Women have been removing unwanted body and facial hair as part of their regular beauty routines for ages. Shaving with razors and waxing are popular methods, but it doesn’t take long before those pesky hairs grow back. Laser hair removal is another, more long-term, albeit expensive solution, but you may be unable (or too shy) to visit a professional. If you struggle with any of these hairy dilemmas, you may want to try at-home IPL hair removal. Many studies show that IPL (a.k.a. intense pulsed light) is effective for long-term hair growth reduction. It is a broad-spectrum light that targets melanin “(the pigment on the hair follicle), destroying the root and stopping its regrowth,” says Bertha Baum, M.D., a dermatologist in Boca Raton and Hallandale, Florida. “With regular use of these at-home devices, the treatment can be efficacious and safe.”
Top picks:
FASTEST IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
Silk Expert Pro 5
BRAUN
Automatic skin tone sensor
Quick treatment time
Gentle sensitivity modes
With this IPL hair removal device, the brand claims that you can treat both legs in under five minutes. Many reviewers say that this device works fast, taking little time in between each flash compared to other IPL devices they’ve tried. Like SmoothSkin, it includes a built-in sensor that automatically detects the color of your skin, maximizing the safety and the effectiveness of each treatment. It also has three sensitivity modes: standard, gentle and extra gentle. “I am a woman who deals with excessive hair … and a month in, I have already seen a significant reduction in the hair on my chin and neck,” one Amazon reviewer says.
• Key features: Three sensitivity modes (standard, gentle and extra gentle), skin tone sensor, skin contact sensor • Flashes: 400,000 • What’s included: Device, precision head attachment, power cord, user manual, razor, a storage pouch • Best usage: Once a week for 12 weeks, then touch-ups as needed
BEST CORDLESS IPL HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE
SensiLight Pro
SENSICA
Automatic skin tone sensor
Cordless
Bulky
Sensica touts its device’s professional-quality technology. The brand claims that you will see the same results you would after receiving treatment at a professional spa. With built-in sensors which assess your skin color and proper placement of the device against your skin, you can have peace of mind that your treatments will be safe and effective. The device’s cordless feature also allows you to treat it anywhere you want. Although this IPL device is bulkier than others, reviewers say that it’s great for touch-ups after professional laser hair removal. “I’m impressed with the results!” one reviewer raved. “I’ve used it about five times with two to three weeks apart, and I’m back smooth with no hair growth at all.”
• Key features: Skin tone sensor, skin contact sensor, cordless, six energy levels • Flashes: Unlimited (600 between charges) • What’s included: Device, two window attachments (large and precise), charging cord, storage pouch • Best usage: Once every two weeks for the first four treatments, then once every four weeks