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In recent years, at-home laser hair removal has gained immense popularity for a variety of reasons, it is less painful than waxing and sugaring, gives long-lasting results, allows you to treat yourself in comfort and privacy, and the best part is that the prices are significantly cheaper than those charged by professionals (they can charge up to $600 per session).
At-home IPL and laser hair removal devices are manufactured using the same technology used for professional hair removal machines, but operate at safer power levels, they are easy to use, effective and convenient.
Whether you’re looking to remove hair from face, underarms, legs, bikini or want a full-body hair removal, we’ve rounded up the absolute best at-home IPL and Laser hair removal devices on the market to help you find the best device that will work for your hair.
Best IPL and Laser Hair Removal Devices
Philips Lumea Prestige
This device is the most popular brand of the lot. The Philips Lumea Prestige has a variety of innovative features, for example, the ergonomic part of it, which means the comfort and ease at which you will be able to hold it.
Another example is that it is equipped with four smart detachable curved heads intended for specific areas of the body, each one of them has a different window size : one for the face, one for the body (large areas), one for the bikini line, and one for the underarms.
Although more expensive than its competitors, it does guarantee the best results and a great hair removal experience.
Our favorite aspect of it is that it guarantees safety for the user with its SmartSkin sensor, if the skin is too dark or the hair is too light, it locks itself for safety purposes. The SmartSkin sensor has also the ability to analyse your skin tone and recommend the intensity to be used among the 5 levels of intensity available.
The Philips Lumea Prestige is very steady, aesthetically pleasing, and has a refined body. It, however, is heavy, but that’s because of the chargeable battery it holds.
We love that you can use it plugged in when working on larger areas of the body or use it unplugged for small areas.
Philips Lumea Prestige prides itself on a hair reduction rate of about 92% after just three treatments.
Who Can Use It?
The Philips Lumea Prestige is safe to use and works on people with skin tone I to V but not VI, which is light to dark skin tones but not very dark skin tone, and with hair between black to dark blonde.
Features & Benefits:
- Four smart detachable curved windows for different areas of the body.
- Curved windows and fast flash repetition rate make it the quickest IPL device.
- Five intensity levels, it also has the highest intensity amongst its rivals.
- It has a battery that allows you to use it cordless in smaller areas.
- Ergonometric gun-like shape that helps with grip and more comfortable gliding through the skin.
- 250 000 flashs.
- FDA approved and dermatologist recommended.
- Comes with an app that guides you through your sessions.
- Comes with 1 year guarantee.
Cons:
- Not a lot of bad things to say about it just that, as mentioned above, it is heavy.
Final Thoughts
Every penny you put into this device is worth it. Everything about it is thought through to cater for any issue that may arise!
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is one of the best IPL hair removal devices you can get and could be an excellent alternative to the Philips Lumea as its quality and function are as good. Braun has made some upgrades to their products, turning this one up to two times faster than before, while providing precise and gentle results on your skin.
It is not only safe on your body but even gentle enough to use on your face. You can choose your speed and intensity because this device offers 10 intensity levels to choose from, along with 400,000 flashes.
With the additional precision head, you can tackle smaller and harder-to-reach areas such as the face, bikini line, and underarms.
While many women will love this product, it is also suitable for men as well. However, men should only use it on their legs, arms, back, and chest.
With the Braun Silk-expert, you will need four to 12 weekly sessions. But on average, you can expect great results after 6 weeks of use.
There are a few restrictions as to where you can’t use the device example on tattoos, during pregnancy, if taking photosensitizing medications, after peels, or by people with a history of skin diseases or skin cancer.
Who Can Use It?
Braun Silk-expert is safe to use for light to medium-dark skin tones (skin types I to V). It is effective on black to dark blonde hair.
Features & Benefits:
- This device comes with 10 intensity levels to choose from, making it perfect for any skin tone and hair type, along with 400,000 flashes to make sure the hair is removed.
- Comes with SensoAdapt sensor, which comes with UV protection, it will continuously read the tone of your skin and automatically adapt the intensity of the flash. This gives you the most effective and safest hair reduction for your body.
- This hair removal device is FDA-cleared and is accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, so we know it is safe to use.
- This device relies on a cord, which is shipped with it.
- There are replacement cartridges available, though they don’t ship with the product so you will need to purchase separately. Since this device comes with a large number of flashes, you know it will last a long time.
- Comes with a precision head, a premium pouch, and a Venus razor.
- Fast sessions.
- Dermatologist-tested.
- Compact, effective, ergonomic, lightweight, and robust.
- 100-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- Corded-only model.
Final Thoughts
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is a great product, it is affordable, easy to use, and the sessions are super fast. And our favorite thing about it is its ability to adapt to your skin tone, that’s less hustle if you ask us.
Silk’n Infinity
When looking for some of the best IPL hair removal devices, you can’t go wrong with this choice from Silk’n Infinity.
This is a simple hair removal device that will provide professional-level results, all from home. The technology will rely on eHPL technology, which combines IPL light with galvanic current, making it effective for even the thickest hairs.
Using this product as recommended can provide you with the silky-smooth skin you are looking for, without hassle. It is compact, lightweight, painless, easy to use, and has five different intensity levels to choose from. In only a few minutes, you can treat your skin without pain.
Silk’n Infinity also comes with a skin tone sensor, although it doesn’t work automatically, it’s a safety feature that detects darker skin tones and activates only the low-intensity levels.
You can use this device every two weeks. If you have lighter skin tones, you will need 4 bi-weekly sessions, plus 3 monthly top-up sessions. If you have darker skin tones (lower intensities), then you will need around 12 bi-weekly sessions to reach the desired results.
Who Can Use It?
Silk’n Infinity works on black to dark blonde hair, and safe for ALL skin tones (Fitzpatrick types I to VI); however, if you have skin tone V-VI, it is recommended to only use intensity levels 1 and 2.
Features & Benefits:
- Silk’n Infinity has 5 intensity levels, from low to intense, but the fact that it’s also boosted with galvanic energy makes it very special.
- No refill cartridge is necessary to use this product, giving you that silky-smooth feeling without having to worry about refilling it ever.
- This device comes with 400.000 pulses.
- It only flashes if the flash window covers completely the skin to protect your eyes.
- Safe for all skin tones, including dark skin.
- Equipped with a smart sensor for safety.
- Thanks to the high-speed repetition of light pulses, sessions are super fast.
- Compact, easy to use, lightweight, and elegant.
- FDA cleared for skin tones I to V.
Cons:
- The price is a little bit steep compared to other similar products.
- Not FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick skin type VI.
- Operates on mains power only.
Final Thoughts
Overall, if you are looking for a product that is simple and easy to use for hair removal, then the Silk’n Infinity is one of the best on the market. It is quick, can remove hair painlessly, leaving you with silky, smooth skin.
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x
The Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x is the only device in our list that uses laser technology rather than IPL technology, it is the first home hair removal device to be FDA-cleared.
Its results are professional level as it uses the same Diode Laser Technology that is used by dermatologists, and yet it is for home use.
Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x also contains the highest energy level amongst its competitors, in fact, it is designed to deliver more than three times the hair-eliminating energy of other hair removal machines, it therefore offers the quickest and longest-lasting results.
The treatment window is smaller than the other models, which makes it good for small areas of the body that you can be treated with a single battery charge.
The device is very easy to use, robust, convenient, lightweight, and highly effective.
Some people experience a mild stinging sensation when using the higher intensity.
It is recommended to repeat treatments every 2 weeks until desired result has been achieved.
Who Can Use It?
People with light skin (Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV) and dark hair can use it ideally but is unsuitable for people with red, blond, and grey hair.
Features & Benefits:
- Cordless laser Diode machine.
- 90 000 flashes.
- 5 intensity levels.
- Provides hair-eliminating energy at a much deeper and concentrated level than IPL.
- Battery-powered.
- Locks automatically if the skin tone is too dark.
- FDA-cleared and dermatologist-recommended.
Cons:
- Cannot be used on dark skin or skin covered in tattoos.
Final Thoughts
Being FDA-cleared and dermatologist-approved means every penny is worth it.
MiSMON Laser Hair Removal
The final option we need to look at is MiSMON Laser Hair Removal. This budget-friendly device provides painless permanent hair removal with 94 percent of hair growth being inhibited after only 7-9 treatments.
It comes with 5 different energy levels so you can choose based on your hair color and skin tone to get it just right each time.
The device has a total of 300.000 flashes, which is enough for 5 years of full-body treatments; it is equipped with an LCD screen that displays the number of the remaining flashes and displays the energy level.
To achieve the desired results, you will need 7 to 9 treatments. For the areas with hair regrowth, you will need maintenance sessions to be done every 2 months.
You have the option to buy a separate head for skin rejuvenation, which makes the device quite versatile.
Who Can Use It?
MiSMON Laser Hair Removal device is only suitable for light to olive skin tones, and dark hair.
Features & Benefits:
- This device has five different energy levels for you to choose from. It comes with 300,000 flashes, which is enough for up to 5 years of full-body treatments.
- Has an LCD screen.
- The warranty offers 12 months of friendly service if something goes wrong and 3 months money-back guarantee as well.
- This device has a cord to make it work, but can easily reach around any area that you want.
- Suitable for use on arms, underarms, legs, back, butt, and bikini area.
- Has a built-in skin sensor.
- Affordable and easy to use.
- FDA-cleared.
Cons:
- Not recommended for the upper lip area.
- Only suitable for fair to olive skin tones and dark hair.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a good device to use that is simple, effective, and inexpensive, then this is the right IPL hair removal device for you.
Now you finally have a sting solution for that stubborn hair that won’t stop growing no matter how much you shave it, and you won’t have to break the bank to achieve the smooth skin you are craving.
General Information and Buying Guide
What is IPL Hair Removal, and How Does it Work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a form of light therapy that is used for numerous dermatological procedures such as hair removal and photorejuvenation.
In the case of hair removal, IPL technology is a safe and effective method of removing unwanted hair permanently, it uses light and heat to damage the hair follicle permanently, thus impeding hair growth.
The skin’s dark pigment usually absorbs the light waves emitted by the IPL device then converts it to heat, which in turn damages the hair follicle permanently. In other words, IPL works the way dark clothing absorbs heat on the hot sunny day then converts it to heat, this means no more hair growth in that particular region.
The number of treatments administered varies depending on various factors, such as your body’s hormonal changes, your hair growth cycle, and your hair type, among many others. Some people require six treatments, while others require up to 12 treatments. However, the IPL hair removal technique is only useful if your hair is living, this means that your hair must be attached to the bulb of the growing cells.
This technique is highly effective for people with dark hair and fair skin.
Benefits of Laser and IPL Hair Removal At Home
They Give Permanent Results
One of the main advantages of laser and IPL hair removal treatments is that they give lasting results. It damages your hair follicles permanently, meaning that you won’t have to worry about the hair growth in that particular area again. You will need at least six treatments to remove unwanted hair permanently.
Convenient
Removing unwanted hair at home using a laser or IPL hair removal technique is easy and convenient. It will take you a maximum of 30 minutes to complete the treatment. We recommend it for anyone who wants to remove unwanted hair fast.
They are Safe
Both laser and IPL hair removal use advanced technology that has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt to be very safe and suitable for most skin types and colors.
Cost-effective
Once you remove hair using laser or IPL, you will get permanent results, meaning that you never again spend money on shaving blades, expensive wax hair removal, or costly cream. So, over time, you will save a lot of money.
No More Ingrown Hairs & Strawberry Legs
IPL and Laser hair removal techniques are great for people who suffer from ingrown hairs and strawberry legs, people who have sensitive skin or suffer from irritation after shaving or waxing can also greatly benefit from those techniques.
Buyer’s Guide: Main Criteria for Choosing The Best IPL Hair Removal Device For You
Laser and IPL technologies have certain limitations: they are not effective for everyone. Two main criteria must be taken into account: the skin tone and the hair color.
The light emitted by the device will be captured by melanin, the pigment that colors the hair and skin, so ideally, there should be a high contrast between the color of the skin and the hair in order for the treatment to be effective.
Skin Tone:
You can refer to the Fitzpatrick classification (the main reference used by dermatologists and experts in laser and pulsed light epilators) to determine the phototype of your skin. This classification is used to classify individuals into six categories, I (very fair skin) to VI (very dark skin). Most devices can treat skin types from I to IV, some devices are effective for the skin type V as well.
Hair Color:
The hair type that is ideal for laser hair removal is dark hair. However, the advancement in technology has now made it possible for laser hair treatment to be used on lighter hair.
Check out our article entitled How to Choose The Right Home IPL Hair Removal Device for in-depth information.
IPL Hair Removal vs. Laser Hair Removal, Which One is Better?
IPL and laser hair removal both work by providing light, which targets your hair pigment to damage the hair follicle, thus preventing hair growth. According to experts, laser hair removal is more effective than IPL; this is because IPL produces multiple light waves, meaning that the energy is more diffused hence less powerful than laser, which only emits one specific wavelength that is more powerful and more effective.
On the other hand, IPL devices are cheaper, use a broad spectrum of light wavelengths and can, therefore, treat larger areas much quicker.
For more information about the differences between Laser and IPL, check out this article about Laser vs IPL vs Electrolysis.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost At A Clinic?
If you are planning to perform laser hair removal at a clinic, then you must be wondering how much the procedure costs. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser hair removal in the US is $287 per session, covering just the fees for the physician/expert.
However, it is essential to note that the actual cost of laser treatment varies depending on various factors, including the area of your body that will receive the treatment, the size of the area to be treated, the time taken to perform the procedure, the experience of the practitioner, the geographic location of the office as well as your hair and skin type.
Note: To give you an idea about the actual costs of a professional treatment, for eight sessions in a popular clinic, full legs hair removal costs around $2800, while the cost of hair removal for full bikini area costs around $1400.
How to Prepare for Laser Treatment
If you are interested in laser hair removal treatment, then you need to prepare yourself adequately to make the treatment and recovery process smooth. Below are things that you need to do before you conduct laser hair removal treatment at home.
Read the Instructions Manual Carefully
Before starting with the treatment, make sure to read the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions that come with the device carefully, learning how to use the device properly is key to benefit from it fully and avoid any incidents.
Stay Out of The Sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of pigment problems, which can make the procedure more complicated. If you have a tan, then you are advised to wait until they fade away entirely before you perform this procedure. Most dermatologists recommend that you should avoid exposure to direct sun for six weeks before the actual treatment.
Stop Waxing And Plucking
Laser hair removal usually targets the root of your hair. It is, therefore, essential that you don’t wax or pluck the area to be treated for at least six weeks before your first treatment. It is okay to shave because it does not affect the root.
Shave The Area to Be Treated
It is recommended that you shave the area to be treated 48 hours before your treatment. Shaving is highly recommended because it decreases the chances of getting burn during treatment.
Check Your Medication
Before you start laser hair removal treatment, it is crucial to watch out the medication that you are taking. Some medications can compromise the effectiveness of this treatment. Some medicines can also increase your skin sensitivity, thus increasing the chances of getting burns or blisters during treatment. If you are under medication, then it is essential first to seek medical advice before starting with the procedure, this way, you will know the medication that you need to avoid before your treatment.
Remove Bleach
As mentioned before, laser hair removal targets the hair roots. Your hair color is found on the root, and it usually absorbs light produced by the laser, thus destroying the hair follicle permanently. Bleaching of hair is not recommended because it alters your hair color, thus making it difficult for the laser to target the hair follicle. Experts recommend that any form of hair bleaching should be stopped six weeks before your first hair removal appointment.
Remove Creams And Makeup
Creams and makeup contain ingredients that can alter the result of your treatment. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that you remove makeups and creams before your treatment.
Make sure to keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized before the treatment.
Laser/IPL Hair Removal Aftercare Tips
- Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays for at least seven days. It is essential to apply a quality sunscreen with a high SPF rating for effective protection to prevent sunburning and other skin problems.
- Make sure to avoid waxing, tweezing or threading after the treatment, this could interfere with the effect of the laser on the hair follicle, if you want to remove hair from an area under treatment, shave it instead.
- Avoid taking a hot shower or going to the sauna for at least two days after the procedure to help avoid skin irritation and sensitivity.
- Once you have finished treating the area, remember to put ice on it, especially if your skin is irritated, this will provide immediate relief and help reduce pain.
- Avoid any chemical procedure or additional laser treatment on the treated area until it heals completely.
- Avoid prolonged outdoor activity that puts your skin to a lot of sun or wind exposure.
- In order to give the skin enough time to recover, make sure to follow the instructions manual regarding how much time you should wait between treatments. It is typically between 4 and 12 weeks but it depends on the device you’re using.
Frequently Asked Question About IPL And Laser Hair Removal
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Session Take?
The length of each laser hair removal session varies depending on the area being treated. For instance, it takes about 25- 30 minutes to perform a full leg laser hair removal, 5-7 minutes for both underarms, and about one minute to conduct the process on the upper lip.
How Many Sessions Of Laser Hair Removal Are Required?
You will start seeing positive results after the first treatment session. However, it will take between six and eight treatment sessions to permanently remove hair in your target area. In some cases, you may need up to 12 treatment sessions depending on your body treats.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe. Modern technology used in laser hair removal is not only effective, but it is also safe. Currently, most laser and IPL hair removal devices are FDA approved, that means they have passed rigorous testing process to ensure safety and effectiveness. Some patients can experience mild side effects, but they usually disappear within a few days.
How Permanent Is IPL And Laser Hair Removal?
Both IPL and laser treatment works by targeting the roots of your hair. It damages the hair follicle, thus prevent new hair from growing.
On average, the results that these two hair removal treatments give are up to 90% of permanent hair reduction. After completing the treatment, you may need some occasional maintenance sessions every six months or once a year.
What Are The Side Effects Of Laser And IPL?
One big benefit of IPL and laser hair removal is that their side effects are minimal and temporary. The most common side effect that you may experience after treatment is skin irritation that can cause itching, swelling, and redness. However, most of these effects usually disappear within a few hours. You may also notice some slight alteration to your skin pigmentation, but this is typically temporary.
More rarely, you may experience some blistering, scarring, crusting, or skin infection if the area being treated is not properly cleaned.
Does IPL Hair Removal Hurt?
No IPL hair removal does not hurt. However, you may experience some minor discomfort during the treatment, but the entire procedure is not painful.
Step By Step Procedure on How to Use IPL And Laser At Home
Before you start this procedure, it is advised that you first protect your eyes by wearing a protective eye shield.
Step One
Clean the area to be treated. Make sure to shave the area 48 hours before the session, but do not wax it or pluck it.
Step Two
Both IPL and laser hair removal devices have multiple energy levels. Select a level that is right for you. We recommend that you start at the lowest level, and then slowly adjust until you reach the appropriate level.
Step Three
Begin the treatment by placing the hair removal device against your skin (it should be at a 90-degree angle). Move circularly and ensure that you don’t treat the same area twice.
Final Thoughts: At-Home IPL Hair Removal Devices
As you can see, there are several factors to consider before purchasing the best laser or IPL hair removal device that will meet your needs, but we hope that our guide and reviews have helped you decide on which one you will pick.
To summarize, the device we highly recommend among all the models listed above is Braun Silk Expert Pro 5. We love its ability to adapt to your skin tone, in addition, it is easy to use on different areas of the body, it is effective, and the price is quite fair for the quality.