Braun IPL: Braun Skin i-expert Pro IPL PL7253 in test

Pulsed light hair removal is very popular. Not least because it's relatively easy to do at home. You don't need to make an appointment, but you can schedule your sessions at a time that suits you best. Small sessions - for underarms, for example - can be carried out quickly after a shower. Braun already has several epilators in its range, but the new Braun IPL is truly revolutionary. But why exactly? Read on to find out.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a permanent hair removal method that uses flashes of light. These flashes of light reach the hair follicles under the skin and transmit the light energy to the hair root, where it is transformed into heat. The heat produced permanently sclerotizes the hair root, preventing it from forming a new hair. Important: this is not a laser treatment, as in a professional beauty salon. On the other hand, IPL hair removal, if carried out correctly, is safe and can be used at home. 

• Virtually pain-free: the treatment is virtually pain-free and is suitable for almost all parts of the body - although it may be slightly more painful in more sensitive areas. 
• Long-lasting results: Because the hair root is destroyed, no new hair can form or grow back for a long time.

The first thing I do is look at what's hidden in the pretty little case. Of course, there's the Braun IPL, a shaver and three different accessories. Using the QR code provided, I access the App-Store, where I download the application for the device. It's the only way to get the best results. 

Before I can start, I need to connect the device to the application so that I can use all the functions correctly. It's important that both the mobile phone and the Braun-IPL device are connected to the boarding school, i.e. the W-LAN, otherwise the application can't find the tool. At first, it seems a bit complicated, but then it all works like clockwork. We're off.

First of all, when you use an IPL device, you need to determine the intensity that's right for your skin and hair. The Braun IPL has a practical intelligent skin adaptation function. The device automatically adapts the light intensity to your skin colour, ensuring a safe and effective treatment. 

So I don't have to worry about the settings either, and I can get started straight away. My hair is black and in summer my skin tans quickly. However, because of the relatively bad spring in Zurich, my skin isn't too dark for IPL treatment this summer. So I choose my hair colour and the IPL device does the rest.

Once I've tested whether my skin tolerates light pulses, I can draw up my treatment plan. As a general rule, this is spread over two months, with regular sessions. So I make an initial appointment for each area - legs, thighs, underarms, etc. - an initial appointment. Then I can get started. 

As soon as I select the lower part of the leg, for example, the application tells me the approximate duration of the session and the type of accessory I need. It also tells me which method to use. By holding down the start button, pulses are sent to the skin at regular intervals. So all you have to do is glide over the skin regularly. For other areas (rather small ones), it's better to apply individual light pulses in a targeted way. 

To prepare, I have to shave the area, which must be hair-free. This is the only way to allow the heat to reach the hair roots and avoid burning them. The application guides me through all the other steps in detail. It asks me if I've dried my skin properly and tells me which accessory is right for me. 

As soon as I start the process, the app measures the pulses sent and asks me at the end if I really want to finish and how it went. My answer: yes, I want to finish, and it barely hurt. Each light pulse feels like a little pinch, but it's not serious. On the whole, it's bearable.

As soon as I've finished the first few sessions, I can relax. I don't need to keep track of the time I started. The Braun application tells me when the next sessions are scheduled. I simply receive push notifications. Depending on the settings, one or two days before. It's really handy! Otherwise, I'd leave my treatment plan lying around in no time. But this way, I don't miss any appointments with my new IPL device. 

Many people wonder how long IPL devices will keep them hair-free. Braun promises up to a year's peace of mind with its new device. That's quite something! 

Above all, it's important to know that this permanent hair removal method is not suitable for all skin and hair types. The rule is: the greater the contrast between hair and skin, the better the results. White skin and black hair are therefore perfectly suited to IPL. Unfortunately, IPL treatment does not work on very dark skin, nor on blond, red or grey hair. Before you start, it's best to check whether your skin and hair colour are compatible with IPL treatments. 

I'm really pleased with the way it works. After 6 weeks of small, regular treatment sessions, the first areas are virtually hair-free. All that's left is the last few sessions and I won't have to worry about anything for a long time. I particularly like the fact that the app informs me of upcoming appointments. What's more, thanks to the app, I always know which accessory and intensity to use with which method. I'm really pleased with this well-thought-out combination. 

💋, Susanna