Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 PL5387 Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.2/10
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.
The Braun Silk-expert Pro 5's Silk-expert Pro 5 PL5387 sits in This IPL hair removal device's Silk-expert Pro IPL range and is built as an epilierer use device. It is positioned for users who want the Braun product designed for epilierer use. The IPL hair removal device Silk-expert Pro 5 PL5387 suits shoppers seeking a single device category rather than a multi-mode system. For buyers comparing models, the key point is fit-for-purpose.
Key specifications
| Spec area | Stated Notes |
|---|---|
| Brand | Braun Silk-expert Pro line |
| Model | PL5387 Not specified beyond title |
| Use | Epilierer use IPL range only |
| Other details | Not specified No numbers given |
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
This model sits in The Braun's Silk-expert Pro range. For use, the person positions the device on the treatment area, activates it, and then moves it slowly across the skin to cover the area evenly. Treatment is designed as a course rather than a one-off session, with repeated treatments over weeks because hair growth occurs in cycles, so results build gradually. Consistent use can lead to reduced hair growth and finer regrowth over time. If use stops part way through a course, results usually fade gradually.
Skin Tone and Hair Colour Suitability
How well the IPL hair removal device works depends on skin tone and hair colour. The device is designed to target pigment in hair rather than skin, so hair pigment is a key factor. IPL is described as targeting dark hair on light-to-medium skin, which means more reliable results are expected with darker hair, while light, grey, red or white hair are not suitable. Skin tone also matters, because melanin in skin can affect device performance, even though skin targeting is not the goal. For best outcomes, match hair and skin to the manufacturer guidance, and consider a test area first. This is a cosmetic product for long-term reduction of unwanted hair, not a medical treatment. A patch test is recommended, and a doctor should be consulted if pregnant, on medication, or with a skin condition. Use caution to avoid the eyes, broken or irritated skin, tattoos, moles, tanned skin, and the genitals.
Intensity Levels and Flashes
Intensity levels and flashes control how strongly the IPL pulses feel on the skin, and they influence how consistent results are across sessions. For the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5, intensity control and flash output are used to match comfort and visible outcomes. The guidance is to begin at a lower level, check skin response, and only increase if the sensation remains tolerable. If the pulses feel too strong or the skin reacts noticeably, the person should reduce the intensity or pause, since consistency depends on following the process across sessions.
Body Areas and Attachments
Body hair reduction with the Braun depends on treating the right areas with the correct attachment, since IPL results can vary by skin tone, hair colour, and how evenly the pulses cover each spot. Body zones are typically tackled in a sensible order, starting with larger surface areas such as the legs, and then moving to smaller, more detailed areas such as the underarms. Even coverage matters, so adjacent sections should be overlapped slightly rather than skipped, especially on curves or areas that are harder to position consistently. Results can differ between areas due to variation in skin surface, hair density, and how effectively pulses reach each spot.
Comfort, Speed and Safety
Comfort, speed, and safety matter when using an IPL epilator such as the IPL hair removal device, because results can vary with skin tone, hair characteristics, and how consistently the device is used. Start with a clean, dry area, select an appropriate power level if available, and keep the treatment head flat against the skin. Sessions may feel faster when coverage is even, but rushing can increase the chance of irritation. Safety depends on avoiding active sun exposure, not using the device on broken skin, and using eye protection; after treatment, cool the area and monitor for redness that persists. IPL is a cosmetic device designed for long-term hair reduction, and it is not effective on light, grey, red, or white hair.
Who Is This IPL Device For?
Who is the Braun really for? It suits people looking for an at-home IPL solution and who want to use the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 device, model PL5387, for epilierer use (as stated in the title). IPL is typically not a one-off treatment, so it is better for users who can commit to a consistent routine across multiple sessions to support long-term reduction. Suitability depends on hair and skin type. IPL is designed to target pigment in darker hair on light-to-medium skin, and it does not work on very dark skin or on light, grey, red or white hair. People with very sensitive skin or who are uncertain about skin-tone compatibility should confirm suitability first, since results vary. Use also requires careful follow-through with safety basics, including reading the instructions before use. A patch test is advised, and a doctor should be consulted if pregnant, on medication, or if there is a skin condition.
Where to Buy in the UK
For people deciding where to buy this IPL hair removal device in the UK, it helps to plan around its dual-purpose use for IPL and epilator functions, since availability and listings may differ by retailer. It is typically sold through major UK electrical and beauty retailers, alongside The Braun's own website listing in some cases. Before buying, a shopper should check the product page for the "Epilierer" wording used in the listing, confirm it is the correct model number, and read the return terms, which can vary by seller. Stock can change quickly, so comparing delivery dates and bundle contents is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 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 IPL hair removal device?
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 Braun 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.