Say farewell to pesky hairs with these IPL devices

Let’s start out by breaking down two things. Firstly, what is IPL? And secondly, how does it differ from salon laser hair removal? So, IPL (as we’ll be referring to it as) stands for Intense Pulsed Light (when you see the devices, it’ll be self-explanatory). While they both are kinds of laser hair removal, the kind you find in a salon features a much more concentrated single band of light, compared to IPL’s broad bandwidth of light waves. This means that salon treatments are generally more effective. However, the increase of at-home IPL devices points us in a direction where we see more research going into giving users salon-quality treatments from the privacy of their homes.

So, let’s check out some of these, dolphin skin-creating IPL devices…

2024's Top 3 IPL Devices 

1. Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL Long Term Hair Removal Device, $1049, Myer 
2. Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device, $699, Shaver Shop
3. SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, $599 at Shaver Shop

Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL Long Term Hair Removal Device

from $1049 at Myer

This device will have you forgetting you ever grew hair out of your legs, and that you used to pay crazy amounts of money at the salon to get it removed. With flashes of light every 0.5 seconds, the ‘glide’ feature will see fewer hairs missed, while the ‘stamp’ feature allows for precision control when it comes to sensitive skin and hard-to-reach places. 

Key features:

• 10 intensity levels 
• Two ‘treatment’ options (stamp/glide)
• Flashes every 0.5 seconds 

Available at:

• $499 (usually $1049) from Myer 
• $539 (usually $1049) from Shaver Shop

Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device

from $699 at Shaver Shop

Undoubtedly if you’ve been on the at-home hair removal research train, you likely would have come across these top two hits. But why is it that they’re so popular when they cost so much? Well the Philips Lumea range (but specifically the Prestige) was ahead of the hair removal curve, literally. Phillips were the first brand to offer unique curve contouring heads to deliver top results. Not only that though, this device has been developed for  professional grade laser hair removal and designed with dermatologists (so you know your skin should be safe). With their patented SmartSkin sensor (to be able to adjust to your skin and hair type), and the ability to use without doing that awkward ‘too close to a powerpoint’ dance, you can take this device on the move. And trust us, you’ll want to be showing it off.

Key features:

• Cord and cordless use available 
• Multiple attachments tailored to specific body parts (face, legs, bikini)
• SenseIQ technology adapts and tailors the light to your body and hair

Available at:

• $349 (usually $699) from Shaver Shop
• $949 from David Jones
• $799 from Amazon

SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device

from $599 at Shaver Shop

With 130 flashes per minute the SmoothSkin IPL device is here to break some hair removing time records. Not only is the device super ergonomic to use, and has you seeing results in a matter of weeks, it also works beyond efficiently. The device offers bespoke pulsations (adjusted to your hair and skin tone) along with a UV blocker to ensure your skin isn’t being subjected to any nasty UV rays. Best thing about it? It will have your whole body done in only 10 minutes!

Key features:

• 130 flashes per minute
• 3 adjustable modes (plus 10 energy settings)
• Claims to treat the whole body in 10 minutes

Available at:

• $419 (usually $599) from Shaver Shop
• $449 from Big W

JOV’s Venus Pro IPL

from $798.85 at Myer

This is the Swiss army knife of IPL devices. And no that’s not an exaggeration. Where most other competitors have 2 or 3 interchangeable heads, this JOV device has a whopping six! Each head brings a different window size to best attack the hairs in those locations. What we think the best thing about this IPL device is however, is not the incredible 180 degree swivel head, but in fact one of the attachments. If there’s anything we love most in the beauty world it’s a product that can not only save us time, but kill two birds with one stone. And that’s exactly what this product does. Featuring an ingenious rejuvenating head, the pulsed red light works similar to that of the hair-killing light, however it’s looking to increase tone, texture and elasticity of your skin. In the same simple motions you’re already doing! Hairless and taut, it’s a winner for us. 

Key features:

• Built-in cooling technology
• Six head options with specific body targeting 
• Includes a skin-rejuvenating head

Available at:

• $449.95 (usually $798.85) from Myer
• $499 from Big W
• $449.95 (usually $699) from Chemist Warehouse

LUX SKIN® IPL Laser Hair Removal Handset

from $119 at Lux Skin

The Lux Skin IPL device offers a great affordable option. Thankfully all the social media hype around this device means we’ve seen some fantastic first-hand results, and we know that other people have rated the device. Win, win,  really. What really sells us on this handset is that it’s often discounted (currently over half-price off!) and the company offers a very fair 100 per cent money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied within three months of use (plenty of time to tell if it’s been working or not!). If you’re looking for a small start into IPL hair removal, this would be our pick of the lot. 

Key features:

• Internet viral product 
• Clinical grade technology
• Affordable price point

Available at:

• $119 (usually $238) from Lux Skin

Does hair and skin colour impact the effects of IPL? 

Short answer, yes. Because IPL works by sending pulses of light to destroy the hair follicle, the hair needs to contain enough melanin for the light to be able to seek and destroy. So people with fair, orange or grey hairs are unable to use this kind of hair removal treatment. Similarly, people whose skin tones contain more melanin won’t be able to use this as a treatment either, as the laser light isn’t able to differentiate between hair and skin melanin. 

Can the device be used on pubic hair?

How can we answer this delicately… If you’re a natural born blonde, and the carpet matches the drapes, then stay clear. But as long as your pubic hair fits within the skin and hair guides (see above) you’re good to start zapping! Make sure your device is fitted with the right attachment (or has been designed to) contour the pubic region to ensure the light pulses hit the hairs effectively. 

Are IPL devices worth it?

As much as we’d literally love to never have to think about shaving/waxing or plucking hairs ever again, there will always be a pesky few that never want to leave you. In saying that though, laser and IPL as a method of zapping away hair is as close as you’re going to get. Within a short few months (of consistent use) you’ll see a drastic reduction in hair regrowth so you can focus on the important things. Like, what colour should you paint your nails? We’re asking the big questions we know.

Related Articles:

• Tried all the at-home hair removal methods and nothing is really working for you? Here’s our solutions to all the hair removal problems…
• Want to hear about salon vs at-home laser hair removal experiences? Check out what we have to say here…
• Need a guide on all the laser hair removal dos and don'ts? We'll let you in on all the secrets…

Main Image Credit: @kyliejenner