Shopping Writer Meghan has been putting this Silk’n IPL hair removal device to the test for the last 10 weeks to find out if it really works – and if its better than in-clinic treatments
It’s that time of year when many of us want smooth, hairless legs for the season of skirts and shorts. But shaving on a regular basis is an arduous task, and getting professional hair removal treatments in a clinic can cost a fortune. A typical full-leg season of laser hair removal at a beauty salon would normally cost around £200 to £300, with the possibility of costing more depending on the clinic.
While at-home IPL machines come with a hefty price tag, I’ve been trying this Silk’n 7 IPL device for the last ten weeks to see if the results make the cost worth it. Retailing for £499, this device is touted for producing results in just two weeks, with an ideal use period of seven sessions/seven weeks. This means the at-home device retails for under half the amount it would cost to get seven in-clinic treatments at £200 a go.
Now, I’m not saying this IPL device immediately abolishes the need to shave—you have to shave before every treatment. But it promises that after the treatments, you’ll be completely hair-free for up to eighteen months, making it an ideal choice for this time of year when most of us don’t want leg or underarm hair.
But of course, with a price tag that high, the real question is – does it work?
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Retailing for £499 on Amazon, Boots, and Lookfantastic, this laser hair remover comes in a huge set that’s got you covered for all of your hair removal needs. It comes with various plugs to best suit your home outlets, three-sized heads for more precise treatments, a handy travel bag that makes it convenient to keep tidy and take away with you, and a razor in case you don’t have one to hand.
You have to shave beforehand so the gadget’s light therapy can target the hair follicle from the root, which does mean the process is relatively time-consuming, especially if you are tackling larger areas on the body like the legs. That said, you only have to do it for a few weeks before you’re spared the need to shave for the rest of the season.
Touted for offering results as soon as just two weeks after, this IPL machine doesn’t cause any discomfort or pain while it’s pressed to the skin, even at its highest setting. The gadget comes with five settings that range in intensity, so it’s recommended to start from the first and work up to five. However, I’ve used IPLS a lot in the last year, so if you’re familiar with the routine, you can start at a higher level without any problems.
This IPL machine has a cooling fan embedded to ensure you don’t feel any heat or burning sensation while in use. It is also easily manoeuvrable, with a head that rotates 180 degrees, so you can angle it to get to more difficult areas, such as under the arms or around the bikini line.
For £499, is this at-home hair removal device worth it? I’d say absolutely. I can’t say that I noticed real results as soon as two weeks after I began using it on my legs, but I do have very fast-growing and relatively coarse hair that has always proven stubborn when it comes to hair removal methods.
By the seventh week, I had definitely noticed a big change in how fast the hair regrew and how much thinner it was. I decided to persist for a couple more weeks to ensure the best results, and by the tenth session, I was barely shaving any hair before the treatment.
This IPL gadget is truly the answer to my prayers, as I get to enjoy the whole summer without any regrowth on my legs or under my arms. Yes, £499 is expensive, but when you consider the thousands you’re saving by not going to expensive clinics, and the time saved from not needing to shave for months after, this Silk’n 7 definitely makes itself worth every penny.
Another IPL hair remover I’ve tried is the Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5, which is currently on offer on Amazon for £389.99, down from £739.99. An alternative gadget to check out is this Philips Lumea 8000 Series IPL Hair Removal Device, which is selling for £509.99 at Boots.
