The best at-home laser hair removal has long been a bit of an enigma for those interested in at-home IPL. Now we'd like to clarify one thing before we myth-bust the best IPL hair removal. Body hair is a beautiful thing, we're not saying everyone should want to get rid of it. How we own our body hair is just as personal as how we cut, style and colour the hair on our head.
Some of us may want to let it grow free, some may be 100% satisfied with shaving areas, and some may be passionate advocates of the best epilators and can stand the pain (brave soldiers). We celebrate every body hair preference and in this story, get to the bottom of the best home-use laser hair removal conundrum for those who are curious. But first of all - what is the difference between IPL and laser?
We spoke to body hair expert and founder of Bondi Body, Trish Coulton about the two different methods of hair removal: IPL vs Laser. She explained, 'IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser hair removal are both methods for long-term hair reduction, but differ in technology and effectiveness. IPL uses broad-spectrum light, which is less targeted and generally works best on people with light skin and dark hair. It tends to be less painful and more affordable, especially with at-home devices. Although more sessions are required, they’re much quicker than laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses concentrated light for more precise targeting, making it more effective for a wider range of skin tones and hair types. It typically requires fewer sessions, but it can be more painful and expensive per session and can cause more post-treatment sensitivity and redness while requiring very careful aftercare (including avoiding sun exposure).
IPL is a good option for those seeking a less intense and more budget-friendly approach, while laser hair removal generally provides longer-lasting results with less regrowth over time. Laser treatments are often more suitable for individuals with darker skin or coarser hair, especially with advanced lasers designed for varying skin tones. Both methods can achieve long-term hair reduction, but the decision lies in your budget, skin type, and hair colour.' Indeed, we’ve tested a range of at-home laser and IPL devices on the UK market for you below.
Grazia's Best At-Home Laser and IPL Hair Removal Devices 2024, At A Glance
Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device: E-One Clinic Permanent Hair Removal Device, £1,535 on CurrentBody
Best At-Home IPL Hair Removal Device: Philips Lumea Series 8000, £399.99 on Amazon
Best Pain-Free At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device: FOREO Peach 2, £362 on Cult Beauty
Best Affordable At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device: Sensica Sensilight Yang IPL Hair Removal, £143 on LookFantastic
Best For All Skin Tones: Smoothskin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, £195 on CurrentBody
Best For Fast Results: SmoothSkin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Device, £149 on CurrentBody
Best For Full Body: SENSILIGHT PRO Cordless Permanent IPL Hair Removal Device, £295 on Amazon
Best For Face: Ulike Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device, £369 on Ulike
Best For Intimate Areas: Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5, £349.99 on Amazon
Best For Travel: Sensica Sensilight Mini 300K Pulses Device, £149.25 on LookFantastic
Best For Sensitive Areas: V2 Laser @ Home - Laser Hair Removal Handset, £259 on Bondi Body
If you have sensitive skin, look out for devices that specifically cater to sensitive or fragile skin, such as the Ulike Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device. This is the single most important factor to consider - but the second is considering how thick your hair is. This will determine the strength of machinery you need, as well as how many pulses you need the device to have to tackle your growth rate.
How We Tested The Best Laser and IPL Machines
Each of our beauty editors has tested out various laser and IPL devices over the course of six months to a year and has noted down the process and results. Key questions we sought to answer with each machine were, how long the hair took to grow back, the pain levels, and overall how effectively deterred hair growth over a longer period of time. Extra factors that helped us grade the laser and IPL devices were whether they were ergonomic to hold, what extra features they had, and whether they worked on a variety of skin tones and hair types.
Your skin tone and hair colour do make a difference when it comes to the effectiveness of at-home laser hair removal. Remember that the focus of the laser is directed to the root of the hair because of the colour of the hair. The greater the difference between your skin colour and your hair colour the more effective at-home laser hair removal will be for you. Unfortunately, those with dark skin or red, light blonde or grey hairs are discouraged from using an IPL or laser device. Dark skin has an increased amount of melanin in the skin, which means it can absorb more than the safe amount of light. However, some devices are specially designed to be suitable for most skin tones, such as the Smoothskin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device, although this is still unsafe for Type VI skin, AKA deep brown. Those with red, light blonde or grey hair follicles don't have enough melanin to make it worth using.
If you're looking to get started in your at-home laser hair removal journey - you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the best laser hair removal devices, plus all your burning FAQs.
Shop: The Best At-Home Laser and IPL Hair Removal Devices 2024
Best Overall At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
currentbodywww.currentbody.com
Looking for the be-all-and-end-all of at-home laser hair removal? This is the first clinic-level IPL treatment for home use, delivering serious results from the very first treatment. You'll only need to treat your body once every 6-8 weeks, with full results after 10-12 treatments. It can be used all over the body and will work on most hair colours, but isn't suitable for very deep skin tones, or white, grey and red hairs. Our editors believe it is a truly life-changing device.
Pros
- You can customise your intensity level, hair thickness, gender and skin colour
- It's so good that you might end up only using it once a year for touch-ups
- Even blonde hairs can be removed thanks to powerful E-One light
- The optical cartridge window is bigger than all devices on the market, meaning treatments take half the time
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- Not suitable for very deep skin tones or white, grey or red hairs
| Laser Type | IPL |
| Flashes | 3,000 |
| Intensity Settings | 6 |
| Suitable For | Body, bikini, underarms and face |
| Battery Type | Plug |
- Large cartridge window for quicker treatments
- Protective eyewear and special gel included
- 3,000 powerful flashes
- Six power levels
- Permanent and immediate results
Best At-Home IPL Hair Removal Device
amazonThis top-rated IPL device from Phillips is the real MVP when it comes to at-home laser hair removal - it's also the one that most likely pops into your head when you think of at-home treatments. We had up to six months of hair-free smoothness, which is exactly what it says on the tin. Complete with a SmartSkin Sensor that will indicate the most comfortable setting for your skin tone, it promises up to 92 per cent hair reduction after just three treatments and we found it super easy to use.
Grazia's review from Products Writer Ruby Barry: 'I found the Philips Lumea a very reliable and effective IPL device, if used on a regular basis (add sessions into your calendar, trust me it helps you remember). It takes around 15-20 minutes to do my legs, which is mainly what I use the device for. I do my bikini line too, and whilst it can get a little hot, it is never painful.'
Pros
- Comes with four specially designed attachments to tackle the upper lip, arm, armpit, back and bikini hair
- We found it to keep the hair at bay for six months
- Philips free app can take you through the sessions one step at a time
- The device comes with a travel bag and an additional Satin Compact Pen Trimmer
Cons
- We found it difficult to travel with due to its bulky design
- Not suitable for very deep skin tones or white, grey or red hairs
| Laser Type | IPL |
| Flashes | 450,000 |
| Intensity Settings | 5 |
| Suitable For | Body, face, bikini and underarms |
| Battery Type | Plug |
- More than 400k flashes
- FDA approved
- Five energy levels
- Skin tone sensor
Best Pain-Free At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
cult beautywww.cultbeauty.co.uk
The FOREO Peach 2 is a powerful at-home IPL device that means business. Painless and quick, the extra-large treatment window means you can cover large areas really quickly. With 120 flashes per minute and two modes to choose from, it bends naturally with the curves of your body for a comfortable hair removal experience. It's suitable for all hair below the cheekline and works best on naturally black or brown hair. With the cooling gel, built-in skin cooling system and smart app, we think it's a top-tier product. Our editors found this device painless, and it was a quick go around the body. They went on to say how happy they were with the results.
Pros
- We found this to be the most pain-free experience, and ergonomic to hold
- Self-adjusting to curve to the contours of the body
- Gliding and stamping modes allow for smaller or larger areas to be covered
- FOREO app can take you through the sessions one step at a time
Cons
- We found the device needs time to cool down if you're using for more than 15 minutes
| Laser Type | IPL |
| Flashes | 500,000 |
| Intensity Settings | 5 |
| Suitable For | Body, face, bikini and underarms |
| Battery Type | Plug |
- 10-minute full-body treatment
- Blows cool air onto the skin during treatment
- T-Sonic massage dilates pores for better results
- 120 flashes per min
Best Affordable At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device
www.lookfantastic.com
The lightweight, ergonomic Sensica Sensilight Yang is easy to use and can be used on Fitzpatrick skin tones I-V, working best on dark hair on light skin. Sensica's patented RPL™ technology produces one flash every three seconds for quick, effective results. It works well on larger body areas as well as more precise ones. It feels great in the hand, isn't painful to use and you can tackle your whole leg in a matter of minutes. Our editors said that there's been a 'clear improvement on the legs, arm and bikini line' and that use was painless.
Pros
- Compact device
- Works perfectly on larger body areas
Cons
- Can be time-consuming
Best For All Skin Tones
currentbodywww.currentbody.com
As you can tell from our expert commentary above, it is difficult to find an IPL device that'll work on a wide range of skin tones. Whilst a majority of laser devices work best on light skin with very dark hairs, the SmoothSkin Pure Fit IPL Hair Removal Device has Smart Skin Sensing technology, making for a personalised treatment. This technology continuously measures your skin tone at over 80 times per second, adjusting the power to your skin tone.
Pros
- Smart Skin Sensing technology makes this device safe for the skin up to shade Type V (brown dark)
- We marked visible results in two weeks and SmoothSkin promises a 99% hair reduction in 12 weeks
- This device has unlimited flashes, which is a unique feature we haven't seen in other IPLs
- As well as 10 intensity settings, it has three modes to choose from; Gentle mode, Speed mode and Standard mode
Cons
- This device is still not safe for those with Type VI (brown deep)
- We found results can be patchy at first, with more spread-out results the longer you use
| Laser Type | IPL |
| Flashes | Unlimited |
| Intensity Settings | 10 |
| Suitable For | Body, face, bikini and underarms |
| Battery Type | Plug |
- Smart Skin Sensing technology
- Unlimited flashes
- 10 intensity settings
- 3 modes
Best For Fast Results
www.currentbody.com
The SmoothSkin Bare+ will give you one of the quickest treatment times - it flashes 100 times a minute and with unlimited flashes, it means you could do your whole body in just 10 minutes. It can be used almost anywhere on the body and has built-in skin sensors and UV protection to keep you safe. As with most IPL devices, it works best on light skin tones with dark hair, and results are noticeable within four weeks.
Pros
- Clinically proven to provide 92% of hair reduction
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Is currently out of stock
Best For Full Body
amazonPiper tried the Sensica IPL and is happy so far... She especially loves that it's virtually pain-free - but effective. Thanks to the Continuous Glide Mode and Great Control, she can tackle her hair removal with no hitches. She's very determined to remove some of her hair growth permanently - and trusts the Sensica Pro to help along this journey. She's not the most patient person ever, but she's glad it's so easy to use (cordless - what a dream!) and hold. She can already see some results...
Best For Intimate Areas
Braun's Silk Expert IPL device is clinically tested and dermatologically accredited, and is ideal for every part of the body. It cleverly reads your skin tone and adapts each flash accordingly, to provide safe, effective hair removal within just four weeks. This device flashes every 0.5 seconds to provide extra coverage. Many reviewers are thrilled with the way this device glides over the skin and the results it leaves. One even said that they saw a difference after a month which surprised them as they have naturally dark hair.
Pros
- Multiple heads included for different areas of the body
- Completed full body session in 15 minutes
Cons
- Non cordless design
- Recommended by Skin Health Alliance
- Smart IPL with SensorAdaptTM skin sensor
- 10 intensity levels
- Suitable for men and women
- Results in four weeks
- Suitable for light to medium skin tones
- Suitable for natural blonde to dark brown or black hair
Bondi Bodybondi-body.com
If you're after a device that does it all, look no further than Bondi Body's recent V2 Laser addition. Not only is it super easy to use, the results show for themselves. Outside of the obvious painless hair removal, the device also strives to rejuvenates skin, reducing pigmentation, sun spots, and veins. It also cleverly has eight intensity settings meaning it's the perfect device for smaller (more awkwardly positioned) areas.
Pros
- Great for sensitive areas
- Highly targeted due to different intensity settings
Cons
- Sale won't last forever!
FAQs
What's The Difference Between IPL and Laser Hair Removal?
Speaking to Dr Hassan Galadari, an expert dermatologist at Galadari Clinic, she explained that 'IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser hair removal are both popular methods for long-term hair reduction, but they work in slightly different ways. IPL uses broad-spectrum light, which means it emits multiple wavelengths that spread across a larger area of skin. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses a focused beam of light that targets hair follicles more precisely. Because laser treatment is more concentrated, it’s often considered more effective for deeper hair removal and may require fewer sessions. IPL is sometimes seen as more versatile, as it can be used not only for hair removal but also for skin treatments like Lumecca Peak IPL, which targets pigmentation, redness, and sun damage. Both methods damage the hair follicle, reducing regrowth, but laser hair removal tends to work faster and may give longer-lasting results, particularly on coarser hair.'
Whether the laser removal process occurs at a laser hair removal clinic or at home, the process is the same. The laser hair removal device emits a light that targets the hair. The light is absorbed by the pigment of each hair, that's why the laser goes straight to the hair and doesn't have any effect on the skin surrounding it. Once absorbed by the hair the light is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle.
The hair follicle is part of your skin which is responsible for producing the hair, and when it is damaged, especially repeatedly (ie. with multiple laser hair removal sessions) it ceases to produce the hair any longer. That's how permanent hair removal occurs. The difference between in-clinic laser hair removal and at-home laser hair removal is in the strength of the laser. At-home laser hair removal devices have a weaker laser, but the plus point is that you have the ability to use it multiple times.
Are Home IPL And Laser Hair Removal Devices Safe?
Dr Hassan Galadari advises 'Home IPL and laser hair removal devices have become increasingly popular, and when used correctly, they are generally safe. These devices are designed to be user-friendly and come with safety features like skin tone sensors to ensure that the treatment is safe for your skin type. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid skin irritation, burns, or uneven results. Home devices tend to be less powerful than professional treatments, so they may take longer to achieve the desired results, but they offer a convenient, cost-effective alternative. If you have concerns about skin sensitivity or darker skin tones, it’s always best to consult a professional before using these devices.' In terms of pain levels, when we're talking about the weaker lasers used in at-home laser hair removal devices you're likely to feel a slight warming sensation but nothing more. The sensation is stronger during in-clinic laser hair removal sessions because the laser is stronger, but they're never going to rival waxing or epilation in the pain stakes.
How Do You Use A Laser Hair Removal Device At Home?
Your first port of call should always be the instruction manual of your IPL device. How devices work varies, you need to know what the display means, what each button does, how to charge it up, and how to control the strength of the laser.
Follow your device instructions to the letter. In general, you need to shave the area you are targeting before you use your IPL device on it. Dr Hassan Galadari emphasises that 'first, make sure the area you’re treating is clean and dry. Shave the area before using the device, as this allows the light or laser to target the hair follicle without interference from the hair above the skin.' This will make for much more efficient results. It's also quite convenient right? No need for a regrowth period between sessions like waxing requires.
Galadari continues, 'Most devices come with adjustable settings based on your skin tone and hair colour—choose the correct one to avoid irritation. Glide the device over the treatment area, applying pulses of light or laser energy. You’ll need to repeat this process every few weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle. Results can take a few sessions, and consistency is key to seeing long-term hair reduction.'
What To Consider When Buying An IPL Or Laser Hair Removal Device?
Dr Hassan Galadari concludes 'When choosing an IPL or laser hair removal device for home use, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, ensure the device is suitable for your skin tone and hair colour, as some devices are more effective on certain skin tones. Many devices now include built-in sensors that adjust the intensity based on your skin tone. Consider the treatment area—some devices are better suited for larger areas like legs, while others are designed for smaller, sensitive areas like the bikini line or face. Battery life or corded options can also affect your choice, as well as whether the device offers cooling features to reduce discomfort. Lastly, look for devices that have been clinically tested and approved for safety. Reading reviews can give you a better idea of how effective and user-friendly the device is for different people.'
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Grazia, specialising in fashion and beauty. She has tested many IPL and laser hair removal devices over her time on the team, and has written beauty content reviews for Grazia for the past three years. She also loves finding dupes for clothes worn in TV & film and is currently binge-watching Succession.