So long are the days were you’re required to sign up for in-office laser hair treatment. With the advent of IPL (a.k.a intense pull light) devices (more on what those are later), it’s possible to gently remove unwanted body hair.
“IPL devices certainly can work to reduce the amount of hair in a certain area, and can slow down regrowth even if it is not eliminated completely,” Mona Gohara, MD, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, told the New York Post. “Usually after one-two treatments and you can note a difference.”
Not only did Dr. Gohara give us the 411 on IPL devices in our in-depth FAQ section — including what they are, how they work and how to safely and effectively use them at home — but the New York Post rounded up the best IPL devices of 2023 that met our standards after extensive research.
While you’re shopping (and dreaming about) your next dreamy self-care night, check out our expert-backed guides to the best body lotions and body butters we reviewed to allow your skin to look and feel its best.
Editor’s Note: For most of these IPL devices, complete hair removal typically takes up to eight weeks, with consistent use. Do not use on ultra-sensitive areas if your skin is severely apt to eczema, rosacea or the like. Always consult with your trusted dermatologist or medical professional before use.
1. Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System, $350
How it works: Bruan’s proprietary SensoAdapt technology automatically adapts its light intensity to your skin for the ideal balance between efficiency and safety. More, you can treat both of your legs, if desired, in less than five minutes at its lowest energy level.
The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System is backed by more than 6,000 alluring reviews and is said to reduce growing hair in just four weeks when used consistently. Its technology works best on areas with high contrast between hair color and skin tone, according to the brand, as the technology targets the pigment in your hair.
However, since hair color and skin tone vary across your entire body, Braun’s Silk-Expert Pro IPL is not suitable for every part of your body — though it includes a precision head to tackle the smaller areas such as the face, bikini line or underarms.
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2. Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset, $189, original price: $229
How it works: Lumi’s IPL Hair Removal Handset comes with six different light intensity levels that, whichever chosen, will result in a full-body treatment in just 30 minutes. This device works on any body part and, with 900,000 flashes, lasts for more than 30 years.
The Lumi IPL Hair Removal Handset not only has a pretty and compact design but is a pain-free, safe and gentle beauty product that’s said to confer results after your first or second session (which usually takes up to four weeks). After a month of consistent weekly or biweekly treatments, you’ll notice a significant reduction in hair growth while, in as little as eight weeks, you may notice silky smooth legs that are virtually hair-free.
3. SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, $299 to $323
How it works: SmoothSkin’s Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device has a patented Smart Skin Sensing technology that tailors each flash to your unique skin tone. It boasts a full-body treatment in just 10 minutes, thanks to its 3mm glass UV filter that protects your skin and a four-point contact skin sensor to protect your eyes.
This FDA-cleared permanent hair reduction device is recommended for both men and women as a worthwhile IPL hair removal device, much ado to its unlimited flash count (which, according to Gohara, is “the best” to buy) and closest treatment style to in-salon lasers. In after eight weeks, you’ll likely see no more growth at the hair follicle where flashes are targeted, and we love that it’s backed with safety features for ultra-sensitive skin — and, peace of mind.
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4. nood The Flasher 2.0 Permanent Hair Removal Solution, $189 to $208
How it works: nood’s The Flasher 2.0 works with a 15-minute treatment window, a smidge larger than other IPL devices because it uses fewer flashes. However, it’s specially designed for sensitive skin because of its high intensity lamp, so it can effectively target the melanin in your hair follicle without irritation. The device works “everywhere that hair grows,” per the brand, where you’ll likely see results in as little as two weeks with permanent hair removal in as little as six weeks.
Pick up this swift direct-to-consumer brand product (that’s impressively available on Amazon) with nood’s The Flasher 2.0 Permanent Hair Removal Solution. It’s fairly priced, offers a UV-filtered lens to block harmful ultraviolet light and comes with 600,000 flashes out of the box. Impressively, nood will replace your handset — free of charge — should you ever run out, thanks to its lifetime guarantee.
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5. LYSMOSKI At-Home IPL Device with Cooling System, $110, original price: $200
How it works: The LYSMOSKI At-Home IPL Device was designed a bit differently than other IPL devices on the market, namely for its built-in cooling properties. Specifically, it’s clad with a freezing point function that, when touching the skin, is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, to help make hair removal painless on even the most sensitive areas of the skin. With consistent use, it’s said the device will lead to permanent hair reduction in just eight weeks, though this may vary depending on the sensitiveness of your skin.
The LYSMOSKI At-Home IPL Device is a sworn-in No. 1 Amazon best-seller with nearly 2,500 positive reviews for its unique cooling functionality and easy-to-use, ergonomic design. More, it’s clad with a continuous flash setting, which comes in great for bikini lines, upper lip, chin and facial areas, along with a manual mode (single flash) that’s apt for your back, arms and legs.
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6. AMZGIRL 3-in-1 IPL Device, $90, original price: $170
How it works: The AMZGIRL 3-in-1 IPL Device mimics the look of some of your handheld clothes steamers, making it an easy-to-use, travel-friendly skincare essential to stash in your duffle bag. It’s FDA-cleared, boasts more doses than most on the market (999,999) and is said to remove all hair within eight weeks, though you’ll likely see first-pass results in two weeks.
Aside from its thoughtful design, the AMZGIRL 3-in-1 IPL Device is approved by nearly 10,000 shoppers who want to rid themselves of body hair once and for all. It even comes with protective glasses to shield your eyes from its flashes and you can choose from one of its five energy levels, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. For less than $100 right now, it’s also great for beginners, as its settings are customizable to wean yourself into using an IPL device.
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7. JOVS Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal Device, $300 to $399
How it works: The JOVS Venus Pro II comes with an ICE cooling head that’s made from full-screen, ultra-thin sapphire to uphold a constant temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure treatments are ultra-painless, especially for sensitive skin-users. Result-time is standard among other IPL devices, where its 500,000 flashes average a 10-minute treatment time for best results, with consistent use over a span of eight weeks.
The JOVS Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal Device is a splurge, though one worth making for its thought-out, 330-degree rotating head that allows you to remove body hair in as quick as seven minutes if you so choose. With a sleek matte finish (in this beautiful emerald color, may we add), it’s also lightweight and easy to hold for maximum comfort.
Not to mention, it comes with six dedicated modes, all of which help target specific hair-removal areas: arms mode, underarms mode, bikini mode, legs mode and face mode and skin-rejuvenation mode.
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An FAQ on at-home IPL hair removal devices
Ahead, Gohara explains the ins and outs of at-home IPL hair removal devices — information that’ll serve as your cheat sheet for smooth, hairless skin.
What is IPL?
First things first — what exactly are IPL devices? Sure, you may have heard they’re an alternative to in-person laser treatments to rid yourself of hair on your legs (or elsewhere), but there’ more to them.
“IPL stands for intense pulse light,” Gohara tells The Post. “They are energy-based devices that use heat to destroy the hair follicle, so it does not grow. Razors are simply sharp object that transiently trim or cut the hair down.”
What are the benefits of using an IPL device?
Of course, if you’re looking to achieve hairless skin, an IPL device may suit you in the long run so you don’t have to worry about shaving every week (or, for some of us, every single day).
“IPL devices result in more permanent hair removal with long term reprieve from growth,” Gohara notes.
Additionally, those who want to reduce excess hair in unwanted areas will benefit from an IPL device. “Anyone with inflammatory skin conditions — including acne, eczema, psoriasis or others — should proceed with caution,” Gohara warns. Those with melanin-rich skin should ensure that the device is safe for all skin tones as well.
Are IPL devices FDA-cleared? How can I tell when purchasing one online?
“Most IPL devices are FDA-cleared,” Gohara says. “A simple Google search with the name of the device and the FDA will confirm this information.”
Unfortunately, FDA clearance generally isn’t on the label, as is the case with vitamin D supplements. With anything you order online, you’ll want to put the product through a bit of research first (which is how we went about selecting the 7 best IPL hair removal devices above).
What to look for when shopping for an IPL device, according to a dermatologist
“Ensure that it is appropriate for all skin tones; some devices are made for lighter skin tones with darker hair,” Gohara says. “Make sure to choose one that is suitable for all skin tones.”
More, IPL devices have different modes pertaining to skin sensitivity, skin tone and skin contact sensors. “There are different number of flashes on each device, with digital displays on some,” Gohara adds.
How many flashes should I look for on my IPL device?
“The flash represents the energy which is emitted to help minimize hair follicle growth, and various flash counts exist,” Gohara explains. According to our seasoned pro, unlimited flashes is the best to buy.
What’s the main difference between IPL devices and lasers?
Above all else, there are different types of energy being emitted from IPL hair removal devices compared with in-salon lasers. However, according to Gohara, both are light-based energy devices.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
