IPL Hair Removal Gave Me the Smoothest Skin of My Life—I Recommend These 6 Devices
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I've tried countless at-home hair removal options: Traditional razors, hair-removal waxes, hair-removal creams , you name it. Yet, each method seems to have some drawbacks, be it pain, expense, the imminent return of hair, or needing to let your hair grow out between sessions. There's one approach, in my experience, that seems to have fewer negatives than the rest: At-home IPL hair removal.
If the term IPL (intense pulsed light) sounds familiar, that may be because it's often used to even out skin texture and tone. Even better, this broad-spectrum light therapy has also been shown to potentially reduce the number of hairs that grow (see more below for a full rundown). By targeting the melanin found in hair follicles, IPL destroys the root to prevent regrowth a lil bit, all in a simple and fairly painless manner. And the best part? You can do IPL treatments on your legs, arms, armpits, swimsuit line, and upper lip from the comfort of your own bathroom, thanks to a variety of easy-to-use IPL devices designed for at-home use.
To help you find the IPL hair removal device that's right for you, I tested and reviewed countless options and then narrowed it down to the 11 best (with the help of dermatologist Deanne Mraz , MD), all of which are sure to deliver effective, long-lasting results at home. "I like to refer to IPL as hair reduction rather than removal ," says Dr. Mraz. "Through a series of treatments, most patients can see about a 60 to 80 percent reduction in hair in the treatment area." Here's a look at my top picks:
In addition to giving a rundown on the best IPL hair removal devices, I've answered need-to-know questions about at-home laser hair removal , such as how to find the right device for darker skin tones and how to keep tattoos safe during treatments. Swimsuit weather will be here before you know it, so there's no time like the present to snag one of these devices and start zap, zap, zapping away—safely!
1) Ulike Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device
Why we love it:At-home laser hair removal doesn't have to be painful, and the Ulike Air 3 IPL device is proof. I've been using it for more than a month, and I appreciate that it's equipped with a fancy-schmancy cooling system that cools down my skin to reduce potential pain. Since I've incorporated it into my routine, I haven't experienced any burning sensations during treatments, even after long sessions on the highest setting. As a result, I feel far more confident zapping sensitive areas like my upper lip and bikini line.
While the Ulike Air 3 isn't cordless, it is incredibly sleek and compact. The handheld device comes housed in a handy little storage box where you can stash the cords, mini razor, and foldable protective sunglasses (which are low-key a serve ). Though I'm yet to finish the full eight-week treatment cycle, I'm already thrilled by the hair reduction I'm seeing thus far—and that I won't be dealing with bumps and razor burn all swimsuit szn.
One Cosmo editor says : "I vowed to never try an at-home laser hair removal device—the idea of them scared me—but I'm so glad I gave the Ulike a shot. This has saved me thousands of dollars on in-office hair removal treatments. I used it on my legs and barely any hair grows back. Seriously, I pretty much have baby seal skin." —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
- Uses cooling technology to minimize pain
- Compact design works well for both face and body treatments
- Not recommended for darker skin tones
2) Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
Why we love it:The big claim to fame with this device from Braun is how quickly it can get the job done. The brand says it takes just 10 minutes to treat both legs, and many testers—myself included—agree. "The system also comes equipped with a variety of headpieces for treating larger areas like the legs and prevision beds for chin, face and bikini area," Dr. Mraz explains. "And it's cleared for use on all hair colors and on skin tones ranging from light to medium-dark."
One Cosmo editor says:"I was a laser hair removal virgin, except when I tried getting my under-arms professionally lasered in high school, but my pain tolerance was too low to do more than two sessions, so I was super excited to try an at-home laser device. I loathe shaving, so I'll usually use an epilator or wax my underarms. I will say upon first impression, I loved how Braun's device came with allll the bells and whistles—including a razor. The case itself is very compact, which I also appreciated as a beauty editor with tons of tools living in a small NYC apartment. After setting up the app for about 10 minutes, the rest of the process was seamless. The device is super techy and does the adjusting for you, so all I had to do was hold the device on my skin and wait for it to flash. It wasn't completely painless, but it hurt less than my professional appointment, and a lot less than an epilator. It's safe to say that I'm officially an at-home laser convert."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
- Treats large areas, like arms and legs, relatively quickly
- Comes with a Venus razor to prep skin before treatment
- Housed in a chic vanity kit
- One of the more expensive options on the list
3) SmoothSkin Pure Adapt
Why we love it:One downside of many IPL devices is that, due to their design, they aren't able to glide seamlessly along the contours of your body. Luckily, the Pure Adapt is able to, thanks to its adaptable head that allows it to sit flush against every nook and cranny. Sure, this aspect makes it easier to use, but it also results in fewer missed spots. This means that you'll be one step closer to achieving smooth seal skin status with this gadget.
One Cosmo editor's review:"Compared to every other IPL device I've tried, this is definitely the gentlest while still providing a damn good result. TBH, my legs have never been smoother—even months after finishing my last treatment." —BG
- Adaptable head moves with the contours of your body
- Don't need eye protection
- Only requires once a week usage
- it's a bit too bulky for small areas like the upper lip or face
4) RoseSkinCo. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset
Why we love it:Don't let the cute color and petite size of this IPL device fool you—it's unexpectedly powerful. It's so small that you can slip it in your purse or pack it in your carry-on for quick touch-ups on vacation. Compared to other IPL gadgets, you can see results much quicker with Lumi...in just three weeks to be exact. Even better, it's pain-free, safe, gentle, and the perfect size for treating smaller areas, such as your face, bikini line, and armpits.
- Super cute and compact design
- Comes in two colorways
- Since it's a smaller device, it takes a long time to treat larger areas like arms and legs
5) Nood Flasher Pro
Why we love it:What initially drew us to this device was the name, but it was the results that earned it a spot on our list. The compact device is small but powerful, and its unique shape fits perfectly in our hand so we can glide it all over our body without getting a hand cramp—it really is the little things! We also appreciate that it's easy to toggle between energy levels, and after eight weeks we noticed a significant reduction in armpit, leg, and pubic hair.
One Cosmo editor says:"I was skeptical before I tried this—I'm pretty loyal to all of my other hair-removal methods for my Brazillian. But I've officially been converted with the Nood Flasher Pro. I love how easy it is to use—just turn it on and start zapping. It really doesn't hurt, thanks to the cooling metal piece, which is exactly why I was so afraid of trying a device like this on such a fragile area of skin. But rejoice, if you are like me and have sensitive skin: This did not irritate me at all—and I do a full Brazillian with it once or twice a week."—BG
- Design is easy to hold, especially for hard-to-reach areas
- Has a very bulky cord that can be difficult to store
6) SmoothSkin Pure FIT Intelligent Ultrafast IPL Laser Permanent Hair Removal
Why we love it:One of the most beloved at-home IPL devices on the market, SmoothSkin delivers noticeable results, even after just one use. It uses a special sensor to not only detect your skin color and apply the correct amount of intensity, but also to ensure the device is held properly against your skin. I personally love that it has three levels of comfort, so I can adjust accordingly for different parts of my body (like, going a lil lighter on my sensi bikini line versus my legs). While testing, I used the gentlest setting on my bikini area, and it was pretty much painless.
One Cosmo editor says : "This was the first IPL device I ever tried, and it's still my absolute favorite. It's beyond easy to use and figure out—just shave, dry off, plug it in, and then zap it over your skin. It keeps my skin ultra smooth and has helped reduce some of the hair under my arms. Over the last year I've been using once or twice a week."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
- Has unlimited flashes and three comfort modes
- Testers say it's one of the easier IPL device to use at home
- Favorite IPL device tested by 'Cosmo' editors
- No on/off button
- Some testers said the higher settings can be a bit painful
7) What is the best IPL hair removal device for at-home use?
After testing numerous IPL hair removal devices at home, the best options are those with unlimited flashes, multiple treatment modes and intensity levels to choose from. Of course, the best IPL hair removal device for you will be one that's suited to your skin tone and hair color (so be sure to do a little research before adding one to your cart). More details on how to choose your go-to are below.
8) Does IPL really remove hair permanently?
Although many IPL devices advertise permanent hair removal, this often isn't the case. Dr. Mraz prefers to think of IPL treatments as "hair reduction, rather than removal" and says you can expect to have 60 to 80 percent less hair when you've finished, not 100 percent. Many users require a touch-up treatment once or twice a year to maintain results. With that being said, any hair that lingers around or grows back will likely be lighter and less coarse than before.
9) Is IPL better than regular laser hair removal?
The truth is it depends. For some, the convenience and affordability of an at-home IPL device makes it the best option around, and they may see all the results they need. For others, IPL may come up short when compared to in-office laser hair removal, especially since it's a less intense treatment.
"There are several in-office lasers for permanently removing hair, which include alexandrite, IPL, diode and Nd: Yag," Dr. Mraz explains. "The gold standard wavelengths for laser hair removal are Alexandrite and Nd: Yag, however, there are comparative studies illustrating that IPL can achieve similar results in specific patients."
10) Is IPL hair removal safe for pubic hair?
It's hard to say if IPL hair removal is safe for the pubic area. Since IPL requires full skin contact, the pubic area can be tricky (and potentially unsafe) to treat, says Dr. Mraz. She advises erring on the side of caution. "Given the topography of the pubic area, it is a no-go in my opinion," she says. "Specifically, if you're treating at home, I would not treat the area with IPL yourself."
11) Can you use an IPL device on tattoos?
No, IPL hair removal devices should not be used on or near tattoos—and you shouldn't believe any brand that claims otherwise. In addition to damaging your tattoo, using IPL over your ink can cause painful burns and blisters. Give your bigger body art a wide berth during treatments and cover up tiny tats with Band-Aids for added safety.
12) What are the negatives about IPL?
Truthfully, IPL devices are some of the most effective and safe devices to use to remove hair at home. However, there are some limitations when it comes to hair and skin color. This technology is really only effective for those with dark hair (between light brown and black). IPL won't be make a difference for those with light hair because it targets melanin in the hair follicle. If your hair is lighter, it doesn't produce enough melanin for the device to work—and that includes those with red hair.
IPL also isn't recommended for people with dark skin. IPL can result in discoloration and/or scarring for those with darker skin. Most devices clearly outline the range of skin tones it will work on—check the brand's website to see if you're a good candidate for IPL and consult your dermatologist
13) How to choose an IPL device:
Think about how you'll use your device.
When determining which IPL device is best for you, Dr. Mraz recommends thinking about the way you'll use it. "The top consideration should be the size and shape of the device based on the area(s) you're looking to treat, the number of flashes, the power of the unit, and your skin type," she notes.
Consider your skin tone.
"You also need to research if the device you're considering is compatible with your skin tone," says Dr. Mraz. "Most are manufactured for lighter skin and patients with deeper skin tones can experience burning and scarring if they use the wrong device." Lastly, she warns that if you have melasma , IPL is not for you, as the heat and light from the device can make discoloration significantly worse.
14) Meet the expert:
Deanne Mraz , MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. Dr. Mraz offers a full range of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services with a particular focus on laser surgery.
15) Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a beauty writer for Cosmopolitan with over six years of experience testing the latest and greatest products. For this story, she tested multiple gadgets to curate the best IPL hair removal devices.
Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. Sarah's IPL device picks were based on market research, expert insights and her own experience testing at-home laser hair removal devices.
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