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Easy hair removal without the mess Hiemt Pro Emsculpt
Before intense pulsed light—or IPL—hair removal devices became popular, our at-home options were mainly limited to razors, wax strips, and sometimes overly fragrant hair removal creams. And while there’s nothing wrong with using those methods to get rid of unwanted body hair, technology has advanced significantly in recent years, allowing us to save time and effort with professional-level options to remove hair from the comfort of home.
IPL devices are designed with special mechanisms that convert light into hair-removing heat, which targets the pigment of hair follicles instead of your skin. According to double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, “When the heat energy reaches the pigment, it damages or kills the hair follicles, preventing hair from growing.”
While many of these high-tech tools are practically no-brainers to use, it is important to choose the right device for your specific needs to ensure safe hair removal. To help you make an informed decision, we spoke with leading experts to source the 12 best IPL hair removal devices worth adding to your body care rotation.
Related: The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According to the Pros
DeRosa tells Bazaar that this multifunctional IPL hair removal device changes its settings based on the location and depth of the hair you’re aiming to remove. It also features an option for red light that can help stimulate collagen. And as an added bonus, the tool aims to remove full-body hair in as little as 15 minutes.
One satisfied customer writes: “Been using it for three weeks now and I do notice a difference, my hair growth has really slowed down. The hair on the arms has become thinner and even bald in some places. I will keep using it until it is completely removed.” —Michelle C.
Another of DeRosa’s top picks, this IPL handset is easy to use and aims to deliver noticeable hair reduction results after four weeks of use.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’m very hairy all over my body. I’ve gotten professional laser treatments and spent well over $2,000 with no results. I have thick dark hair on pale skin and I have seen results in just my 3rd use.” —Stephanie A
This hardworking device not only adds a touch of charm to your bathroom shelf, it is also FDA-approved to visibly minimize hair growth after four uses. The tool also contains five intensity settings and can be used on any part of the body.
One satisfied customer writes: “I bought this product out of desperation and did not think it would work. I was wrong! After three weeks of use, I have several large patches of skin on my legs with no regrowth! Its amazing! Cannot wait because in a few months my legs will be completely hairless.” —Lindie H.
Bazaar editors and professionals like celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross agree: This IPL device is one of the best. It features 10 power settings and three removal modes, for expert-level results, along with an automated skin tone sensor to prevent it from accidentally singeing you during the removal process.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve been to salons and spas that offer hair removal treatments and paid for the service. This product gives the same result while saving thousands of dollars by doing your own at home treatments.” —Maria V.
Here’s a slightly smaller version of SmoothSkin’s powerhouse Pure Fit device; it can be used on your legs, arms, bikini line, or face. It also offers two treatment options that produce up to 100 flashes per minute.
One satisfied customer writes: “After just 3 weeks, I have already noticed significantly less hair on my legs. My hair does not grow back as fast, so I am excited that this product truly works. Now that I know it works, I am going to use it for my whole body. It is also extremely simple and easy to use. I highly recommend buying this product!” —Christine P.
Here’s another FDA-cleared IPL tool that experts love. “This option is a really great value in terms of cost, and it also comes with a warranty which will replace the device if there are any issues with it,” Ross says. Compared to other IPL devices, the Flasher has a wider window that allows for faster treatments with fewer flashes.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have to admit, as a former certified laser technician I was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of this device. Not only did it work, but it wasn’t painful either! Win/win!!! Kudos Nood!” —Jessica I.
According to Ross, this option is particularly well suited for individuals with sensitive skin and has a remarkably short treatment time. It flashes every 0.5 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about missing any spots, and you can get back to business as usual in as little as 10 minutes.
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this device. I have really dark, thick, coarse hair across my entire body and after 3 months of weekly uses I already have bald patches and significantly finer hair on my bikini, legs and arms. Really recommend.” —RebeccaK
Board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban recommends the Iluminage hair reduction system, as it is especially effective for fair blonde and red hair follicles that are typically more difficult to treat.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have had the Iluminage Touch now for over a month and I am very happy with the results! First it was easy to use…all you had to do was open the (beautiful) box and plug it in! After just a few sessions, I have already seen great results! I am now pool ready!” —NJane
This at-home IPL device comes with its own docking station, along with five adjustable power levels. “While I always recommend consulting your dermatologist before starting any new protocol or technology, this one has an added bonus of a built-in skin tone tester indicating if the device and treatment is compatible for your specific skin tone and hair-color combination,” Shambam says.
One satisfied customer writes: “This does exactly what I want it to do and it will be helpful for controlling hair growth in the future. Also, other side note, if you can get somebody to help you with this consider doing so. It’s really hard to see what you’re treating when you start getting at chest level and above. I can imagine the same for areas on your back. Otherwise, get some good magnifying mirrors.” —Stormyard
For those with brown or black hair and fair to olive skin, this device is a perfect match for removing unwanted hair. It contains five power settings, so you can easily adjust its treatment level, plus a skin tone sensor to guard against accidental burns.
One satisfied customer writes: “I see so much less hair and my legs are ready for summer after 7-8 treatments. I’ve been using it regularly once per month.” —Youngmommyofthree
While this tool is technically an RPL (reactive pulsed light) device—said to be even safer than an IPL model—we still think it deserves a place on our list. With six adjustable energy settings and the ability to use it on both your face and body, this essential is worth the investment.
One satisfied customer writes: “This works perfectly if you follow directions & are patient. The unit is easy to use and maneuver around the area you want hair removed. Do wear sunglasses because the laser flashes are very bright.” —Anonymous
For under $100, this painless IPL device is a practically a steal. Plus, the device features a cooling function that soothes skin while preventing it from overheating.
One satisfied customer writes: “The device is very easy to use and comes with clear instructions. It has multiple settings to accommodate different intensities and features. The device is also relatively painless, which was a huge relief for me. I recommend buying a soothing gel or something if you have thin skin or cannot tolerate the pain on the 9 intensity.” —KooshaKalhour
The overall hair loss achieved through IPL is considered to be semipermanent. According to Shambam, a full course of treatment will damage the majority of hair follicles and significantly slow down the production of hair. However, over time, if the follicle is still functioning, it may produce more hair, albeit thinner, finer, and less dark than before. “Eliminating the full function of the follicle is like killing weeds. It’s tough!” she says.
At-home IPL devices typically use a lower amount of energy, so discomfort should be at a minimum and feel like a warm pulse. In contrast, in-office IPL may require numbing to reduce discomfort, which can feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin, Ross says.
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Iman Balagam is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly five years. She has written for and contributed to top women’s magazines and digital brands such as Harper's BAZAAR, Allure, Byrdie, Elle and more. She will try *nearly* anything and spends a lot of time looking for new ways to store her beauty products in a small New York apartment.
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