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
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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.
FAQs
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.
Do at home IPL devices really work? ›
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? ›
Additionally, IPL therapy may not be as effective against deep wrinkles or severe sun damage, necessitating multiple treatments for optimal results. Some patients have also reported temporary redness, itching, and swelling post-treatment, although these side effects typically subside within a few days.
How do I choose the best IPL? ›
A machine with an appropriate window size will let you treat the area quickly. Operational power (in Watts): The more power the machines use, the more effective they are. If the power is lower, then the treatment will take longer. A device with 2000 Watts or higher would be a good choice.
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.
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.
Are home IPL machines as good as salon? ›
Salons use a very high-intensity light for this procedure, which can be painful. Whereas, the flashes released by Philips Lumea are much gentler. However, both treatments give the same hair removal results. 100% permanent hair removal is highly unlikely, regardless of whether you use IPL at your home or at a salon.
Do you need eye protection for home IPL? ›
For any usage of IPL systems, the correct safety glasses can prevent biological harm.
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.
What happens if you use IPL too often? ›
Can you overuse at-home IPL? 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.
Pregnant women and people who are on blood thinners, for example, should avoid IPL. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include: currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane. having active acne.
Are there dangers to IPL? ›
Blistering and scarring are rare but potential side effects of IPL treatments, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.
Does IPL work on GREY hair? ›
Unfortunately the answer is no when it comes to grey/white hair and laser hair removal.
What is the lifespan of IPL device? ›
3) IPL devices are expensive and require maintenance
There's no need to buy replacement lamps or lotions to use with the device – and best of all, its average lifespan is 15 years, which means you'll be saving more and more as time passes.
Does IPL 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'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.
What is the most effective laser hair removal machine? ›
The Best Technology AND The Best Machine
- Alexandrite laser: Alexandrite lasers are very effective at removing dark hair on light skin. ...
- Nd:YAG laser: Nd:YAG lasers are safe for all skin tones, and they are effective at removing both light and dark hair.
If you're asking to use it on your nutz, just do it. Q: Can Nood be used to remove hair in the genital area? Yes, I do.
