13 best at-home laser hair removal machines & IPL devices, tried & tested
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Speaking from personal experience, at-home laser hair removal machines and IPL devices have repeatedly proven their status as the best method of removing unwanted hair – and that's coming from someone who used to be “team waxing” for well over a decade.
I can't even begin to describe just how life-changing (not to mention pain-free) it is to take roughly 10-15 minutes out of my day for a full-body session without having to deal with issues like in-grown hairs, irritation, itching or dry skin. Sure, IPL (AKA Intense Pulsed Light therapy) machines tend to come with a hefty price tag, but when you do the maths and consider all the ££ you would've left at the salon, trust me when I tell you they're well worth the long-term investment.
That said, it should be noted that there's definitely room for improvement when it comes to skin tone and hair colour inclusivity. Frustratingly, the majority of models aren't as safe and effective on darker skin tones and lighter hair colours. But given that the beauty tech space is ever-evolving with new technologies, we're hopeful that more improvements are on the way.
Despite this, if you're willing to cast aside your trusty razor, epilator, waxing kit or electric trimmer in favour of a compact IPL machine but can't decide between the sheer number of options out there, we're here to help and answer all your burning FAQs.
The GLAMOUR team are well-seasoned testers who have tried dozens of at-home laser hair removal devices first-hand, so we took extra care in curating this edit while taking into consideration all the pros and the cons – no gatekeeping 'round here.
SKIP TO: What does IPL stand for? | Does laser hair removal hurt? | How we tested the best laser hair removal devices | Our full reviews.
Best laser hair removal machines and IPL devices – our top picks:
- Best overall: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal Device PL5257
- Best cordless: Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series Hair Removal Device
- Best for legs: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
- Best for full body: FOREO Peach 2 IPL Hair Removal Device
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Products displayed on the shelves courtesy of Oliver Bonas and Assouline.
Meet the experts:
- Chloé Fallon, IPL beauty expert at Philips
- Barbara Taylor, senior practitioner at Pulse Light Clinic
What does IPL stand for?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. IPL laser hair removal is arguably the most effective hair removal technique around (even more so than your epilator) – namely because it’s a permanent hair removal system for both legs and hard-to-reach areas.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
IPL is widely considered to be one of the most pain-free hair removal methods, and some often compare it to the experience that you'd get at a beauty salon, but this ultimately depends on you and the device you're using. Nowadays, many laser hair removal tools has built-in cooling technologies, which makes those quick bursts of light as painless as possible. Naturally, you should also always look to start off on the lowest settings possible to see how you react.
How we tested the best laser hair removal devices:
Each of the devices below scored highly when marked against ease-of-use, versatility, pain felt during use, attachments and how quickly we saw results on different skin types. As well as testing the most popular IPL devices such as the Silk N' Infinity, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X and the JOVS Venus Pro Skin Rejuvenation and IPL Hair Removal Device, we've made a conscious effort to check the latest customer reviews and spoke to dermatology experts. Below, you'll find the 11 products that made the cut. (Find out how we test here).
Read up: the best at-home laser hair removal devices that have our seal of approval…
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Best IPL device overall
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: 400,000.
Cordless? No.
Settings: 2 sensitive modes.
Suitable for: Legs, arms, chest and back to the face, armpit and bikini areas.
Why we love it: This Braun IPL tool, the Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5257, is the safest, fastest and most efficient device we've tested. You can treat both legs in less than five minutes at the lowest energy level and use the precision head to reach difficult areas. Our Social Media Manager Robyn Eugene loved how quick and easy it was to use and how well it worked on various treatment areas, regardless of size.
- Pros: We love its compact design, and the fact that it emits 400,000 flashes which is 30% (!) more than the previous Silk Expert 5 models.
- Cons: There are quite a few hair and skin tone combinations that this device is not suitable for, and some reviewers report it as being a little painful.
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Best cordless IPL machine
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: 450,000.
Cordless? Yes.
Settings: Five adjustable settings.
Suitable for: Legs, underarms, bikini line and face.
Why we love it: Fans for the best-selling Philips Lumea will love one of the latest models in the series. The 9000 comes equipped with SenseIQ technology and the SmartSkin sensor that can detect your skin tone and automatically adjust the most comfortable light setting, making the treatment process a lot easier and gentle even on the most sensitive areas. Like all Philips Lumea devices, this machine has been clinically tested and developed with the help of dermatologists. “As someone who has sensitive skin, I appreciated the pain-free experience and effective results. I've noticed a significant decrease in hair growth after just 3 weeks of use," says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Intuitive in use, delivers impressive results, ergonomic design, includes various treatment heads.
- Cons: This hair removal handset is quite expensive.
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Best at-home IPL device for legs
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: Unlimited.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Ten.
Suitable for: Legs, arms, armpits, bikini line, face, lip and toes.
Why we love it: This device is one of the most powerful IPL machines we've reviewed. With 10 different energy settings and three modes to choose from, you'll be able to rid yourself of unwanted body hair in just under 12 weeks. After that, you'll just have to maintain as needed – easy as 1-2-3. “I found the overall experience pain-free, all I could feel is a subtle warm sensation that you can get easily used to after each session,” shares Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor.
- Pros: Very powerful and capable of up to 130 flashes per minute.
- Cons: Not suitable for blonde, red blonde, red and grey hair.
Best IPL device for a full body treatment
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: 120 per minute.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Five.
Suitable for: Full body treatments.
Why we love it: If you're on the lookout for an IPL device that focuses on wider coverage, you've got to consider the Foreo Peach 2, which can help finish a full body hair removal treatment in just 10 minutes per session. Its self-adjusting head effortlessly adapts to the curves and the contours of the body, meanwhile the T-Sonic technology will aid in targeting the root of the hair for lasting results. “I loved using the Foreo Peach 2 alongside the Foreo app on my phone, which helped me find customisable treatments and make use of all the different intensities for my specific hair type and skin tone,” says Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
- Pros: Helps easily cover larger areas in a short amount of time, features a built-in air cooling system to soothe the skin post-treatment.
- Cons: Less intuitive in use, expensive, not suitable for a range of skin tones.
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1/14Best painless laser hair removal device
CurrentBody Laser Hair Removal Device
Machine type: Diode laser.
Flashes: Not specified.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Six.
Suitable for: All areas.Why we love it: Unlike most IPL devices out there, this innovative hair removal tool actually uses laser technology – yep, the one you'd normally go for an in-salon visit. The highlight of this device is definitely the pain-free experience that is possible thanks to its cooling technology and the built-in skin tone sensor. We also loved that the design allows to treat the larger surface areas with ease, which is bound to speed up the overall treatment process.
- Pros: Built-in cooling technology, pain-free experience, innovative laser technology.
- Cons: Expensive.
2/14Best laser hair removal machine for sensitive skin
Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Hair Removal Device
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: 450,000 approx.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Four attachments, and the SenseIQ technology detects your skin tone and indicates a comfortable light setting for you.
Suitable for: Legs, underarms, bikini line and face.Why we love it: Philips knows that not every body is the same, so they've included different attachments to cater to every one's curves and different areas of your body. Each curved attachment ensures optimal skin contact. The large, curved body attachment offers fast and effective treatment on larger areas (only 8.5 min to treat lower legs), while the underarm attachment is specifically designed to treat hard-to-reach underarms. There's an intelligent bikini attachment, and a small face attachment for gentle and precise treatment for the upper lip, chin and jawline. Philips claims that it'll deliver a 92% reduction in hair after just three sessions, and they recommend that you use the Lumea device every fortnight for your first four sessions, then follow up with touch-ups once every eight weeks.
- Pros: It's really easy to set up – you simply plug it in, press the button and then take your pick from five intensity settings. No replacement lamp is needed – the lamp has enough flashes to last for up to 20 years – and you can download a free Lumea app for personalised guidance and support throughout treatments, which we found super helpful.
- Cons: It's corded, so you can't wander far from your plug socket for conducting treatments. That said, it doesn't stop you reaching trickier areas. The only other con is that the flash is quite bright, so a pair of protective glasses included in the kit would have been appreciated.
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3/14Best cordless laser hair removal machine
Sensica Sensilight Pro with RPL Technology For Permanent Hair Reduction
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: 600 per charge.
Cordless? Yes.
Settings: Five.
Suitable for: Legs, arms, stomach, back, shoulders, bikini area, underarms and face.Why we love it: Perfect for on-the-go laser hair removal, this cordless at-home IPL device boasts unlimited flashes for a lifetime of use. It safely adapts to your skin tone and can treat your legs in just 15 minutes. It's suitable for use on your legs, arms, stomach, back, shoulders, bikini area, underarms and face, making it a great all-rounder.
- Pros: It has a really strong battery life; the charge lasts for approximately 600 flashes. There is also a safety feature which stops the device from flashing when you're not in full contact with your skin.
- Cons: Some reviewers have been slightly disappointed by not seeing immediate results, though this is normal for at-home laser hair removal. Others reported that it felt very hot, even on the lowest setting.
- 4/14
Best IPL machine for quick results
Ulike Sapphire Air+ IPL Hair Removal Handset
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: Not specified.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Five.
Suitable for: Face and larger body parts, including arms, legs and underarms.Why we love it: Instead of heating and zapping your skin, this unique at-home hair removal device uses ice-touch technology to gently and painlessly get rid of unwanted hair. And while the device itself is relatively pricey, it's definitely worth the splash since you can easily use it on pretty much any part of your body, including your face.
- Pros: Relatively painless to use and incredibly versatile.
- Cons: The skin tone sensor does not work with darker skin tones, as well as lighter hair colours.
- 5/14
Best laser hair removal machine for darker skin tones
Silk'n Infinity 400k Permanent Hair Remover for Light to Dark Skin
Machine type: eHPL.
Flashes: 400,000.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Five.
Suitable for: Legs, arms, armpits, face and bikini line.Why we love it: Thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design, this cordless IPL device is one of the most convenient at-home devices in this edit. Suitable for both light and dark skin, it works by opening up your pores and allowing light impulses to reach your hair follicles easier. Incredibly efficient at stopping hair growth in its tracks, even after a single treatment window. Name an easier IPL device for home use, we'll wait.
- Pros: Works well on darker skin and can be used across most body parts.
- Cons: Some customer reviews say that you might need some patience with thicker hair.
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6/14Best laser hair removal machine for face, bikini and underarms
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: Continuous flashes every 0.9 seconds.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Four modes, six levels.
Suitable for: Smaller areas such as face, underarms and bikini area.Why we love it: This IPL device produces continuous flashes every 0.9 seconds and is ideal to treat smaller areas such as upper lip, bikini area, hands and underarms. In fact, it can complete a full treatment for a bikini-line in just under a minute, hands in 3 minutes and upper lip in just 30 seconds. Just one use a week helps keep unwanted hair growth at bay while helping you reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Quick and easy to use, and incredibly convenient to fit into your regular treatment schedule.
- Pros: Compact design, cordless
- Cons: Somewhat expensive, not suitable for darker skin tones and lighter hair colors.
- 7/14
Best RPL laser hair removal machine
Sensica Sensilight Mini 300K Pulses Device
Machine type: RPL.
Flashes: 300,000.
Cordless? No.
Settings: Undisclosed.
Suitable for: Face, body and legs.Why we love it: Razors? Waxing strips? No thanks. This lightweight and compact can help you deal with unwanted hair growth at the root, minus the pain and irritation. The best part is that it's also clinically proven to leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Your hair-free era awaits.
- Pros: Small, lightweight and easy to handle.
- Cons: Not suitable for darker skin tones or very light hair colours.
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8/14Best IPL device for travelling
Braun IPL Silk Expert Mini PL1014 Latest Generation IPL
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: Undisclosed.
Cordless? No.
Settings: 3 levels of intensity and glide mode.
Suitable for: All body areas.Why we love it: After a compact IPL model to pack on your next holiday? Say no more. This model from Braun is considered one of the best for a reason. Designed to visibly reduce hair reduction in just three months, the Silk Expert Mini features SkinPro (SensoAdapt) technology to automatically adapt to your skin tone and ensure a pain-free experience.
- Pros: Lightweight and compact.
- Cons: Not cordless, doesn't work on deeper skin tones.
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9/14Best IPL device with cooling technology
Ulike IPL Hair Removal Device Air 3
Machine type: IPL.
Flashes: Undisclosed.
Cordless? Undisclosed.
Settings: 3 modes.
Suitable for: All body areas.Why we love it: Looking for a high-tech IPL device with cooling technology? We've got you covered. The Ulike Air 3 packs a punch with its ice-cooling technology to deliver a painless hair removal experience and lasting results. This innovative model works on all areas of the body and features three different treatment modes, including soft mode, body mode and power mode. And for the times when you're in a pinch, the AutoGlide Mode can also help complete a full-body session in just 12 minutes in total.
- Pros: Cooling technology, speedy results, built-in UV filter.
- Cons: Works better on lighter skin and darker hair.
Is IPL better than laser?
There is a difference. “First and foremost IPL is not a laser, but there are similarities between the two technologies in that both their functionalities are based on light and both require several initial sessions to achieve optimum long-lasting results," Chloé told us. “Neither technology can offer permanent hair removal, but both are great options for achieving long term hair reduction.”
"Laser technology is based on a single, concentrated wavelength that precisely penetrates the skin. The light from the laser goes through the melanin (the pigment that colours your hair) in the hair into the root. The light converts to heat and destroys the hair follicle and hair bulb to prevent future hair regrowth. Laser treatments are carried out either in salons or by dermatologists and require top-up maintenance sessions.
“IPL on the other hand can be carried out either in salon or in the comfort of your own home with a product like Philips Lumea," Chloé continued. "IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is made up of a wide spectrum of light, and can treat larger areas at a time vs a laser." IPL also uses lower energy levels in comparison to full laser treatments, so it takes a little longer to work.
“At-home IPL kits do not come with goggles but can differ for each device, which indicates how low the light technology is compared to in-clinic laser hair removal,” Barbara added.
It's also worth noting that unlike the kind of laser that's featured in IPL, technology like the Alexandrite laser (which is used in salons) uses a single, more precise wavelength.
How does laser hair removal work?
“With IPL technology, pulses of light are applied to the skin and are absorbed by the roots of hair in the 'growing' phase,” Chloé said.
“This light is absorbed by the melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation in the hair. This light energy becomes warm and stimulates the hair follicle to go into a resting phase, which causes hair to naturally shed and inhibits regrowth. As only the hairs in the growth stage are treated this way, a few sessions are required to target all the hairs to reach the required results.”
Repeated use of this technique means that, over time, regrowth is reduced. Even when it does grow back in the early days of treatment, it will grow back at a significantly slower rate. You can use IPL technology to banish hair on your legs, bikini line and in smaller areas like your underarms.
Are at-home laser hair removal machines safe?
Yes, at-home laser hair removal devices tend to be safe and most are FDA-approved. Take the Philips Lumea, for example. “It has been designed and developed with dermatologists and leading skin scientists. It has a number of in-built safety mechanisms, and when used correctly shouldn't have any implications to the skin health.”
The biggest risk with cheaper devices is scarring – though the best way to avoid this is to start off on lower intensity levels, avoid zapping sensitive areas, avoid using the treatment for facial hair or over your neck, and do a patch testing on a small area before committing to your large areas of the body such as your legs. Beginners are advised to wait for three-four weeks post-patch test to make sure you experience no side effects.
When you start using an IPL hair removal device, you should add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your whole-body skincare routine, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Also, avoid anything that can irritate your skin like serums, deodorant, hot showers, scented body lotions and perfumes for at least 24 hours after a zap.
Do laser hair removal machines work on everyone?
Sadly, IPL devices don't work on all skin and hair types. “Hair colours and skin tone influence how suitable IPL treatment will be on an individual level, meaning that it won't be for everyone,” Chloé told us. "IPL is most effective when there is a greater contrast between the hair colour and skin tone.” Individuals with fairer skin and dark hair have a greater contrast meaning more of the light will be absorbed by the hair rather than the skin.
As with all other IPL based treatments, this light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. When there is not enough melanin present in the hair, for example in light blonde, white or grey hair, then IPL will not work. Equally, red hair has a different type of melanin present, which cannot absorb the light so again is not suitable for IPL treatment. IPL treatments are also not recommended for those with the darkest of dark skin tones."
IPL, laser and diode lasers can cause skin discolouration in dark skin if the wrong type of machine is used. In fact, when there is little to no contrast between the hair and the skin, your skin will absorb the light which converts to heat and causes pain, blisters and burns. Ouch.
How should you prepare for laser hair removal at home?
Firstly, “the area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment," Barbara told us. “Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long. And do not tweeze, wax, or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area."
“Fake tanning products cannot be used for three-four weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues,” Barbara added.
Anything else? Avoid skincare products that can be irritating, such as retinal or brightening ingredients and acidic cleansers prior to your laser hair removal treatment.
Lastly, we also wouldn't recommend using IPL devices after tattoo removal or any intensive treatments.
After more hair removal content? Head this way for face shavers for women, shaving cream for women and face wax strips. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on X @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
