An IPL device for permanent hair removal promises the solution for everyone who no longer wants to struggle with painful epilators or regrowing hair.
IPL machines, razors, epilators, warm wax – there are countless ways to get rid of unwanted hair these days. All methods have the same goal in mind, but the ways to get there differ enormously, for example in terms of application, effort and durability of the result.
IPL device doesn’t mean anything to you in this context? Or have you heard of it before but don’t know exactly what it is all about? Or are you only familiar with such a similar device from the cosmetic studio? No problem. We have made ourselves clever for you and found answers to the most common questions. What is an IPL device and how does it work? What are the advantages and disadvantages compared to other methods of (permanent) hair removal? How do the individual devices differ from each other and what should you consider when buying? You can find out this and more in our large IPL device test.
IPL device: what is it and how does it work?
It almost sounds too good: permanent, painless hair removal with an IPL device at home. No constant shaving, no painful epilation or waxing? An IPL device should do just that. But how does it work?
In this case, IPL stands for “Intense Pulsed Light”which means “intensely pulsating light” when translated somewhat bumpily. With this method of hair removal, the IPL device sends out light pulses. These cause the melanin in our hair to convert this light into heat, which in turn causes the hair roots to become desolate. In simple words: The intense light is supposed to destroy the hair roots and thus prevent hair regrowth.
IPL devices are basically not new. But while hair removal with wax or an epilator is already common in the home, the IPL device is only slowly finding its way into the bathroom at home. Such treatments are commonplace in the beauty salon. Let’s take a look at what types of IPL devices there are for the home. How easy is it to use and what do you have to consider? We have put together a comprehensive overview of all these questions and the most popular devices from Philips, Braun and Co. for you here.
What are the differences?
Basically, all IPL devices work according to the same described concept. The individual products therefore differ primarily in two respects:
- Is that IPL device a with battery or with a power cable. Both variants are basically good. All you have to do is think about which one makes the most sense for you before buying. Of course, a rechargeable battery provides more freedom of movement – you don’t have to be near an electrical outlet. The battery life is limited for this. If you want to treat larger areas of the body, you could possibly fail with a single charge.
- In the case of common IPL devices, there are also some enormous price differences, which often – but not only – by a different sizes of equipment and functions is justified. Different light intensities, special sensors that measure the skin tone (and thus automatically set the required light intensity), or different attachments that facilitate the treatment of different parts of the body – extras cost extra as usual.
Before you start looking for a suitable IPL device, you should therefore deal with the questions for which body zone you want to use the product and how much it is worth to you or how much you can spend on such a beauty tool . Since IPL devices are not cheap, the purchase should be carefully considered and all aspects weighed up. Tip: A device with a power cord usually naturally costs less than an equivalent model with a battery. Maybe this is a point where you can save a few euros if in doubt ?!
Inexpensive models
Just because a product is cheaper than its competition doesn’t mean it is bad. You should only risk a close look at the equipment and functions in order not to be disappointed in the end. If everything seems appropriate to you, there is absolutely nothing to prevent you from doing without well-known brand names such as Philips or Braun and choosing a lesser-known product. This model a rather unknown brand gets about great reviews on amazon, Has five different levels to choose from and two different modes.
The situation is similar with this inexpensive one IPL device, among other things with a Precision attachment for sensitive parts of the body Is provided.
Mid-range IPL devices
The German company Beurer, originally known for its electric blankets and pillows, has a IPL device in the offer that can be classified in the middle price range. By 250,000 light pulses and an extra large light area, which makes treatment of legs or the back quick and comfortable, the IPL device takes on the fight against annoying hair. In addition, the specimen has been clinically tested and has six levels as well as a combined skin type and skin contact sensor.
If you don’t necessarily need the latest model, you can also buy a good IPL device for a medium price from the brand manufacturer Philips. This is the case with this one, for example “Philips Lumea Advanced BRI921” a slightly older, but by no means bad model. The IPL device was developed together with dermatologists and promises85 percent less hair after three treatments. With a skin sensor and an additional precision attachment for smaller areas of the face or bikini line, the “Philips Lumea Advanced BRI921” aims to ensure safe use.
The all-rounders in the high class
In the top price category of IPL devices for home use, you have to dig deep into your pockets. However, here you can also be sure that your expectations will not be disappointed. The front runners in the favor of customers are definitely the devices of the brands Braun and Philips. Both companies have been working on new, improved editions of their original IPL devices for years. The “Philips Lumea Prestige” and “Braun Silk-Expert Pro” series accordingly have many different models to choose from. The way they work is basically the same. Of course, various technical aspects have evolved, such as the number of light pulses (between 250,000 and 400,000).
The “Philips Lumea Prestige BRI956” is one of the favorites of the higher priced IPL devices. For that he brings numerous features with: In addition to five different intensity levels, the four different attachments, for example, are also convincing, which should enable the different parts of the body to be reached optimally. The device has a rechargeable battery. Special highlight: The Smartskin Sensor determines the skin tone of the user at the beginning of the treatment and then automatically sets the appropriate intensity of the light impulses. You no longer have to worry about which level is appropriate for you.
The “Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137” is with his 400,000 light pulses probably the most powerful IPL device. With ten different pulse strengths and three modes as well as one Adjustment of the speed at which the light pulses are emitted, ensure precise and, above all, rapid treatment of a wide variety of body parts. The SensoAdapt skin tone sensor adjusts the intensity of the light impulses again and again during the treatment and thus promises optimal results.
What do you have to look out for when buying?
The differences between the individual IPL devices are sometimes enormous. This is mainly reflected in the price. So that you can find the right product for you, we have a few tips on what to look for when choosing:
- separate attachments for different body zones
- Number of modes and intensity levels
- Skin sensors
- Intensity of the light pulses
- Battery or mains operation
- price
Who is an IPL device for?
Since an IPL device is sometimes not a cheap proposition, you naturally want to see results in the end. Unfortunately, IPL devices are not a sensible investment for everyone. The technology only works optimally if the color tones of the hair and the skin are different from each other. Conversely, this means that very light hair (e.g. blonde or white) does not stand out well enough from light skin. The light pulse cannot specifically target and treat the hair or the hair root. It is similar with a darker skin type. Treatment is also often problematic for redheads.
Advantages and disadvantages of the IPL device
Are you still unsure whether an IPL device is the right hair removal tool for you? If so, then we can understand that well. After all, there are a ton of different methods out there nowadays for home use alone. Perhaps our overview of advantages and disadvantages of the IPL device will help you with your decision:
IPL devices: pros and cons
Per | Contra |
almost painless | no immediately visible result |
lasting result | not effective on all hair colors |
no more shaving, no more painful hair removal necessary | Initially expensive to purchase |
One advantage that is less obvious and yet should not remain anonymous is the following: You know that – after shaving or waxing / epilation your skin is nice and smooth. Under the skin, however, hair or hair roots can be seen in small, dark points. Many find this annoying or unattractive. But it cannot be avoided with these treatments. It is different with an IPL device. After several successful treatments, these points will disappear over time. The calculation is very simple: if the hair roots are also destroyed, where should the points come from? No hair / hair roots, no points.
Tip: Wear a special one when using the IPL device safety gogglesthat protects your eyes from the high frequency of light.
What are the alternatives
If you are not completely convinced of the treatment with an IPL device, you can of course continue to conjure up smooth legs and Co. with other proven means of hair removal. While reaching for the lady’s razor is of course the most painless way, it remains a permanent occupation, as the result is known to only last for a very short time. With warm wax or an epilator, the feeling of smooth, hair-free skin is usually retained for several weeks. But the procedure is quite painful and therefore not recommended for everyone. Ultimately, every woman has to decide for herself which variant is best for her.
Care tips for pre- and post-treatment
Since the method of permanent hair removal with an IPL device is quite uncomplicated and gentle on the skin, there is not much to consider. Only in rare cases can red spots appear after the treatment, but they usually disappear after a few hours. Nevertheless, you can of course pay attention to one or two things that give your skin the best possible preparation and follow-up.
- Shave your skin the day before the treatment.
- Do not use depilatory cream or warm wax during the treatment period.
- Ideally, carry out your IPL treatment in the evening. So your skin can recover undisturbed overnight.
- It is recommended to suspend sunbathing / visits to the solarium or the use of self-tanners 24 hours after treatment.