Salon IPL vs at-home IPL: Costs, results & which is better?

Is it cheaper to have IPL hair removal at a salon or buy a device to use at home? Professional IPL treatments can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, particularly when treating larger areas such as legs or backs. At-home IPL devices offer a one-off purchase cost, but how do the results, convenience and long-term costs compare? In this guide, we compare UK salon treatment prices with popular home IPL devices.

Salon IPL vs At-Home IPL: At a Glance

Feature	Salon IPL	At-Home IPL
Upfront cost	Pay per session or course	One-off device purchase
Treatment cost	Can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds	No additional session fees
Convenience	Requires appointments	Treat at home when convenient
Equipment	Professional salon equipment	Lower-powered consumer devices
Treatment areas	Professional help with difficult areas	Limited to areas approved for the device
Maintenance	Further sessions may be needed	Repeat treatments may be needed

How much does Salon IPL Hair Removal cost in the UK?

The cost of professional IPL hair removal in the UK varies depending on the salon, treatment area and number of sessions required. Smaller areas, such as the upper lip, are generally less expensive, while larger areas like full legs or backs can cost considerably more. Most people need a course of treatments rather than a single appointment, and occasional maintenance sessions may be needed to maintain results. The comparison below illustrates how these costs can add up compared with buying an IPL device for home use.

How Much Could You Save With At-Home IPL?

The biggest potential savings from at-home IPL come when treating larger areas, such as full legs, or several areas of the body. Professional salon treatments typically require multiple appointments, with additional maintenance sessions sometimes needed to maintain results. By comparison, buying a home IPL device involves an upfront cost, but you can reuse it for ongoing treatments without paying for each session. Although results and maintenance requirements vary, home IPL can offer significant long-term savings for suitable users.

Is Salon IPL More Effective Than At-Home IPL?

Professional salon IPL machines generally deliver higher light energy than devices designed for home use. This can make professional treatments more effective for some people, although results depend on factors such as skin tone, hair colour, hair thickness and the equipment used.

At-home IPL devices use lower energy levels and are designed for consumers to operate themselves. They can still provide significant long-term hair reduction when used consistently and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, although results may take longer to achieve.

Neither salon nor home IPL guarantees permanent hair removal. Both may require occasional maintenance treatments, and not all skin tones or hair colours are suitable for IPL. A professional consultation may be particularly valuable if you’re unsure whether IPL is appropriate for you.

Best At-Home IPL Devices to Consider

If you decide that at-home IPL is the better option, choosing the right device is important. Two popular premium choices are the Philips Lumea 9900 and Braun Silk·expert Pro 5. Both are designed for long-term hair reduction at home, but they offer different features. Here are two options worth considering, depending on your priorities and budget.

For a closer look at two popular premium options, read our Philips Lumea vs Braun Silk·expert Pro 5 comparison.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.

Not sure which device is right for you? Explore our guide to the best at-home IPL hair removal devices for more options, features and buying advice.

Do You Need IPL Maintenance Treatments?

Both salon and at-home IPL treatments may require occasional maintenance to keep hair regrowth under control.

Salon IPL: Most people need an initial course of treatments, usually spread over several weeks or months. After completing the course, occasional top-up appointments may be recommended depending on how much hair regrows.

At-home IPL: Home devices also require an initial treatment schedule, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. The frequency varies by device, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The key cost difference is that salon maintenance appointments usually involve additional fees, whereas you can continue using your home IPL device without paying for individual treatment sessions.

Salon IPL vs At-Home IPL: Frequently Asked Questions

Is At-Home IPL as Effective as Salon IPL?

At-home IPL can provide effective long-term hair reduction for suitable skin tones and hair colours, although salon IPL equipment is generally more powerful. Professional treatments may produce faster results for some people, while home devices offer the convenience of regular treatments without salon appointments. Results vary depending on the individual, device and treatment consistency.

How Many IPL Sessions Do You Need?

The number of IPL sessions depends on the treatment area, hair growth cycle and whether you’re using salon or home equipment. Salon IPL often involves a course of around 6–8 sessions, although some people need more. At-home devices usually require regular treatments over several weeks before moving to occasional maintenance sessions. Always follow the treatment schedule recommended by your salon or device manufacturer.

Is IPL Suitable for All Skin Tones and Hair Colours?

No. IPL generally works best on darker hair against lighter skin because the light targets pigment in the hair. It is usually ineffective on white, grey, red or very light blonde hair. Some modern devices support a wider range of skin tones, but many are unsuitable for very dark skin. Always check the manufacturer’s skin tone and hair colour compatibility chart before using an at-home IPL device.

Is At-Home IPL Cheaper Than Salon IPL in the Long Run?

For many people, at-home IPL can be considerably cheaper over time, particularly when treating larger areas such as legs or multiple parts of the body. Salon IPL usually involves paying for a course of appointments, with additional costs for maintenance treatments. A home IPL device requires an upfront purchase, but it can be reused for future treatments without paying salon fees. The actual savings depend on the device price, salon costs and number of treatments needed.

Salon IPL vs At-Home IPL: Which Should You Choose?

Both salon and at-home IPL can be effective options for long-term hair reduction, but the best choice depends on your budget, preferences and treatment needs.

Choose salon IPL if: You prefer treatments carried out by a trained professional, want personalised guidance or need help treating areas that are difficult to reach yourself. Salon treatments may also be suitable if you prefer not to operate an IPL device at home.

Choose at-home IPL if: You want to reduce long-term costs, prefer the convenience of treating yourself and are happy to follow a regular treatment schedule. A quality home IPL device can offer excellent value, particularly if you’re treating multiple areas.

Our verdict: For suitable users, at-home IPL is often the better-value option over the long term. However, professional salon treatments remain a good choice if you value expert guidance and prefer having someone else carry out the treatments.