Best pulsed light epilator for women of 2023: Comparison and Reviews
This article will analyze the best-pulsed light epilator for women/men (also called laser epilators, even if there is a slight difference: see below ).
These unisex devices, small in size and relatively affordable (between 150 and 500 €), are safe and give visible hair removal results from the third session: legs, bikini line, armpits, arms, chest, back, and even areas of the face, in the comfort of your home and without risk.
You can read our article to learn more about using a pulsed light epilator.
Epilator for women: Comparison of the best models
Here are the best Epilator for women we compare in this article
1- Braun IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 with Venus Swirl Razor,
2- IPL Hair Removal Device Epilator for Women Permanent,
3- Permanent IPL Hair Removal (epilator) for Women/Men,
4- Braun IPL Hair Removal Epilator for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 3 PL3111.
5- IPL Hair Removal Epilator for Women at Home,
6- XSOUL At-Home IPL Hair Removal Epilator for Women and Men
1- Braun IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 with Venus Swirl Razor,
🏆Braun Silk*Expert Pro 5 PL5137 (IPL)🏆: The best pulsed light epilator for women and men
Braun’s Silk*Expert Pro 5 PL5137 ( see our test ) is the advanced version of its little sister, the Silk-expert 5 BD 5009.
It is the IPL device with the highest number of flashes on the market (400,000) and a power of 6 J/cm2. With this machine, you don’t have to worry about having enough sessions and intensity to remove your Hair. The highlight of this epilator is that it flashes every 0.5 seconds. Up to 6 times faster than other laser epilators! You will save many hours compared to other IPL epilators.
Its skin sensor adjusts the appropriate intensity throughout the epilation process to protect the skin and prevent damage or burns. It also comes with a different precision head for the face area, which is suitable for women only. It also includes a beautiful case and a blade for the pre-shave kit before IPL hair removal.
This is also convenient because Philips has reduced its size compared to previous models.
With so many good features, you can probably guess the main “but” is… The price is relatively high and not suitable for all budgets. However, you will save compared to sessions in a clinic. An investment which, in our opinion, is well worth it.
Pros
- The IPL with the highest number of flashes (400,000).
- The fastest
- High power (up to 6 J/cm2).
- Additional precision head.
Cons
- Price.
- Not wireless.
2- IPL Hair Removal Device epilator for Women Permanent,
IPL Hair Removal Device: A good inexpensive epilator for women!
If you want to get rid of Hair but don’t like the discomfort of epilating, this epilator is what you are looking for. The inn has a system that applies cold to the epilation head to reduce the discomfort caused by the heat of IPL.
I liked the system of interchangeability of the heads since they are magnetic, and their exchange is super quick and easy. It has 5 intensity levels and an LCD screen where you can see the intensity, the mode of operation, and the number of flashes before the lamp goes out. Like the Innza T20, it doesn’t have a skin tone sensor, so take care if you’re tanned or have dark skin, adjusting the level little by little.
The power is 4.7j/cm², slightly higher than the T20 but lower than the medium/high range models. You will have to give more sessions to obtain the same result.
In summary, it might be worth paying the price increase over the Innza T20 for the cooling system and the 3 interchangeable heads included. However, it’s still a slow IPL epilator for women compared to the competition (4 to 6 seconds between shots), nor does it have an automatic skin tone sensor. It is also less ergonomic, noticeable in precision areas like the upper lip.
Pros
- Cold system to reduce pain
- 3 interchangeable heads
- Long life lamp
- 5 intensity levels
- Goggles included
Cons
- No skin color sensor
- Slow (4-6sec between flashes)
- The button must be held down for automatic mode.
3- Permanent IPL Hair Removal (epilator) for Women/Men,
Permanent IPL Hair Removal: The very high-end (but expensive) epilator
Permanent IPL Hair Removal is the advanced version of its 2 little sisters: Permanent Epilator for Women/Men and MiSMON At-Home Painless Hair Remover.
This new version of the IPL Hair Removal Prestige doesn’t have the highest flash count nor the highest power, but it has the best overall numbers and is also one of the fastest.
It has 250,000 flashes and, thanks to its not-insignificant power of up to 6.5 J/cm2, you won’t need many sessions and it will be more than enough to give you all the touch-ups you need. It also incorporates a sensor that analyzes your skin type to adjust the intensity and prevent burns.
The best thing about this machine is that you can also use it in cordless mode, which is handy if the cables get in your way or you don’t have outlets nearby. In addition, it incorporates up to three different heads: a precision head for the face and two for curved areas (cavo and convex) that will allow greater efficiency in areas such as the knees and armpits.
Like the rest of the top models, it also includes a case for storage. The biggest drawback of this Philips model is its price (since we are at the top of the range) and the fact that it is a little big; otherwise, we found no significant drawbacks.
The IPL Hair Removal is one of the best pulsed light epilators on the market, and you can’t go wrong choosing this model.
Pros
- Wireless.
- Three different precision heads.
- Hair type sensor.
- Includes case and tracking app.
- Good flash/power ratio (250,000 shots and 6.5 J/cm2).
Cons
- Price.
- A bit big.
- Not the most powerful.
4- Braun IPL Hair Removal Epilator for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 3 PL3111.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 3 PL3111 (IPL): A good value-for-money epilator
Braun’s Silk Expert Pro 3 is in the high-end segment of mid-priced epilators. It offers pulsed light that can reach 300,000 flashes, a figure that allows you to carry out enough sessions to obtain satisfactory results on different body areas and to repeat the sessions if necessary.
Sessions are quick, although you have to cover a lot of skin. The device effectively removes dark blond to black colored Hair, provided you do not have very dark or black skin.
This epilator incorporates an additional head for areas requiring greater precision, such as the mustache or the jawline in women (men cannot epilate with pulsed light in these areas).
It also has a sensor that measures skin tone throughout the epilation process to adjust the intensity, even if you have different skin tones on different areas of the body, so you won’t you don’t need to adjust it manually.
It also comes with a quality storage pouch and a razor blade for shaving before epilating with the epilator.
The negative point of this machine is that its power is a bit low (4 J/cm2). We generally recommend a power of 5 J/cm2 for IPL epilators. That doesn’t mean you won’t get results, but you probably won’t be as effective, and you’ll need more sessions and re-sessions. It’s also not cordless, which makes hair removal less accessible in certain areas, but it’s not something that affects the hair removal result.
May you like the Barun shaver comparison?
Pros
- The high number of flashes (300,000).
- Additional precision head.
- Automatic skin color detector.
Cons
- Not wireless.
- Just enough power (4 J/cm2).
5- IPL Hair Removal Epilator for Women at Home,
IPL Hair Removal i-Light Prestige (IPL): Ideal for travel
The IPL Hair Removal is Remington’s best value-for-money laser hair remover. It is an epilator that is practically the same as the Remington IPL6780 i-Light in terms of features.
Although the Remington IPL Hair Removal i-Light is slightly more expensive in most stores, it is not necessarily better. For us, the Remington IPL Hair Removal i-Light Prestige is the best laser epilator of this brand thanks to 3 improvements:
- 2cm² head for bikini hair removal. It is always appreciated that the head adapts perfectly to the shape of each part of your body.
- High-quality case, ideal for travel or to have everything stored away.
- Smaller epilator base. It’s also not a significant improvement unless you don’t have a lot of storage space. It is also less bulky than the previous one.
Although the Remington IPL Hair Removal i-Light Prestige is a bit better, there isn’t a massive leap in quality over the previous model. So unless you’re sure it’s the one that best suits your needs, don’t hesitate to buy the previous one if you find it at a better deal.
6- XSOUL At-Home IPL Hair Removal epilator for Women and Men
XSOUL At-Home IPL Hair Removal: Useful for dark skin tones
The XSOUL At-Home IPL Hair Removal is the advanced version of its little brother, the Remington XSOUL At-Home IPL Hair Removal. It is the most potent home epilator for women on the market, i.e., the one with the highest luminous flux (up to 8 J/cm2). This means that it will be more effective, especially on dark skin.
Be careful. If you have very fair skin, you will not benefit from this power because the sensor will regulate a lower intensity so as not to burn your skin.
It would help if you also kept in mind that with the maximum intensity level, you may feel more pain with each flash, especially in sensitive areas. This is normal but should be considered if you are low on stamina.
It has a capacity of up to 300,000 flashes, enough to perform the sessions needed to epilate the entire body. This epilator also includes a precision head for the face area for women.
Its main drawbacks are that its base is slightly bulky, and that’s where the sensor is, making it more uncomfortable than other devices that integrate the sensor into the machine. It’s also not wireless. However, these are aspects that do not affect efficiency and results.
This Remington model is one of our favorites for its power. However, if you don’t have patience, this is not the IPL epilator for you, as it is slower than other models. It takes about 2 seconds between each flash.
Pros
- Very reasonable price for the quality it presents.
- The high number of flashes (300,000).
- Powerful (up to 8 J/cm2).
- Additional precision facial head.
Cons
- Fairly bulky base.
- Not wireless.
- Slow: minimum 2 seconds between flashes.
How to choose your pulsed light epilator?
Have you decided to abandon your electric epilator? In this buying guide, you will find the answers to all your questions so you can choose the laser epilator that best suits your needs.
What is the best permanent hair removal system: laser or IPL (pulsed light)?
There are currently two types of permanent hair removal on the market: laser and IPL, although 99% of the devices you’ll find fall into the latter group. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of both:
Pulsed light epilators (IPL)
Also known as Intense Pulsed Light or IPL. The characteristic of this type of light beam is that the light travels in all directions, which means that it is suitable for different skin and hair types, which is what we are interested in.
Benefits of IPL
- Suitable for a broader range of skin phototypes: dark blonde, brown, and black Hair.
- It covers a larger area, and therefore the process of each session is faster.
- These are the most widespread, the most popular, and the least expensive.
Disadvantages of IPL
- It is not as effective as laser and, therefore, requires more sessions (although of much shorter duration each).
- The lifespan is determined by the number of flashes that the model allows.
Laser epilators
Here the beam is focused on a single point, which is easier for the melanin in the skin to absorb, making it more precise and ultimately more effective as it destroys the hair root.
Advantages of lasers
- It is more effective in the right phototype (light skin and very dark Hair). In these cases, it requires fewer sessions than IPL.
- An unlimited number of flashes.
Disadvantages of laser
- Each flash covers a minimal area, which requires more work and a much longer time for each hair removal session.
- Not effective on light Hair or dark skin.
- It is more expensive and few brands market laser epilators for home use.
Conclusion: better laser or IPL?
Today we find many more advantages in the IPL system, at least when it comes to permanent hair removal at home. It covers more hair types, it’s faster, and best of all, it’s cheaper. For this reason, it is the method we recommend and the highest rated by both men and women.
You can also check the best electric epilators.
Hair removal at home or in a specialized clinic?
In our opinion, hair removal at home has many advantages:
- Investing in a good product is cheaper in the long run.
- You avoid moving.
- For shy people, hair removal at home offers more privacy and discretion.
- You can always return to an unmanageable area after a few months or years without contracting a new service. Individual sessions in professional clinics are pretty expensive.
However, if you need to wax sensitive areas such as the eyebrows, ears, perianal area, or genitals, we recommend you go to a specialized clinic. It is also not recommended for use on tattoos. Likewise, if you have a lot of moles or wrinkles in a given area, it will be more challenging to get good results.
On the other hand, if you are sure that laser hair removal is more suitable for you, that your finances allow it, and that you are not too patient, it may be better to go directly to a specialized clinic.
For what type of skin and Hair can I use pulsed light hair removal?
In principle, IPL works for all skin types except very dark and black skin.
IPL works for almost all hair shades except very blonde, gray, and red Hair. Domestic epilators incorporate (when they are good) a sensor that analyzes the color of the skin and do not even work when they detect a very dark complexion.
Number of flashes in IPL epilators
One of the most important keys when choosing an IPL hair removal device is to check how many flashes or shots you can perform. The device’s lifespan depends on this and, therefore, on the number of maintenance sessions you can perform and the areas you can epilate.
The counterpoint, however, is the price. This will also increase as the flash count increases. We recommend that you don’t invest in a machine with less than 200,000 flashes unless you know you will only be using it on a few areas of the body (e.g., bikini area and armpits).
Conclusion: if you want to use your epilator for several areas and guarantee long-term results, you must be consistent and the epilator must allow you to do the necessary sessions and repeat treatments. We recommend choosing a machine that allows between 200,000 and 400,000 flashes.
Intensity and power
Without wanting to be too technical, the main element to measure the intensity of an IPL will be the luminous fluency, that is, the amount of energy emitted per square centimeter of skin.
This characteristic is essential because it directly correlates with the ability to destroy hair growth. Home IPL epilators usually have power between 2.5 J/cm2 and 8 J/cm2.
We recommend that you choose a pulsed light epilator with different intensity levels, the maximum being at least 5 J/cm2. On lower settings, you may still achieve results, but depending on your skin tone and hair color, epilation may be less effective, and you will likely need more sessions.
But beware; if the light is too intense and your skin is clear, you risk burning yourself. It is also good to know that the higher the intensity, the greater the level of pain or discomfort.
High-end epilators are very gentle and incorporate a sensor that adjusts the intensity according to your skin tone. If the epilator you buy does not have this, make sure it has at least several levels to adjust the intensity manually.
Wireless or wired?
Cordless devices have the advantage of being more convenient as they are easier to use and allow you to reach all parts of your body without the inconvenience of a cord. They will also allow you to wax in places where you do not have a power outlet nearby. However, before each use/session, ensure it is 100% charged, so you don’t leave it half charged.
On the other hand, the fact that they are cordless is usually an extra that makes the product more expensive and is not essential to obtain results.
On which areas of the body can I use IPL epilators?
At-home IPL epilators are recommended for most body hair: shoulders, chest, stomach, back, arms, bikini area, armpits, and legs. Women can also use it on the neck, jawline, and mustache.
However, men can NOT use it on these areas of the face because the hair density is much higher there, and they could get burned and injured.
It is NOT recommended to use them on the ears, perianal area, and testicles. We also advise against eyebrows due to their proximity to the eyes.
It is more advisable to go to a specialized professional clinic for all these areas.
Are home IPL epilators safe?
Yes, nowadays, home pulsed light epilators are very safe as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions and warnings and use them in the manner and the areas indicated.
Higher-end machines will offer more protection and care technologies. As mentioned, most of them incorporate sensors to adjust the intensity according to the color of the Hair and the skin and even have anti-ignition measures if the skin is not detected or is not suitable for use.
It is not necessary to wear protective glasses if you use the device well, but if you want to be very careful, you can use them.
Can I use IPL or laser hair removal in the summer?
Some models indicate that they can be used in summer, such as the Philips Lumea Prestige BRI954/00. However, there are a few extra precautions, especially if your skin is sunburned or reddened. Likewise, it would help if you did not expose yourself to the sun during the first days following your hair removal session.
What is your budget?
Cheap and inferior models can last a few sessions or a few months. Although there are substantial price differences between entry-level and high-end, we recommend investing in the latter group – it makes a difference in terms of results. Still, it represents a significant saving compared to hair removal in a specialized clinic.
This is a typical example of a product where cheap can be expensive. In general, mid-range and high-end models start at around 200 euros. We don’t recommend investing in a cheaper product because, in addition to not getting the right results, they may be less safe and even damage your skin.
Are they unisex, or are there specific models for men or women?
This is a unisex product, so whether you’re a man or a woman looking for permanent hair removal from the comfort of your home, these machines are for you.
However, if you are a man (see our epilator for men comparison ), there are two things you need to pay special attention to:
- Hair removal areas: as you may have read above, men will not be able to use these machines for the beard or mustache area. Since they have a greater density of Hair in this area than women, it can cause damage to the skin. The other “prohibited” areas are common to both sexes: ears, genital or perianal areas, and eyebrows…
- The number of flashes/sessions: men generally have a greater density of Hair on the body and in a more significant number of areas. In their case, therefore, it will be essential to choose a pulsed light epilator with a high number of flashes (there are up to 400,000) to be able to cover the whole body with the necessary sessions.
Hair removal time
You may not think it’s important right now, but hair removal time is of the essence and is often one of the main reasons people give up on treatment out of desperation. It is not the same as taking 1 hour to wax the whole body in each session, then 3 hours.
If time is an element that concerns you, do not hesitate to opt for one of the 2 best laser epilators of 2021: the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 or the Philips Lumea Prestige BRI956/00.
Heads and accessories
If you finally decide to opt for a home epilator to epilate your body, another aspect to consider is whether the device you choose includes an additional head to facilitate the epilation of specific areas.
If you are a woman and you are going to use it for the mustache or jaw area (men should refrain from waxing these areas), it should have a smaller head, which allows greater precision and better protection. Some models incorporate curved heads to improve efficiency in areas such as the knees or armpits.
It will also be practical to include a storage pouch. Some models also include a blade for the necessary shaving before IPL or laser hair removal.
