Long-term hair removal with IPL? Here are the results of our test
30.8.2017
Translation: machine translated
IPL hair removal promises long-term effectiveness. Thirty women tested six IPL devices for us and gave us their opinions. Read on to find out how effective this method really is and how the six main brands perform.
Many women are unfamiliar with light pulses or still question their effectiveness and safety. So we sent our readers five devices from each brand and then checked whether they achieved their long-term hair removal goals with IPL.
The test
Thirty women each tested an IPL device for two months. Our testers received their devices at home, without any specific information or instructions from us, as if they had bought them from us. We asked them to follow the manufacturer's user manual. After the test phase, they rated the six devices according to their management of the quality of the IPL treatment and the result.
The results: The six IPL devices compared
The results of the test are convincing: all 30 testers will continue their treatment and have given us positive feedback. The message is clear, try this method! The detailed reviews show the advantages and disadvantages of each device. So you can compare them and find the one that's right for you.
The point scale used in the review
7 = "very satisfied"
6 = "satisfied"
5 = "moderately satisfied"
4 = "neutral"
3 = "somewhat dissatisfied"
2 = "dissatisfied"
1 = "very dissatisfied"
Philips Lumea Prestige
- Apparatus: 6.5 points
- Result: 6 points
Three out of four readers are satisfied to very satisfied with the result. One was moderately satisfied. In fact, she was expecting a better result, even though the hair grows back less and more slowly after four leg treatments. To put it plainly, "you have to be a little patient, but it's worth it."
- Summary:All the testers recommend the device to their best friend.
"You have to arm yourself with a little patience, but it's worth it."
- Cordless device: Thanks to its battery, this Philips device can be used anywhere, but it's a little heavier than the others, which three of our testers complained about.
Beurer LAS 100
- Apparatus: 5.8 points
- Result: 6 points
All our testers are happy with the result.
- Summary: Four out of five testers would recommend the appliance to their best friend.
"I'm very satisfied with the result, I'll lend it to my friends."
- Laser device: This model features laser technology that is slightly more intense than conventional light pulses. In fact, the testers felt more heat. What's more, the laser is highly focused. This means that the application window is much smaller than with conventional devices, which meant that our users were able to reach uneven or hard-to-reach areas without any problems. Larger areas, however, take a long time to treat.
Braun Silk-expert
- Apparatus: 6.4 points
- Result: 6.2 points
Four of the five testers are satisfied to very satisfied with the result. One was moderately satisfied, as she could see the difference after two months, but the result was not staggering.
- Summary: All the testers would recommend the device to their best friend.
"I was sceptical at first, but was pleasantly surprised with the results after two months of treatment! The hair clearly grows back in less, if at all."
- Automatic skin type determination and intensity setting: These features were considered very practical and gave our readers a sense of security. However, two of them found the heat rather intense. Sensitivity to cold and pain varies from person to person and depends on hormone levels and state of health. The setting can also be adjusted manually.
A tip: adapt the intensity to your needs if the heat chosen by the device is too high. IPL treatment should not be unpleasant.
Remington i-Light
- Apparatus: 5.8 points
- Result: 5.8 points
Three of the five testers were satisfied to very satisfied with the result. One reader was moderately satisfied, as although the hair had reduced, it hadn't disappeared after two months. She expected a better result.
- Summary: Four testers recommend the device to their best friend.
"The device is fantastic. I had my doubts at first, wondering if it would work and if I would have any pain, but the hair has grown back significantly less, and the treatment didn't hurt. I'm very satisfied. You really save a lot of time when you no longer need to shave."
- An annoying button: While the treatment was mostly rated as very effective, you have to constantly press the trigger button, which becomes annoying. As the cord is stiff and the stand bulky, a few improvements would be desirable.
Babyliss Homelight 300 Sensor
- Apparatus: 5.8 points
- Result: 5.25 points
Three of the four testers were satisfied to very satisfied with the result. One tester was dissatisfied, as she still hadn't obtained sufficient results after five uses. She didn't dare go up to the level of intensity 3 recommended in her case. She has carried out four treatments at the lowest level, plus one at level 2. The results therefore naturally take longer to appear.
- Summary: Three testers recommend the device to their best friend.
"No tightness, burning or irritation after the treatment. And I already almost had the impression after the first use that the hair had grown back less in the area tested."
- A mixed review:The relatively large application window speeds up the treatment, but makes it difficult to apply to uneven and restricted areas such as the knees or shins. This is because it must always be in full contact with the skin, otherwise the light pulses are not released for safety reasons.
Panasonic IPL
- Apparatus: 5.8 points
- Result: 4.2 points
Two of the five testers are very satisfied with the result. Three were moderately satisfied or dissatisfied. They did not observe any convincing results.
- Summary: Two testers would recommend the device to their best friend.
"I'm really very surprised to have seen results appear in such a short time. I will continue to use the device. I've even praised it so much that two colleagues have already bought one."
- Gentle treatment:The Panasonic's light pulses are weaker than that of the other devices tested. All the testers found it very pleasant, even if some found its results weaker. In some cases, they were only satisfied with the effects on the face. These discrepancies clearly show that the method acts in a very individual way. Tip: Thanks to its relatively low intensity, it can be used on the face. It comes with a specific application window for the face and also cares for the skin by stimulating the removal of dead skin. The result is more radiant skin and tighter pores.
A comparison of all the features of the six products can be found here
Some advice
- Test without risk Doubting the effectiveness of IPL or a particular device? Most manufacturers provide a money-back guarantee valid for 90 to 100 days. This means you can buy the device, test it and return it if you're not satisfied.
- The devices dazzle less in bright rooms: If the light pulses hurt your eyes, we advise you to use the device in well-lit areas. They'll bother you less straight away.
- Adapt the intensity: An IPL treatment should never be very unpleasant or painful. But everyone has their own sensitivity, which also depends on hormonal factors. If the heat is too intense, simply reduce the intensity. The effects may take a little longer to appear, but it's worth it.
- Mark treated areas: Have you ever forgotten which areas you've already treated? Draw lines with a kohl pencil to help you. You'll be able to easily clean the skin once the treatment is over.
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Header image: Long hair-free thanks to IPL treatment? 30 women have tested the method for us.
Cinzia Memper
Category Marketing Manager
cinzia.memper@digitecgalaxus.chDiscovering foreign countries and cultures and tasting coffee or other delicacies is what I enjoy most when I travel. My home is decorated with little gems I find in thrift shops and at flea markets. When I’m having one of my big DIY moments, my creativity is unleashed. Both the mountains and the seaside restore my inner balance. With a snowboard or surfboard under my feet, I’m happy.