Looking for an IPL device for home use? Are you wondering whether this even works and what you should pay attention to when purchasing it? We have summarized the answers to these and other questions for you in our large IPL device test.
IPL devices have become an indispensable part of the field of permanent hair removal. But what required a visit to the beauty salon for years has now long since found its way into the bathroom at home. There are good reasons for it. The trend for hairy legs and bikini areas is unlikely to come back any time soon. But treatment by a professional costs money – so it’s worth considering purchasing an IPL device for at home. However, since these are not bargains, a purchase needs to be carefully considered. With our IPL device test we want to support you in your decision and therefore answer the following questions:
IPL device test: This is how we did it
Of course, every woman has different needs and – in this case – requirements for her IPL device. Since we can’t or don’t want to speak for everyone, we tried to put together a good selection that takes into account the (very) different price ranges, but also the features and the opinions of previous buyers. Ultimately, you know exactly what your wallet can handle and what criteria are important to you.
Our editorial favorite*:
*You can read what makes it special below.
How does an IPL device work?
An IPL device for hair removal initially sounds like the fulfillment of all wishes when it comes to permanent hair removal: painless, uncomplicated and effective in the long term. The technology behind it works something like this: Since IPL in this case stands for “Intense Pulsed Light”, i.e. “intensely pulsating light”, it quickly becomes clear that a high light frequency is used here. During the treatment, the IPL device sends out light pulses that target the melanin of our body hair. The melanin, i.e. the pigments in our hair, then converts this light into heat and this heat ultimately causes the hair root to deteriorate. And where there is no hair root, no hair can grow. To put it bluntly: The light destroys the hair root and thus prevents the hair from growing back.
By the way, this results in a nice advantage over all other methods of hair removal. The small dark dots that are otherwise visible will disappear sooner or later. After all, these points are the hair and hair roots that are still under the skin and are waiting to “appear”.
Areas of application: Which parts of the body can I treat with an IPL device?
The good news first: IPL devices can basically be used anywhere there is unwanted hair. Whether on the legs and arms, the armpits, in the intimate area or even on the face – purely from a technical point of view, it can be used. Now comes the catch: Not all devices have the right attachment size or additional attachments to reach ALL places easily. Small attachments help to target hard-to-reach areas or just small areas such as the chin or upper lip. However, they are unsuitable for treating larger areas and are rather laborious. The situation is correspondingly opposite with very large essays.
You can generally remove all annoying hair with an IPL device – you just have to choose the right device (and attachments) that reaches all of these parts of the body.
How can the enormous price differences be explained?
Purchasing an IPL device is really not cheap. Especially if you value certain features and/or a branded product. As we know, it doesn’t always have to be a product from well-known companies. In this case, it should be noted that the two very popular brands Braun and Philips enjoy a very good reputation. This is certainly also due to their many years of experience in the area of “IPL devices” and the topic of “depilation”. Their respective product lines have been around for many years now and they have regularly released improved versions. The products are always up to date and are usually “all-rounders”.
Basically, the price differences can be explained by brand awareness and additional functions. For example, more expensive products often have additional attachments to better reach individual parts of the body. The intensity of the light pulses sometimes plays a role and also whether they can be individually adjusted or even automatically adjusted using special sensors.
If you don’t want to do without additional extras, you could possibly accept compromises when it comes to the battery or power plug. An IPL device with a battery offers more options in terms of space, but usually costs more than a mains-operated product.
Which IPL devices offer all the advantages?
As already mentioned, IPL devices from Braun and Philips have been very popular for years among people who want to get rid of annoying body hair. In this case, we would recommend you take a look at these two models:
“Braun Silk Expert Pro 5”
With the IPL device “Braun Silk Expert Pro 5” You can’t really go wrong. Its 400,000 light pulses attack your body hair. An additional attachment allows you to reach every part of your body quickly and easily. The product also has a SensoAdapt skin tone sensor, which continually records your skin color during the treatment and adjusts the intensity of the light pulses if changes occur. This means that every part of the body can be optimally treated.
Philips Lumea Prestige BRI949
The IPL device from Philips also offers you hair removal in a class of its own: a total of four attachments ensure that the Philips Lumea Prestige BRI949 Every part of the body receives its own, appropriate treatment. The Smartskin sensor automatically determines your skin tone and adjusts the intensity of the light pulses individually. This IPL device has a cable and therefore ensures that you can carry out your hair removal regardless of the time.
Which cheaper models are available?
Since a lower price doesn’t always mean poor quality, we don’t want to miss out on introducing you to some cheaper models.
This IPL device Seems to be a good alternative to expensive branded products. At least the buyers on Amazon give the Sameriver device a good rating. It also has five different, individually adjustable intensities and two modes of pulse delivery – automatically at regular intervals or manually.
The German company Beurer also has its own IPL device in its range. This is in the middle price range and scores with a particularly large light area. This speeds up the treatment of larger areas of the body (legs, back, etc.). 250,000 light pulses, six intensity levels and a skin type and contact sensor should do their job. A plus point: This IPL device from Beurer has been clinically tested.
Tip: Do you want to rely on a branded device but don’t want to spend that much? Then just see if you can find an older model that meets your needs. The “Philips Lumea Advanced BRI921” about offers you many features. Since the IPL device is older, it costs less. Maybe a solution for you?
What should I pay attention to when buying?
In short: on you and your individual needs. Ask yourself beforehand what is important to you about an IPL device, which parts of your body you want to treat with it, and how much money a hair removal device is worth to you. Do you travel a lot and want to take your product with you – does a battery make sense?
An important point is whether your hair is even suitable for treatment with the IPL device. Unfortunately, the fact is: If you have very light or reddish body hair or a dark skin tone, you will have to find another option for hair removal. Since the light impulse is based on the contrast between hair and skin, it works better when – ideally – black hair meets very light skin.
How should I prepare my skin for use and care for it afterwards?
The great thing about hair removal with an IPL device is the fact that it is painless and uncomplicated. This means there are hardly any problems if used correctly. No razor burn, no ingrowing hairs like after epilation…
You should just pay more attention to these points:
- One day before each use of the IPL device, you should shave the corresponding part of your body thoroughly.
- Irritated, heavily sunburned skin should not be treated. Tattooed skin is also taboo.
- We recommend that you schedule your hair removal in the evening. This means that the area in question can “recover” undisturbed overnight.
- Before and between treatments with the IPL device, hair must not be removed with an epilator or wax. You should also avoid hair removal creams. But shaving is completely fine.
- You should avoid sunbathing or going to the solarium for at least 24 hours.
- To protect your eyes from the high intensity of light, we recommend that you always wear a suitable one Light protection glasses to wear.
What alternatives are there?
If you are not yet completely convinced about permanent hair removal with an IPL device, then there are of course many other methods to choose from. Shaving is just as painless, but of course more complex. If you want peace of mind from unnecessary hair for a little longer, you can use an epilator or warm wax. However, this procedure is known to be quite painful. But the result is worth it for many women. What is your favorite type of hair removal? Find out. You can find an overview of the topic of “depilation” here.
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