A quiet revolution in hair removal promises to banish stubbly regrowth and eliminate the pain of waxing. IPL (intense pulsed light) and laser devices for home use use light pulses to send hair into a resting phase, reducing regrowth over time. After testing 13 devices, here are the best.
Best IPL device overall: Philips Lumea 9900
The Philips Lumea 9900, priced from £570, is the most versatile device tested. It features five power levels and four smart attachments for face, underarms, bikini, and body. The attachments automatically select suitable light intensity. The device can be used cordless or plugged in; the cordless mode is ideal for underarms, though the flash rate is faster when plugged in (about two seconds per flash). An optional app provides treatment schedules. Results were noticeable within weeks, with less regrowth. However, the design is top-heavy, and treating a half leg takes about 10 minutes compared to five with faster devices. It is not suitable for dark skin or light hair. Lifetime flashes: 450,000.
Best budget IPL: Bondi Body v2 Laser @home
The Bondi Body v2, priced at £134.50, is compact and easy to use, resembling a large electric shaver. It has eight intensity settings and no extra attachments. At level 6, it was comfortable on legs. Regrowth reduced noticeably over the testing period. It is suitable for body, underarms, bikini, and lower face (not near eyes). Drawbacks: a three-second flash rate makes it slower for large areas, and it is limited to fair-to-medium skin with dark hair. Lifetime flashes: 400,000.
Best for all skin and hair types: Silk'n 7
The Silk'n 7, from £399.20, features a skin colour sensor that calibrates treatment for a wider range of skin and hair colours, including light blond hair. It has a rotating swivel head and attachments for face, body, and underarms. The device felt comfortable, and regrowth slowed on both arm and leg test areas. It is more expensive but valuable for those with skin/hair combinations other devices cannot handle. Flash rate: two per second. Lifetime flashes: 600,000. Not for use without attachments.
Best laser hair removal device: Tria 4X
The Tria 4X, priced at £549.99, uses an 810nm diode laser (true laser, not IPL). It emits a warm red light pulse and beeps with each successful pulse. A skin sensor unlocks the device only for treatable skin tones. Five power levels are available; levels 3 and 4 were comfortable. The treatment window is small, requiring careful tracking. Results were noticeable after just three treatments, with smooth patches visible. The device is cordless but heavier than others. It is ideal for smaller areas like face and bikini. Not suitable for dark skin or light hair. Lifetime: laser diode, not measured in flashes.
Other notable devices
Ulike Air 10 (from £269.98): Features a built-in cooling system and fast flash rate (four flashes per second). It is corded, making it slightly awkward for backs of knees. Suitable for body, underarms, bikini, and face. Lifetime flashes: 900,000.
Foreo Peach 2 (from £289): Silicone casing is comfortable and easy to grip. Large treatment window with two flashes per second. Results were slower than others; Foreo recommends 12 weeks for best results. App pushes paid upgrades. Lifetime flashes: 500,000.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 (from £600): Uses SensoAdapt technology to adjust light intensity continuously. Two attachment heads (standard and precision). Results after three sessions were very good, promising up to 95% reduction. However, it is expensive and less versatile than the Lumea 9900 or Silk'n 7. Lifetime flashes: 400,000.
What you need to know
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to heat hair follicles, causing hair to shed and regrow slower and finer. It is not permanent but significantly reduces regrowth with repeated use. Laser devices use focused, high-energy light for faster results. For home use, devices like the Tria 4X offer a true laser option.
To use IPL, first shave the area so light reaches the follicle directly. Start with a test patch. Devices with a glide mode allow continuous pulsing. Treatment frequency: one to three times per week initially, then weekly for 10–12 weeks, followed by monthly maintenance. Results may be seen within two to three weeks.
IPL works best on light skin with dark hair. Very light or grey hair may not respond, and dark skin risks burns. The Silk'n 7 is designed for a wider range. IPL is not suitable for male facial hair due to thickness. Avoid use on sore or broken skin.
Upfront costs are higher than traditional methods, but over a year, IPL can match or undercut salon waxing costs. Device lifespan: 400,000 to 900,000 flashes, equating to 20–30 years with monthly use on legs and arms. Working devices can be resold or refurbished; non-working devices can be recycled under the WEEE directive.
