Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5147 Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 6.9/10
Best for: Long-term hair reduction at home, on light-to-medium skin with dark hair
Not for: Very dark skin, or light/grey/red hair - IPL needs dark hair on lighter skin to work, and it's a cosmetic device, not permanent removal or a medical treatment
Bottom line: A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently.
Overall, the Braun Silk Expert Pro is presented as a next generation IPL option from This IPL hair removal device's Silk-expert Pro line, with two heads designed for use on different areas. It fits the household IPL category as a convenience-focused option, rather than a clinic-only device.
Key specifications
| Item | Stated value Notes |
|---|---|
| Shots | 400,000 From title |
| Heads | 2 From title |
| Case | Design bag For carry |
Pros
- Long-term hair reduction from home, cheaper than salon courses over time
Cons
- Only suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair - not dark skin or light/grey/red hair
- Gives long-term reduction, not instant or total permanent removal
- Needs a full course plus top-ups, and consistent use over weeks
How It Works and Results
The Braun's Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5147 uses IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to target hair at the root, with the aim of achieving long-term reduction rather than instant removal. It is designed for repeated use over scheduled sessions, because hair grows in cycles and not every hair strand is in the same stage at the same time. Each treatment delivers flashes to the chosen area, and hair response typically develops gradually, including some shedding and longer gaps between regrowth. Results depend on consistent use and the body area treated, and progress can start unevenly. Effects may diminish over time, which means later top-up sessions can be needed.
Skin Tone and Hair Colour Suitability
Skin tone and hair colour compatibility determine how effectively an IPL device such as the IPL hair removal device works, because IPL targets pigment in the hair rather than weakening growth in the same way for all users. Best results are typically seen with dark hair on light-to-medium skin, where there is sufficient contrast for the light to focus on melanin. Very light blonde, grey, red, or white hair often reflects too much light for reliable results. Very tanned skin can reduce effectiveness and may raise skin comfort concerns. A patch test on a small area helps confirm suitability, and anyone who is pregnant, taking medication, or has an existing skin condition should speak to a doctor before use.
Intensity Levels and Flashes
Intensity levels and flashes should be selected to balance effective results with skin comfort, because IPL power needs to match the user's skin and hair response. The Braun supports starting at a lower intensity, then increasing gradually only if the skin feels comfortable and no unusual irritation appears. This staged approach matters because darker or thicker hair usually needs more energy, while lighter skin areas can react more strongly. A patch test on a small area should be carried out first, and consistent responses should be confirmed before moving on to larger treatment zones.
Body Areas and Attachments
To get good results with the IPL hair removal device, users need to choose the right body area and use the correct attachment, since IPL treatment can vary across areas of skin and hair growth. The device is designed for both broad treatment and more targeted work, so two heads are supplied. Session planning is best handled by section, such as underarms, legs, or bikini areas, then applying the matching head for each zone. Using the wrong attachment may lead to uneven coverage, and results may vary.
Comfort, Speed and Safety
Comfort, speed, and safety matter because IPL outcomes depend on using the device consistently, and the selected body area can affect how the skin feels during treatment. The Braun Silk Expert Pro is designed for practical home sessions, using two heads to switch coverage with minimal interruption. Comfort depends on applying the device evenly with steady skin contact and choosing settings that feel manageable, as increased warmth or sensitivity can occur. Speed improves when sessions follow a consistent side-by-side pattern rather than overlapping randomly. Safety checks include cleaning the skin beforehand, avoiding irritated areas, and stopping if burning or significant discomfort appears.
Who Is This IPL Device For?
Who this IPL device is for, and who should avoid it The Braun suits people who want at-home IPL for long-term hair reduction and are comfortable with repeat sessions over time, because results depend on consistent use. It comes with two heads, which makes it practical for treating different body areas. The model is positioned as a long-life option, with "400,000 shots" stated in the product title, which may appeal to those who want an extended-use device. Anyone expecting instant, one-time hair removal should reconsider, since IPL is designed for long-term reduction rather than immediate removal. This IPL device should be avoided if you have a medical condition affecting your skin, if your skin is recently tanned, or if you are unsure about suitability, because IPL can worsen irritation. It should not be used on dark skin or on light, grey, red or white hair, as IPL targets pigment in darker hair on lighter-to-medium skin. Avoid using it on the eyes, broken or irritated skin, over tattoos or moles, on genitals, and on tanned skin. A patch test is advisable, and a doctor should be consulted if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a skin condition.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the IPL hair removal device in the UK is mainly about checking well-known retailers and verifying the exact model number before buying, since at-home IPL kits can come in similar bundles. Look for listings that clearly state "PL5147" and confirm the contents include 400,000 shots and "2 heads" (not just generic "Pro 5" wording). Compare online listings across Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos, then check the product description and images carefully to ensure the bundle matches. If a listing mentions a design bag, the details should match the title, and any missing information marked "not stated" should be ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Braun actually work?
Used regularly and correctly, IPL like the IPL hair removal device can give long-lasting hair reduction - hair grows back finer and sparser over a course of treatments, with top-ups to maintain it. It works best on light-to-medium skin with dark hair, and results vary from person to person. It's a cosmetic device, not a one-off permanent removal.
Is IPL permanent hair removal?
IPL gives permanent hair REDUCTION rather than total permanent removal - most people see far less, finer regrowth after a full course, then use occasional top-up sessions to keep it that way. Calling it "permanent removal" overstates it; "long-term reduction" is more accurate.
Who can use this IPL hair removal device - does it work on all skin tones?
IPL works by targeting the pigment in dark hair, so it suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair best. It does NOT work on very dark skin (risk of burns) or on light, grey, red or white hair (no pigment to target). Always check the brand's skin-tone chart and do a patch test first.
Does the Braun hurt?
Most people feel a warm, mild snapping sensation rather than real pain. Start on a lower intensity and build up. If it's painful, lower the setting - and never use it on irritated, broken or recently tanned skin.
How long until you see results with the Braun Silk Expert Pro?
Most people do a treatment every week or two for the first 4-12 sessions, with visible reduction usually after several sessions, then move to occasional top-ups. Consistency matters - skipping sessions slows progress. Results and timelines vary by person.
Is the IPL hair removal device safe to use, and where should you avoid?
Used per the instructions on suitable skin, IPL is generally well tolerated, but it's a cosmetic device - not a medical treatment. Avoid the eyes and the area around them, broken or irritated skin, tattoos and moles, and don't use on the genitals. Patch test first, and if you're pregnant, on certain medications, or have a skin condition, check with a doctor. This is general guidance, not medical advice.