Imagine this, no more shaving, waxing or epilating ever again. No, we're not encouraging you to adopt a hairy, hippy lifestyle flaunting your hairy legs and armpits at every given opportunity; we're talking about intense pulsed light permanent hair removal which can stop hair growing back on your body, for good.
How does it work?
IPL was previously only available in salons but, thanks to new technology, is now available as an at-home kit so you can get the same results without the expensive in-salon price tag. There are a few different IPL systems on the market now all around the £300 mark but we tried the Boots Smooth Skin iPulse system which is the most purse-friendly priced at £274.99.
Before you even get started with IPL you need to check your skin tone because if you have very dark or black skin, too much light from the treatment will be absorbed which can harm skin. After you've assessed your skin tone you start by shaving the area you want to use the IPL on before applying a thick layer of applicator gel which takes the sting out of the IPL device. Plug in the base unit and use the handheld device to slowly zap every inch of the area you want to banish hair from.
This was the bit I wasn't prepared for. It took a long time to cover all of my legs, about an hour and a half, and then another 15 minutes to do my underarms so it's certainly not a quick and easy way to remove hair. After a while of using the machine, the small rectangular area which emits the light becomes quite hot which can feel quite painful on the skin although the activator gel does help to counteract this. After your first session the hair will grow back as normal and you will need to keep on treating the area weekly for about six to twelve weeks or session's altogether.
The results
Although using the IPL machine was quite tedious the results outweigh this process. After six weeks I was left with hair-free legs and underarms. Some hair does continue to grow through but if I keep using the IPL machine on these bits I will eventually be left completely hair-free and for a fraction for the cost it would have been to go to a salon. Another big plus about the at-home IPL system is that you can share it around, so if you don't want to fork out nearly £300 for it, get your friends to chip in then you can all use it. You can even use it on your other half if the mood takes you. The Boots Smooth Skin iPulse is also incredibly easy to use and comes with a handy vanity case so all of the bits can be stowed away safely and neatly. This is definitely a beauty essential for anyone who doesn't have the time or the patience to keep shaving their legs every morning and wants a life without that horrible stubbly feeling.
Boots Smooth Skin iPulse, £274.99, boots.com
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