With beauty salons set to remain closed for a little while longer, it looks like we’re still on our own when it comes to hair removal for now (I’m sorry, eyebrows). We can’t even hide fuzzy legs in our trusty jeans, as the warm weather has us all reaching for sundresses instead. So if you’re missing your wax appointments — and dread picking up a razor — you might want to consider at-home IPL instead. I tried the GHI’s top-performing model, the Philips Lumea Prestige, to see if it’s up to the job.
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL, which stands for ‘intense pulsed light’, aims to banish unwanted hair by stunting the growth cycle. The machine directs light at the melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair its colour) in the follicle, damaging the root and breaking the regrowth cycle for up-to six months. This makes for a longer-lasting removal method than waxing or shaving and it shouldn’t irritate your skin.
A few pointers: don’t expect immediate results as not all your hair will be at the same point in its growth cycle at the same time, so you’ll have to space out treatments every 14 days for six weeks to ensure all the hair is targeted. You’ll also have to defuzz with your regular method before beginning, so the machine can zap the follicle properly (or deal with the smell of burning hair). Those with darker skin tones shouldn’t use IPL, as it could cause hyper-pigmentation of the skin.
Philips Lumea Prestige
The machine is lightweight and feels high quality, as you would expect from a product that costs £400. In the box you get the device itself, a charger and three different heads for targeting different areas — one for the face, one for legs and one for your underarms and bikini line. It looks sleek and nonclinical and there’s a little bag to keep all the bits together neatly in your drawer.
There are five light intensities; the best for you is dependent on your hair colour and skin tone. Generally, the lighter your skin and the darker your hair, the higher the setting. I’ve very dark brown locks and a pale complexion, so I was recommended the strongest mode.
During treatment, you can use a one-off flash or a gliding motion. The stamp is best for the upper lip and underarms, while the other helps you run down your legs quickly and easily.
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Device
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Device
Before you begin, download the Lumea app to your smartphone. It walks you through how to use the machine, reminds you when your next treatment is due and recommends the best light setting. Then you’re ready to go.
Using the Philips Lumea Prestige
I was worried the process would hurt, but actually it was completely painless on my legs and any slight discomfort on my underarms — a quick, hot, flicking sensation, like a very minor electric shock — was very manageable and dissipated almost instantly. The shape makes it easy to position correctly against your skin and it’s not uncomfortable to hold, even towards the end of a session. I finished my legs, underarms and upper lip in around 20 minutes, which wasn’t too bad, although I had spent time shaving beforehand to prep.
I have been really enjoying just getting up and throwing on a dress without worrying about whether my legs were stubbly — and I’ve been able to spend less time in the shower faffing with my razor, too.
All things considered, if you commit to the process, you’ll be rewarded with silky smooth limbs free from stubble, razor nicks or ingrown hairs for three months at a time. So, I think the Philips Lumea Prestige is well worth the money. You can pick one up from Amazon (on sale, currently!) here.
The GHI's top IPL devices
SmoothSkin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
Now 43% Off
Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device
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Charley Ward
Homes Ecommerce Editor
Charley is former Homes Ecommerce Editor. During her time at Hearst UK, Charley wrote over 300 buying guides and reviews, getting her hands on as many new launches as possible to help you find the best products for your home.
FAQs
IPL treatments, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, show that people get 83.3% less hair growth after one month and 78.1% less after three months. Results can last for years or even permanently. This makes IPL an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy long-lasting smoothness.
What is the most effective IPL? ›
The best IPL hair removal machine overall
There's no doubt that the Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7 is the best IPL hair removal out there. It's brilliant for all-over body treatment, and users will see a difference in as little as two weeks.
What are the downsides of IPL? ›
While IPL therapy offers numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge its potential drawbacks and risks. One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones.
What is the strongest at home IPL device? ›
Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just 2 weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.
What is the downside of IPL treatment? ›
The main downsides of IPL treatment are the cost and number of sessions needed to get results. Mild pain and redness also may occur during or after treatments. How long does IPL treatment last? Skin improvements often last 6 months to 1 year.
What works better than IPL? ›
Laser therapy, on the other hand, is often more precise than IPL therapy and can be used to target specific concerns with more accuracy. Laser therapy can also provide more dramatic results than IPL therapy, making it a popular option for those looking to address more severe skin concerns.
What is better than IPL? ›
A BBL hair removal treatment uses multiple wavelengths of light to target the melanin in hair follicles resulting in the removal of hair. It's quicker and more comfortable than IPL and laser hair removal treatments.
What is stronger than IPL? ›
Broadband Light Therapy or BBL™ is a more upgraded version of intense pulse light therapy, and it is best described as a next-generation treatment. It uses the world's most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser and sets new standards when it comes to laser skin rejuvenation and the conditions it can treat.
Who should avoid IPL? ›
Safety of IPL Treatment
This treatment does not involve a light spectrum that causes or increases skin cancer. However, IPL treatment is not safe for pregnant women and those on blood thinners.
Are there dangers to IPL? ›
Blistering and scarring are rare but potential side effects of IPL treatments, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.
You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.
Can you use IPL on pubic hair? ›
IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.
Is IPL better than epilator? ›
Effectiveness: Laser hair removal offers highly effective and long-lasting results. With each treatment, hair growth is progressively reduced, leading to a significant reduction in unwanted hair. Epilation, while effective in the short term, usually results in regrowth within a few weeks.
Is IPL better than shaving? ›
When using IPL, you'll need to shave less and less as your treatments go on. As the hair follicles will be empty, you'll notice fewer ingrown hairs and less stubble 'shadow'. IPL treatment helps to smooth out the texture of your skin, whereas waxing or threading can cause inflammation.
Does IPL remove hair permanently? ›
This in itself helps you understand that there is no permanent hair removal using IPL because there are a series of treatments that have to be done periodically. One or two hair follicles may grow back. In rare cases, all your hair may grow back.
Does IPL really remove hair? ›
Both IPL and lasers are effective in hair removal. IPL often requires more treatments and may not achieve the same final hair reduction as a laser can. Due to this, hair removal using a laser usually produces faster results. IPL is effective in not only hair removal, but also treating rosacea and facial flushing.
Are home IPL machines as good as salon? ›
Professional IPL Salons
For the best results, they can be customized to meet your requirements and particular hair colour. Moreover, with an energy output of 40 J/cm2, these machines are more potent than those used at home. They are also safe to use on any desired body part.
How effective are at home IPL lasers? ›
No, they are ineffective when there is little contrast between the skin and the hair. That means that blonde/white/grey/ginger hair cannot be effectively treated. In addition, those with darker skin tone may not be suitable and there is an additional risk of burning, blistering and hyperpigmentation.
