IPL hair removal in the test: These are the 9 best devices for treatment at home

An important tip:If you are buying a new device or it is your first product of this kind, you should carefully test it on a non-sensitive area of ​​the body while wearing safety glasses and see how you react. Redness is normal, but if it persists for a long time or the skin shows any kind of irritation, stop immediately and it is best to have it checked by a dermatologist. “Better safe than sorry” is ALWAYS our mantra here.

What risks and side effects are there?

The first “risk” – as with so many beauty treatments – of laser hair removal is definitely: it is not for everyone. Both skin and hair type are crucial. The ideal combination is light skin and dark hair because the contrast between the two is very strong, which makes it easy for the laser to detect the melanin and weaken the hair root using the light pulse.

Conversely, this means that particularly light hair colors likeorcannot be captured well because the melanin is missing here. The same applies to people with dark skin, where unfortunately it can be more time-consuming, but not impossible.

moles, freckles,and piercings must be unconditionally avoided during treatment, whether in a professional setting or at home. So please be particularly careful here.

It is also worth mentioning that although IPL technology is a successful solution, it is not always a perfect solution. The treatment does not work the same for everyone, and all hair will almost never disappear.

What do dermatologists say about IPL hair removal?

Dermatologist Maja Hofmann spoke at Stiftung Warentest in June 2021on the subject of IPL treatments and confirms that hair removal is not “forever”: “You achieve a reduction in hair growth, but not the general absence of new hair.” There is a lack of scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of home devices. In general, doctors recommend that the treatment be supervised by a doctor. TheÄrztezeitungwarns against improper handling and recommends a specialist check and diagnosis. It is important that diseases such as skin cancer and excessive hair growth due to illness can be ruled out. But once everything is clarified, you can get started and start your relaxing home treatment!

Which is the best IPL device? Our 9 favorites in comparison

1. Best smart IPL device: “Braun Smart IPL Skin i·expert PL7147”

Light impulse:The number of light pulses per second automatically adapts to the individual skin tone
Settings:3, which are individually adapted to the device
Wireless?And
Suitable for:All areas of the body
Tested by:Leona Ullmann, Affiliate Beauty Editor

Why we love it:This device is considered the world's first smart IPL tool, for several reasons: During use, the device performs continuous skin control. This means: Beforehand, the IPL device checks whether the skin and hair are the “suitable” color for the treatment. Meanwhile, the intelligent skin sensor scans the skin tone and adjusts the intensity. “I think it's particularly smart that the application is accompanied by the app. “So I can monitor my treatment, create my own appointment calendar and track my progress,” saysLeona Ullmann.

• Advantages:User-friendly thanks to the associated app, IPL technology that automatically adapts to the skin tone
• Disadvantages:A little painful at first, but it goes away with time

2. Best IPL machine with a moving head: “Silk'n 7”

Light impulse:Up to 120 per minute
Settings:6 adjustable angles and 3 attachments
Wireless?No
Suitable for:All areas of the body
Tested by:Nhi Nguyen, Affiliate Marketing Coordinator

Why we love it: Nhi Nguyensays: “The device feels very high quality, is easy to use, and the various settings for changing the angle are also a plus point in terms of handling. Since I have very fine but dark hair, I had a little doubt at first, but it works quite well on a medium setting. What's great is that it has an 'eye protection function', meaning that a pulse and flash are only triggered when it comes into full contact with the skin. For me as a beginner, the operating instructions were very understandable, and the case itself also looks very high quality.”

• Advantages:Includes three attachments, case and razor, complete session in 7 minutes
• Disadvantages:Takes up a lot of space and is not wireless

3. Best Laser Device for Home: “Laser Hair Removal Device” by CurrentBody Skin

Light impulse:Not specified
Settings:6 settings
Wireless?No
Suitable for:Full body treatments, excluding the face, jaw or neck
Tested by:Sarah Riechwald, Junior Photo & Visual Content Editor

Why we love it:Integrated cooling technology ensures painless hair removal - even in the most sensitive areas. Because the laser window is relatively large, you can theoretically treat the entire body with the device within 15 minutes.Sarah Riechwaldparticularly appreciates the ease of handling and the fact that the laser is automatically triggered when it comes into direct contact with the skin, meaning that conventional safety glasses are not necessary. “The feeling is generally less painful than with other laser devices,” she says.

• Advantages:“Ice Cooling Technology” for a pleasant treatment, lasting results
• Disadvantages:Relatively expensive compared to other devices