With beauty salons set to remain closed for a little while longer, it looks like we’re still on our own when it comes to hair removal for now (I’m sorry, eyebrows). We can’t even hide fuzzy legs in our trusty jeans, as the warm weather has us all reaching for sundresses instead. So if you’re missing your wax appointments — and dread picking up a razor — you might want to consider at-home IPL instead. I tried the GHI’s top-performing model, the Philips Lumea Prestige, to see if it’s up to the job.
What is IPL hair removal?
IPL, which stands for ‘intense pulsed light’, aims to banish unwanted hair by stunting the growth cycle. The machine directs light at the melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair its colour) in the follicle, damaging the root and breaking the regrowth cycle for up-to six months. This makes for a longer-lasting removal method than waxing or shaving and it shouldn’t irritate your skin.
A few pointers: don’t expect immediate results as not all your hair will be at the same point in its growth cycle at the same time, so you’ll have to space out treatments every 14 days for six weeks to ensure all the hair is targeted. You’ll also have to defuzz with your regular method before beginning, so the machine can zap the follicle properly (or deal with the smell of burning hair). Those with darker skin tones shouldn’t use IPL, as it could cause hyper-pigmentation of the skin.
Philips Lumea Prestige
The machine is lightweight and feels high quality, as you would expect from a product that costs £400. In the box you get the device itself, a charger and three different heads for targeting different areas — one for the face, one for legs and one for your underarms and bikini line. It looks sleek and nonclinical and there’s a little bag to keep all the bits together neatly in your drawer.
There are five light intensities; the best for you is dependent on your hair colour and skin tone. Generally, the lighter your skin and the darker your hair, the higher the setting. I’ve very dark brown locks and a pale complexion, so I was recommended the strongest mode.
During treatment, you can use a one-off flash or a gliding motion. The stamp is best for the upper lip and underarms, while the other helps you run down your legs quickly and easily.
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Device
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Device
Before you begin, download the Lumea app to your smartphone. It walks you through how to use the machine, reminds you when your next treatment is due and recommends the best light setting. Then you’re ready to go.
Using the Philips Lumea Prestige
I was worried the process would hurt, but actually it was completely painless on my legs and any slight discomfort on my underarms — a quick, hot, flicking sensation, like a very minor electric shock — was very manageable and dissipated almost instantly. The shape makes it easy to position correctly against your skin and it’s not uncomfortable to hold, even towards the end of a session. I finished my legs, underarms and upper lip in around 20 minutes, which wasn’t too bad, although I had spent time shaving beforehand to prep.
I have been really enjoying just getting up and throwing on a dress without worrying about whether my legs were stubbly — and I’ve been able to spend less time in the shower faffing with my razor, too.
All things considered, if you commit to the process, you’ll be rewarded with silky smooth limbs free from stubble, razor nicks or ingrown hairs for three months at a time. So, I think the Philips Lumea Prestige is well worth the money. You can pick one up from Amazon (on sale, currently!) here.
The GHI's top IPL devices
SmoothSkin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5
Now 46% Off
Sensica Sensilight Pro IPL Hair Removal Device
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Charley Ward
Homes Ecommerce Editor
Charley is former Homes Ecommerce Editor. During her time at Hearst UK, Charley wrote over 300 buying guides and reviews, getting her hands on as many new launches as possible to help you find the best products for your home.
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IPL treatments, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, show that people get 83.3% less hair growth after one month and 78.1% less after three months. Results can last for years or even permanently. This makes IPL an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy long-lasting smoothness.
What are the downsides of IPL? ›
One of the most significant concerns associated with IPL treatment is the risk of burns or skin discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin tones. This risk stems from the procedure's reliance on light absorption, which can lead to excessive heat in areas with higher melanin concentrations.
Does IPL really remove hair permanently? ›
Neither treatment is permanent permanent, but the results for both IPL and laser hair removal can last for months, and both devices are FDA-approved for reducing the amount of hair regrowth over time. The IPL treatment might save you some discomfort compared to laser, though.
What is the strongest at home IPL device? ›
Most powerful: SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device
The Pure Fit is an easy to use IPL device that achieves up to 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks, and visible results in just 2 weeks. It stands out as one of the most fast and powerful hair removal devices on the market.
What works better than IPL? ›
If you're looking for more immediate results, a chemical peel may be a better option. And if you're looking for more precise targeting and dramatic results, laser therapy may be the best choice. There are many options available when it comes to cosmetic treatments.
What is the downside of IPL treatment? ›
The main downsides of IPL treatment are the cost and number of sessions needed to get results. Mild pain and redness also may occur during or after treatments.
What happens if you use IPL too often? ›
You can overuse at-home IPL. If you use your device too often, you won't speed up your hair removal treatments and could set yourself up for side effects. Like nearly everything in life, IPL works best when following the recommended treatment plans. That's typically twice a week over 8 weeks, for starters.
Is IPL worth the money? ›
Some scientific studies have shown that IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with rosacea. Other studies have confirmed that IPL can significantly improve facial skin with fine wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots.
Who should avoid IPL? ›
Safety of IPL Treatment
This treatment does not involve a light spectrum that causes or increases skin cancer. However, IPL treatment is not safe for pregnant women and those on blood thinners.
A full-thickness or third degree burn would be the most severe adverse event that could occur to the skin through misuse, error or malfunction of an IPL or laser.
When should you not use IPL? ›
Contraindications (reasons why IPL may not be suitable for you)
- Recent sunburn.
- Unprotected sun exposure or solarium use 4 weeks prior to treatment.
- Pregnancy.
- History of seizures.
- Severe dermatitis or eczema (within the treatment area)
- Active infections.
- Roaccutane use in the last 6 months.
That might have left you asking yourself, “Can I use IPL for pubic hair?” You sure can, but there are a few important steps to take to ensure you get the best results. Trim existing hair: First, shave, epilate, or wax your intimate area.
Does hair grow back thicker after IPL? ›
This shedding process can take 10-14 days post treatment. And during this time, it may appear as though the hair is growing back thicker and darker. However, this is simply the hair follicle shedding the treated hair.
Does IPL remove peach fuzz? ›
Both IPL and laser hair removal offer various benefits for women, helping to control peach fuzz, maintain smooth skin and hormonal hair growth. For men, these technologies offer solutions to reducing ingrown hairs from shaving.
What's better than IPL laser? ›
While both technologies have their advantages, laser hair removal is faster, more precise and can cater to darker skin tones while delivering permanent hair reduction. IPL and laser technology are also both available for safe, self-administered home use on the face, arms, legs, bikini line, chest and hands.
Are all IPL machines the same? ›
Not all IPLs are created equal.
There are different levels of quality of IPL machines. You can find them for as cheap as 10K or as expensive as over 100K. You get what you pay for. I believe my IPL from Lumenis Lasers is the best (and most expensive) on the market.
Do home IPL laser machines work? ›
Ninety-five percent of the patients noted hair count reduction at the end of this clinical trial. Overall hair reduction was 78 percent at the one-month follow up and 72 percent at the three-month follow up. No serious adverse events were noted.
Can home IPL remove spider veins? ›
Can intense pulsed light remove spider veins? Yes, IPL can be used to reduce the appearance of spider veins on the body and face.
