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Thanks to These IPL Hair Removal Devices, Smooth Skin Is Just a Zap Away
No ingrown hairs or stubble in sight.
Hair removal comes in various shapes, forms, and pain levels. Yes, shaving, waxing, and sugaring all remove hair, but the downside to these quick-fix methods is that they can also lead to ingrown hair. Laser hair removal is a great alternative, but sessions often come with a lofty price tag and can be quite time-consuming. If you’re at your wits' end and need a different solution, meet at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal devices.
“IPL devices use a broad spectrum of light, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing the hair to heat up and eventually be destroyed,” says dermatologist Dr. Cameron Rokhsar. “On the other hand, laser hair removal uses a single wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, producing a more targeted effect.” These handy tools may not be as precise as lasers, but they’re much more cost-effective and pretty much painless. And the best part is that you can use them at home and on the go to treat all areas of the body. “They’re faster and more convenient for treating places like the legs, back, and chest,” adds Dr. Rokhsar. Over time, the hair in targeted areas will grow thinner and sparser, and they may even disappear completely.
We must warn against using IPL devices if you have a deeper skin tone or fair skin and light hair. The at-home tools are simply better at their jobs when there’s a high contrast between the color of the hair follicle and the skin from which it grows. You should also consult a dermatologist or your doctor if you have any chronic skin conditions, are currently pregnant, or have been taking certain medications.
However, if you’re raring to go and say goodbye to ingrown hairs, we can help you pick the best device for your needs. We consulted board-certified dermatologists Dr. Rokhsar and Dr. Kseniya Kobets, asked ELLE editors for their recommendations, and read through customer reviews, both good and bad, to locate the nine best IPL hair removal devices for smoother, softer, hairless skin.
Pros
- Adjusts to your skin tone
- Portable
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi connection
This FDA-approved device from Braun is virtually painless and designed to be as foolproof as possible. Different skin tones require different intensities of light, and the device’s sensor automatically adjusts to accommodate your particular needs. If the standard setting feels like too much, you can also choose between gentle and extra gentle; the tool’s two interchangeable heads allow you to zap away hair on everything from your legs and bikini line to your underarms and face.
Key features: Skin sensor, comfort modes, 10 intensity levels
Flashes: 400,000
What’s included: Device, cord, travel case, Venus Extra Smooth razor, two interchangeable heads
Usage: Once a week for 4-12 weeks until you start to see desired results, then once every 1-2 months
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “The app was very useful for the device settings and monitoring progress. I was surprised by how much information the device was able to read as far as skin tone, session usage, and the ease of changing settings. The light wasn’t too bright, and I did not feel anything on my skin except the device (no uncomfortable warmth or heat from the device). The fan was loud and ran constantly while the device was plugged in, but otherwise, I think this is very cool tech to have at home. I am impressed. After three weeks of sessions, I’ve noticed less growth on my legs and underarms. I was a bit nervous because my skin is very pale and body hair is a medium brown, but the device calibrated everything easily and zapped away. The sessions were fast and easy to do after a shower or shave.”—Megan Victoria, ELLE senior visual researcher
Pros
- Easy to use
- Should be long-lasting
Cons
- May take time to see results
With over 10,800 reviews and an average four-star rating, the XSOUL is beloved by countless shoppers for being easy to use and “truly effective.” There are five settings you can work your way up to depending on your tolerance, as well as two straightforward modes—one auto and one manual—for targeting large and smaller areas. Since it’s equipped with over 999,999 flashes (which should last you up to 10 years!), it’s also a solid long-term investment.
Key features: 5 intensity levels, auto mode for larger areas & manual mode for smaller areas
Flashes: 999,999
What’s included: Device, cord, two razors, goggles, skin tone and body hair type chart
Usage: 1-2 times per week for the first 5 weeks, one time per week during weeks 6-8
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve literally bought this twice. Not because it didn’t work, but because it accidentally got thrown away, and life without it was almost unbearable. It slowed my hair growth tremendously! I am eager to get to use it enough that it actually eliminates the hair completely. I have zero doubt that it will.”
Pros
- Works quickly
- Can be used on face
Cons
- Can be a little noisy
Pain is a legitimate fear when it comes to laser hair removal—after all, you’re zapping away at your hair follicles with powerful pulses of light. Thanks to this Ulike device’s cooling technology, which cools your skin as you use the device, any painful sensation you might feel is greatly reduced. You can use it anywhere on your body, including your bikini line, armpits, and legs, and you can switch between three modes depending on the sensitivity of the area. Plus, if you’re in a rush, the auto-glide mode delivers a flash every 0.7 seconds.
Key features: Comfort modes, auto-glide mode, cooling technology
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, cord, goggles, razor, leather bag
Usage: 3 times per week for the first three weeks, 2 times per week during weeks 4-6, and 1-2 times per month during weeks 7-10
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I absolutely love this device! I’ve been using it for several weeks now and pretty much don’t have to shave pits or legs. Lady bits are taking a lot longer, but I probably have 50 percent less there and will continue using it in hopes that by summer, I won’t have to shave at all. Works great for the pesky upper lip/chin hairs too!”
Aopvui 3-in-1 IPL Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men
Pros
- Affordable
- Has skin rejuvenation and acne settings
Cons
- May not work well on lighter hair
Aopvui’s FDA-cleared device is a number one best seller on Amazon, complete with a whopping nine intensity levels and two flash modes. It even comes with two extra settings for skin rejuvenation and acne in case you want to combat multiple concerns in one go. Some shoppers report their hair grew back noticeably thinner within weeks, and one even mentioned significant results after a single use.
Key features: 9 intensity levels, 2 flash modes
Flashes: 999,900
What’s included: Device, cord, goggles, razor
Usage: 2-3 times per week in the first 8 weeks, 1-2 times per week during weeks 9-12, and once per week after 12 weeks
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I bought this device as a gift for my sister in law since I bragged about the one I had. I initially wanted her to try something different and give me her honest feedback. She told me how easy it was to use and that the heat level made it painless to use. She was able to use it for a couple times so far and noticed a great difference. Would highly recommended this product especially for the value.”
Pros
- Gentle
- Safety feature included
Cons
- May take time to see results
Have a low pain tolerance? Ease your skin into the world of IPL hair removal with Nood’s The Flasher 2.0. The patent-pending, FDA-cleared device has seven intensity levels to choose from, and even on the highest settings, many customers mention they experienced only mild discomfort. Plus, you don’t need to wear this one with glasses, as it has a safety feature that prevents flashes until the device is pressed directly against your skin.
Key features: 7 intensity levels, digital display
Flashes: 600,000
What’s included: Device, cord, exfoliating cleanser, aloe
Usage: Twice per week for the first two months, then once every 3-6 months as needed
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This device is so convenient, portable, adorable, and it works! For the best results, use it on level 6 or the highest level 7. Both settings were doable in terms of pain—it’s like a snap of a rubber band but only on sensitive areas (bikini line, etc.). I could barely feel a thing on my underarms and legs! The automatic setting is great once you get the hang of the device, and everything fits perfectly in a makeup bag, so that you can take it with you wherever you go.”
Pros
- Ergonomic shape
Cons
- Can get a little hot
Usually, it takes quite a few zaps to start seeing results. However, many customers report seeing their hair thin and begin to disappear after just one 10-minute session with this device. It’s one of SmoothSkin’s latest launches, and the tool promises to eradicate 99 percent of unwanted hair—wherever it may be—in just a dozen weeks.
Key features: Auto skin tone sensor, 3 comfort modes, 10 intensity levels
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, cord
Usage: Once a week for once a week for 12 weeks until you see desired results, then once every 4-6 weeks
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wanted to wait until I had a full month prior to leaving my review to give my honest feedback. I was very skeptical about spending the money on laser hair removal, but I am a changed woman! This device is so amazing for many different reasons, but the main one being that it actually works. I am now on week six, and I have no hair on my armpits, and I have no hair on my legs! My favorite part is that it was very easy to use, there were no additional parts, and it was very easy to maneuver around my knees—I even did my toes.”
Pros
- Includes a precision head attachment
- Fast results
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that it can get hot
This tool looks deceptively simple, but it simply works. One reviewer wrote that after 12 sessions, their “hair has not only thinned, but the hair has the consistency of spider silk now.” In fact, participants in a clinical study saw an average of 99 percent reduction of hair after 12 weeks of using the SmoothSkin device.
Key features: 9 energy settings, 3 comfort modes
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, precision head attachment
Usage: 1 time per week for the first 12 weeks, once every 1–2 months after 12 weeks
CurrentBody rating: 4.8/5 stars
A CurrentBody reviewer says: “I can’t believe I waited as long as I did to purchase. Mulled it over for two years. Such a great machine—my unwanted arm, facial, and underarm hair is almost eliminated, [with] just a few stubborn spots to go in the five weeks I’ve had it.”
This device works on large areas but is best used for precision in smaller regions. While hair removal can be painful, the Foreo Peach 2 device works to encourage as much ease as possible with a cooling prep gel, Ta-Sonic massage during your session, as well as a cooling airflow as you zap away those pesky hairs. Even better, using the Foreo app helps to keep you on top of your at-home treatments.
Key features: 5 intensity levels, T-sonic massage, cooling air
Flashes: 120 flashes per minute
What’s included: Device, charging cable with plug adaptors, cleaning cloth, gel
Usage: 1 time every 2 weeks for the first 12 weeks
Foreo rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Foreo reviewer says: “It’s an absolute amazing device! It’s super easy to use at home for hair removal, long term. It’s painless and very quick. You have to be a bit patient to see full results, but you will see a difference in a few weeks and it’s absolutely worth the wait. Dark hairs will be gone and then it’s a matter of keeping track.”
Pros
- Good for getting around curves
- Soothes skin
Cons
- May have a learning curve
Whether you’re targeting your upper lip area or bikini line, this model makes it easy to get into every nook and cranny via its 330-degree rotating head. All the while, it helps reduce pain by keeping your skin at a crisp 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On top of featuring a cooling sapphire screen, the FDA-approved device uses a narrower spectrum of light pulses designed to improve results, has six temperature settings, and six modes for tackling various hair textures and thicknesses across the body. Plus, the device even has a special post-treatment setting designed to lighten dark spots and soothe redness.
Key features: Rotating head with cooling technology, 6 temperature settings, 6 modes for the body
Flashes: Unlimited
What’s included: Device, cord, razor, goggles, guide card
Usage: 3-4 times per week for the first two weeks, 2-3 times per week during weeks 2-3, and 1-2 times per month after one month of use
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “After using it, I see noticeable hair reduction in hair growth and smaller hair follicles on my lower leg instead of dark stubble I used to have with shaving. Definitely worth using and no pain, even on the highest level.”
Who should use an at-home IPL device?
Most at-home IPL and laser devices are best suited for people with fair to medium skin tones and hair colors that are darker than their complexion. This is because both technologies work by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle. “The contrast between the pigment in the hair and the skin allows the device to more effectively target the hair follicle without causing damage to the surrounding skin,” explains Dr. Rokhsar. “So, people with darker complexions or lighter hair may not be good candidates for at-home IPL or laser devices, as these may not be able to effectively distinguish between the hair follicle and the surrounding skin.” If you have a darker complexion, Dr. Rokhsar says in-office lasers are your safest option. “These can work on a wider range of skin tones since the targeted wavelength can be adjusted to avoid damage or discoloration.”
Similar to at-home laser devices, Dr. Rokhsar notes that some over-the-counter IPL devices can also be used for other cosmetic purposes like combatting acne and dark spots. (Dermatologists may also use professional IPL devices to treat vascular lesions.)
Additionally, “at-home IPL devices are useful for people who want to treat larger areas of the body, as they can cover a larger treatment area than laser devices,” Dr. Rokhsar says. But for those with incredibly stubborn or thick hair, remember that IPL may not be the most effective choice. “IPL isn’t usually as successful as a laser at permanently removing hair,” Dr. Rokhsar says. “Due to its mild energy heating profile, IPL may not penetrate as deeply into the skin or target the hair follicle as precisely.”
How long does it take to see results with IPL, and how long will they last?
“Like laser hair removal, IPL offers permanent hair reduction,” explains Dr. Kobets.” This eventually removes most of the treated hairs, but some hairs may continue to grow back—especially if there is a strong hormonal component to the hair growth. You should start to see hair reduction even with the first treatment, but sometimes six or more treatments are needed to get to the desired results.”
Keep in mind that other factors like skin tone, hair color, and thickness can also affect success. “Some people may experience complete hair loss in the treated areas, while others may require occasional touch-ups to maintain smoothness,” adds Dr. Rokhsar. “It can take several months to see the full results of IPL hair removal, as the hair growth cycle is gradual and some hair follicles may require multiple treatments to effectively be targeted. The results of IPL hair removal can last for months or even years, depending on the individual.”
Does IPL hair removal hurt?
“IPL hair removal can cause some discomfort or mild pain during treatment, but the level of discomfort can vary depending on based on an individual’s skin sensitivity, the treatment area, and the intensity of the device,” says Dr. Rokhsar. “However, most people report that IPL hair removal is less painful than other methods such as waxing or threading.”
To help reduce the chances of pain, Dr. Kobets recommends choosing a device with cooling technology. For an in-office treatment, she’s a fan of Sciton’s BBL. “This professional-level device has an ‘In Motion’ option where the heat and energy build up gradually, and the crystal keeps the skin surface cool,” she says. “The latest HERO version also pulses continuously to avoid any ‘striping’ and is relatively safer.”
What’s the best way to prep for IPL hair removal?
Dr. Rokhsar and Dr. Kobets recommend a few essential tips:
- “Avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks prior to IPL treatment,” says Dr. Rokhsar. “Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and complications and make the treatment less effective. If you are tan, do not use an IPL hair removal device. Instead, wait for your skin to return to its normal color.”
- “Avoid using certain skin care products such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or exfoliants for at least one to two weeks prior to IPL treatment, as these products can increase skin sensitivity and make the treatment more uncomfortable,” he warns. Also, Dr. Kobets says don’t use IPL devices on any existing rashes or areas of inflammation. “If you have a history of cold sores, make sure your dermatologist prescribes you oral cold sore medications prior to treatment,” Dr. Rokhsar adds.
- “Shave the treatment area one to two days prior to IPL treatment, as the device works best on hair that is at or slightly below the surface of the skin,” he says. Additionally, “don’t wax, tweeze, or use depilatory creams four to six weeks before your procedure,” Dr. Kobets advises. “Doing so will be a waste of time and money for you since those plucked hairs are the actual target the IPL is trying to get.”
- “Read the instructions and make sure you understand the device’s features, settings, and safety protocols before starting,” Dr. Rokhsar notes.
- “Before using the device on a larger area, perform a patch test on a small area of skin,” he says. “Wait at least 24 hours after the patch test to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.”
What's the best way to use an IPL device?
“First, choose the appropriate setting for your skin type and hair color,” explains Dr. Rokhsar. “Start with a lower setting and gradually increase the intensity if necessary. Next, apply a cooling gel to help minimize discomfort during treatment (you can also apply a cooling gel or ice pack to the skin after your treatment). Then, hold the device against the skin and press the button to emit a pulse of light. Move the device to the next area and repeat the process. Be sure to overlap each pulse slightly to ensure even coverage. When you’re done, moisturize the treatment area to help soothe the skin and minimize dryness or flakiness between sessions.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is a double board-certified dermatologist practicing at New York Cosmetic, Skin, and Laser Surgery Center.
Dr. Kseniya Kobets is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this story, ELLE editors interviewed two dermatologists and scoured customer reviews to find some of the best at-home IPL devices on the market. When choosing between styles, factors like the number and types of settings, comfort features, and amount of flashes for each device were considered. A range of top-rated, FDA-approved devices were also included.
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