal treatment for your specific skin tone. The device also features 400,000 flashes, which translates to a lifetime of full body treatments.
The ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while the ultrafast flashes make a full body treatment achievable in just 10 minutes.
Most flexible: JOVS Venus Pro II Hair Remover
This is one of the fastest, most simple and effective ways to achieve long-term hair removal. With more power, 330˚ rotating head and built-in skin rejuvenation, the Venus Pro II can remove hair with ease; even in sensitive areas.
Venus Pro II has 6 precise treatment modes for the face and body, with 6 intensity levels—minimising missed spots during treatment.
Most people achieve their desired results after 8 weeks, with only having to do 1 to 2 monthly maintenance treatments for smooth and hair free skin. Venus Pro II has also been found to have collagen stimulating properties to boost skin rejuvenation.
What is IPL hair removal?
Through a series of continuous flashes, IPL technology produces broad beams of various light wavelengths. These beams are specifically designed to be absorbed by the melanin (pigment molecule) present in hair follicles. Once absorbed, the heat progressively weakens and destroys the hair follicle, resulting in lasting hair reduction.
When comparing IPL hair removal with laser hair removal, the key difference is accessibility. Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Alpana Mohta,. M.D explains, “laser requires a bulkier machine and is widely performed by trained professionals in-clinic. Whereas IPL uses a flash lamp mounted on a portable hand-held device, which is available for both clinic-based and home use.”
Does IPL hurt?
No. IPL hair removal is typically pain free because it uses low-intensity light, with at home devices now equipped with advanced cooling air systems and UV sensors to minimise any discomfort.
Who can use IPL devices?
As grey and white hair does not contain enough melanin, IPL treatments do not work on these hair colours. Additionally, red hair contains a different type of melanin, which is also not responsive to IPL treatments.
Very dark skin tones with high melanin content cannot use IPL as it may cause skin damage. Find out if your skin tone and hair colour is compatible for IPL technology here.
What to do before your hair removal session
6 weeks before, avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching to preserve the hair root and pigment. 4 to 6 weeks before, refrain from using sunbeds and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to prevent sunburn.
1 week before, remove any fake tan, while consistently exfoliating and moisturising throughout the week. 24 hours before, shave the treatment area. Right before your session, make sure your skin is clean, dry and free from product.
