Braun IPL Skin i-Expert Pro 7 hair removal review: can I say goodbye to shaving for good?

Price: £999.99

Our rating: 9/10

We like:

• The wireless connection
• The personalised treatment plan via app
• The comfort levels – pain-free is always a plus

We don’t like:

• The planning and commitment
• The larger head would be better if curved
• Need to find space to store it

What is the Braun IPL Hair Removal Device?

Promising salon-style results for face and body, men and women, the Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7 is the latest iteration of the brand’s best-selling hair removal range – Pro 3 and Pro 5. Offering all the same benefits and accessories as the Pro 5 – four different caps for various areas (legs, bikini line, face), a smart carry case for the kit, a Venus razor to ensure a smooth and safe hair removal before using the device and built-in skin protection technology that automatically makes intensity adjustments for optimum results, the big coo around the Pro 7 is the smart technology.

At startup, users are required to download the i-connect app, which first asks you to complete a skin test to read the compatibility of skin tone and identify if it’s safe to proceed with the device (it’s suitable for all skin types except type VI). A thorough and personalised hair removal plan can then be curated. Simply decide the hair removal area you want to focus on and the app will plot in when the next hair removal session must be scheduled, alongside step-by-step guidance. It also has the functionality to send reminders and notifications, and each session records how many laser flashes have been completed so users can monitor the lifetime of their device. With approximately 400,000 flashes, it should typically last for six years of use.

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How we test IPL Hair Removal Devices

The first question that usually arises when IPL devices are mentioned is the pain factor. Early models bring back memories of fiery sensations and the aroma of charred hair, so a pain-free and comfortable hair removal is top of the list. Ease of use is another must as when you’re trying to treat awkward areas such as the bikini line and underarms, you need all the help you can get to manoeuvre the device around curves and delicate areas. Therefore, everything from the instructions to using different heads and attachments is paramount.

Speed is another factor that can sway our verdict as when your shaving (or other hair removal method of choice) is fine-tuned, something that requires more effort isn’t going to appeal and gives it the potential to become just another piece of kit gathering dust in the corner. Finally, how fast you get your hairless results can make or break the device because we want efficacy without a long wait.

Ease of use: 10/ 10

I’d never used an IPL or epilator before as I’m in the habit of simply shaving my legs, armpits and bikini line in the shower so I had imagined it would be a gargantuan task. How wrong I was. You don’t even need to charge the device to full power before first use – simply shave the areas you wish to zap and then download the i-connect app, pair the device and you’re ready to go.

There are four attachments to ensure ease and efficacy in all areas – legs, underarms, face and bikini line – and two operating modes. Glide should be used for treating large areas and Stamp for smaller, sensitive and harder to reach places. Both the instructions and the app make using the device crystal clear, including which method to follow and which head to choose. The only criticism I have is that the larger head was tricky to use on my shins as I couldn’t get it to press flat, meaning it took a few attempts to perfect.

Pain: 9/10

The verdict everyone will be waiting for: the experience was manageable and pain-free. You can also choose between three sensitivity settings – standard, sensitive and extra sensitive – which link to the device’s light intensity, though it’s worth noting that the lower the light intensity, the longer it may take to get your desired results. If you’re unsure which to pick, sensitive and extra sensitive are designed for delicate areas and first-time users looking to familiarise themselves with the sensation. I followed the advice and started my IPL journey on sensitive but quickly upgraded to the standard mode on larger areas.

The latter was the only setting that gave off a slight heat and mild tingling sensation – a bit like being flicked – but neither was painful or uncomfortable. It just registered as a “sensation” rather than pain and there was also no redness, bumpiness or itching so a happy result all round.

Power: 9/10

Owing to the two-treatment method, the hair removal can be pretty swift and was a lot faster than I envisaged. Using the gliding method on my legs, it was no different timewise to shaving my legs – you just move the device slowly and continuously up the leg in sections from bottom to top, ensuring you don’t go over the same section twice.

For my bikini line and underarms, I used the stamping method which did take slightly longer and was a bit trickier when I was holding the device in my left hand. I’m right-handed so treating my opposite armpit required some ambidextrous skills but again, it was nothing arduous.

Lifespan: 9/10

Once your hair removal journey is complete, you shouldn’t need to continuously return to your device, but with the device’s 400,000 flashes, it has been designed to last around six years. The app also records how many flashes were used in each session so you can monitor the lifespan of your Pro 7.

When it comes to the longevity of the results, it is recommended that you complete a start-up phase consisting of one treatment per week for up to 12 weeks and then use the model every 1-2 months for maintenance after that. Everyone’s hair growth cycle is different so depending on the body area, it could take up to 16 months to break the re-growth pattern.

Smart technology: 9/10

If I’m honest, I’m not usually a fan of linking my devices to apps. I find it a bit of a faff and I soon forget to log on or record my details and data at least. However, because the IPL was a new experience, I found myself feeling grateful for the hand-holding and even caught myself opening the app between sessions to check when my next hair removal moment would be.

You can input everything from pain factor to how dense the hair in each area is, with the device reading your skin tone before every flash to adapt its light intensity as the app records the number of flashes used. The fact that it tailors the session to the density of the hair in that area and sensitivity level means that it feels like you’re in safe hands.

Results: 9/10

It’s difficult to see results after the first use – even though the consumer trials reported a difference – as you have to shave before you use the device. But the hair definitely didn’t seem to grow back as quickly on the areas I’d used it so I’ll be holding out for the full 12 weeks to see if I can reduce the usages and relegate my razor to the bathroom cabinet for good.

Technical specifications

All IPL hair removal devices are pricey, but the Pro 7 model is Braun’s top of the range model, and their only with smartphone connectivity. The Pro 3 is a cheaper, midrange option. Here’s how they stack up.

The Telegraph verdict: 9 out of 10

The Braun IPL Skin i-Expert Pro 7 isn’t cheap – it’s definitely an investment, but the technology supersedes anything that’s gone before it and if used correctly, it could save you money over the years, especially if you regularly go to a salon for waxes or hair removal. The fact that you can use it all over your body is another win so it’s worth doing the maths and dividing up the price into a “cost per use” affordability equation. If you’re only going to use it on your bikini line or under your arms, it might not be worth it.

As for the comparison to other models, there isn’t much difference between the Pro 7 and the Pro 5 other than the smartphone connectivity, so if you’re adept at what you’re doing, have used similar devices in the past or know you won’t make use of the app, you could choose the cheaper version as you’ll still get the same end result and save yourself money in the meantime.

FAQs

Can Braun IPL devices be used on the face and body?

Yes, they can be used on legs, arms, underarms, pubic area and face (below the cheekbones) for women and on the shoulders, chest, back, arms, stomach and legs for men.

Is Braun IPL hair removal suitable for darker skin tones?

Braun IPL is suitable for skin types I-V but not type VI which is categorised as a dark skin tone.

Do I need to use gel or any additional products with the Braun IPL device?

No, the only thing you need to do before using the Braun IPL device is remove all hair from the area you intend to treat. In the kit you’ll find a Gillette Venus razor to do this with.