Razor every two days, waxing, ingrown hairs in the slightest bikini area… Many people are now looking for a more lasting solution. IPL devices promise to slow down regrowth, without leaving the bathroom. One question remains: which ones are really worth it in the long term?
IPL, for “Intense Pulsed Light”, has established itself as a gentler alternative to laser for long-term hair removal at home. The light is transformed into heat to weaken the hair root on the legs, arms, armpits, face, back or bikini area, with a generally comfortable and easy-to-use experience. Here’s how it works and the 8 models that stand out.
How IPL works for long-lasting hair removal
An IPL device emits light pulses converted into heat at the root level; session after session, hair growth weakens. Experts point out that the greater the contrast between light skin and dark hair, the more effective the technology, while remaining gentle on the surface of the skin.
On the issue of pain, Nicole Hession, senior therapist at Strip hair removal experts, quoted by The Independent, reassures: she explains.
8 best IPL devices at home: our selection
Among the wave of devices available, eight references stand out for their results, their ergonomics and their security options:
- Ulike Sapphire Air 3: cooling to 20°C and up to 85% less hair.
- Braun Skin i·expert IPL: versatile device with mobile application to schedule your sessions.
- Foreo PEACH™ 2: two modes, five intensities and self-adjusting head for curves.
- JOVS Venus Pro II: six modes, six intensities, approximately seven minutes per zone.
- Silk’n Infinity Fast: two flashes per second, face and body, dark skin tones included.
- Philips IPL devices: home range for legs, arms, armpits, face, back and bikini.
- CurrentBody IPL devices: models highlighted in the tests for their results.
- Ulike more accessible: recommended option when the budget is tight.
The key criteria remain ease of use, speed between flashes, feeling during the session, skin/hair compatibility and a number of flashes of at least 100,000.
Use your IPL device correctly and protect your skin
In the long term, we aim for a session every four weeks (body) and every eight to twelve weeks (legs). Properly followed, IPL can reduce hair growth by 80 to 90% in many people.
Before each session, we avoid retinol and acids on the area for 48 hours before and 72 hours after, we protect the skin from the sun for two weeks around the treatment and we follow the instructions for use.
Is IPL hair removal permanent?
No, it offers a lasting reduction in hair growth, up to 80 to 90%.
Does IPL hurt?
Most describe a brief tingling, comparable to a small rubber band.
How often should I use an IPL device?
Most manuals recommend a session every four weeks, and every eight to twelve weeks for the legs.
