Which hair removal device is right for me?
IPL uses pulses of light to heat hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a significant reduction in regrowth over time. With regular use, most people see noticeably less hair returning after 8–12 weeks.
Larger areas such as legs, underarms, bikini line and arms – particularly if you have dark hair and fair to medium skin tones. Particularly appealing if you're tired of shaving regularly and want to spend less time managing regrowth.
Shop IPL hair removal →
An epilator removes hair from the root using rotating tweezers, providing longer-lasting smoothness than shaving. Results are similar to waxing, but without waiting for significant regrowth.
Legs, arms and body maintenance, especially if you want weeks of smooth skin without booking waxing appointments.
Shop epilators →
An electric shaver cuts hair at skin level for fast, convenient hair removal. Results are immediate, making it an easy option for regular grooming and maintenance.
Quick, pain-free hair removal on legs, underarms and the body. Especially for those with sensitive skin.
Shop ladies' shavers →
A trimmer cuts hair to a chosen length rather than removing it completely. It's designed for shaping, tidying and managing hair growth across the face and body.
Managing hair rather than removing it completely. Ideal for shaping eyebrows, maintaining a bikini line or tidying facial hair.
Shop trimmers →How to choose the right ladies' hair removal device
The best ladies' hair removal device depends on the result you want, your skin and hair type and how much time you're willing to commit to ongoing treatments. Start with your end goal and you'll narrow the options down quickly.
| Goal | Best device type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term reduction in hair regrowth | IPL device | Targets the hair follicle to disrupt the growth cycle, with results lasting months or longer when used consistently |
| Smooth skin lasting 2–4 weeks | Epilator | Removes hair from the root, delivering results similar to waxing at home |
| Quick, pain-free maintenance | Ladies' electric shaver | Cuts hair at skin level for immediate results without discomfort |
| Trim and manage hair length | Trimmer | Maintains hair at a chosen length without full removal |
| Smooth skin before a holiday or event | Epilator or IPL (planned ahead) | Epilators provide immediate smoothness, while IPL requires several weeks of treatment |
| Facial hair removal | Dedicated facial epilator or facial trimmer | Designed specifically for delicate facial areas where body devices may not be suitable |
Electric shaver or trimmer, used whenever needed
Epilator, typically used every 2–4 weeks
IPL, with regular sessions over 8–12 weeks followed by occasional top-ups
If you want the longest-lasting results, IPL requires the biggest upfront commitment. A mid-range IPL used consistently will usually give you better results than a premium device that's only used occasionally.
Electric shaver or trimmer
IPL, which is often described as a mild snapping sensation
Epilator, especially when used regularly or in warm water
"If your skin feels irritated or slightly sore after the initial sessions,
then I recommend aloe vera gel (which you can keep in the fridge) to cool and soothe the area."
IPL suitability depends heavily on the contrast between your skin tone and hair colour. See our full guide to which hair colours work best with IPL.
| Profile | IPL Suitable? | Best alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Fair skin, dark hair | Yes – ideal combination | Epilator also works well |
| Medium skin, dark hair | Yes | Epilator |
| Olive skin, dark hair | Usually yes | Epilator |
| Dark skin (Fitzpatrick V) | Check the manufacturer's skin tone guide | Epilator or shaver |
| Very dark skin (Fitzpatrick VI) | Most at-home IPL devices are unsuitable | Epilator or shaver |
| Fair skin, blonde hair | Limited effectiveness | Epilator or shaver |
| White, grey or red hair | Not effective | Epilator or shaver |
Important: Always check the device's compatibility guide before buying. Compatibility is the biggest predictor of IPL success. Immediate
Shavers and trimmers provide instant grooming. Epilators deliver smooth skin from the root after the first use.
Around 4 weeks of IPL use
Hair may begin growing back more slowly and appear finer
Around 8–12 weeks of IPL use
Noticeably reduced regrowth across treated areas
Long term
IPL can provide prolonged hair reduction, although occasional maintenance sessions are usually required
Before you start:
- IPL is not suitable for all hair colours and skin tones.
- Epilator results often improve after the first few sessions as hair growth cycles become more synchronised.
- No at-home device can match the speed or intensity of professional laser treatment, but they're significantly more affordable and practical for ongoing use.
- When using IPL, you need to shave the desired area prior to starting the treatment. This includes the face.
IPL is the best choice for long-term hair reduction if your hair and skin type are compatible and you're happy to commit to regular use. Epilators offer longer-lasting smoothness than shaving, while electric shavers and trimmers are ideal for fast, convenient maintenance with minimal effort.
The right option depends less on price and more on your hair type, your routine and how much maintenance you're willing to do.
IPL, laser or epilator?
- IPL uses pulses of broad-spectrum light to reduce hair regrowth over time and is designed for home use.
- Laser hair removal uses a more focused light technology typically delivered in professional clinics.
- Epilators mechanically remove hairs from the root, providing smooth skin for several weeks, but don't reduce future hair growth.
"If you are opting for IPL make sure you follow the instructions and commit to regular use.
Usually this will involve initial weekly treatments and then monthly maintenance ones. Plus with all hair removal it is important to look after your skin. Keep it moisturised and use a gentle exfoliant in between treatments. I often recommend hybrid moisturiser/chemical exfoliants."
Is it worth it?
Yes, an at-home hair removal device is worth it when it matches your hair type, skin tone and willingness to use it consistently.
When it is worth it
- You have dark hair and fair to medium skin and want to try IPL
- You will save on regular waxing or laser appointments
- You are prepared to follow the recommended IPL treatment schedule
- You shave or epilate frequently
- You want long-term hair reduction and are happy to wait 8–12 weeks for results
When it may not be worth it
- Your hair is blonde, grey, white or red, making IPL less effective
- You expect permanent hair removal from an at-home device
- You need results immediately, as IPL typically takes 8–12 weeks
- You are unlikely to use the device consistently
Top picks from our experts
Our experts selected these ladies' hair removal devices because they're easy to use and offer great results.
Targeted hair removal
Your whole body is covered here, with four unique heads designed to remove hair from different areas.
Shop Braun Skin i·expert IPL →
Simple cleaning
Because it's completely waterproof, cleaning is so easy – just run it under the tap to clear out any leftover hair.
Shop Braun Silk-épil 9 Wet & Dry Epilator →
Battery life
With 100 minutes of use, you can get through a full cordless shave in or out of the shower.
Shop PHILIPS 8000 Series Wet & Dry Foil Shaver →What to consider before you buy
Choosing the right hair removal method depends on your skin and hair type, budget, comfort level and the area you're treating.
Skin and hair compatibility
Some methods suit certain skin tones and hair types better than others. Laser hair removal tends to work best on darker hair. Blonde, red and grey hairs can be harder to treat. If you have sensitive skin, consider how it reacts to shaving, waxing or hair removal creams. Some methods can cause irritation, redness or ingrown hairs.
Discomfort level
Hair removal involves some level of discomfort. Shaving is usually painless but can cause nicks or razor burn. Waxing removes hair from the root and can be more uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas. Laser hair removal is often described as a quick snapping sensation against the skin.
How much will it really cost?
The cheapest option upfront isn't always the best value long term. Shaving and hair removal creams need to be topped up, while waxing involves ongoing appointments. Laser hair removal costs more initially but may reduce the need for regular treatments.
Area being treated
The size and sensitivity of the skin area can help you decide. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip or underarms, are quick to treat with most methods. Areas like the legs take more time. Sensitive areas, including the bikini line, are prone to irritation – so look for devices designed with that in mind.
Common mistakes
The most common hair removal mistakes aren't usually caused by the device itself. They're caused by using the wrong preparation method, skipping treatments or expecting results too quickly.
IPL targets the hair follicle beneath the skin. If you've removed the hair at the root through waxing or epilation, there's nothing for the IPL treatment to target.
Dry skin and poor preparation can make epilation more uncomfortable and may increase irritation or ingrown hairs.
Hair removal methods work in different ways and on different timescales. IPL typically requires several weeks of regular treatments, while most devices need ongoing use to keep skin smooth.
Missing sessions can slow progress, particularly with IPL, where treatments need to align with the hair growth cycle.
Ladies hair removal glossary
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a hair reduction technology that uses broad-spectrum light pulses to target the melanin in hair follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle. Most at-home hair removal devices use IPL, so it's important to know that they work differently from professional salon lasers.
Shop IPL hair removalLaser hair removal uses a single, focused wavelength of light to target and damage hair follicles. Professional laser treatments typically deliver faster and longer-lasting results than at-home IPL, but at a much higher cost.
An epilator is an electric hair removal device that uses multiple miniature tweezers to remove hair from the root as it moves across the skin. Results typically last between two and four weeks, making epilation a longer-lasting alternative to shaving.
Shop epilatorsThe Fitzpatrick Scale is a classification system that groups skin tones from Type I (very fair) to Type VI (darkest brown or black). IPL manufacturers use it to show which skin tones their devices are suitable for, so it's worth checking before you buy.
The hair growth cycle is the natural process that moves hair through its active growth, transition and resting phases. IPL can only target hairs in the active growth phase, which is why multiple treatment sessions are needed to achieve the best results.
Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its colour and allows IPL and laser devices to target hair follicles. Hair with more melanin usually responds better to IPL. White, grey and very light blonde hair often responds poorly or not at all.
An ingrown hair is a hair that grows back into the skin instead of growing out through the follicle, which can cause bumps and irritation. They're most common after shaving and epilating, particularly around the bikini line. Regular exfoliation can help reduce them.
Wet and dry means a shaver or epilator can be used both on dry skin and in the bath or shower. Wet use is often more comfortable for first-time epilator users because warm water can help soften the skin and hair.
Flash count is the total number of light pulses an IPL device can deliver during its lifetime. A higher flash count usually means a longer-lasting device, which is especially important if you plan to treat larger areas regularly.
A skin tone sensor measures your skin tone before treatment and adjusts the light intensity accordingly. It helps improve safety and can make IPL easier to use, particularly if you're unsure which setting is right for your skin tone.
