Best IPL Machines & Laser Hair Removal Devices 2024

Once the exclusive domain of clinics, IPL and laser hair removal treatments can now be performed in the comfort of your own home thanks to a range of innovative DIY devices that make permanent hair removal easier than ever.

For those of us who prefer a hair-free finish, finding the best hair removal method for you and your body can be a game of trial and error. Shaving is definitely the most convenient method, but its effects are short-lived, not to mention the ingrown hairs, razor burn, and bloody cuts that come with it.

IPL and lasers eliminate these side effects and offer a long-term solution to hair removal. The only downside is that the devices are expensive, so you have to factor in the upfront expense. However, think of it as an investment, as it will likely be modest compared to the decades of shaving, waxing, and even salon visits you’ll save on. Not to mention, it’s much more convenient.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Simply put, these portable devices send out pulses of light that target the melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair its color) in the hair follicle. The light energy is converted into heat, immobilizing the hair and stimulating it into a resting phase. This in turn inhibits regrowth by interrupting the hair growth cycle, so body hair grows back thinner, sparser, and in some cases, not at all.

IPL devices are safe to use on the entire body, even the pubic area, and some are suitable for use on parts of the face. For IPL to be effective, you should shave before use, if the hair is too long it can burn, but you should not wax or epilate, as some hair needs to be there for the light to target.

There are generally two methods for using an IPL device: gliding or stamping. Gliding the device across the skin while it emits light—similar to a camera flash—is best for larger areas of the body. For areas where precision is required, stamping works better, where you press the device against the skin and aim and take a picture.

While each IPL device works slightly differently, consistency is key. Most require multiple sessions, often weekly for 12 weeks, but each session lasts a few minutes. You can expect to see some reduction in body hair the more you use it, but you will need follow-up sessions for maintenance.

Both hair removal technologies use wavelengths of light to reach the melanin and break down hair follicles. However, IPL uses a broad spectrum that spreads the energy, while laser uses a single wavelength, making it more powerful and resulting in longer-lasting, more permanent hair removal.

Before investing in an IPL device, it is important to check the brand’s website to see if the flash is right for you, as not all devices work on all hair and skin colours. IPL hair removal works well on dark blonde, brown and black body hairs because they contain a type of pigment known as melanin, which absorbs the light from the device. Blonde, grey, white or red body hairs do not contain enough melanin for IPL to work.

Although IPL works on most skin tones, it is not suitable for use on darker skin tones. This is because dark skin is rich in melanin and the energy from the devices can cause discoloration and, in severe cases, burns.

It depends on your pain tolerance. At worst, both treatments feel like a rubber band squeezing, which you get used to quickly, but in most cases it’s more of a warm, tingling sensation.

Our tester is an experienced beauty editor who has been reviewing IPL and laser devices for many years and loves getting her hands on the latest releases.

To summarize below, we tested each one for ease of setup, use, and results. We also checked the number of light flashes, which indicates the lifespan of each device. For example, 400,000 flashes of the Braun equate to 22 years of full-body treatments.

Shop the best IPL hair removal devices below