IPL
The 12 best IPL laser hair removal at home that works
Table of Contents
I'd like to start with a little quick personal advice before we get into the subject IPL hair removal home. Ok, here it comes; remember that body hair is 100% normal and natural, and whatever you choose to do with yours is entirely up to you!
Personally, I fall into that camp which includes people who want zero body hair without putting in any effort (aka shaving and waxing is out) at all.
That's why I've become so fascinated with using IPL hair removal at home recently - the small at-home devices that promise to get hair removed in the comfort of your own bathroom for a fraction of the price of a clinic treatment.
But because the idea of lasering away hair on my body at home feels like a small project – what I wonder is, if these IPL treatment at home is even as effective as the giant machines at various clinics?
From what I understand, ÍPL at home is no longer reserved for A-listers only. Using a laser hair removal machine has become so common that modern technology now allows you to treat yourself safely and painlessly (almost) at home!
I spoke to dermatologist Arash Akhavan, to find out everything you need to know before embarking on IPL hair removal at home with the best devices that really work.
What is IPL hair removal?
First, a refresher; IPL hair removal is a process where light (even laser beams) is directed at the skin in small pulses; targeting and heating the hair follicle to destroy part of it with each treatment, says dermatologist Akhavan.
Compared to treatments at various clinics (which, although expensive, are done by certified or trained skin therapists who know exactly what they are doing), at-home products have a much lower energy production, making them safer for you to use on your own.
Is IPL hair removal at home safe?
"IPL hair removal for home use tends to be generally safe," says dermatologist Akhavan, "If you are using an IPL at home for hair removal, start with and read the instructions first.
Some devices are not suitable for darker skin tones, as not all lasers can distinguish between dark hair follicles and dark skin and can burn you.
OK, now let's move on to what you're really reading this article for: the best IPL devices for laser hair removal home.
1. Vivre® IPL Permanent Laser Hair Removal
Sold at: Vivre
Price 1 990.00 Kr
This is a Swedish model and the latest in the list and has the most advanced technology but is incredibly easy to use.
Vivre® IPL is suitable for all skin and hair types except the darkest skin tones and has an automatic on/off function so you can't turn the laser on if your skin is too dark and poses a risk of use.
You'll never experience ingrown hairs, stubble, redness or any other type of skin irritation ever again.
Vivre® IPL also has 300,000 laser pulses that take at least 10 years to run out.
Some more advantages come here: Large LCD screen with 5 levels of strength, can be used on all body parts (even the face) and CE mark.
2. Silk'n Infinity IPL hair removal for permanent hair removal at home
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $399.00
For your information; The majority of IPL hair removal for at home does not actually use laser. Instead, they use intense pulsed light (IPL) which, like lasers, destroys your hair follicles with heat.
This IPL device is loved for its small size that fits in the hand; customizable energy settings and its ability to safely remove hair on all skin tones.
Tip: Work with freshly shaved - not waxed! - for best results.
3. Tria Beauty Precision Hair Removal Laser for Women and Men
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $389.00
This IPL hair removal device is quite elegant, the long, contoured shape makes it so easy to target hard-to-reach and small areas like your bikini line, underarm and upper lip.
Just know that this device is not meant for darker skin tones – you need light to medium skin and brown or black hair to get reliable results.
4. Mē Sleek Face + Body Hair Removal System
Sold at: urbanoutfitters.com
Price $249.00
I get it: not everyone wants to sit and take their time with an IPL hair removal. That's what makes this choice so great - it's designed for quick and painless treatments (think; two minutes for your arms, eight minutes for your legs), and best of all, it's safe for all skin tones and hair colors.
5. Silk'n Flash & Go Compact Glide IPL Hair Removal
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $249.00
Except for the fact that this at-home IPL laser hair removal device is very cute (I really love that it's neon green). It's also compact enough to take on the go. And with 150,000 pulses, you really do get a lifetime of treatments.
6. Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 Latest Generation IPL Hair Removal
Sold at: bedbathandbeyond.com
Price $329.99
This IPL laser for home use is equipped with 300,000 light pulses (equivalent to 22 years of full body treatment; so you don't have to worry about it running out). With 10 energy levels, it's also super customizable.
7. Mismon IPL Laser Hair Removal
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $250
If you want to lose thick, coarse hair on your legs, you'll love this IPL laser. It's reasonably priced, has great reviews and works to permanently remove hair after nine treatments. And did I mention it was rose gold? Cute.
8. Feeke IPL Laser Hair Removal
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $199
Don't feel like spending lots of money on your IPL laser hair removal? No problem, because this cute little device amounts to $200 and is actually effective.
Keep in mind that it's smaller than its more expensive counterparts; so it's best for treating concentrated areas (like the forearms or upper lip).
9. Tria Beauty IPL laser hair removal 4X
Sold at: Amazon.com
Price $299
There's a reason skin therapists are obsessed with this IPL laser for hair removal.
It's super-powerful, and extremely easy to use (thanks to the LED display, which guides you through the treatment and energy set). When you turn this on, it scans the skin and doesn't unlock if your skin tone and hair color are safe matches.
10. LumaRx Full Body Hair Removal System
Available at: dermstore.com
Price $449.00
This at-home device (which is FDA-cleared) is perfect for tackling unwanted hairs on large skin areas (think: your legs and arms), thanks to the wide laser.
You can expect to see results after three treatments (which the brand suggests spreading over a month); after which you'll need you only maintenance.
11. Remington iLight Ultra Face & Body IPL hair removal at home
Available at: Amazon.com
Price $469.00
Good news: This IPL hair removal at home with laser is gentle enough to be used in the face (yes, really, as long as you follow the instructions carefully and avoid your eyes).
The not so great news; IPL units are not really effective for light hair colours so you only see results on dark facial hair.
12. Philips lumea BRI/923
Sold at: Mediamarkt
Price 3 790.00 Kr
This IPL laser has two treatment modes. "Slide and flash" is perfect for quick treatment of larger areas like legs - you simply slide the device over the skin you want to treat, smoothly and quickly. For treating curved areas or targeted zones, such as your bikini line, you also have the option of "step and flash" mode.
Plus, this comes with an on-the-go trimmer, a discreet beauty tool that makes it quick and easy to remove even the finest facial hair.
The only complaint our tester had was that it's not cordless; so it can be a bit tricky to manoeuvre over hard-to-reach areas. Still, she didn't feel the slightest pinch and her hair was noticeably thinner after a few treatments.