What to look for in a at-home IPL / Laser Hair Removal handset (2024)

ipl

What to look for in a at-home IPL / Laser Hair Removal handset (1)

What to look for in a Laser hair removal handset

If you are planning to purchase an IPL Laser hair removal handset, here are a few useful tips to consider before you shortlist the brand.

  • The number of flashes: You can look for the number of flashes a product is offering. Each IPL machine comes with a set number of flashes it can provide. This will help you assess for how long will that product last. Roughly, the approximate number of pulses required to treat the following body areas once are:
    • upper lip - 25 pulses
    • underarm - 100 pulses
    • bikini line - 200 pulses
    • upper leg - 600 pulses
    • lower leg - 600 pulses

IPL devices give long-lasting results, but treatments need to be repeated over time to see permanent hair removal. You should keep in mind that the more flashes the device has, the higher its price will be.

  • Window size: The application window of an IPL device is the glass surface that will come in contact with the skin during the procedure. The wider the window is, the larger the area it is going to cover. You should choose the device based on the body parts you want to treat.
    • For treating the face, armpits, or bikini area, a device with a small window between 2 and 3 cm² will also work.
    • For treating larger areas, such as legs, back, torso, you would need a device with a wider window between 4 to 7cm². This will allow a fast and effective treatment session.
    • Some devices come with several window sizes, allowing you to change the window depending on the body area you are treating.

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.
    • Energy per Flash: The energy per flash of pulsed light epilators is expressed as Joules. This varies between 3 joules per cm² to 9 joules per cm². You need to identify your skin type to choose the right energy for you.
      • For thin and sensitive skin, a device with lower power (between 3 and 6 joules per cm²) would work.
      • For hard skin or one which is not sensitive and can withstand some amount of intense light energy, a more powerful IPL device would be preferred.
    • Power - Mains or battery-powered: An IPL machine can either be mains-powered, battery-powered, or have both power modes.
      • A mains-powered device offers high and constant power. However, a battery-powered device can sometimes not provide consistent power once the battery has been used for some time.
      • The wire in the mains-powered devices can be annoying at times. Especially, when treating sensitive areas (underarms or bikini areas).
    • Warranty: A machine with a manufacturer’s warranty would mean that you do not have to worry about any manufacturing defects that you come across in that period covered by the warranty. You can probably check this for each of the products you are considering and choose the one with the longest warranty. EvenSkyn’s, at-home IPL machine, the Pulsar is one of the best IPL Laser hair removal devices in the market currently. The Pulsar comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
    • Device shape: A device with a compact design makes it easy to reach the difficult to access areas (bikini areas or the curves of the armpits).
    • Variable settings to work on different skin tones and body parts: You should choose a device that works on your skin and hair tone. It should allow you to adjust energy levels depending upon the type of skin you have and also the body area that you are treating. Bikini line hairs tend to be thicker than the hairs on the arms or legs.


    • Safe and effective: Try to read the customer reviews and ratings before you buy the device. The more the number of (positive) reviews means the more the number of people who trusted it, bought it, and are happy with it.The safety and efficacy of IPL devices has been established via various clinical trials. For instance, in a multicenter clinical study, 34 individuals showed no long-term complications after receiving three sessions of at-home IPL hair removal treatment. In another study, all 20 users showed a positive clinical response to self-administered IPL treatment at-home, with reduction of unwanted hair. Hair counts were observed to be reduced from approximately 38% to 54%, 6 months after the last of the three treatments.
    • Appropriate accessories: The IPL device should provide you the necessary accessories in the kit. Especially the eye goggles that you would need to cover your eyes with to protect them from the Laser light pulses.
    • Original Product: Try to order your device from a trusted website or store so the device is original. Sometimes, a product may look original from the outside but if not purchased through a proper channel it may contain duplicate parts inside.
    • The price: The price is an important factor to consider, but you must remember that an entry-level IPL device may not have the same features or qualities as that of a high-end IPL device. However, it is also not necessary that the best device for you is the most expensive one.

    Sources:

    1. https://www.hairvogue.in/ipl-hair-removal-handset/
    2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/laser-hair-removal-at-home
    3. https://www.one-glide.com/blogs/campaign/top-things-to-look-for-to-choose-the-right-portable-ipl-hair-removal-handset-for-you
    4. https://careandcream.com/how-to-choose-the-right-home-ipl-hair-removal-device/
    5. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g30853233/best-ipl-devices/
    6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19401905/
    7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19292837/
    8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17659582/
    9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19396717/

    Reading next

    Cost of Laser Hair Removal: Cosmetic Clinic vs At-Home

    Permanent hair removal with Intense Pulsar Light (IPL) and why it's superior to electrolysis, shaving, or waxing

    Leave a comment

    All comments are moderated before being published.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    What to look for in a at-home IPL / Laser Hair Removal handset (2024)

    FAQs

    What to look for in a at-home IPL / Laser Hair Removal handset? ›

    Efficacy. Long-Term Reduction: Home IPL devices offer long-term hair reduction. With consistent use, they can significantly reduce hair growth over time. Traditional methods provide temporary results, requiring frequent maintenance.

    Does IPL hair removal handset work? ›

    Efficacy. Long-Term Reduction: Home IPL devices offer long-term hair reduction. With consistent use, they can significantly reduce hair growth over time. Traditional methods provide temporary results, requiring frequent maintenance.

    Which IPL device is best? ›

    Our testers found the Ulike Air 3 to be the best overall IPL device. While this newer model comes with only 3 power settings, its top-notch cooling (thanks to the use of sapphire crystal) allows you to use the highest setting in sensitive areas effectively.

    Are home IPL devices any good? ›

    The substandard heat being delivered to the hair using these home devices does cause some damage to the hair in the short term, however what we see eventually occurring is that what was once thick, dark and course hair (which is perfect for treatments with a targeted laser for example for maximum results) is now finer ...

    How do I choose the intensity of IPL hair removal? ›

    Make test flashes

    Different body areas may have different sensitivity and skin colour. So make sure that you do the skin test on every area that you wish to treat and choose the settings accordingly. If the treatment feels uncomfortable, reduce the intensity. The treatment should not feel painful at any time.

    How do I choose a good IPL hair removal device? ›

    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.

    What are the disadvantages of an IPL hair removal device? ›

    Does IPL Hair Removal Hurt?
    • 1) It won't work on dark skin tones. ...
    • 2) IPL hair removal isn't permanent. ...
    • 3) IPL devices are expensive and require maintenance. ...
    • 4) You cannot opt for IPL in the summer.

    Which IPL is better, Braun or Philips? ›

    The best IPL and laser devices for 2024 are:

    Best IPL machine overall – Philips lumea IPL 9000 series: £345.71, Amazon.co.uk. Best corded IPL machine – Braun silk expert pro 5 IPL machine: £425, Argos.co.uk.

    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 you use IPL on pubic hair? ›

    IPL hair removal is a progressive treatment that offers full body hair removal - but you can use IPL to treat separate areas, such as your arms, legs, or pubic area, depending on your individual needs. When using IPL, you'll hold a flashgun device that delivers a spectrum of light to the skin.

    Do you need eye protection for home IPL? ›

    For this reason, it is recommended to use IPL-specific laser glasses that are designed to protect against the intense brightness of the light emitted by IPL lasers.

    Can you overuse a at home IPL? ›

    We know you're SO excited to experience permanent hair removal, but we do not recommend using your device more than twice per week. Using IPL every day may result in irritation – and it won't work as well, anyway!

    Can home IPL cause more hair growth? ›

    IPL treatment does not cause hair to regrow any quicker, despite what the myth may have you believe.

    Does IPL leave stubble? ›

    What happens to stubble after laser hair removal treatment? After laser hair removal treatment, the treated area may look and feel like it has stubble. This is a typical response to laser treatment. The hair follicles are still present, but the hair is damaged and falls out over time.

    Is my hair too light for IPL? ›

    IPL permanent hair removal works on brown, dark blonde, dark brown, or black hair – but using the same treatment on very blonde, red, or white hair won't be effective at all.

    Why can't you use IPL on dark skin? ›

    IPL does not use real laser technology and should never be used on darker skin tones. The IPL can't differentiate between pigment in the hair and the skin, leading to burns, blisters, and discoloration. The GentleMax Pro at Milan Laser uses two lasers — the Alexandrite for lighter skin and the Nd:YAG for darker skin.

    Do IPL devices permanently remove hair? ›

    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.

    Do handheld laser hair removal work? ›

    At-home laser hair removal is a viable option for unwanted hair maintenance, but it's not always effective and doesn't guarantee long-lasting results. If you want a laser treatment, you should only trust the professionals who can provide safer and more effective hair removal results.

    Does home IPL work on pubic hair? ›

    Can you use IPL on bikini areas? First things first, let's answer a pressing question: can you use IPL on the bikini area safely? Yes, you can! That is, as long as you have a device, like the Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series, that has a specific attachment designed to work with the contours of this area of your body.

    What happens if you use IPL too often? ›

    IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you can irritate your skin.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6220

    Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

    Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

    Birthday: 1996-01-14

    Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

    Phone: +3571286597580

    Job: Product Banking Analyst

    Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

    Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.