IPL hair removal device
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- Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL. Best for: Fair to medium-brown skin with blonde to black hair. See options on Amazon
- Braun Skin i-expert Smart IPL. Best for: People who want several cap sizes. See options on Amazon
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Best for: Protecting treated skin. See options on Amazon
How IPL works
Braun explains that IPL stands for intense pulsed light, which concentrates light onto hair follicles, heating them and stunting regrowth. The light targets melanin, the pigment in hair. Because only hairs in their growing phase respond, Braun says multiple treatments are needed for long-lasting results, and that IPL progressively delivers permanent hair reduction rather than removing every hair at once.
The AAD describes the same principle for in-office laser hair removal: the color and thickness of your hair, the area treated, the device and your skin color all affect results, and most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments.
Who IPL suits
- Hair color matters. Braun says IPL works on hair from natural blonde to dark brown or black. The AAD says light-based removal works best with dark-colored hair.
- Skin tone matters. Braun says IPL devices can usually only be used on fair to medium-brown skin tones, and says to read the label to check a device suits you.
- Skin tone sensors. Braun says its Silk-expert Pro 5 reads your skin tone and automatically adjusts each flash, and that it can detect a tan and adjust intensity.
- Areas to avoid. Braun says to avoid extra-sensitive areas such as the genitals and nipples, which could cause inflammation; check your own model's instructions for which pubic areas it covers.
A typical treatment schedule
| Phase | What Braun advises |
|---|---|
| 12 to 24 hours before | Shave the area you plan to treat |
| First weeks | One session per week, for a period of up to 12 weeks |
| Maintenance | Adjust to your needs, for example once a month, as hair visibly reduces |
| After each session | Wipe the nozzle clean |
Details are from Braun's IPL safety guide and Silk-expert Pro 5 product page. Braun claims visible results in 2 sessions, full-body treatment in 10 minutes and up to 95% hair reduction in 1 month; these are maker claims that depend on following its regimen.
Before and after each session
Before: Braun advises avoiding tanning booths, sunbeds, spray tans and tanning creams; making sure there are no open wounds, broken skin or inflamed areas; and avoiding intense exfoliation such as microdermabrasion.
After: Braun suggests avoiding tight clothing, holding off on products that may irritate the skin such as perfume, cleansers or exfoliators for 24 to 48 hours, avoiding hot showers, steam rooms and saunas, and wearing high SPF sunscreen. In summer, it says to wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF.
Using the device
- Full contact. Braun says to apply the IPL nozzle in full contact with the skin.
- Gliding for large areas. For legs, it suggests Gliding mode, moving slowly along the skin.
- Stamp for small areas. For underarms, it suggests Stamp mode for precision.
- Gentle for sensitive areas. Use the Gentle mode for the bikini area or while you are learning.
- Moisturize. Braun suggests applying moisturizer morning and night to keep skin hydrated.
If you prefer trimming, see our body hair trimmer guide; for shaving, our electric razor guide.
Risks and when to see a dermatologist
The AAD warns that with laser hair removal, burns, permanent changes to skin color and scars can occur, and that everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during in-office procedures. At home, take similar care: never flash toward the eyes, and stop if your skin blisters or changes color.
The AAD recommends a board-certified dermatologist for laser treatments. See one before using IPL if you have a skin condition in the area or are unsure whether your skin tone is suitable.
What to look for when you buy
Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL
Best for: Fair to medium-brown skin with blonde to black hair
Braun lists a skin tone sensor that adjusts each flash, one session per week, and Gliding, Stamp and Gentle modes.
Watch out: Not for the genitals or nipples, per Braun; follow the model's area guidance.
See options on AmazonBraun Skin i-expert Smart IPL
Best for: People who want several cap sizes
Braun lists it as an at-home alternative to laser hair removal with 4 caps.
Watch out: Check skin and hair color suitability before buying.
See options on AmazonBroad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
Best for: Protecting treated skin
Braun advises sunscreen of at least 30 SPF when using IPL in summer and high SPF after treatment.
Watch out: Avoid tanning before sessions.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Does at-home IPL work?
- It can reduce regrowth over repeated sessions on suitable skin and hair; Braun says multiple treatments are needed because only growing hairs respond.
- How often should I use an IPL device?
- Braun advises one session a week for up to 12 weeks, then as needed, for example once a month.
- Does IPL work on dark skin or light hair?
- Braun says most IPL devices suit fair to medium-brown skin and blonde to black hair; check the label.
- Should I shave before IPL?
- Yes. Braun says to shave the area 12 to 24 hours before treatment.
- Is IPL safe?
- Follow the directions closely; the AAD notes light-based hair removal can cause burns and skin color changes.
Sources
- IPL Hair Removal Safety (us.braun.com), Braun
- Silk-expert Pro 5 PL5145 IPL Hair Removal Device (us.braun.com), Braun
- Laser hair removal: FAQs (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology