Do you want an almost permanent long-term hair removal? Forget the beauty institute and the dermatologist: buying a pulsed light epilator is the best alternative! In this article, find our advice on choosing the right device, at the best price, and our detailed opinion on the subject. Hair is a matter for everyone … and everyone!
The advantage of pulsed light hair removal is that it is semi-permanent:
Hair grows back less quickly than with a more traditional method like waxing, electric epilator or shaving.
If you want to get started, two options:
– Do it with an accredited professional (beauty salon, equipped beautician, dermatologist)
– Do it from home, and buy a pulsed light epilator (also called IPL)
The pulsed light epilator emits light pulses directly at the root of the hair, which slows regrowth and weakens melanin production.
By the third session, almost all of the hair should be gone! Effective over the long term, pulsed light hair removal is called "almost final"and requires a touch-up every 4 to 6 months depending on the people and the hairiness of the areas.
The criteria for choosing a pulsed light epilator
- Safety standards
- Skin color
- The nature of the hairs
- Epilating areas
- The life of the device
- The budget
Pulsed light epilator: what safety standard?
Several safety rules must be observed when purchasing and using a pulsed light epilator.
- The reference standard for the device
The device you wish to buy must be approved according to European certification IEC 60335-2-113. This standard guarantees that the device can be used without danger and that the light rays comply with the safety regulations in force.
Avoid models from unknown brands, and favor devices approved by dermatologists and concrete medical tests.
- Wearing glasses during use
Some pulsed light epilators are sold with a pair of protective glasses. If not, consider getting it. (for example here, from 17.89 € on Amazon)
Protective glasses protect the eyes from light rays, which, even if they are supposed to be harmless, are not indicated repeatedly.
For more practicality of use, certain models are provided with mechanisms to block the emission of rays if the screen is not in full contact with the skin. In this way, there is no "leakage" of light ray elsewhere than on the skin: the light is only pulsed if the device is entirely on the epidermis.
Choosing a pulsed light epilator: for what skin tone?
The phototype is the reference color of the skin. Unique to each, it depends on the production of melanin, a word designating the dark biological pigments present in most living beings.
In humans, it is the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair and eyes, depending on its concetration.
- Regarding compatible skin colors:
Depending on the melanin concentration, the skin is more or less dark, and the hairs more or less visible. Pulsed light emits light waves towards the root of the hair to destroy it, detecting dark pigments. It is not recommended to use the IPL method in case of dark, dark or black skin, because of the risk of skin burns. Some devices have however been designed to detect the skin tone and the photoype of the area to be treated, in order to adapt the light output.
- Regarding hair color :
If they are too thin, too bright, even blonde, the pulsed light may stimulate the growth of a hair that was initially invisible.
The pulsed light device: to treat which areas?
In principle, a pulsed light epilator can be used on all areas of the body where there is the presence of sufficiently visible hair. The thicker and darker your hair, the more it will take a device with a large reserve of flash.
Areas compatible with pulsed light:
- Half legs (or whole legs if dark hairs are present on the thighs)
- Shirt
- Armpit
- Face
Areas strongly advised against:
- Mucous membranes (labia minora, vulva, anus, etc.)
- Moles, freckles
- Irritation, pimples, sores, unhealed wounds, psoriasis, eczema
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 15, and people having a photosensitive drug treatment will have to do without IPL hair removal!
What power for a pulsed light epilator?
The number of flashes of a pulsed light epilator is decisive, and the lifespan of the device depends entirely on the quantity offered.
Some devices offer replacement "cartridges", but this possibility is still rare among high-end devices. The most practical models have a wireless function.
What budget for a pulsed light epilator?
The average prices observed vary from 300 to 600 € for the most advanced models. It is an investment that allows real savings. For comparison, laser hair removal in an institute can cost several thousand euros in total, and the monthly appointment with a beautician quickly becomes expensive.
However, the very good models of pulsed light epilators are not always the most expensive, but it should be borne in mind that devices of more than 450 € will also last longer.
Choose your pulsed light epilator: our three favorites
With an intelligent SensoAdapt complexion sensor, the Silk-Expert pro 5 continuously detects skin tone (80 times per second) and varies the intensity of the light beam for safe treatment. The device's IPL technology (intense pulsed light) produces up to 125 flashes per minute.
His characteristics :
– Number of possible flashes: 400,000 (up to 22 years of use depending on the brand)
– Number of intensity: 10 (a soft and ultra-soft mode)
– Operation: without batteries, no recharging // or on mains
– Accessories supplied: 1 Venus Extra Smoot razor (for prior shaving), 1 precision head (bikini line, underarms, face), and 1 storage pouch
Medical accreditation by the Skin Health Alliance as safe for the skin and clinically validated.
Why do we like it?
– The Silk Expert's 400,000 flashes make it THE most durable model, and even if its price can impress, it remains an excellent investment. He can follow you for several years, without any appointment with the beautician, no shaving, no sticky strips of wax!
– Braun Silk · expert Pro application (available on iOS and Android) allows you to mark the sessions performed and plan the following ones. It also tells you how the SensoAdapt skin tone detector works in real time.
Where to buy it?
With smart tips and a Smart Skin sensor to assess the complexion of treated areas, the Lumea Prestige guarantees efficiency on 92% of hair from the 3rd session.
His characteristics :
– Number of possible flashes: 250,000 (between 3 and 10 years of use on average)
– Number of intensity: 5 (to be evaluated using the sensor)
– Operation: mains or wireless for "continuous" use
– Accessories supplied: 4 smart tips (armpits, bikini line, body, face), cleaning brushes, storage bag.
The SmartSkin sensor detects the phototype and specifies the light intensity which will be the most suitable. The device has been accredited and created with dermatologists.
Why do we like it?
– Its 4 tips are adapted to specific areas such as the armpits or the bikini line, which allows greater precision.
– The free Lumea IPL application (available on IOS and Android) to schedule sessions, and receive tips and advice.
– The light is only triggered if the screen is perfectly placed on the skin, to avoid any light beam sent inadvertently.
– Continuous mode eliminates the need to fire the flash every time.
Where to buy it?
With a 50% wider flash window than most competing models, the Remington Prestige pulsed light epilator is the brand's latest innovation. The ProPulse technology with which it is equipped is that used by institutes and dermatologists.
Characteristics :
– Number of flashes in reserve: 300,000 flashes
– Number of intensities: 5 levels of intensities
– Operation: flash or continuous mode
– Accessories supplied: epilation head for bikini line, one for the face, and one for the body, a storage case.
Integrated skin tone sensor and dermatologically tested device under FDA control.
Why do we like it?
– Its 300,000 flashes are the guarantee of a use for several years, and it can be used as much for women as men (torso, back, etc.)
– The brand promises concrete results from the 3rd session!
Where to buy it?
Read also :
Pulsed light hair removal works according to the degree of contrast between skin color (phototype) and hair type.
This means that the lighter the skin and the darker the coat, the more effectively the pulsed light acts on the root of the bulb.
- Pulsed light hair removal is effective on fair to normal skin.
- Pulsed light is effective on brown, dark brown, brown and black hair.
For dark, mat, and black skin; and for white and blond hairs: pulsed light hair removal is ineffective or strongly discouraged.
The duration of use of a pulsed light epilator does not depend only on its power, but on the "flash" of the device.
The more the camera has a high flash reserve, the more it can use over time.
As benchmarks : 300,000 flashes corresponds to approximately 5 years of use.
Logically, a good quality pulsed light epilator requires sufficient power and a high number of flashes. The average budget is 300 euros for a good device.
Below 200 euros, a pulsed light device may not work as well over time.
It is certainly a small investment, but which will quickly pay for itself given the economy in wax strips, go to the beautician and razor spares!
The areas concerned are the same as for conventional hair removal, provided that the hair / skin color contrast is sufficient.
Concretely, it is possible to use pulsed light to:
- The Jersey
- Armpits
- The face (upper lip, bikini line)
- Legs