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The 6 Best IPL Hair Removal Devices for Smooth Skin
No ingrown hairs or stubble in sight.
I’ll tell you firsthand that laser hair removal can work wonders. As someone with dark, thick body hair who has tried nearly every form of hair removal—from depilatory creams to shaving, waxing, and sugaring—nothing has left me as smooth as my salon laser treatments. However, I won’t lie to you and say these haven’t put a significant dent in my wallet (for reference, a single Brazilian session has cost me upwards of $150). For a more affordable and reasonably effective alternative, consider investing in the best at-home IPL hair removal devices.
Although often referred to as a type of laser treatment, IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, isn’t technically a laser. While both methods use heat to destroy the hair follicle, each differs slightly in its approach and results. “IPL devices use a broad spectrum of light, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing the hair to heat up and eventually be destroyed,” explains dermatologist Dr. Cameron Rokhsar. “On the other hand, laser hair removal uses a single wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, producing a more targeted and precise effect.”
That said, IPL devices may be a better choice for you for various reasons. They tend to be significantly cheaper than at-home and salon laser treatments and can also cover larger areas of the body. “This can make them faster and more convenient for treating places like the legs, back, and chest,” says Dr. Rokhsar, who notes that many at-home options can still be used on smaller areas like the upper lip, cheeks, and bikini line, too. And because IPL isn’t quite as potent as laser technology, some people find IPL treatments to be an overall less painful experience.
Remember that, like lasers, IPL isn’t suited for all hair and skin types, and IPL devices won’t permanently remove hair. However, with consistency, you may experience noticeably thinner and fewer hairs over time.
To help you prepare for the skin-baring season, we did extensive research and found the 6 best IPL hair removal devices customers can’t stop raving about. Plus, we tapped Dr. Rokhsar and fellow dermatologist Dr. Kseniya Kobets for additional tips on how to use these devices safely.
Sam Peters is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Her writing has appeared in WWD, Footwear News, Real Simple, PopSugar and Bridal Guide, among others. She enjoys unpacking the latest trends and testing and reviewing some of the most innovative, emerging products on the market.
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