Best IPL Machines

Based on 442 reviews
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$130 to $1,000
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RoseSkinCo

RoseSkinCo

3.7 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $149 to $229
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Jasmine
  Verified

Works great but stopped working! – My hair is growing back sooo much slower and some not at all, I love it! However, my machine stopped working. It turns on and when I click the button to zap nothing happens. The top light is just flashing. Any suggestions? Show details

E-One

E-One

4.4 
Summary
Seb10 posts
  Verified

This is one of the best home units out there. Medical grade and certified. Quality manufactured in France. Unlike Ulike or Philips where you have to… Read more

do a treatment every couple of days (Ulike) or two weeks (Philips), you only need to do a treatment one every two months for 8-10 sessions, then 1 -2 touch ups every year.

***I can get a good price on replacement cartridges for the E-One Clinic RC with activation card model, so if you need these contact me.*****

Philips Lumea Advanced IPL

Philips Lumea Advanced IPL

4.6 
Summary
$599RRP
Bettyboo75New South Wales
 

Best hair removal item ever! – I bought the item 5 weeks ago for myself and teenage daugter for our legs, arms and bikini area. I have always been a hairy person and hated it,… Read more

olive skin and black hair! My daughter too!

So after waxing for the past 25 years, I spotted this product and read so many reviews that I just had to try it.

The results after 2 weeks on my legs were amazing, I had no hairs on either sides of my shin and then within 3 weeks the hairs were starting to show in just patches. The bikini area took a little longer, but after 4 weeks I have no hair on the outside of the bikini line about an ich in my case and I went for the runway look and the hair is going after 5 weeks inside my pant line, I have no ingrown hairs, no razor bumps and I finally feel and look smooth (far better than waxing, which hair cames through within a few weeks for me). Underarms are patchy, but I will keep it up.

I have used it once a week on setting 5, its very easy to use. I also use a very good razor to shave first and also use a clear shave gel and oil myself after use. My daughter is waxing so has slower results.

Just a couple of negatives - On my boney ankles I struggle to get contact, my daughter has hairy feet and it just does not work there. I also think its worth buying in winter getting rid of the hair for spring/summer, then all you have to do it the maintence top up in the summer months. I bought it in the summer, but its mostly rained, just buy it at least 3 months before your main holiday away!

I am giving this product a 5 out of 5.

I do not work for Phillips or any retailers. I wish I had bought it years ago, thats my only regret. I cannot wait to go on holiday this year and have no worrys about hair or ingrown hair/bumps on my bikini line.

$259RRP
TinQLD2 posts
  Verified

I had a terrible experience returning Iluumi’s faulty laser hair remover. The product didn’t even last 90 days, so I can’t say it works as… Read more

advertised. Their customer service has been frustrating and unhelpful: they repeatedly asked for information I had already provided, avoided answering my questions, and became passive-aggressive when I corrected them. They even called replacing their faulty product a “gesture of goodwill.”

Under NZ Consumer Law, a replacement for a faulty product within 90 days is not goodwill — it’s their legal obligation, including covering return shipping. Despite this, I’m still trying to return the device, and now they want me to pay for shipping or just issue a refund.

Their product is unreliable, and their service is unacceptable. Based on my experience, they are failing to meet their obligations under New Zealand consumer law.

Iluumi
Iluumi    

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry you’re unhappy… Read more

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5

4.0 
Summary
paul r.NSW
  Verified

Great product, good as laser, but not as painful – I usually don’t write reviews, but after using the Braun Pro 5 for 5 months now, I’m pretty much hair free, and this is coming from a hairy male. … Read more

I’m into body building, yes I did get 3 treatments of laser before using this product, but that was after 12 month of hair regrown back.

You do have to use every 2 days for the first week, then move to every 4 day for 3 weeks, then once a week for 3 months and that’s as far my experience been.

I don’t have any hair what’s so all on my legs, chest stomach arms, and buttock, And now only using every two weeks, will try once a month in a month or two.

You do have to be persistent at the start, I use everyday of the week on different body parts, and yes it does take time, you can’t go too fast.

It’s pain free, not like laser, i couldn’t get laser, as my skin would blister really bad, and for $500, this would be one completely body charge for laser, and you have to do 10 times to hair reduction.

My only negative was that I dropped it when unwinding the cord, and it broke the button, I took it back to the shaver shop and they gave me a new one.

I would recommend this product, but not if you don’t have the time, like I said you have to put in the time, especially the first month.

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 3

Braun Silk-Expert Pro 3

5.0 
Summary
me im not hiding11 posts
 

Best thing i ever bought myself – Bought myself one of these as Xmas pressie, the best way to get what you want at Xmas. Life is to short to settle for handcream and shortbread,… Read more

although these were greatly appreciated. Anyway Shaver Shop $345, total bargain so got one. Seriously impressed. Used it on face and such great results. Im on medication where facial hair is a side effect. My face looks great. Legs are two weeks in and also fantastic. It doesn't hurt. Best to watch youtube video for a how to and straight into it. No mess. Clean. Brilliant results. If you are a brunette thats thinking about one of these go do it. Best thing ever.

Go Bare IPL Hair Removal Handset

Go Bare IPL Hair Removal Handset

3.8 
Summary
$269RRP
Sasha
 

I’ve been using the GO BARE Classic handset for about 2 months now and I’m already seeing a big difference. The hair on my legs and underarms is… Read more

growing back much slower and finer. I like that it’s straightforward and easy to use no complicated settings, just plug it in and go. It’s become part of my weekly routine and I honestly wish I started earlier. Definitely worth it if you’re looking for a longer term solution to reduce hair growth at home.

HappySkin Co Gen 2

HappySkin Co Gen 2

3.4 
Summary
$299RRP
Kimi
 

Don't waste your money – Device quality is cheap plastic made in china , brand new and turns off after no more than 5 flashes and now doesn't turn on at all , tried getting a… Read more

refund but was denied they offered to replace device but I do not want another cheap product that cost me $250 , I am furious please do not waste your money go to a salon atleast it will actually work.

  • Price (RRP) $163
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Donna L.NSW
 

I bought the Premium IPL V2. Be aware that if you have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or a hormone imbalance, this will not work. I adhered to the… Read more

guidelines, and even maintained the treatment for another few weeks (I am up to the 18th week of treating my face once weekly). It seemed like the IPL was MAKING my hair grow quicker. I found out that this is possible when using an IPL with PCOS-caused hair. My skin is basically fair, hairs are dark. I bought this on the recommendation of a friend that has found that it works, but she didn't have PCOS, and if I knew it was bound to not work with my condition, I wouldn't have bought it.

$199.95RRP
Niraj D.WA
  Fair Incentive Verified

This product is a scam – I ordered the product IPL hair removal 500000 flashes. I tried for more than 12 weeks but still no result. A complete scam of a product.

Smoothskin Bare

Smoothskin Bare

2.0 
Summary
Hannah CNSW
 

Great for the 12 months it lasted – This significantly reduced my hair growth and my need to shave. However it only lasted for 12 months before breaking completely. No repair service either. Show details

Dermao IPL 2.0

Dermao IPL 2.0

1.2 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $349
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nellybelle11
  Verified

This company is a scam. Do not order. I ordered the product and it was never received, they could never produce a shipping confirmation and they would not refund the purchase. But their customer service has plenty of delays and excuses.

Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series

Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series

4.0 
Summary
$749RRP
BJ_JTSA169 posts
  Verified

Worth it for sure – I started to get IPL on my facial hair as I have pretty bad skin for shaving and it would always hurt to shave, I also can't grow a beard so that… Read more

didn't help at all. I was going to a clinic to get IPL done on my face and it worked a treat however I had to drive 200kms as I live in a country town and I noticed my facial hair was going white so I stopped getting the treatments. I decided to buy one of these and give it a go at home and so far I have been impressed. My facial hair is taking a while to diminish however it is slowing and I can tell the difference. Also, the colour has come back so I'm thinking the clinic had the laser setting on too high and was overdoing it.

I actually enjoy using this machine. It is a little slow with its flash rate, I really do wish I could get something like this that was a faster machine to use but I paid less then half price for it and I'm very happy with the results so far.

Tugba OQLD4 posts
  Verified

Scam no refund – Scam, they did not accept my return and pay me for the return guarantee Show details

Philips Lumea IPL 7000 BRI923/00

Philips Lumea IPL 7000 BRI923/00

No reviews
Summary
$749RRP
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 BRI957/00

Philips Lumea IPL 9000 BRI957/00

No reviews
Summary
$999RRP
Karmin Silk Series IPL Hair Removal Handset

Karmin Silk Series IPL Hair Removal Handset

No reviews
Summary
Karmin Satin Series IPL Hair Removal Handset

Karmin Satin Series IPL Hair Removal Handset

No reviews
Summary
Lux Skin Premium IPL Handset

Lux Skin Premium IPL Handset

1.0 
Summary
  • Price (RRP) $134.30
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Pri
  Verified

SCAM - Please be aware – I wish I would have checked this page before buying it. They are not letting me post my review on their webpage because obviously its terrible and… Read more

they are approving only good reviews. So, like others my full arms got burn marks too. I used the laser on speed 2 and I am regular clinic laser person but nothing like this ever happened to my skin. They are not replying to my emails. 90-day return policy is a scam, even email id mentioned for complaints on their Privacy Policy webpage (alayahair.co) is also invalid which is another proof of scam. I couldn't get my money back and burn marks are still on my arms so please be aware.

Ulike Air 10

Ulike Air 10

1.0 
Summary
$699RRP
KazNSW7 posts
  Verified

I paid over $600 for the Ulike air 10 IPL (intense pulsed light). I have fair skin with dark hair which is the perfect combination apparently but it… Read more

didn't work. It is a waste of money. I used it exactly as per the instructions, twice a week at the highest setting and after 6 months have absolutely no hair removal at all. I left an accurate and honest review on Ulike's site and they systematically remove all bad reviews. Some get through and they remove them. All videos you see promoting them are sponsored reviews. They have terrible after sales service. Don't bother with Ulike. I basically wasted my money. Have now switched to waxing

ipl

How does IPL work?

IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, uses a broad-spectrum light to target melanin or dark pigment in hair. The melanin absorbs the light, which damages the hair follicle. With continuous treatment sessions, this hinders the follicle from growing new hair.

It’s important to note that IPL hair removal treatment doesn’t permanently remove hair. Instead, hair growth is reduced substantially over time. Hair takes longer to re-grow, and is thinner and easier to manage with infrequent maintenance sessions.

IPL is not the same as laser hair removal. While they both draw upon intense light sources to damage hair, a laser machine is larger and uses a targeted single wavelength of light, whereas an IPL machine uses a small flash lamp to release anywhere from 590-1200 wavelengths per burst of light.

While this guide focuses on at-home IPL machines, professional salon treatments are an option for both IPL and laser. These can be expensive, however as the laser or lamp will be higher in intensity, you’ll have to book in less treatments than the number you’d schedule into your diary for home.

Which body areas does IPL work on?

For women, IPL is suitable for using from the cheekbones down. This includes the upper lip, chin and jawline, legs and arms, and bikini line.

For men, an IPL machine is suitable for using neck down, including neck, shoulders, back, chest and upper body. It cannot be used on the face due to the density of beard hairs.

IPL machines should not be used on pubic hair.

Is IPL painful?

IPL is described by most people as less painful than waxing or epilating. It’s often likened to the snap of a rubber band against your skin, or a quick zap. The amount of pain you experience will depend on your pain threshold, which is different for everyone.

Is IPL hair removal safe?

While IPL is generally safe with some exceptions, there can sometimes be unpleasant after-effects. These include skin redness that lasts a few hours, eye damage and some pain. Some side effects are unpredictable but rare, such as turning hair white.

Tips for safer home IPL treatments

To protect your eyes, wear safety goggles, and engage in good before and after-treatment care.

Before care

Avoid sun exposure 48 hours before your treatment. Prepare the treatment area by exfoliating, then cleanly shaving. Also wash your skin to remove any cream, sunscreen or other residue, followed by thoroughly drying it.

Make sure you shave directly before an IPL session, and avoid waxing or epilating as substitutes. Since IPL targets the hair follicle, treatments are effective when hair is in active stage of growth, which shaving encourages.

Aftercare

If your skin is red or stinging, rub a fragrance-free cream to help soothe it. Also avoid sun exposure 48 hours after a session, as IPL makes your skin sensitive to light, which can cause it to burn.

IPL is not safe for:

  • Very dark skin tones. IPL machines target melanin, which dark skin tones are rich in. This high level of melanin means the light intensity can become dangerously high, causing skin to discolour or even burn. To check whether a particular model is safe for you, consult the skin tone chart before you buy.
  • Light hair. This includes light blonde, light red, grey or white hair. There is not enough melanin in these hair colours, making treatment ineffective.
  • Skin conditions. This includes conditions such as psoriasis or photosensitive skin. If you have a skin condition, it’s best to check with a dermatologist if IPL is suitable for you.
  • Tattooed skin, in the area of skin that is inked.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the risks have not been properly researched.

Unfortunately, IPL is not the right home hair removal method for everyone. If you tick any of these boxes, there are other popular at-home hair removal options, such as shaving, waxing and epilating.

Quick Q&A for at-home IPL

Skin and hair colour – do they matter for IPL?

Yes. For best results, IPL hair-removal treatment works best on fair skin and dark hair.

This combination helps the machine to more accurately target the melanin in the hair. As mentioned above, IPL doesn’t work on very dark skin tones or light hair.

How much do IPL machines cost?

At-home IPL machines cost anywhere between $100 to $1000. This will depend on the particular model and brand, but generally an IPL device is more expensive than its counterparts. If your coveted model includes separate attachments for smaller skin surface areas like the upper lip, expect higher prices.

Also, a model that advertises a ‘lifetime’ or ‘infinity’ bulb means the manufacturer expects the lamp to have the requisite amount of flashes to complete treatments. This will again hitch up the price, compared to a model that needs replacement flash cartridges (which represent an added cost at a later date).

The lamp life of an IPL machine ranges from 50,000 – 250,000 flashes.

How long does it take to see IPL results?

IPL machines offer a long-term hair removal solution. They require patience, and a commitment to following the manufacturer’s schedule for treatment schedules.

You might need to have 3 to 6 treatments, with two weeks to one month recovery in between (this varies according to the particular model). Some reviewers report seeing results in just 1 to 2 weeks, with hair already growing back sparser. However this shouldn’t be a reason to stop the treatment schedule – stick to it.

Not all IPL machines are the same when it comes to the time it takes to see results. It also depends on hair colour, skin tone, and hormones. Due to this, treatment times may take longer than stated by the manufacturer. To be safe, purchase a model with a warranty that outlasts the time the manufacturer claims it will take to see results.

Features of IPL machines

There are plenty of features on IPL machines that can make them easier to use and more effective at hair removal. Here are some to look out for.

  • Battery powered or corded operation : Corded models mean you don’t waste time waiting for your device to charge. They’re also lighter than portable IPL machines, made heavier by batteries. However, you are are stuck in one spot during your session. Look for a model with a long cord for more freedom. If a portable model is more your style, some units display LED alerts when your battery is low.
  • Skin tone detection: This automatically adjusts the light intensity level to the skin tone of a targeted body area. If the skin tone isn’t suitable, the device won’t activate. This is a safe option for users with darker skin tones.
  • Skin contact sensor: A feature that stops the IPL machine from emitting the light flash until the device is making full contact with the skin.
  • Single and multi-flash mode: Single flash mode helps navigate those tricker, smaller, or curvier areas, like your upper lip or knees. Multi-flash releases several flashes in one go, to make treating larger areas like legs quicker.
  • Precision and facial hair attachments: Some attachments are designed to more easily treat smaller ‘spot areas', such as the bikini area and upper lip. Not all models have this, and since a standard bulb size can be as wide as 6cm, included attachments make navigating smaller areas easier.

We hope this buying guide has answered all your hairy questions about home IPL machines (along with your regular ones). To help narrow down your selection so you can make a purchase you’re happy with, you can browse our IPL Machine reviews in Australia, including the popular Philips Lumea Prestige.