These Expert-Loved IPL Devices Make Hair Removal a Breeze

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

It feels like only yesterday when we had to rely on cucumber-scented Nair to get rid of unwanted body hair at home. Before the advent of at-home hair removal devices such as IPL, our options were limited to razors, wax strips, and hair removal creams. However, technology has advanced significantly in recent years, allowing us to save time and money by removing hair from the comfort of our own homes instead of routinely visiting salons.

Now, when it comes to IPL hair removal devices, it's essential to be careful and choose the right device for your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we spoke with leading experts to source the 12 best IPL hair removal devices.

Before the best IPL hair removal devices—or intense pulsed light tools—became increasingly popular, our at-home options were essentially limited to razors, wax kits, and occasionally overly fragrant hair removal creams. And while there’s nothing wrong with using these methods to get rid of unwanted body hair, thankfully, technology has advanced significantly to help us save time and effort in getting a smooth, professional-level finish.

IPL devices are designed with special mechanisms that convert light into hair-removing heat, which targets the pigment of hair follicles instead of your skin. Double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Jaimie DeRosa tells Bazaar, “When the heat energy reaches the pigment, it damages or kills the hair follicles, preventing hair from growing.”

Using many of these high-tech tools is practically a no-brainer, but experts note that choosing the right device for your needs according to your specific hair and skin tone is paramount to ensure a safe hair removal process. To help you make an informed decision, we spoke with leading experts to source the best IPL hair removal devices worth adding to your body care rotation.

Related: The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices, According to the Pros

IPL Laser Permanent Cooling-Care Hair Removal Device

According to DeRosa, this multifunctional IPL hair removal device changes its settings based on the location and depth of the hair you’re aiming to remove. It also features an option for red light that can help stimulate collagen. And as an added bonus, the tool aims to remove full-body hair in as little as 15 minutes.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: Unlimited

One satisfied customer writes: “Been using it for three weeks now and I do notice a difference, my hair growth has really slowed down. The hair on the arms has become thinner and even bald in some places. I will keep using it until it is completely removed.” —Michelle C.

Laser Hair Removal Device

Another of DeRosa’s top picks, this IPL handset is easy to use and aims to deliver noticeable hair reduction results after four weeks of use. It also contains a built-in freezing technology that helps protect the skin, along with five different energy levels that work for the body and face.

Power source: Power cable

Number of flashes included: One million

One satisfied customer writes: “I’m very hairy all over my body. I’ve gotten professional laser treatments and spent well over $2,000 with no results. I have thick dark hair on pale skin and I have seen results in just my 3rd use.” —Stephanie A

OG IPL Hair Removal Handset

This hardworking device not only adds a touch of charm to your bathroom shelf, but is also FDA-approved to visibly minimize hair growth after four uses. The tool also includes five intensity settings and can seamlessly be used on any part of your body.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: 300,000

One satisfied customer writes: “I bought this product out of desperation and did not think it would work. I was wrong! After three weeks of use, I have several large patches of skin on my legs with no regrowth! Its amazing! Cannot wait because in a few months my legs will be completely hairless.” —Lindie H.

Pure Fit Intelligent Ultrafast IPL

Bazaar editors and professionals like celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross agree: SmoothSkin's IPL device is one of the best.

"At first, I was hesitant to start using the device, because I thought it would give a burning or painful sensation. But, much to my surprise, its multiple wavelengths made the pain level relatively low," associate beauty editor Katie Intner says in a review. "You feel a warming sensation and a feeling similar to rubber bands snapping."

The Pure Fit Intelligent Ultrafast IPL contains 10 power settings with three removal modes for expert-level results. It also features an automated skin tone sensor that prevents it from accidentally singeing you during the removal process.

Power source: Power cable

Number of flashes included: Unlimited

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve been to salons and spas that offer hair removal treatments and paid for the service. This product gives the same result while saving thousands of dollars by doing your own at home treatments.” —Maria V.

Bare+ Ultrafast IPL Device Exclusive Collection

Here’s a slightly smaller version of SmoothSkin’s powerhouse Pure Fit device; it can be used on your legs, arms, swimsuit line, or face. It also offers two treatment options that produce up to 100 flashes per minute.

One satisfied customer writes: “After just 3 weeks, I have already noticed significantly less hair on my legs. My hair does not grow back as fast, so I am excited that this product truly works. Now that I know it works, I am going to use it for my whole body. It is also extremely simple and easy to use. I highly recommend buying this product!” —Christine P.

The Flasher 2.0

Here’s another FDA-cleared IPL tool that experts love. “This option is a really great value in terms of cost, and it also comes with a warranty which will replace the device if there are any issues with it,” Ross says. Compared to other IPL devices, the Flasher has a wider window that allows for faster treatments with fewer flashes.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: 600,000

One satisfied customer writes: “I have to admit, as a former certified laser technician I was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of this device. Not only did it work, but it wasn’t painful either! Win/win!!! Kudos Nood!” —Jessica I.

IPL Silk-expert Pro 5

According to Ross, this option is particularly well suited for individuals with sensitive skin and has a remarkably short treatment time. It flashes every 0.5 seconds, so you don’t have to worry about missing any spots, and you can get back to business as usual in as little as 10 minutes.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love this device. I have really dark, thick, coarse hair across my entire body and after 3 months of weekly uses I already have bald patches and significantly finer hair on my swimsuit, legs and arms. Really recommend.” —RebeccaK

Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System

Board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban recommends the Iluminage hair reduction system, as it is especially effective for fair blonde and red hair follicles that are typically more difficult to treat. It also comes with its own cradle to help it recharge once you're finished.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: Unlimited

One satisfied customer writes: “I have had the Iluminage Touch now for over a month and I am very happy with the results! First it was easy to use…all you had to do was open the (beautiful) box and plug it in! After just a few sessions, I have already seen great results! I am now pool ready!” —NJane

Flash&Go Express

This handheld device is a perfect match for removing unwanted body hair while on the go. It nicely features five energy levels and over 300,000 flashes that disable hair growth at the root.

Power source: Corded

Number of flashes included: 300,000

One satisfied customer writes: "This is easy to use and painless. I can't confirm if it really works as I only used a few times so far." —nmd

RPL Pro

While this tool is technically an RPL (reactive pulsed light) device—said to be even safer than an IPL model—we still think it deserves a place on our list. With six adjustable energy settings and the ability to use it on both your face and body, this essential is worth the investment.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: Unlimited

One satisfied customer writes: “This works perfectly if you follow directions & are patient. The unit is easy to use and maneuver around the area you want hair removed. Do wear sunglasses because the laser flashes are very bright.” —Anonymous

IPL Hair Removal Device

At under $100, this top-rated IPL device provides lots of bang for your buck. Its manual mode makes it easy to target smaller areas like the swimsuit line and armpits, while its auto mode is used for larger areas, like your arms and legs. Plus, the device features a cooling function to combat its intensity while preventing overheating.

Power source: Cordless

Number of flashes included: 999,999

One satisfied customer writes: “The device is very easy to use and comes with clear instructions. It has multiple settings to accommodate different intensities and features. The device is also relatively painless, which was a huge relief for me. I recommend buying a soothing gel or something if you have thin skin or cannot tolerate the pain on the 9 intensity.” —KooshaKalhour

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is a double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of DeRosa Clinic Facial Aesthetics, based in Boston.

• Joshua Ross is a celebrity aesthetician and the founder of SkinLab based in Manhattan Beach, California.

• Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Ava MD in Santa Monica.

Is this type of hair removal permanent?

The overall hair loss achieved through IPL is considered to be semipermanent. According to Shambam, a full course of treatment will damage the majority of hair follicles and significantly slow down the production of hair. However, over time, if the follicle is still functioning, it may produce more hair, albeit thinner, finer, and less dark than before. “Eliminating the full function of the follicle is like killing weeds. It’s tough!” she says.

Is the IPL hair removal process painful?

At-home IPL devices typically use a lower amount of energy, so discomfort should be at a minimum and feel like a warm pulse. In contrast, in-office IPL may require numbing to reduce discomfort, which can feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin, Ross says.

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine