Best IPL Machines

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 hairs.

Scroll down below to see reviews for IPL machines that are suitable for using on the face (for women).

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.

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-$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 3-6 treatments, with two weeks to one month recovery in between (this varies according to the particular model). Some reviewers report seeing results in just 1-2 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

• 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: 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: 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: 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.