At-Home IPL Hair Removal Device

Salon-style IPL, done on your own sofa.

A handheld intense pulsed light device for legs, arms, underarms and the bikini line. It works over repeated sessions rather than one visit, which is the trade-off for doing it at home.

What it does

• Targets the pigment in the hair. Light is absorbed by melanin in the follicle, which is why it works best on dark hair against lighter skin.
• Adjustable energy levels. Five settings for different areas and sensitivities. Start low on the face and bikini line.
• Built-in skin sensor. Reads the area before it fires, so you are not guessing at the right level.
• Cordless and rechargeable. No cable to work around when you are reaching the back of a calf.

How to use

1. Shave the area first. Do not wax, pluck or epilate — IPL needs the root in place to work on. Clean and dry the skin afterwards.
2. Patch test. One pulse on a small area, then wait 24 hours before doing more. Every time you move to a new body part, test again.
3. Start on the lowest setting and work up only if it is comfortable.
4. Work in a grid. Press flat to the skin, pulse, move to the next patch without overlapping. Overlapping is what causes burns.
5. Repeat weekly for the first 8 to 12 weeks, then monthly to maintain. Hair grows in cycles, so a single session does very little.
6. Moisturise afterwards and keep the area out of the sun. Sunscreen the next day.

Read this before you buy

IPL does not work on everyone, and we would rather say so now than refund you later.

• It does not work on white, grey, red or very light blonde hair. There is no pigment for the light to target. This is a limitation of the technology, not this device.
• It is not suitable for very dark skin. The light targets melanin, and on deeply pigmented skin it can cause burns and pigment changes.
• Never use it around the eyes, on the eyebrows, or anywhere on genitals.
• Avoid if you are pregnant, have a tattoo or mole in the area, are taking photosensitising medication, or have recently tanned or used fake tan.

If you are unsure whether your skin and hair combination is suitable, ask a professional before starting rather than patch testing your way into a burn.

Questions people ask

How long until I see a difference?
Most people notice thinner, slower regrowth after four to six weekly sessions. Full results take the whole 12-week course, because only hairs in the active growth phase respond to any one session.

Is it permanent?
No. IPL reduces and slows regrowth; it does not remove hair permanently. Expect to keep doing monthly top-ups.

Does it hurt?
It feels like a warm elastic band snapping against the skin. Uncomfortable rather than painful on the right setting. If it genuinely hurts, the level is too high.