We've Ditched Razors After Trying These At-Home IPL Hair-Removal Devices

Intensity settings: 5

Attachments: 4

First up is this clever IPL device from Philips. It's more of an investment, but it's the smartest device out of the entire Lumea range, and even comes with an app that has SkinAI features to deliver a personalised treatment. With four attachments to fit different parts of the body and five adjustable settings, it's easy to use and has a Smartkin sensor that detects your skin tone and indicates the best (and most comfortable) light setting for your skin.

Editor review: "As someone who’s been getting professional laser hair removal treatments for years, I’m no stranger to the world of at-home devices, but I’ve always been a bit cautious when it comes to using them on my face. I’ve had the Philips Lumea IPL for a few years now, and while I mainly use it in between appointments for my body, it’s become my go-to for facial hair removal.

"I have sensitive skin, so the thought of using professional-grade lasers on my face always made me hesitant. The Lumea, however, delivers a much lighter pulse that feels far gentler, which made me feel more comfortable using it on delicate areas. After being consistent with treatments every two weeks (always straight after my Sunday shower once I’ve shaved the area), the hair around my sideburns has completely disappeared. I’ve never experienced any irritation or burning, which was my biggest concern, and the device slots into my routine so seamlessly now that I barely think twice about using it. I can confidently say it’s been one of the best beauty investments I’ve made," says junior branded content editor, Humaa Hussain.

Intensity settings: 6

Attachments: 1

Relatively new from Currentbody, this laser hair removal device is pretty impressive. It aims to provide permanent, full-body hair removal and comes with ice cooling technology to make the treatment as comfortable as possible. Similar to the above, it also comes with a sensor that checks the pigment in your skin to ensure your skin tone can safely tolerate the treatment. The only downside is that this tool comes with one attachment, so it's probably better for treating larger areas of skin.

Editor review: "My first impressions of the Currentbody Laser Hair Removal Device were incredibly positive. The instructions were clear, the device wasn't too bulky and I was immediately excited to get started. I tested this device out over the course of 12 weeks, sticking closely to the instructions, and I’ll say that if you’re looking for a hair reduction device, this certainly does the job.

The process itself is incredibly easy. Simply start up the device, choose the level you want (I went for max as I found this completely fine) and in a short while you’re done. The best part of this device is the cooling technology which kicks in automatically after a minute or so. Overall, I didn’t find this painful in any way, it was more of a warming sensation and the cooling sensation quickly dealt with that.

After the treatment plan, I had noticed a reduction in hair regrowth, though I didn’t see complete hair removal. As it’s so easy to use, I’ll continue to keep using this as it states you can use it monthly for touch-ups. It's the kind of device you can use anywhere, as you can adjust the intensity for those more delicate areas like the face," says shopping editor, Florrie Alexander.

Intensity settings: 5

Attachments: 1

Yes, this might be the cutest IPL device I have ever seen. Not only that, but it's a dream to use. It comes with five intensity settings and two modes, one for larger areas and one for more precise areas on both the body and face. Plus, it has a built-in air cooling system to keep things comfortable. It's made of high-quality silicone, so it's easy to hold, and the self-adjusting head adapts to the contours of the body. If that hasn't sold you, it also features T-Sonic™ technology to capture the root of the hair for the best results.

My review: I've always been put off by at-home laser hair removal devices as I thought that they would be a faff to use. However, this Foreo one couldn't be simpler. It comes with a handy app that tells you exactly how to use it, and although I've only used the low intensity settings (I'm still working my way up), it feels very comfortable on the skin. I haven't used it long enough yet to comment on whether it completely reduces hair growth, but it's so simple to use that I will definitely be using it regularly, and I'm very excited to see what the long-term results will be.

Intensity settings: 6

Attachments: 6

If you want a do-it-all laser hair removal device, this might be a good one to try. With six attachments and six different intensities, it can be used for lots of different areas such as your arms, legs, bikini line and face. It also comes with a cooling system, making it more comfortable to use. However, the best bit is that it combines hair reduction with skin rejuvenating treatments. Yep, the skin rejuvenation attachment head uses continuous flashes of light to boost collagen and elastin production in order to smooth and firm the skin.

My review: First things first, can we talk about how stylish this looks? It's easily one of the chicest devices I've seen. I've been working my way up the six different intensities and have found this comfortable (well, as comfortable as laser hair removal can be) to use, thanks to the built-in technology, which works to keep your skin cool. I will say that it does take a while to see results with this. I've noticed some hair reduction over the past eight weeks, but I am determined to keep going in the hopes that it will make a bigger difference soon.

Intensity settings: 5

Attachments: 1

This device from Silk'n is a lot more compact than other models in this roundup, which makes it a lot easier (and quicker) to use. Plus, it utilises eHPL technology, which helps the light to penetrate deeper for faster and long-lasting hair reduction.

Editor review: "Let me first make it clear that I am a shaving sort of person. For the most part, I’m not someone who is overly bothered by body hair, but I have a lot of thick, dark hair all over my body, and I simply find it more comfortable to be hair-free. I once had a few in-clinic laser sessions on my underarms, and while it really worked, I found the pain too much to bear. (I’m a total whimp when it comes to my pain tolerance.) So, I’ve accepted my fate: I’m destined to be a shaver for the rest of my life. Legs, underarms, bikini line and even my face—I shave the lot.

"In recent months, however, I’ve started getting ingrown hairs on my legs and have been in the market for an alternative hair removal method. The Silk’n Infinity Fast utilises trademarked eHPL technology, which works to temporarily enlarge pores and deliver the light technology right to the root of the hair shaft. After shaving, I use the Infinity Fast on my legs (while it can be used on all skin tones, the hair does need to be dark, so I figured my legs were the best place to put this device to the test). I’ve been using it once a fortnight for the last eight weeks (so four sessions), and I have already found that the hair is sparser and finer. I’m finding that I only need to shave once or twice between sessions, when previously I was shaving my legs every single day.

"Silk’n promises hair reduction by 92% after just six sessions (two weeks apart), and I can confirm I’m so nearly there. I love this tool for how compact it is and how fuss-free it is to use. It’s a little cheaper than lots of its competitors, and while I know that some promise results in fewer treatments, I’m over the moon with how well things are going," says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.