An IPL device for home use? Does it work and what do I have to pay attention to when purchasing? We answer these and other questions for you here in our large IPL device test.
IPL devices have become indispensable in the field of permanent hair removal. But what required a visit to the beauty salon for years is now gradually finding its way into the bathroom at home. No wonder! The trend towards hairy legs and bikini areas is unlikely to reappear anytime soon. But treatment by a professional is expensive – it is worth considering buying an IPL device for yourself at home. Since these are not bargains either, it is important to first find out more. We did that and want to support you in your decision. Accordingly, in this article you will find the answers to the following questions:
IPL device test: this is how we proceeded
Of course, every woman has different needs and – in this case – requirements for her IPL device. Since we cannot or do not want to speak for everyone, we have tried to put together a good selection that takes into account both the (very) different price ranges, but also the features and the opinions of previous buyers. Ultimately, you yourself know very well what your wallet has to offer and which criteria are important to you.
Our editorial favorite *:
* You can read below what defines it.
How does an IPL device work?
An IPL device for depilation 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 stands for “Intense Pulsed Light” in this case, it quickly becomes clear that a high light frequency is being used here. During the treatment, the IPL device sends out light impulses aimed at the melanin in our body hair. The melanin, i.e. the pigments in our hair, then converts this light into heat and this heat ultimately leads to the hair roots becoming desolate. And where there is no hair root, no hair can grow either. To put it casually: the light destroys the hair roots and prevents hair regrowth.
By the way, this has a nice advantage over all other hair removal methods. The small dark points that are otherwise visible will sooner or later disappear. After all, these points are the hair and hair roots that are still under the skin and wait for their “appearance”.
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 where there is unwanted hair. Whether on the legs and arms, the armpits, in the genital area or even on the face – 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 easily reach ALL places. Small attachments help to target hard-to-reach areas or only small areas such as the chin or upper lip. However, they are unsuitable and rather tedious for treating larger areas. The situation is correspondingly contrary with very large essays.
You can generally remove all annoying hair with an IPL device – all you have to do is choose the right device (and attachments) that can reach all these parts of the body.
How can the enormous price differences be explained?
Getting an IPL device is really not cheap. Especially if you value certain features and / or a branded product. As is well known, it does not always have to be a product from a well-known company. In this case, however, it should be noted that the two very popular brands Braun and Philips enjoy a very good reputation. That certainly has to do with their years of experience in the field of “IPL devices” and the subject of “hair removal”. Their respective product lines have been around for many years now and they have regularly launched improved versions. The products are always up-to-date and usually belong to the “all-rounders”.
Basically, the price differences can be explained by brand awareness and additional functions. More expensive products, for example, 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 are individually adjustable or even automatically adjusted by special sensors.
If you don’t want to do without additional extras, you could possibly cut back on the subject of “battery or power plug”. An IPL device with a rechargeable battery offers more options in terms of space, but generally 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 with people who want to get rid of their annoying body hair. In that case, we would recommend you take a look at these two models:
“Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137”
With the IPL device “Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137” you can’t really go wrong. With its 400,000 light pulses, your body hair gets on the collar. With an additional attachment you can reach every part of the body quickly and easily. In addition, the product has a SensoAdapt skin tone sensor, which repeatedly records your skin color during the treatment and readjusts the intensity of the light impulses if there are changes. This means that every part of the body can be optimally treated.
“Philips Lumea Prestige BRI956”
The IPL device from Philips also offers you top-class hair removal: a total of four attachments ensure that with the “Philips Lumea Prestige BRI956” really every part of the body experiences its own, appropriate treatment. The Smartskin Sensor automatically determines your skin tone and adjusts the intensity of the light pulses individually. This IPL device works without a cable and thus ensures that you can carry out your hair removal regardless of the availability of an electrical outlet.
Which cheaper models are available?
Since a lower price does not always have to indicate poor quality, we do not want to neglect to introduce you to some cheaper models.
This IPL device seems like a good alternative to expensive branded products. At least the buyers at 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 priced in the middle range and scores with a particularly large light surface. This accelerates the treatment of larger parts of the body (legs, back, etc.) in particular. 250,000 light pulses, six intensity levels and a skin type and contact sensor should serve their purpose. A plus point: that IPL device from Beurer has been clinically tested.
Tip: Would you like to rely on a branded device, but not spend that much? Then just see if you can find an older model that meets your needs. Of the “Philips Lumea Advanced BRI921” about offers you many features. Since the IPL device is older, it costs accordingly less. Maybe a solution for you?
What should I look out for when buying?
In short: to you and your individual needs. Ask yourself beforehand what is important to you with an IPL device, which parts of the body you would like to treat with it, 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 made for treatment with the IPL device. Unfortunately, the fact is: If you have very light or reddish body hair or a dark skin color, you will have to find another option for hair removal. Since the light impulses are 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 application and take care of it afterwards?
The great thing about hair removal with an IPL device is the fact that it is painless and uncomplicated. This means that there are hardly any problems when used correctly. No razor burn, no ingrown hairs like after an epilation …
You should only pay more attention to these points:
- The day before each use of the IPL device, you should shave the relevant part of the body thoroughly.
- Irritated, heavily tanned skin should not be treated. Tattooed skin is also taboo.
- We recommend that you do your hair removal in the evening. In this way, the corresponding area can “recover” undisturbed overnight.
- Before and between treatments with the IPL device, the hair must not be removed with an epilator or wax. You should also avoid depilatory creams. But shaving is perfectly fine.
- You should avoid sunbathing or visiting the solarium for at least 24 hours.
- To protect your eyes from the high light intensity, we recommend that you always have a suitable one Light protection goggles to wear.
What are the alternatives?
If you are not yet completely convinced of permanent hair removal with an IPL device, then there are of course many other methods to choose from. Just as painless, but of course more complex, is shaving. If you want to be able to relax a little longer from useless hair, 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 on the subject of “depilation” here.
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