13 best laser hair removal machines & IPL devices 2023, according to experts

"Laser technology is based on a single, concentrated wavelength that precisely penetrates the skin. The light from the laser goes through the melanin (the pigment that colours your hair) in the hair into the root. The light converts to heat and destroys the hair follicle and hair bulb to prevent future growth. Laser treatments are carried out either in salons or by dermatologists and require top-up maintenance sessions.

“IPL on the other hand can be carried out either in salon or in the comfort of your own home with a product like Philips Lumea," Chloé continued. "IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is made up of a wide spectrum of light, and can treat larger areas at a time vs a laser." IPL also uses lower energy levels in comparison to full laser treatments, so it takes a little longer to work.

“At-home IPL kits do not come with goggles but can differ for each device, which indicates how low the light technology is compared to in-clinic laser hair removal,” Barbara added.

“With IPL technology, pulses of light are applied to the skin and are absorbed by the roots of hair in the 'growing' phase,” Chloé said. “This light is absorbed by the melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation in the hair. This light energy becomes warm and stimulates the hair follicle to go into a resting phase, which causes hair to naturally shed and inhibits regrowth. As only the hairs in the growth stage are treated this way, a few sessions are required to target all the hairs to reach the required results.”

Repeated use of this technique means that, over time, regrowth is reduced. Even when it does grow back in the early days of treatment, it will grow back at a significantly slower rate. You can use IPL technology to banish hair on your legs, bikini line and in smaller areas like your underarms.

Yes, at-home laser hair removal devices tend to be safe. Take the Philips Lumea, for example. “It has been designed and developed with dermatologists and leading skin scientists. It has a number of in-built safety mechanisms, and when used correctly shouldn't have any implications to the skin health.”

The biggest risk with cheaper devices is scarring – though the best way to avoid this is to avoid zapping sensitive skin, avoid using the treatment for facial hair or over your neck, and do a patch testing on a small area before committing to your larger areas like your legs. Beginners are advised to wait for three-four weeks post-patch test to make sure you experience no side effects.

When you start using an IPL hair removal device, you should add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your whole-body skincare routine, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Also, avoid anything that can irritate your skin like deodorant, hot showers, scented body lotions and perfumes for at least 24 hours after a zap.

Does laser hair removal hurt?

IPL is widely considered to be one of the most pain-free hair removal methods, but this ultimately depends on you and the device you're using. Nowadays, many laser hair removal devices has built-in cooling technologies, which makes those quick bursts of light as painless as possible. Naturally, you should also always look to start off on the lowest settings possible to see how you react.

Sadly, IPL devices don't work on all skin and hair types. “Hair colours and skin tone influence how suitable IPL treatment will be on an individual level, meaning that it won't be for everyone,” Chloé told us. "IPL is most effective when there is a greater contrast between the hair colour and skin tone.” Individuals with fairer skin and dark hair have a greater contrast meaning more of the light will be absorbed by the hair rather than the skin.

As with all other IPL based treatments, this light energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. When there is not enough melanin present in the hair, for example in light blonde, white or grey hair, then IPL will not work. Equally, red hair has a different type of melanin present, which cannot absorb the light so again is not suitable for IPL treatment. IPL treatments are also not recommended for those with the darkest of dark skin tones."

IPL and laser can cause skin discolouration in dark skin if the wrong type of machine is used. In fact, when there is little to no contrast between the hair and the skin, your skin will absorb the light which converts to heat and causes pain, blisters and burns. Ouch.

Firstly, “the area must be cleanly shaved within 24 hours prior to the treatment," Barbara told us. “Electric razors are not recommended as the hair is typically left too long. And do not tweeze, wax, or pluck the area being treated between or prior to sessions. Only shave the area."

“Fake tanning products cannot be used for three-four weeks prior to treatment; the area should be thoroughly exfoliated to remove all residues,” Barbara added.

Anything else? Avoid skincare products that can be irritating, such as retinal or brightening ingredients and acidic cleansers prior to your treatment.

After more hair removal content? Head this way for face shavers for women, shaving cream for women and face wax strips. For more from Glamour UK Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx. And for more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.