When it comes to tackling unwanted body hair, most people turn to either shaving or waxing as their main go-to methods for achieving smooth, hairless skin, as both tend to be easily accessible and effective. However, while both options can give you the results you desire, they also come with their fair share of downsides, and it’s hard to ignore how expensive a professional wax can be, or how quickly a razor can turn your body into a battlefield of nicks and irritation. This perpetual quest for a hair removal method that strikes the perfect balance between effectiveness, affordability, and minimal discomfort has led many to explore alternative avenues, and thanks to modern technology, you now have a plethora of at-home solutions that go beyond the traditional shaving and waxing rituals. One such option, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices, have quickly started to gain recognition for their long-lasting results and convenience, and if you’ve found yourself tired of costly waxes or painful shaving sessions, then these handy devices may be worth considering. 

Before jumping into the innovative world of at-home IPL hair removal, though, it’s important to understand exactly how these types of devices work, and what type of hair they are best for, so you can feel confident that you’re selecting the right solution for your unique needs. Thankfully, that’s exactly what this article is here to assist you with, and if you’ve been considering making the switch, but are a bit confused about the results you can expect to see, then this buying guide is the perfect starting point for you. Covering all of the ins and outs of these fancy, at-home laser hair removal devices, this guide will provide you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision, and will help you find the ideal model if you do decide that this is the right hair removal method for you.

How Does It Work?

If you’ve ever done some research into alternative hair removal methods, then you’ve likely come across laser hair removal as one of the most permanent solutions for achieving a smooth, silky appearance across multiple areas on your body. By effectively damaging the hair follicles through the use of a single, concentrated beam of light, laser hair removal can be a worthwhile choice when you don’t want to have to worry about on-going maintenance, or you want to reduce the thickness or appearance of unwanted hair. However, laser hair removal does require a series of sessions with a professional in order to achieve optimal results, and this makes it one of the most expensive hair removal methods, as well as a fairly big time commitment. This is where IPL devices have really stepped up to fill a gap in the market, and since they work off the same science and principles as traditional laser hair removal, they are able to offer you similar, long-lasting results, with the convenience of affordable, at-home treatments. 

During an IPL session, users will continuously move the handheld device across the target area for treatment, and this will produce broad-spectrum light energy that is then absorbed by the hair and turned into heat. All of this heat that you’re generating can then effectively damage the hair follicle and eventually prevent it from returning, and over time you should find that you’re able to achieve long-lasting results that truly delay the regrowth of unwanted hair for much longer than waxing or shaving is able to accomplish. Beyond its affordability and convenience, IPL devices also stand out for their user-friendly design, and they tend to be quite compact and portable so you can easily use them at home, or on the go. IPL is also a fairly painless experience for most people who choose this as their main method for eliminating unwanted body hair, and so long as your skin isn’t too sensitive, it can be used on most areas of the body without causing any discomfort or irritation. 

Who Is It Best For?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices are completely safe for use on a variety of skin tones and hair colors, making them a versatile and suitable option for a broad range of individuals. Unlike some traditional laser hair removal systems that may work only on individuals with lighter skin and darker hair due to the contrast needed for effectiveness, IPL devices are designed to emit a spectrum of light that can effectively target a wider range of pigments, and this is just one of the reasons why they have continued growing in popularity in recent years. With that said, your combination of skin tone and hair color can impact how drastic the overall results are, how long you can go between sessions, and even how painless it feels, and this is something you’ll want to take into consideration when browsing available models. 

For the absolute best results, a strong contrast between skin tone and hair color tends to be ideal, and this means individuals with darker hair will tend to experience more noticeable and effective results with IPL. If you happen to have very blond, gray, or even red hair then it may end up being less responsive, and while that doesn’t mean you can’t use an IPL device, you may have to use it more often or for longer. The reason for this is that the melanin in dark hair absorbs more light energy, allowing the IPL device to more effectively target the hair follicles, and the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin enhances the efficiency of the treatment. If you’re unsure about whether your unique sink and hair combo will work with a specific device, the best thing to do is to read through the manufacturer's information, as it will almost always state the recommended skin and hair types for optimal results. Additionally, many IPL devices come equipped with skin tone sensors that assess whether your skin is within the suitable range for the treatment, allowing you to know immediately if what you’ve purchased is a good fit for your body. 

Window Size

If you find that you are a good candidate for an at-home laser hair removal device, you’ll then need to spend some time researching available brands and models in order to settle on the right solution that will match your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming trying to determine which one is going to be the best fit, but one of the first factors you should focus on is the overall size and shape of the device. Each IPL device will have a built-in window which is where the broad-spectrum light will be emitted from, and the larger this window is, the more surface area it’s going to be able to tackle. For those hoping to finally put a stop to unwanted hair on body parts such as legs, arms, or the stomach region, a bigger window is going to be much more effective and much less time consuming, and will provide a more efficient and comfortable treatment experience.

However, if you’re planning on using your IPL device to target smaller or more delicate areas, such as the face, bikini line, or underarms, a smaller window size may be more appropriate and will prevent you from accidentally treating areas outside the desired treatment zone. In addition, smaller devices also tend to be the most cost-effective options, and although they can take longer to cover larger areas, they offer a level of precision that larger windows simply aren’t able to provide. When considering an IPL device, it's essential to evaluate your hair removal goals, the specific areas you wish to target, and your budget constraints in order to land on the right size for your situation, and this will enable you to make an informed decision that meets your hair removal needs effectively.

Number of Flashes

Each IPL device is able to produce a set number of targeted light flashes over the course of its lifespan, and the number of flashes is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an IPL device for hair removal. Typically ranging from a few thousand all the way up to nearly 1 million, there can be significant variation between all of the potential models that are available for purchase, and in order to ensure you don’t wind up disappointed with your results, this is something you’ll want to be aware of as you shop. To help you determine how many total flashes you think you are going to require to truly put a stop to the regrowth of your unwanted hair, you will first need to think about your treatment area and how many flashes are generally needed for a single session in that location. In general, larger treatment areas, such as the legs or back, may require more flashes per session than somewhere like the upper lip or bikini line, and as a general rule of thumb you should expect to utilize the following numbers per area:

As mentioned, these numbers refer solely to a single session, and in most cases, it will require multiple sessions in order to achieve optimal results over a long-period of time. This is why you should try and aim for a device that has at least 50,000 to 100,000 flashes in its lifespan to ensure it can accommodate your ongoing hair removal needs, and if it’s within your budget, then devices with over 999,999 will always be the most convenient for long-term use.

Accessories

When purchasing an at-home laser hair removal device, there is more than just the device itself to take into consideration, and most kits will also include a number of important accessories that can go a long way in making your sessions more comfortable, and safer. While these may vary from brand to brand, there are a few key essentials you’ll want to keep your eyes open for as you shop, and some of the most common accessories you’re likely to find beneficial during treatment will include:

Bottom Line

Here to revolutionize how you approach that unwanted body hair that you can never seem to truly eliminate, at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices offer a modern and effective solution for individuals seeking a more permanent hair removal method that is convenient and cost-effective. Bringing the power of targeted light energy to your fingertips, this easy-to-accomplish, at-home treatment option will finally help you achieve long-lasting smoothness all across your body, and you won’t have to spend a lot of time or money to make that happen. With a wide variety of models available on the market, each equipped with unique features and customizable options, finding the perfect fit for your needs has never been easier, and you can even opt for specialized devices that match your skin and hair tones perfectly. If you’re tired of outdated hair removal methods, and are ready to embrace a more innovative and modern approach, at-home IPL devices can be a true game-changer in your beauty routine, and are a worthwhile consideration if you want a convenient, efficient, and affordable alternative that puts you in control of your hair removal journey.