Philips Lumea Prestige
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
The Best IPL Hair Removal Devices in the UK (2026)
An at-home IPL device uses pulses of light to target the pigment in hair, gradually reducing regrowth over a course of treatments - long-term hair reduction without salon prices. IPL suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair, and the choice comes down to skin-tone suitability, flashes (lifespan), intensity levels and the areas you want to treat. This guide explains what matters, then lists our top picks.
Quick answer
For most people, a Philips Lumea or Braun Silk-expert Pro is the safe, proven choice, with Ulike a popular cooling-handset alternative. Crucially, check the skin-tone chart first: IPL works on light-to-medium skin with dark hair, and not on very dark skin or light/grey/red hair. Results are gradual reduction, not instant removal.
What to look for
- Skin-tone suitability - check the brand chart; a skin-tone sensor adds safety.
- Flashes (lamp life) - more (or unlimited) means a longer-lasting device.
- Intensity levels - to suit different areas and comfort.
- Treatment areas - body, face, bikini, with attachments.
- Cooling - makes treatment more comfortable.
- Corded vs cordless - cordless is easier to manoeuvre.
How we pick
We rank on real-world usefulness: skin-tone suitability, flashes, intensity, areas, cooling and ease of use. We don't show scraped prices or star ratings; our editorial score reflects how well each suits at-home use. IPL is a cosmetic device for hair reduction, not a medical treatment - always patch test and follow the instructions. Check the live Amazon price, as these go on deal often.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Haarlosy IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
A practical ipl hair removal device (999900 flashes) for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#3 
Philips Lumea 8000 Series
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#4 
Braun IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5347
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#5 
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5267
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#6 
Ulike Air 10
A practical ipl hair removal device (cooling) for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#7 
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5124
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#8 
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#9 
Haarlosy IPL Laser Hair Removal
A practical ipl hair removal device (cooling) for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
#10 
Ulike Air 3
A practical ipl hair removal device (cooling) for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Does IPL hair removal really work?
Used correctly and consistently, yes - IPL gives long-term hair reduction, with hair growing back finer and sparser over a course of sessions, then occasional top-ups. It works on light-to-medium skin with dark hair, and results are gradual reduction rather than instant, total removal.
Is IPL permanent?
It gives permanent hair reduction, not total permanent removal. Most people see much less, finer regrowth after a full course, maintained with occasional top-ups. 'Permanent reduction' is the accurate term.
Who can use IPL?
IPL suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair, because it targets hair pigment. It does not work on very dark skin (burn risk) or on light, grey, red or white hair (no pigment to target). Always check the brand's skin-tone chart and patch test first.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Philips Lumea Prestige (our score 9.6/10) - A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently..