The best pulsed light epilators in the UK 2023

To get rid of hair safely and painlessly, try the Intense Pulsed Light Epilator. This device has revolutionized the way we remove hair. It uses a flash lamp to destroy hair in a semi-definitive way. To use it, simply turn on the device and pass it over the area to be treated. Discover in our guide the best pulsed light epilators on the market.

Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced
8/10

Best value for money

Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced

Best Intense Pulsed Light Epilator in 2021

The Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced has all the makings of a high-end model. It is suitable for anyone who wants to reduce or even eliminate their hair growth in a sustainable way. The safe and effective IPL technology is suitable for both face and body.

55,99 £ on Amazon

The Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced uses IPL technology to go directly to the root of your hair. This gentle and safe solution reduces and even eliminates hair permanently. You can of course use it on the most sensitive areas of your body, but also on your face. Regular use ensures an optimal reduction in hair growth of up to 85%. This technology gives you soft skin for 3 months.

You can easily reach all areas of your body thanks to its long cord. The integrated light filter is a must for precise hair removal from your face. It should be noted that this model is particularly suitable for hair of dark blond, brown and black complexion as well as for very white to dark brown skin. The device stops automatically in the opposite case.

Épilateur Aminzer
7/10

Best value for money

Aminzer IPL hair remover

Best entry-level Intense Pulsed Light Epilator

The Aminzer Intense Pulsed Light Epilator helps to perfect the beauty ritual at home and in complete tranquility. Virtually painless, this device offers 5 levels of power and adapts very well to the face and body. Its simplicity makes it a very popular model.

55,99 £ on Amazon

This is an epilator that is perfectly suited to the hair! Its pulsed light technology guarantees the interruption or delay of hair growth. With a lifetime of 999,900 flashes, you can benefit from a better efficiency by using it as close to your skin as possible. It is quite easy to adjust the power level (adjustable in 5 positions) according to your skin tone and hair.

Moreover, the Aminzer IPL epilator also has 2 flashing modes: manual and automatic. If the first is specifically suitable for areas such as underarms, fingers or lips, the second is better suited to arms, legs and back.

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN
8/10

Best value for money

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN

Best high-end Intense Pulsed Light Epilator

The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN is exactly what you need for long-lasting hair removal. With a lifetime of 400,000 flashes, this IPL epilator is perfect for all skin types.

361 £ on Amazon

Simple, efficient and elegant, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN has a sober design. This appearance is perfectly matched with its white and gold colors. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and grip. In fact, this device can withstand up to 400,000 flashes, representing a long-term investment.

On average, 4 weeks are enough for convincing results. The SensoAdapt skin tone sensor adjusts the intensity of the flash according to your skin tone. A special tip is designed for the treatment of small areas such as the bikini line or underarms. Efficiency and speed are the key words of this epilator since you can take care of your 2 legs in less than 5 minutes.

Philips BG9041/00 Lumea
7/10

A great choice

Philips BG9041/00 Lumea

Do we still need to prove the performance of the Philips BG9041/00 Lumea? You will indeed get rid of unwanted hair in the long run. Of course, the result may vary from person to person. But the effectiveness is there.

320 £ on Amazon

Designed especially for men, this pulsed light epilator has unlimited autonomy because it is connected only to the mains. However, you can use it in wireless mode for greater freedom of movement. It easily handles large areas of skin, including legs, thanks to its large 4 cm² application window. Armpits, stomach, back, chest and shoulders are also covered.

Another advantage that makes all the difference, the Philips BG9041/00 Lumea features a SmartSkin intelligent skin type sensor. Its main feature is its ability to automatically adjust the intensity selection (in 5 levels) based on your skin color. It is important to note that this device has a lifespan of 250,000 flashes, or 20 long years of use.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best pulsed light epilator

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Best Intense Pulsed Light Epilator in 2021

Best entry-level Intense Pulsed Light Epilator

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Comparison table of the best pulsed light epilators

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced
8/10
Épilateur Aminzer
7/10
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN
8/10
Philips BG9041/00 Lumea
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced
Aminzer IPL hair remover
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN
Philips BG9041/00 Lumea
The Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced has all the makings of a high-end model. It is suitable for anyone who wants to reduce or even eliminate their hair growth in a sustainable way. The safe and effective IPL technology is suitable for both face and body.
The Aminzer Intense Pulsed Light Epilator helps to perfect the beauty ritual at home and in complete tranquility. Virtually painless, this device offers 5 levels of power and adapts very well to the face and body. Its simplicity makes it a very popular model.
The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN is exactly what you need for long-lasting hair removal. With a lifetime of 400,000 flashes, this IPL epilator is perfect for all skin types.
Do we still need to prove the performance of the Philips BG9041/00 Lumea? You will indeed get rid of unwanted hair in the long run. Of course, the result may vary from person to person. But the effectiveness is there.
Effectiveness
85% hair reduction minimum after 3 sessions
Smooth skin after 8 weeks
Visible hair reduction in just 4 weeks
Permanent results in 4 sessions
Accessories
Precision trimmer, kit, cleaning cloth
1 AC adapter, 1 pair of safety glasses and 1 razor
1 Venus razor, 2 standard heads, 2 precision heads, and 1 premium pouch
None
Compatible skin tones
Very light to dark brown
White, ivory, beige, light brown
Light to light dark
Ranging from very white (I) to dark brown (V)
Life span
250,000 flashes
999,900 flashes
400,000 flashes
250,000 flashes
Compatible hair colors
Dark blonde, brown and black
Dark brown, black, light brown and medium brown
From natural blonde to dark brown or black
Dark blond, brown or black

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Buying guide - pulsed light epilator

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How to choose your pulsed light epilator

choisir épilateur à lumière pulsée

#1 - The compatibility of the device with your skin and hair type

Originally, the Intense Pulsed Light Epilator was designed for light skin. After much research, models for other skin types were developed. Most IPL epilators offer treatments for skin types I to IV, V for some models. This device also makes a difference between hair types. So make sure you know what to look for before you choose.

#2 - The size of the windows

According to the use you reserve for your epilator, you will choose its window size. With a smaller window of 2 to 3cm2, you will be able to take care of the most sensitive areas such as the bikini line, the face or the underarms. A larger window will do the trick if you want to treat larger, more extensive areas. Some brands offer windows up to 7cm2. However, other models offer several accessories with different window sizes for full hair removal.

#3 - Wireless or cordless

Wired IPL epilators are equipped with sectors in most cases. However, this type of device can be awkward and cumbersome when epilating more delicate areas. The cordless epilator is more popular for this reason, offering more freedom and allowing hair removal from hard-to-reach areas. Other battery-powered devices are also bulkier but have the advantage of never running out of power, for continuous use.

#4 - The flash

The power and number of flashes must be taken into account in the quest for the ideal epilator. The power can range from 3 to 9 joules per cm² and should depend on the nature of your skin. Indeed, a lower power is recommended to those who have a more sensitive and delicate skin. The number of flashes will interpret the life of the device. It can range from 50,000 to 250,000 flashes. An epilator with more flashes will obviously be more robust and more expensive.

#5 - Ergonomics

For an easy grip, the pulsed light epilators must be compact and simple to hold. Some models come in a pistol shape for ease of use. Additional options Some models are equipped with skin detectors, to ensure the compatibility or not of the equipment with your skin type. Other models have contact sensors to prevent accidentally hurting your skin. Other options such as glide mode, serial flash or continuous flash provide more convenience to the device.

How to use an Intense Pulsed Light Epilator?


The technology adopts pulsed light epilator to make our skin smooth and beautiful. It is a new beauty device that is easy to use because it works by itself. In order to take good care of the skin and to have a better result, you have to learn how to use this device. This is done step by step. First, you need to prepare the skin, more precisely the part to be depilated.

Then, a few days before, you have to shave or wax the area to be treated 2 to 3 times in advance with an electric epilator. You don't need to apply any gel or cream to the area, you just need to have a well-cleaned and dry skin. It is important to remember that pulsed light is a flash of light that turns into heat, the goal is to burn the root of the hair, thus stopping its regrowth. Then, you have to choose the head to use, the thickness varies from 2 to 4.1 cm.

The next step is to set the intensity required for the part or area to be depilated. At this point, it is best to take a look at the instructions because there are always some essential indications to know. Then, place the device and put it in contact with the skin.

Then press the button and start flashing by carefully and gradually sliding the device. The flash will make the hair fall and limit its regrowth. It is important to target the whole area because you can never touch up a second layer on the same area. A single session is not enough to have good results, but it must be used regularly.

The different types of pulsed light epilators

Intense pulsed light epilators with wires

Intense pulsed light epilators are mainly intended for domestic use. In this sense, many models are connected to the mains via a cable connection. Some are only wired, others work on both mains and battery. The corded models do not need to be charged before use.

Advantages:

  • No need to recharge
  • Suitable for home use

Disadvantages:

  • Unsuitable for travel use
  • The cord can sometimes be a nuisance

When to choose a wired pulsed light epilator?

If you are only looking for a device for home use, without the need to charge, we recommend a wired IPL epilator.

Intense pulsed light epilators without wires

The

wired pulsed light epilator is inconvenient for treating delicate areas such as the bikini line, underarms or face. Indeed, the presence of the wire can hinder the movements. Moreover, a wired model is not very practical when traveling. To overcome these shortcomings, manufacturers have developed cordless pulsed light epilators.

Advantages:

  • Can be used while traveling
  • Great freedom of movement

Disadvantages:

  • Need to recharge before use

When to choose a cordless epilator?

If the presence of the wire bothers you and if you plan to use it while traveling, the cordless pulsed light epilator is made for you.

Intense pulsed light epilators for light skin

It's

important to find out about the compatibility of the device you want to buy. Most Intense Pulsed Light Epilators available on the market are designed for phototype I to IV skin types. They are more commonly referred to as fair skin. Please note that IPL epilators for red hair are rare.

Advantage:

  • Wide choice of models available

Disadvantage:

  • Unsuitable for gray and white hair

When to choose an Intense Pulsed Light Epilator for light skin?

If your skin tone has a phototype between I and IV, the Intense Pulsed Light epilators for light skin are made for you. Also check for compatibility with your hair color.

Intense pulsed light epilators for dark or tanned skin

For

those who do not have fair skin, manufacturers have developed pulsed light epilators for tanned skin. This type of epilator is suitable for all phototype V skin types. Unfortunately, darker skin types, phototype VI, cannot experiment with pulsed light epilators.

Advantage:

  • Suitable for tanned skin

Disadvantages:

  • Few models available
  • Unsuitable for darker skin tones

When to choose an IPL epilator for tanned skin?

People with phototype V or darker skin tones will be happy with this type of pulsed light epilator.

Intense pulsed light epilators with single heads

This

type of pulsed light epilator is indicated if you want to treat sensitive areas such as the underarms, pubic area or face. In this case, a device with a treatment window ranging from 2 to 3 cm² is indicated. Single head models are also recommended for the treatment of larger areas such as legs and trunk. In this case, the size of the treatment window ranges from 4 to 7 cm².

Advantages:

  • Models recommended for hair removal in sensitive areas
  • Also recommended for legs, torso and back

Disadvantages:

  • Not very versatile devices
  • Unsuitable for total hair removal

When to choose a single-use pulsed light epilator?

Those who want to use their device for specific areas of their body will be better off choosing a single head IPL epilator.

Intense pulsed light epilators with interchangeable heads

One of

the big drawbacks of the single-head epilator is its lack of versatility. Manufacturers have addressed this problem by offering models with interchangeable heads. This means that there is a head provided for each area of the body to be epilated. This type of device is ideal for all-over hair removal.

Advantages:

  • Versatility
  • All-over hair removal

Disadvantages :

  • High price

When should you choose an IPL epilator with interchangeable heads?

If you want all-over hair removal without having to invest in multiple models of IPL epilators, the versatility of the interchangeable head model will make you happy.

Pulsed light epilator or electric epilator?

Intense Pulsed Light Epilator

This epilator is similar to laser epilators, but offers more precision thanks to the use of a pulsed light. It permanently eliminates 75% of the hair in the treated area. This equipment is suitable for all skin types. Its main advantage is that it gets rid of unwanted hair for a very long time. In addition, IPL hair removal is a simple and easy process that does not cause any pain.

There is also no risk of irritating your skin with chemicals like with depilatory creams or cutting yourself with a razor. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider with the Intense Pulsed Light Epilator. Indeed, it cannot remove light hair 100% because it can destroy melanin. However, light hair is minimal on the body and cannot be effectively removed by this device.

Electric depilator

It is a small cordless device, capable of removing very short hairs down to their roots. The electric epilator consists of a row of mechanical tweezers mounted on a rotating head. As the head rotates, the tweezers open and close in a rapid cycle that grabs the hair, pulls it out, and removes it. Its use allows you to have smooth skin for up to 3 weeks after hair removal.

Moreover, you will not risk to hurt yourself. It is suitable for face, legs, underarms, arms, etc. It even has an option for sensitive skin. However, you should keep in mind that it can be painful to use. It can also cause ingrown hairs and redness in some people. This can cause other skin problems. Also, it is quite noisy. But all of this pales in comparison to the benefits it offers.

Verdict

These epilators each have their own advantages and disadvantages, but they all allow you to achieve beautiful, smooth skin without any effort. However, an electric epilator is more convenient and economical because you won't have to replace the blades. On the other hand, a pulsed light epilator is much less painful.

Why buy an Intense Pulsed Light Epilator?

The pulsed light epilator is a real revolution in terms of aesthetics and body care for men and women. It must be said that it has many advantages:

1. An innovative method for semi-definitive hair removal

Intense pulsed light technology is one of the latest advances in semi-definitive hair removal.

It is a process that acts directly on the hair bulb to make the hair fall out in a very natural way and thus greatly delay hair growth. This technique is therefore one of the best alternatives to razor, hot wax, threading or tweezers, which offer only temporary results.

2. A solution adapted to all areas of the body

Some hair removal methods require drastic precautions depending on the areas of the body to be treated. Others are only suitable for specific areas.

Intense pulsed light hair removal, on the other hand, is perfectly suited to all areas of the body, even the most sensitive ones such as the face and bikini line.

3. A more than effective method

The Intense Pulsed Light Epilator can boast of being one of the best semi-definitive hair removal methods available today. The results are proven and long lasting. More than four-fifths of the hair is removed in the first few sessions. The few remaining stubborn hairs become very fine, even invisible.

4. A gentle and painless method

This is a strong argument for those who are still hesitant to take the plunge. Intense pulsed light hair removal is completely painless. Although there may be a slight tingling sensation during hair removal, the pain is almost non-existent and the risk of infection, irritation or cuts is practically nil.

5. It is quick and easy

With a tip that can treat large areas, the IPL epilator offers a quick hair removal solution that takes no more than 15 minutes in most cases. It is also very easy to apply.

Simply pass the head of the device over the hairy area to be treated and wait a few moments for the epilator to take effect on the hair.

6. Hair removal at an acceptable cost

Unlike laser hair removal, an Intense Pulsed Light Epilator is much less expensive without being less effective. With only six to eight sessions for a lasting result, it is possible to save a lot of money when buying an IPL hair removal system. The latter has become more and more accessible over the years.

However, while the cost may still seem high to some, it is worth remembering that other hair removal methods require regular, even daily, maintenance, which can be much more expensive in the long run.

7. Hair removal for everyone

Men who are concerned about their body hair can rejoice because IPL hair removal is just as suitable for men as for women, with even better results on thick, dark hair.

In addition, no skin or hair type is off-limits because there are devices adapted to each skin type, although epilators adapted to certain skin types are a little rarer than others.

8. For a worry-free home treatment

The idea of going to an institute is not always appealing because of travel or scheduling concerns. That's why a portable Intense Pulsed Light Epilator is more than convenient in many situations. Indeed, there are many models of portable devices on the market that can be adapted to all budgets and needs. Its ease of use and proven practicality make it the ideal ally for anyone who wants to remove hair themselves without any effort or travel.

Tips

Avoid waxing.

At least four to six weeks before your first IPL hair removal session, avoid waxing or using an electric epilator. Indeed, these hair removal methods pull out the hair right to the root. However, it is on this root that the pulsed light epilator will work to prevent hair regrowth. Light hair removal will only work if the hair roots are there, intact.

Be patient.

Many

users of pulsed light epilators or laser devices give up if they don't see the results they hope to get immediately. The truth is that this method of hair removal takes time and requires a lot of patience, perseverance and discipline to work. But it is all worth it!

Expect some irritation.

While there

should be no permanent damage to your skin, there may be some mild irritation. So expect some mild redness and irritation, which should subside after a few days.

Maintain your skin.

Even

if you've already achieved the hair-free result or permanent reduction you wanted, you'll need to continue using the device, but on a less regular basis. If the regular treatment session is done once a week, then do a touch-up session at least once a month. This is to ensure that the hair bulbs have not regenerated and therefore there will be no new growth.

Fine hair and fluff.

Some

Intense Pulsed Light Epilators do not work well on facial fluff or fine body hair. But this depends on both the hair and the device. So if you have very fine hair and you don't see any improvement, you may have bought the wrong device for your type of polish.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. Best Hair Removal Buying Guide, consumerreports.org
  3. 10 Top Women's Shavers for Smooth Skin, consumersearch.com
  4. Electric epilators: a hair solution?, lesnumeriques.com
  5. Best laser hair removal systems, bestreviews.com
  6. Bare It All: 9 Laser Hair Removal Tips to Get You the Best Results, laser4less.com
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  9. Pulsed Light Hair Removal Guide, laredoute.fr
  10. The Dangers of Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal at Home, cosmopolitan.fr
  11. Pulsed Light : 6 Reasons To Adopt This Non-Painful And Ultra-Effective Hair Removal Method, grazia.fr
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  13. Should You Be Afraid Of Permanent Hair Removal?, observatoire-sante.fr
  14. Best Intense Pulsed Light Epilators 2021 - guide to ..., bfmtv.com
  15. Intense Pulsed Light Epilator - Free Delivery ..., darty.com
  16. Intense Pulsed Light Epilator / IPL - Free Delivery ..., boulanger.com
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  18. What are the best Intense Pulsed Light Epilators ..., ouest-france.fr
  19. How to choose an Intense Pulsed Light Epilator? [2021 ..., electroguide.com
  20. Compare our Intense Pulsed Light | Philips, philips.fr
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  25. Compare the best pulsed light epilators, guide-achat.lefigaro.fr
  26. What age to start pulsed light epilation, epilateur-lumierepulsee.com
  27. The Best Pulsed Light Epilators in 2021 | Review ...., best-comparatif.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced
Philips BRI921/00 Lumea Advanced
Épilateur Aminzer
Aminzer IPL hair remover
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137MN
Philips BG9041/00 Lumea
Philips BG9041/00 Lumea

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