IPL (intense pulsed light) heats the pigment in the hair to slow regrowth. At home it takes regular sessions over a few months, and it only works on some combinations of skin tone and hair colour, so check that first.
Where these picks come from. This shortlist is based on the makers' published specs, the features that matter for each device type, and availability from the brand or Amazon itself. Our own instrument tests are under way; results will be added here, clearly marked. How we test · How we make money
| Device | Position | Type | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Lumea 9000 IPL | The flagship | IPL | Amazon.com |
| Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7 IPL | The smart pick | IPL | Amazon.com |
| Ulike Air 10 IPL | The value pick | IPL | Ulike (official store) |
Philips' top Lumea, with a skin-tone sensor that adjusts the light intensity and attachments shaped for different body areas.
Braun's app-connected IPL. It adapts the flash to your skin tone and the app tracks your treatment plan.
Ulike's popular IPL with an ice-cooling window to make sessions more comfortable, at a lower price than the big brands.
IPL needs contrast between dark hair and lighter skin. It does not work on white, grey, light blonde or red hair, and most devices are unsafe on very dark skin. Check the maker's skin-tone chart.
Better devices measure your skin tone and set the energy automatically, reducing the risk of burns.
Higher energy can mean faster results; a high flash count means the lamp lasts for years of use.
Cooling windows make sessions more comfortable on sensitive areas.
These are the measurements we are running on every device in this guide. Results will replace the "queued" labels as they come in. Full method →
It gives long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. Most people need maintenance sessions every few weeks or months.
No. Lasers use a single wavelength; IPL uses a broad spectrum of light. At-home IPL is lower powered than clinic treatments.