Are you *over* being hairy? Are you sick of those awkward poses you have to squeeze into every time you shave the back of your legs?
Most importantly — are you tired of hair removal feeling like a constant chore? From waxing to shaving to in-office treatments, you can spend thousands of dollars (and hours!) trying to maintain smooth, silky skin — with little to show for it. Getting that baby-soft, dolphin-smooth skin we crave used to be a real hustle that had to be maintained day-in and day-out.
Thankfully, over the past decade, there have been some remarkable advances in at-home hair removal products and technologies. Seriously — there’s no reason to ever be using chemically irritating hair removal foams (not to mention their horrible smells) or inconsistent waxes (and that awkward butterfly position for Brazilians… IYKYK) on any body part. Ever. Again.
When looking at how the landscape of at-home hair removal has changed for the better, nothing comes close to the IPL handset.
For the tl;dr version - check out Victoria Victoria’s personal experience with the RoseSkinCo. Lumi where she dives into how the hair removal handset has worked for her:
Okay, But What’s IPL?
Short for Intense Pulsed Light therapy, IPL devices work similarly to lasers. But instead of releasing one wavelength of light, they emit different types of flash to smooth over blemishes and kill unwanted hair follicles. That means fewer ingrown hairs, less hair regrowth, and no hidden costs.
Now, hair removal is as easy as 1-2-3!
Some of these devices last for decades, delivering results in just 4 routine sessions. It’s cheaper than laser, easier than shaving (especially on difficult areas like your upper lip and bikini area), and WAY less painful than waxing. AKA, it’s a winner across the board.
Still, picking the right handset is important. It’s like finding the right apartment or picking the perfect boyfriend — it’s a vital part of your life, and it’ll be around for a while. As you decide what handset is right for you (and your Brazilian!), here’s an extensive rundown on all the things you’ll want to consider.
Number of Treatments Required
Because we’re all busy, IPL handsets are an effective and affordable way of reducing visits to a laser clinic. But you don’t want a device that takes 6+ months to remove hair, either.
We live in an age of immediacy. The speed of your results will be determined by the intensity and consistency of use.
Unlike some of the other options out there that only last for 10 years or less, Lumi devices can last up to 30 years, emitting over 900,000 zaps of light pulses! That means no recurring costs or replacing parts, and no waxing strips or razors.
(ICYMI: Lumi is RoseSkinCo.’s IPL Hair Removal Handset, a new at-home hair removal device that’s cheaper than laser hair removal, easier than shaving, and WAY more comfortable than waxing. It doesn’t just remove hair — it stops hair growth at the source, so you can see permanent hair reduction ASAP.)
In only four treatments you will begin to see results, compared to six treatments before seeing results from some of those other guys (including in-office procedures!).
That means you can squeeze in treatments before drinks or a meeting. No more blocking out entire afternoons for whole-body laser treatments.
Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, don’t overextend yourself. Why irritate your skin if you don’t have to?
IPL devices emit flashes of light that are measured by Joules per CM. Basically, Joules/cm is a way to describe the total amount of energy delivered to a unit area — in this case, square centimeters. As the Joules/cm rises, the intensity of the energy rises, too.
Awesome news flash for those of us with sensitive skin: You’ll still get the results you’re after by treating your skin at a lower intensity.
By keeping your device around the 3 Joules/cm range, you can get that hair-free skin you’re craving without any downsides.
You should look for a device that has a built-in range of intensity, so you can customize your treatments to your needs. As you keep using your handset and your skin acclimates, you may want to up the intensity. Monitor your body's response and adjust accordingly.
IPLs are pain-free and easy to use, so it’s simple to find a setting that’s juuuust right.
Power
IPL hair removal handsets can last a lifetime. And no, not with double AA batteries like gadgets from the past. As companies move toward sustainability, you’ll find that most IPL devices are used while plugged in so that you never have to worry about it shutting down mid-sesh.
If you travel frequently or live abroad, it’s worth investing in a dual-voltage IPL so you’re not scrounging to find a converter for your refills or worrying about frying the device’s wiring.
Warranties and Satisfaction Guarantees
Accidents happen, and even the best-built devices can go awry. Looking for a device that is under warranty is an important insurance policy to make sure you are covered in case your new IPL stops short of giving you the best treatment possible. Many companies will replace your device for free if it malfunctions within a year of your purchase.
Some devices also include a satisfaction guarantee for a limited window in the off chance you are not satisfied with the results. RoseSkinCo. offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if somehow you’re not 100% happy being hairfree, carefree.
Compact Design
IPL treatments can take anywhere from a minute to half an hour depending on how extensively you are removing hair (and how awesome your device is). If you’re doing a full-body treatment — which will run on the longer side — you’ll want a device with great ergonomics.
The compact IPL makes it easy to slip into a bag, and won’t take up inconvenient amounts of space. Compact devices are having a moment (if you don’t have a point and shoot like Lumi — get one), and an IPL is an easy way to bring treatments with you on the go.
You’ll be thrilled with how easy it is to use the device on yourself. If you can hold your phone to take a selfie, you can easily hold onto an IPL for extended periods of time. And let’s be real… We all spend way too much of our days with a phone in hand.
Cost
How’s your wallet looking? IPL devices are the cheaper alternative to expensive laser hair removal appointments. But that doesn’t mean you should automatically go for the cheapest option on the market.
Knowing that a great IPL device can last up to 30 years, it’s worth it to spend a bit more upfront for lasting results. Looking at well-made IPLs, you’ll see that most float around the $200 USD range or less. When comparing that to the total cost of waxes or laser treatment, you’ll soon be saving a small fortune.
Your device won’t just be getting rid of unwanted hair: It’ll be making you richer too.
Skin Tone and Hair Color
No complexion or hair color is the same. IPL devices are meant to accommodate a wide range of skin tones and hair shades. However, most devices are more effective on lighter skin and dark hair, partially because it works by targeting the melanin in your hair. You’ll find graphics and other information on websites to help determine if the device will work for you.
Ultimately, every person’s hair removal treatment is going to look differently, and an IPL device is no exception. Before you choose an IPL, be sure to check if it will work for you.
Safety
From your hidden treasure (AKA, your bikini line) to your underarms, IPL hair removal handsets are mostly safe and easy to use. They’ve been well-researched and cleared by the FCC, CE, and RoHS for use at home. The natural UV rays are filtered to avoid harsh contact with your skin. And it’s a pain-free hair removal method — you shouldn’t feel anything except some mild warmth.
When you get your new device, it’s always important to test on a small patch of your body hair to ensure it works well for your skin. And don’t rush the process — it’s recommended you use your hair removal device once a week, at most 2.
Lastly, if you are pregnant you should use discretion and consult with your doctor.
Final Verdict
IPL handsets are going to make your hair removal practices a ton easier. Seriously, you’ll look back on the countless hours and dollars spent on outdated methods with bemusement. It’s okay though — we all have to learn from our mistakes.
Soon, you’ll be comfortably able to rid yourself of unwanted hair from the comfort of your own home. You can even do it while binge watching Netflix! Before you hit send on ordering a device, be sure to consider some of the qualities we listed here.
We can make it even easier for you: the new Lumi device from RoseSkinCo. has all the benefits you’re looking for in an IPL handset. Go ahead, try it! If you don’t love it, you’ve got 90 days to return it to us. But we’re sure that won’t be the case 😉
Sources:
Current Trends in IPL Therapy | National Library of Medicine
Are Home-Use IPL Devices Safe? | National Library of Medicine
