IPL devices - are they worth it?

[NotJanine]

I'm getting fed up with hairiness; shaving and waxing leave me red and blotchy and I can't keep up with the facial hair sprouting overnight.

I am dark haired, so is it worth investing in one of these devices? It's a lot of money for me, but if it means permanent hair removal then it will be worth it. I am mostly wanting it for bikini line and face, but would probably have a go on my entire body if it works.

I've got one and it's been fantastic but then I am not a hugely hairy person to start with. How effective it would be on thicker/coarser hair I am not so sure. You say you are dark haired but are you fair-ish skinned? I've heard they work best on dark hair and fair skin, but are not great for blonde hair or very dark skin.

That sounds promising, I am naturally fair skinned.

How long did you have to use yours for before you noticed results?

After the first use! I have only used it maybe half a dozen times and it's virtually eradicated the hair on my legs and underarms altogether for about two years now. I do have the occasional quick shave (like every three months or so) when there starts to be signs of some downy fluff. But I only shave because I am usually in a hurry and using the laser thingy takes a bit of time. If I could be bothered to use it more often I imagine I'd see even better results.

Bikini line is harder work as it's much thicker hair but it has definitely slowed the growth right down. Again, I'm sure it would be better if I was less lazy about doing it.

I can't remember the name of the one I have, smooth skin gold maybe? Have a look on Amazon.
It's been brilliant, esp on my legs, this summer I an going to have to do almost nothing to my legs, and no stubble, hurrah! I have dark hair ( in large quantities) and light olive skin that tans dark.
It was about £300, but really really worth it. Pm me if u have any questions, but the reviews on Amazon are really helpful.

I love mine. I am quite a hairy mary though! It works best if you are pale with dark hairs.

I got the phillips lumea one and found that it does take a few goes before I notice a reduction in hair. However after using it for several weeks before a holiday, i was able to shave once before the holiday and had no regrowth for the whole two week period. Normally have to shave daily/every second day when not using it.

Mine has almost eliminated my lady 'tache and is doing a pretty good job on my bikini line and arm pits too. I don't have the patience to keep doing my legs although I could see a difference when I did.

I've got the Philips Lumea as well - I've used it 3 times and there's an incredible difference on my legs already. Hair growth has slowed right down and the hairs have thinned out.

I can't really see any difference yet on my bikini line, or under my arms, but I'm hoping it will come.

I'm fair skinned and dark haired.

Hi , I've got a Venus one and it really does work, I'm very pale with really dark hair and when using it the hair on my legs almost disappeared I've had to stop now though because it's given me really strange patches of hyper pigmentation around my bikini line which are not fading at all. Apparently that's a possible side effect and it's noticeable enough for me to stop using it all together even though it works rather than risk it getting worse.

Thanks for all the advice.

I've decided to get a Braun Silk-expert as there was a good deal on Amazon. Here's hoping I'll be less wolf-like by the Summer!