Hair removal has been in vogue since the dawn of time; the ancient Egyptians even used sea shells as tweezers to get rid of their body hair.
But, while treatments have come on a bit since then, the now-popular methods including waxing, threading and shaving all involve one major problem.
The hair keeps coming back, sometimes thicker than ever.
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But there’s one treatment that’s different to all of this - and that’s laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal.
Traditionally it’s only been something you can have done at considerable cost in a salon or clinic.
But now there are so many at-home laser hair removal machines on the market, cheaper, convenient and permanent hair reduction is easily within reach.
And one of the options, which is available on Amazon, is currently almost $300 off the retail price.
1. Best all round at home IPL hair removal device (face and full body)
Philips Lumea Prestige IPL Hair Removal Device 8000, $779, Amazon
This quality handheld device rates highly across the board and female users report its gun-shape is more intuitive and comfortable than other designs.
And now it’s down to just $495 on Amazon.
Its smart skin sensor takes away the stress of choosing the right intensity level and the fact you can use it cordlessly is another big plus.
It will go the distance with the lamp providing more flashes than you’ll ever need and with four uniquely curved attachments (Face, Body, Bikini Area and Underarm), the Prestige is an excellent choice for treating your full body.
The only down-side in the design is that it’s bigger and heavier than other brands, weighing 560g.
“I’ve absolutely loved using this and the results are immense. The improvements on my face/body are unbelievable. This product is so easy to use and with the smart skin sensor is matches perfectly to your own skin tone. Using this saves me plenty of visits to a salon and you get the salon experience from the comfort of your own home,” says one five-star reviewer.
“I’m in love with this device!” said another.
2. The quickest results home IPL hair removal device
Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL Long Term Hair Removal Device, $1049, Myer
This laser hair removal machine - which has currently been reduced from $1,049 to $839.20, rates highly with reviewers in how quickly they got results.
It comes with two treatment modes - the glide mode for faster treatment on large areas, and stamp mode for enhanced precision on smaller, sensitive sections.
It has been clinically tested with results showing visible hair reduction in four weeks (using the device once a week for one month).
Many reviewers praise the device for its quick and noticeable hair reduction. One says: “I’ve been trying to use it once a week as recommended. Four sessions in and I reckon about 50 per cent of the hair on my legs now doesn’t grow back. Plus it actually makes my skin so smooth, an added benefit I was not expecting.”
“For most areas of my body (legs, armpits, and bikini), it started working in one session,” said another.
3. Best at home IPL hair removal device for beginners
SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Device, $690, Amazon
If time isn’t on your side, this sleek-looking IPL device claims to do a full body treatment in just 10 minutes.
It’s also described as “foolproof” with dual safety sensors to prevent accidental activation and to check skin suitability before every flash.
It’s pricey but reviewers say it’s worth it for its ease and effectiveness.
“After three weeks of once per week usage, I have noticed a SIGNIFICANT reduction in darker hairs on my legs and arms! I will keep using it because the results are amazing! Also, super easy to use and way cheaper than [salon] laser hair removal,” said one customer.
4. Best at home IPL hair removal device for low pain thresholds
JOVS X Hair Removal and Skin Care Device, $799, Amazon
This bad boy not only tackles unwanted hair, but the “skin rejuvenation” mode uses flashes of light to help boost collagen and elastin production, aiming to leave you with firmer-looking skin.
Even better, if you’re nervous about the pain element of hair removal, this device features “ICE” technology, which cools skin down to help eliminate discomfort.
Reviewers report that the price is worth it especially given how pain-free the resulting hair-loss is.
“SUPER expensive! But it is worth it. The design is cool, feels like a supercar,” said one.
5. Best compact at home IPL device
Remington i-Light Compact Control, $299.95, Shaver Shop
This little device is so small you wouldn’t need to think twice about popping it in your luggage for a trip away.
With five energy levels and integrated skin tone sensor, it has everything many of the larger devices have plus its advanced triggerless technology means it’s super quick and claims to be able to cover your face, underarms, bikini line and legs in as little as 20 minutes.
“I like it because it is much smaller and more transportable [than other models]” says one reviewer.
“I bought this a month ago and have used it on various areas and have already noticed a significant reduction in hair! So happy I finally took the IPL step!” said another.
6. Best value home IPL hair removal device
Happy Skin Co Gen. 2 IPL Hair Removal Handset, $299, THE ICONIC
This IPL device gets consistently good reviews and is regarded as great value for money given its price tag compared with other models.
It features five intensity levels, three easy to use modes, plus a large light window so you can treat more areas in a flash.
The lack of interchangeable heads for different body parts could be seen as a pro or con and some reviewers report that it does take a good few uses until the results are obvious.
“I’ve always hated shaving so often so anything that was going to help of cut that down was worth a try. It’s not painful at all and results are still improving. Still get hairs but it’s about half of before,” said one user.
7. Best home hair removal device for darker skin tones
Not all at-home devices are safe for darker skin tones. It’s down to the science behind the intense light energy. But, there are still options including the Silk’n Infinity which is clinically proven for darker skin tones.
You need to use the device at lower levels on dark skin but you can’t make a mistake because the skin tone sensor scans and activates only the lower intensity levels safe for your skin tone.
It includes one medium-size flash window, which is good for most areas, although reviewers say it’s a bit bulky and tricky to flash on the upper lip.
“As a WOC (woman of colour) finding a product suitable and safe for my skin has been a challenge. I’ve been using the Silk’n for the past month and have started to notice some results,” said one happy customer.
8. Best home hair removal device for safety
CurrentBody Smooth Skin Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal Device, $198, CurrentBody
Like the Braun option from Myer, this $198 product from CurrentBody is also great for getting results - and fast.
Boasting 100 flashes per minute, you can get a whole body treatment done in as little as 10 minutes.
But in addition to this, the clever gadget also heroes safety. It will check your skin tone before every flash, and only activate if it is safe to do so.
Reviewers online love the fact that you can see great results in weeks:
“I was hopeful but dubious about this! Have battled with thick dark hair for the last 25 years and tried everything I can afford. After four weeks this by far outstrips everything else. Very little hair left underarms already - and what is there is light and fluffy and everywhere else is greatly reduced. I would recommend it,” one happy five-star reviewer wrote.
“Great investment. I held back from getting this for too long and instead spent way too much get hair removed in a salon. I’m really astonished by how effective this is, i kept my expectations low but it honestly works!” another added.
9. Best home hair removal device for men and women
Go Bare IPL Hair Removal Handset, $269, The Iconic
This $269 option from Go Bare at The Iconic is a great one for men and women alike, and it looks stylish too.
With one to seven intensity levels for hair removal and skin rejuvenation, there is an option for every home hair remover.
It also boasts a handy LCD screen to display the lifetime, intensity level and mode, and comes complete with a two-year warranty in case anything happens.
Reviews are, unsurprisingly, glowing, where shoppers have described it as “perfect”.
“After three treatments, I can already see a huge difference! My hair is growing back so slowly and in certain patches not at all! So easy and quick to use and perfect for first time IPL users like me,” one shopper wrote.
10. Best home hair removal device for salon results
Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Device, $620, CurrentBody
Finally, this Ulike Sapphire option, from CurrentBody, is perfect for delivering salon-style hair removal results from home.
Adjust the intensity for every treatment area with three comfort modes, so you know you’re always in capable hands - whether you’re doing your legs, underarms or bikini line.
Ulike promise that this particular product can give full-body results in as little as 10 minutes.
Reviews online are also glowing, where shoppers have described it as “great” and a “worthwhile investment”.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser and IPL treatment has been around for years, gaining real traction in the 1990s.
The first laser home hair removal system was approved in 2008, and since then its become one of the easiest and most permanent ways to get rid of any unsightly fuzz.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Adrian Lim, explains that laser and IPL devices deliver light energy that selectively targets hair follicles.
“The hair follicle absorbs the light energy which gets converted to heat resulting in damage to the hair follicle,” he says.
After multiple treatments, this severely reduces or even puts an end to its growth.
Salon versus at-home IPL treatment
Home laser and IPL systems work much the same way as professional ones, but they use a lower intensity.
This means you may need more treatments at home for a similar result to the one you would get from a clinic but there are some big advantages too.
Cost is number one. While some of the at-home devices are expensive, it’s a one-off cost in comparison to the 10-12 salon sessions recommended for an area like legs plus any maintenance sessions for rogue hairs growing back in future.
Second, some people find the powerful salon treatment painful but with at-home machines, you can control the intensity so your pain level is tolerable.
And of course there’s also the convenience of a quick session when you spot some regrowth without having to wait for an appointment.
How to do hair removal at home
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types and it’s super easy to do.
After buying an at-home device, first off it’s important to read the instructions and do a patch test on a small area of skin.
Shave a spot in your treatment area and zap it according to the instructions in the user manual.
This confirms it’s safe for your skin, and you’re unlikely to have any side effects. With some devices you must test a few different intensity levels to find your ideal one. With other devices they choose the best intensity level for you.
Once you’ve waited 24 hours and have had no adverse reaction, it’s time to shave the area you’re treating.
Any hair left behind stings and burns with each flash so make sure it’s nice and clear. Also don’t apply any moisturisers or deodorant to your skin as this could cause unwanted reactions with the light energy.
Next, choose a comfy spot to do your treatment. Generally there are different shaped heads for the different body areas you’re treating so pick the correct one and get zapping.
Does laser hair removal work?
Users report different experiences with pain but the general analogy is that it feels like an elastic band pinging against your skin; not particularly pleasant but it certainly shouldn’t be unbearable.
More sensitive body parts like ankles, the Brazilian area and any facial areas might be more uncomfortable and some women report that being tired and stressed may increase sensitivity to treatment as well.
Afterwards, the skin is commonly a little red and may also feel hot and tingly but this should disappear within 24-hours. An ice pack or some non-scented moisturiser will help.
Just make sure you avoid things that could irritate the skin after treatment so no hot tubs, saunas, exfoliation products or direct sun exposure in the following days.
So what about the products? It’s hard to know where to start. So Best Picks has selected some of the best buys on the market in Australia including the pros, cons and what real customers think too.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser and IPL treatment has been around for years, gaining real traction in the 1990s.
The first laser home hair removal system was approved in 2008, and since then its become one of the easiest and most permanent ways to get rid of any unsightly fuzz.
The Australasian College of Dermatologists, Dr Adrian Lim, explains that laser and IPL devices deliver light energy that selectively targets hair follicles.
“The hair follicle absorbs the light energy which gets converted to heat resulting in damage to the hair follicle,” he says.
After multiple treatments, this severely reduces or even puts an end to its growth.
Salon versus at-home IPL treatment
Home laser and IPL systems work much the same way as professional ones, but they use a lower intensity.
This means you may need more treatments at home for a similar result to the one you would get from a clinic but there are some big advantages too.
Cost is number one. While some of the at-home devices are expensive, it’s a one-off cost in comparison to the 10-12 salon sessions recommended for an area like legs plus any maintenance sessions for rogue hairs growing back in future.
Second, some people find the powerful salon treatment painful but with at-home machines, you can control the intensity so your pain level is tolerable.
And of course there’s also the convenience of a quick session when you spot some regrowth without having to wait for an appointment.
How to do hair removal at home
Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have light skin and dark hair, but it can be successfully used on all skin types and it’s super easy to do.
After buying an at-home device, first off it’s important to read the instructions and do a patch test on a small area of skin.
Shave a spot in your treatment area and zap it according to the instructions in the user manual.
This confirms it’s safe for your skin, and you’re unlikely to have any side effects. With some devices you must test a few different intensity levels to find your ideal one. With other devices they choose the best intensity level for you.
Once you’ve waited 24 hours and have had no adverse reaction, it’s time to shave the area you’re treating.
Any hair left behind stings and burns with each flash so make sure it’s nice and clear. Also don’t apply any moisturisers or deodorant to your skin as this could cause unwanted reactions with the light energy.
Next, choose a comfy spot to do your treatment. Generally there are different shaped heads for the different body areas you’re treating so pick the correct one and get zapping.
Does laser hair removal work?
Users report different experiences with pain but the general analogy is that it feels like an elastic band pinging against your skin; not particularly pleasant but it certainly shouldn’t be unbearable.
More sensitive body parts like ankles, the Brazilian area and any facial areas might be more uncomfortable and some women report that being tired and stressed may increase sensitivity to treatment as well.
Afterwards, the skin is commonly a little red and may also feel hot and tingly but this should disappear within 24-hours. An ice pack or some non-scented moisturiser will help.
Just make sure you avoid things that could irritate the skin after treatment so no hot tubs, saunas, exfoliation products or direct sun exposure in the following days.
So what about the products? It’s hard to know where to start. So Best Picks has selected some of the best buys on the market in Australia including the pros, cons and what real customers think too.
