Philips Lumea 9000 Series vs Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
We compare the Philips Lumea 9000 Series and the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Philips Lumea 9000 Series | Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Best for | Long-term hair reduction at home, on light-to-medium skin with dark hair | Long-term hair reduction at home, on light-to-medium skin with dark hair |
| Not ideal 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 | 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 |
| Brand | Philips | Braun |
How It Works and Results
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
At-home IPL works by sending pulses of light into the hair follicles, which can weaken the hair growth cycle over repeated sessions. With the Philips, the device is used on the body, face and precision areas using three attachments. Sessions follow a routine: the skin is cleaned, the appropriate attachment is selected, and pulses are applied across the treatment area. Hair shedding may be noticed after a few treatments, and regrowth can become slower over time. Results vary by individual because hair thickness and growth patterns differ, and not all hairs respond in the same way.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
This IPL hair removal device uses at-home IPL light to reduce unwanted hair growth, with results depending largely on consistent use and on individual hair and skin characteristics. The device is intended for home hair removal as an alternative to professional laser hair removal, so the process typically involves repeated treatment sessions over time. Each session delivers light pulses to the targeted area to weaken hair regrowth rather than remove every hair instantly. Gradual reduction in visible regrowth is commonly expected as treatments are completed, but missed sessions can slow progress and results vary.
Skin Tone and Hair Colour Suitability
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
In terms of suitability, skin tone and hair colour are important because IPL works by targeting pigment in the hair. The IPL hair removal device uses three attachments for body, face and precision areas, so suitability depends in part on whether there is sufficient dark pigment for the device to target in each area. Lighter or very fine hair may show less effective results because there is less dark pigment for IPL to detect. Darker skin tones require extra caution, as the contrast between skin and hair can affect how safely the energy is directed, and safety guidance may limit use. IPL is generally suitable for DARK hair on LIGHT-TO-MEDIUM skin and does not work on very dark skin, or on light, grey, red or white hair.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
At-home IPL results depend on completing repeat sessions and on whether the device's light can be matched to the user's skin tone and hair colour, because IPL targets pigment in the hair. For the Braun, suitability is best where hair pigment is clear and contrast is higher, since the aim is darker hair. The method is less effective when hair is very light, grey, or red. Skin tone also matters: darker skin contains more melanin, which can increase caution, so official compatibility guidance should be checked before starting.
Intensity Levels and Flashes
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
Intensity levels and the number of flashes matter because IPL devices work by delivering pulses to the hair and skin, and the setting chosen affects both comfort and how well the treatment targets pigment. Lower settings are generally gentler, while higher settings may treat more effectively but can be more sensitive for some users. Even spacing between pulses is important, because overlap can waste flashes and gaps can leave missed areas.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
Intensity levels and flashes are how an IPL device controls the amount of light energy delivered to the skin. Because results depend on matching the setting to the user's skin tone and hair pigment, it is important to start conservatively. The IPL hair removal device allows intensity levels to be selected before starting, then delivers light in discrete flashes across the treatment area. A practical approach is to begin on a lower level, test on a small patch first, and increase only if the skin reaction is mild and comfortable. If the skin feels overly sensitive, the setting should be reduced, since higher energy also raises irritation risk.
Body Areas and Attachments
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
Because the Philips is designed for more than one part of the body, it includes three attachments for the body, face and precision areas. Users choose the matching head before treatment to keep the workflow organised. The body attachment is intended for larger areas, the face attachment targets facial zones and the precision attachment is for smaller, harder-to-reach spots. This single-device setup suits households that want one system for multiple grooming areas.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
Once the right intensity level is chosen for comfort, the next step is deciding where and how to use the Braun on the body. The device is typically used on broad areas such as legs and arms, then on smaller zones such as underarms with a more careful setup. The Precision Head is intended for tighter spots where accuracy matters, such as around knees or elbows, while the main head suits larger surfaces. Coverage should be done in even passes, avoiding gaps and heavy overlap. Results vary by skin type and hair, so some areas may need repeated attention.
Comfort, Speed and Safety
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
Comfort, speed, and safety matter alongside hair removal results, and the IPL hair removal device is designed for home use. The device supports both corded and cordless use, which can reduce setup friction when switching between body and face. It comes with three attachments for body, face, and precision areas, allowing sessions to be managed more safely by using the appropriate head for each area. When using IPL, users should follow the on-skin method carefully, since skipping checks can lead to missed coverage or skin irritation.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
Comfort, speed, and safety matter as much as hair removal results, and they depend largely on how the IPL hair removal device is set up and used. Before each session, the user checks that the skin is clean and dry, then selects the included precision head where needed. Sessions tend to feel more comfortable when the device is applied evenly, with gentle contact rather than pressing. Speed depends on the size of the body area, since shorter passes reduce pauses for re-positioning. Safety improves when the device is used only on suitable skin areas, and the session stops if irritation occurs.
Who Is This IPL Device For?
Philips Lumea 9000 Series
The Philips Lumea 9000 Series is intended for people who want an at-home IPL hair removal option and prefer to manage the process themselves. It is designed for both corded and cordless use and includes attachments for the body, face and precision areas, which makes it suitable for treating different zones using the correct head. This can appeal to buyers who want flexible setup, whether they are working near a socket or moving around the room. At-home IPL is cosmetic and provides long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal, and results depend on consistent use over time. It may be less suitable for people with sensitive skin, and IPL targets pigment in dark hair on light-to-medium skin, so it does not work on very dark skin or on light, grey, red or white hair.
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137
The Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 device suits people who want an at-home hair removal option that can serve as an alternative to laser hair removal, and who are willing to follow careful setup and use. It is designed for those who prefer a kit approach, with a pouch, a Venus razor, and a precision head in the box to support different grooming areas. It may be less ideal for users seeking instant results, as IPL typically requires consistent sessions to achieve gradual change and long-term reduction. Buyers should be comfortable using it on a schedule and preparing skin properly each time.
Philips Lumea 9000 Series: pros
- Designed for body, face
- Cordless for easy handling
- 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
Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137: 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
Our verdict
Our pick is the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 PL5137 (our score 8.7/10) - A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently. The Philips Lumea 9000 Series is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.