Sarah has spent over 8 years researching beauty devices, skincare ingredients and cosmetic safety standards. She specialises in at-home treatment devices and has reviewed hundreds of products for efficacy, safety documentation and value for UK consumers.
Since professional laser hair removal is not the most time and cost-friendly option (visits last up to two hours and cost more than £400 per session), let's look at the closest and best solution: at-home IPL devices.
We personally tested over 20 IPL laser hair removal devices, including models from No!No!, Phillips, Remington, Luxe K, Ulike, and Braun, and rated the top five devices based on key criteria: results, cost, ease of use, and safety for home use.
Our #1 Pick: Luxe K IPL - 9.6/10
990,000 light pulses: Up to 30 years of treatment
5-10 minute sessions: Once weekly for full-body results
Results after a few uses: Full results within 12 sessions
5 products tested: Over 20 IPL devices evaluated, top 5 ranked
Each product was evaluated on five criteria: hair removal effectiveness (30%), build quality and features (25%), value for money (20%), ease of use (15%) and UK availability (10%). Scores are editorial assessments based on our research, not customer review averages. See our full methodology
We verified every specification directly from official product pages, compared pricing across UK retailers, and tested each device for pulse count, power settings, comfort and results over multiple sessions.
90-day money-back guarantee|£13.33/treatment vs £100-300 at clinics
Why it's our #1
Our top pick after rigorous testing is the Luxe K IPL Laser Hair Remover, which has quickly gained popularity on social media and for good reason. Known for its best-selling personal care devices, Luxe offers the same level of excellence in personal care products, making them the ultimate solution for your needs.
Trusted by both professionals and social media enthusiasts, Luxe K offers adjustable power levels and a sliding mode that ensures a quick and efficient laser hair removal session in just 5-10 minutes, once a week.
In our experience, only a few sessions were needed to see a noticeable reduction in hair growth, with full results achieved within 12 uses. After 8 quick sessions, unwanted hair growth stopped entirely.
The Luxe K IPL technology is based on years of research with leading dermatologists and experts.
Pros
Proven Results: With an outstanding rating of 5/5 and 4.9 stars based on over 1,000 reviews, this IPL device has consistently delivered impressive results, including in our internal testing procedures.
Cost-effective: The regular price of Luxe K IPL is £300, but it is currently available for only £149.99 (50% discount). It offers the most affordable laser hair removal treatment among the options we tested.
Fast Results: A noticeable reduction in hair growth can be seen after just a few uses and full results are achieved within 12 uses.
Guaranteed Effect: Luxe K is safe and effective on most skin tones and hair color combinations, so you can be confident in its effectiveness.
Convenient: Say goodbye to expensive laser hair removal sessions or waxing - Luxe K provides full-body laser hair removal in just 5-10 minutes, once a week.
Versatile: Luxe K - IPL laser hair remover can be safely used on various parts of the body including the upper lip, chin, armpits, legs, arms, and bikini line.
Safe & Painless: Luxe K's handheld clinical device ensures safe and painless laser hair removal at home and provides eye protection for sensitive areas.
Long-lasting: Lasts up to 30+ years thanks to the 990,000 light pulses.
Accessories included: Luxe K comes with accessories to complete your hair removal experience: special glasses to protect your eyes and charger.
Cons
Personal Use Product: Luxe K is intended for personal use and may not be suitable for use by other people or in salons.
After evaluating all 5 products, the Luxe K IPL stood out for three reasons: 990,000 light pulses (30+ year lifespan vs competitors' 10 years), visible results after just a few sessions, and full-body treatment in 5-10 minutes. At £149.99 (currently 50% off), it undercuts competitors priced at £349-469 while outperforming them.
The Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 offers an effective and safe at-home hair removal solution with a hefty price tag of £412.
The device features 400,000 light pulses and a simple precision head, so you don't have to switch between heads during treatment. Braun's IPL technology is recognized by the Skin Health Alliance as a dermatologically recognized treatment for the skin.
Overall, despite these impressive claims, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is a solid choice, but one that may fall short of some alternatives in terms of value for money and ease of use.
Pros
Effective technology: Skin sensor technology for safe use.
10 years of use: 400,000 light pulses, more than the previous model.
Flexible: Can be used in a variety of ways, including precision attachment.
Safety: Easy and safe to use.
Compact design: 15 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter for easy handling.
Cons
High price: At £412, Braun has a significant price tag, making it a more expensive option.
Less efficient: Customers said it's actually not suitable for sensitive areas.
Lifespan: Only 400,000 light pulses compared to other products on the market.
Mixed results: User experiences with the Silk-expert Pro 5 may vary. Some achieve the desired results in as little as eight weeks, while others require longer use.
The Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series is described as the fastest IPL device from Philips, featuring an integrated UV filter, skin tone sensor and SmartSkin sensor. The security system ensures light pulses only trigger upon skin contact, and treatment takes under 10 minutes for lower legs.
The Philips brand may have weight, but not everything has been smooth sailing. This product has a higher price and a number of not so good online reviews.
Pros
Proven IPL technology: Philips brings its proven IPL technology to the Lumea IPL 9000 series.
Long-lasting smoothing: Promises long-lasting smoothness with consistent use.
Cordless Design: Provides convenience and flexibility with the cordless design.
Safety: Thanks to skin tone sensor, UV filter & safety system.
Versatile: Different modes for individual applications.
Cons
Expensive: The Lumea IPL 9000 series may be less cost-friendly at £469 than other options.
Unnecessary: Unfortunately, SenseIQ technology often selects an intensity level that is too high (you can then switch down manually).
Mixed Reviews: User experiences vary, and there are some less positive reviews online.
Limited attachments: May be less versatile for different areas of the body.
Battery: Battery life is a bit short (but sufficient for the application).
The Ulike IPL Laser Hair Removal device, priced at £349, offers customizable features and is described as a commendable solution for those seeking lasting, salon-free results. With consistent use, Ulike promises visible results in just three weeks.
The Sapphire cooling technology creates an ice-point effect, cooling the epidermis to 10°C throughout the hair removal process for a more comfortable experience. The device has been certified as a professional medical device.
However, when we look into the pros and cons, it becomes clear that this premium option comes with trade-offs compared to its competitors.
Pros
Visible results: With consistent use, Ulike promises visible results in just three weeks.
Sapphire Technology: The Sapphire technology provides a comfortable and pain-free hair removal experience by creating an ice-point effect, cooling the epidermis to 10°C throughout the hair removal process.
Reliable: Ulike laser hair removal device has been certified as a professional medical device.
Cons
High Price tag: Priced at £349, the Ulike laser hair removal system is significantly more expensive.
Limited Efficiency: Despite its high price, some users may feel that the Ulike Laser Hair Removal System's efficiency cannot match its price.
Mixed Reviews: Users' experiences with Ulike laser hair removal can vary: some achieve the desired results, while others find the device less effective.
Cooling System: Users have reported issues regarding the reliability of the Sapphire Cooling system. A number of negative reviews on different platforms from buyers who experienced burns.
Questionable Customer Support: Several users reported difficulty reaching customer service. Unanswered emails and lack of clarity regarding product returns have frustrated some customers.
The no!no! Pro IPL is an option for anyone looking for a facial hair removal solution. Strongly featured on social media, it promises to pluck hair at the root and leave skin smooth for up to 4 weeks, gradually reducing hair thickness over time.
While it offers some good features, it falls short of our top contenders in overall performance.
Pros
Budget-Friendly: no!no! Pro is available at an affordable price of £179.00.
Fast & long-lasting results: The device plucks hair at the root and leaves skin smooth for up to 4 weeks, gradually reducing hair thickness over time.
Cons
Mixed Customer Experiences: Several customers reported issues with the functionality and durability of the device. Some experienced the device breaking down within a month of use, while others found it to be ineffective at removing hair and leading to scratches.
Poor Customer Support: Several users reported difficulty reaching customer service. Unanswered emails and lack of clarity regarding product returns have frustrated some customers.
Complicated Returns and Poor Purchasing Experience: Returning the product appeared to be a complicated and costly process for some customers, requiring international shipping and tracking.
Doubts about authenticity: Some customers expressed doubts about the authenticity of product reviews and the company's claims and expressed concerns about the brand's transparency.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) targets the melanin in hair follicles with broad-spectrum light. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment, converted to heat, and damages the follicle to reduce future hair growth. Over multiple sessions, this leads to long-lasting hair reduction.
Is IPL safe for all skin tones?
IPL works best on lighter skin with darker hair, as the contrast helps the light target the hair follicle. Most modern devices include skin tone sensors that prevent use on very dark skin tones where there's insufficient contrast. Our #1 pick is safe and effective on most skin tones and hair colour combinations.
How long before I see results?
Most users notice reduced hair growth after 3-4 sessions. Our #1 pick showed noticeable results after just a few uses, with full results achieved within 12 sessions. Consistency is key - follow the recommended weekly schedule for best results.
Is at-home IPL as effective as professional laser treatment?
Professional laser treatments use higher-powered devices and can achieve faster results, but at-home IPL devices deliver comparable long-term hair reduction at a fraction of the cost. Professional sessions cost £400+ each and require multiple visits. At-home devices pay for themselves after just one session equivalent.
Does IPL hurt?
Most users describe a mild warm snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band flick. Modern devices like our #1 pick are designed to be painless. Some competitors offer cooling technology to improve comfort. Start on the lowest power setting and increase gradually.
Can I use IPL on my face?
Yes, most IPL devices can be used on the face below the cheekbone (upper lip, chin, jawline). Never use IPL near the eyes. Our #1 pick includes protective glasses for safe use near sensitive areas.
How long do IPL devices last?
Device lifespan varies enormously. Our #1 pick offers 990,000 light pulses (30+ years of treatment), while some competitors offer only 400,000 pulses (10 years). Check the pulse count before buying - it's the main factor determining how long your device will last.
Do you deliver to Ireland?
Our #1 pick (Luxe K) delivers across the UK and Ireland. Delivery times and costs for Ireland are shown at checkout.
The Luxe K IPL delivers 990,000 light pulses (30+ years), full-body treatment in 5-10 minutes, and visible results after just a few sessions. Currently 50% off at just £149.99. Free UK delivery and real customer support.
