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Smart machines to leave you fuzz-free for longer

Looking for an effective way to remove unwanted body hair? Allow us to introduce you to IPL. Not only is it far more advanced than waxing or shaving, but it can be done from the comfort of your own home. Ideal!

While at-home IPL machines can be quite the investment price-wise, think of just how much you'll be saving on those waxing appointments. Need a refresher on the best IPL machines and why you might want to try one out? Check out our full round-up, below.

But first, here’s the full lowdown on all you need to know about the best IPL hair removal devices around, should you feel the need to de-fluff...

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a form of light therapy. It works by targeting hair at the root with a flash of light, which converts to heat below the skin’s surface, preventing further growth. Treated hairs fall out naturally and any regrowth is much finer — and, with maintenance, can halt altogether.

Before getting started you’ll need to shave the area you’re treating. IPL needs some hair for the light to ‘grab’ onto (so avoid waxing or epilating just before), but shouldn’t be used on longer hair as that could result in burning the skin. Then you just press the device onto the skin and zap away.

Each brand differs, however most suggest starting with a 12-week programme, followed with less frequent top-up sessions to maintain the desired look. Just like a good training schedule, you won’t see results overnight, but keep on top of treatments and you’ll start to see a noticeable difference.

Sadly IPL isn’t suitable for everyone. The ideal candidates are those with dark hair that contrasts in colour to their skin tone. Light blonde, white or grey hair simply doesn’t contain enough melanin for these devices to get to work, and red hair also doesn’t respond to this type of light.

Skin tone is also a factor to take into account. If you have darker skin, the higher level of melanin can be picked up by the device and may cause damage, making it unsafe for use.

If in doubt, you can read more about the Fitzpatrick skin type scale here, which classifies skin types and their sensitivity in more detail. All of these machines include an automatic skin tone sensor to determine optimum intensity and safe settings for your skin tone.

While not as painless as shaving (albeit way more effective), the feeling of IPL is commonly described as a warm zap, similar to flicking an elastic band. Just remember, over time you’ll need less treatments (and it’s definitely less painful than epilating). A lower light intensity can help to reduce discomfort, which is worth remembering around the bikini line!

Some devices come with a pre-set amount of flashes (most have a minimum of 100,000) and will need a replacement lamp when these run out. Others have an unlimited number, so will last a lifetime.

The shorter the gap between flashes, the quicker your treatment time is going to be. It’s also worth looking out for the number of treatment heads included in the pack. If you’re planning on using on the upper lip or bikini line, a smaller head might be preferable. For more precision you might choose to use the stamp mode, but if using on larger areas like the legs, the glide mode will speed up treatment time.

Whichever device you go for, it’s very important to read the instructions thoroughly.

All products featuring a Women's Health Lab Approved logo below have been tested by a panel of 140 women who tried a range of at-home IPL hair removal devices over a six to 12-week period.

Following the instructions to the letter, we found out how effective each device was at removing hair from the legs, underarm, bikini line and upper lip — and how easy it was to do so. They also recorded any regrowth that appeared and shared the results.

The remaining devices have been selected by the WH editors based on their own IPL hair removal experiences.

Let’s face it, the quicker we can see results, the better, and this advanced, cordless machine promises you’ll notice a difference in just four treatments. Taking away any guesswork, there are three attachments designed to effectively target the face, body and delicate bikini area.

Click the head in place and the correct programme will automatically be selected, with a clever sensor deciding which of the five light intensities is best for your skin tone.

After four weeks, regrowth was minimal and much finer, and after the full 12-week period, 87 per cent of testers said most hair had stopped growing back altogether.

If you’re the forgetful type, it’s worth downloading the Philips Lumea app to keep track of your treatment plan, where you’ll receive helpful reminders of when your next session is due.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: Yes Features: Five light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and slide), Lumea app, skin sensor What's in the box: Device, adapter, pouch, three attachment heads and instructions Usage: Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed Flashes: >250,000

Ok, so it’s not cheap, but with 10 intensity levels to select from, this device offers the most personalised experience. We like the glide mode, which speeds things up by delivering more flashes on large body parts (like your legs), while the stamp mode is ideal for small, sensitive areas.

The pack also comes with a handy razor so you can get started right away. Our panel were happy with the results, and with the equivalent of 22 years’ worth of flashes pre-loaded, we reckon it’s a worthwhile investment.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Two treatment heads, 10 light intensities, two treatment modes (stamp and glide), skin tone sensor What's in the box: Precision head, razor, device, instructions Usage: Body hair requires one treatment a week (for four to 12 weeks) then whenever you need (every one to two months) Flashes: 400,000 flashes

This device aims to keep any discomfort to a minimum, covering the whole body in just 20 minutes. Like our pricier winner, there’s a built-in sensor to scan the skin and select a light setting appropriate for you, and an app to keep on top of treatments. It’s compact, with a precise head, and our testers claim it wasn’t too painful. Result!

Although it can’t be used wirelessly, our panel found it was easy to get into hard-to-reach areas, with a significant reduction in hair growth noted at the end of the recommended 12-week treatment.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Five intensities, skin tone sensor, compatible treatment plan on the mobile app What's in the box: Power cord, device, UK, EU and US power plugs and instructions Usage: Initially every two weeks, after two months every four weeks, and after this treat as needed Flashes: 400,000

We're usually sceptical about 2-in-1's delivering the most powerful results, but this device proved us wrong. While the IPL head tackles unwanted hair, the 'skin rejuvenation' mode uses flashes of light, with the aim of boosting collagen and elastin production, to leave you with firmer skin.

The rotating head makes it easier to reach all areas of skin, and everyone reported hair-free limbs in six weeks. If you're nervous about the pain element of hair removal, this device uses “ICE” technology, which cools skin down to help eliminate discomfort.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Six energy modes, 180° rotating head What's in the box: Six attachment heads Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed Flashes: >500,000

Suitable for all-over use, this cordless design is loaded with unlimited flashes. Although the heads were initially a little fiddly to attach, and some found it a touch bulky, the useful ‘glide’ function made it super speedy to use, with sparser hair noticeable in eight to 12 weeks. The choice of settings also made the majority of testers feel more comfortable.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: Yes Features: Two treatment heads, six intensities, two treatment modes (pulse and glide), skin tone sensor What's in the box: Device, treatment heads, charging cable, storage bag and instructions Usage: Body hair requires treatment every two weeks for the first four weeks, then once every four weeks afterwards; for facial hair, use it every two weeks for the first five weeks then every four weeks; after seven weeks for body hair and eight for facial hair, top-up as and when needed Flashes: Unlimited

Although this device isn’t cordless, it still delivers the same powerful hair-banishing technology as our Philips winner (see above), while being a bit kinder on your bank balance. It claims to work on a variety of different hair and skin types too - from dark blonde to black - to break the hair growth cycle.

Our panel said it did a great job at not only reducing regrowth but also the thickness of the hair on the face and body after just four weeks. It worked quickly too, and didn’t cause any pain or irritation.

If you really want to get your money’s worth, download the Lumea app, which helps you personalise your treatment schedule, as well as providing you with tips and tricks to get the most effective results. Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Five skin type settings, Lumea app, skin sensor What's in the box: Satin Compact pen trimmer with eyebrow comb and cleaning brush, cleaning cloth, attachment head, precision attachment head, device, manual. Usage: Every two weeks for the first four sessions, then touch-up where needed Flashes: >250,000

If time isn’t on your side, this sleek-looking device claims to do a full body treatment in just 10 minutes. It features an in-built skin sensor, which scans your skin to pick the best light intensity for you, so you don’t even have to think about it.

When it came to hair removal, our testers said it was comfortable to use and it managed to visibly reduce hair by the end of the trial period. From the panel, 85% were impressed with how quick it was to cover the whole body, making it ideal if you’re short on time.

It comes with three settings for a fuss-free application, and can be used on both the body and face. With unlimited flashes too, you’re getting great value for money. Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Three skin type settings, skin sensor What's in the box: Device, manual. Usage: Once a week for 12 weeks, then touch-up where needed Flashes: Unlimited

Impatient? This device acts fasts, with results being seen in just three weeks.

It features the same “SmartSkin” tech as previous Philips models and proved to be successful on both body and facial hair. And while not quite as sleek as the winner (it's not cordless), many noticed their bikini line stayed neat after six weeks of continued use, so we’ll overlook it.

Key specifications Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: SmartSkin Sensor What's in the box: Storage pouch, four attachment heads Usage: Every two weeks for the first six weeks, then touch-up where needed Flashes: >450,000

Want to get rid of your upper lip fuzz? Avoid all the redness and irritation you normally get with waxing with this nifty device.

It comes with a dedicated facial attachment that aims to not only brighten skin by removing dead skin cells but also banish hair — and don’t worry, it has a UV filter to protect the skin from any damage.

The curved shape of the machine makes it easy to hold and it covered large surface areas pretty quickly. Testers found that hair appeared finer after the trial, without any pain experienced during the process. They did find the light was quite bright, so remember to close your eyes if you’re using it on the facial area. Key specifications Power: Battery or mains Cordless: Yes Features: Universal voltage, 5 intensity settings, UV filter What's in the box: Facial attachment, body attachment, charger and manual. Usage: Use every 3 days, over a period of 2 months.

With 100 flashes per minute, the Bare+ claims to be the fastest IPL device on the market with results in as little as four weeks, reducing hair growth by up to 97%.

You can count on safety first here too - this device has a built-in Smart Skin Sensor to check your skin tone before each flash, and will only activate if it’s safe to do so.

Key specifications Power: Power supply Cordless: No Features: Two treatment modes and built-in skin sensors for safe and effective treatments What's in the box: SmoothSkin Bare+ Device, power supply, power cable, instructions Usage: Treatment regimen is ten minutes full body, once a week for 12 weeks Flashes: Unlimited

If you have a significant other at home who takes an interest in your grooming routine (read: tries to use your device whenever you're not looking), then consider this a hygienic IPL must-have.

A great price for a device you can share, it claims up to 92% hair reduction and cleans itself with blue LED light every time you pop it back into the storage case.

Power: 2 AAA Batteries, Power Adapter with UK Plug Cordless: Yes Features: Cleansing box for cleaning device with LED light What's in the box: Silk'n Glide Unisex 200,000 IPL Device, power adapter with UK plug, Silk'n cleansing box, storage case, cleaning cloth, two instruction manuals, two AAA Batteries Usage: 20-minute treatment repeated to specific treatment plan over weeks Flashes: 200,000

Ideal for using all over the body, this Braun IPL device also has a precision head for those hard-to-reach areas such as the face, underarms and bikini line.

It has an adaptive sensor that continuously reads your skin tone - which can vary across your body - and adapts its flash intensity for the best results. See results from twelve weeks onwards.

Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Three intensity levels, skin safety sensor What's in the box: Braun Silk-Expert Pro 3 PL3132, premium bag for storage, precision head, Venus razors Usage: Nine minute sessions over regular treatment plan Flashes: 300,000

Heads up. We've seen some incredibly positive reviews for this VERY affordable IPL device, AND it claims to give you the hair-free dream in just eight weeks.

With five energy levels and two flash modes, this device is designed for all skin sensitivity and treatment levels. Use the flash mode for precision on face and bikini and auto mode for large areas such as the legs, body and underarms. Easy.

Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Five energy levels and two flash modes What's in the box: SlkySmooth Professional IPL Hair Removal Device, beauty pouch, dermaplaner, razor, sunglasses, instructions, UK Plug Usage: Regular treatment plan Flashes: 999,999

There are LOTS of five star reviews for this device that promises to break that pesky cycle of hair regrowth - with 95% depilated growth after twelve weeks.

It has five energy levels suitable for different skin sensitivity and a versatile replaceable attachment design for customised treatment on each body area. Handy.

Power: Mains Cordless: No Features: Five energy levels and two flash modes What's in the box: VEME Professional IPL Hair Removal Device, Instructions Usage: Regular treatment plan