It is a total bummer. But you do have a few options to consider!
So, read on through this guide. It explains why not all home devices will work on your fair hair, and shortlists 2021’s best home IPL devices for hair that’s blonde, red, grey/white. Youβll learn how each option works and why else I recommend it as a top choice.
The best home IPL devices for fair hair
The Iluminage Touch and Precise Touch devices are my top recommendations because they’re clinically proven and FDA-cleared to work on fair hair. And for light blonde hair (but not white blonde) Smoothskin say the powerful Pure home IPL may work, and it comes with a 90-day money back guarantee to try it too.
#1 Iluminage Precise Touch | #2 Iluminage Touch | #3 Smoothskin Pure | |
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Image | |
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My verdict | "Clinically proven effective on plucked fair hairs" | "Clinically proven effective on plucked fair hairs" | "May work on light blonde hair (but not white blonde). Try it with a money back guarantee" |
Hair colours | |
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Body areas | π Face & small areas β Not legs! |
π Face, small & large areas | π Face, small & large areas |
Price | π°π°π° | π°π°π°π° | π°π°π° |
Why it's best | β
Clinically proven on blonde & red hair β Works on grey & white too β Super for face β Very easy to use |
β
Clinically proven on blonde & red hair β Works on grey & white too β Very easy to use |
β
Powerful IPL may work if there's enough eumelanin in light blonde hair β Excellent quality β Fastest sessions π₯ β Plug-in & zap simplicity |
Money back guarantee? | β None | β None | β Worldwide |
Best deals | π¬π§ π CurrentBody.com |
Check links for codes! |
Use code BODYBEAUT With 90-day guarantee π¬π§ CurrentBody UK π CurrentBody.com worldwide shipping in checkout πΊπΈ π¨π¦ CurrentBody US & CA π¦πΊ CurrentBody AU π¦πΊ Shavershop AU (no code) |
In this best for fair hair devices round-up
The first part compares how to use these recommended devices from safety & sun exposure, preparing your hairs, how they feel, skin reactions, results and treatment schedules. The second part gives a round-up the pros and cons of each recommended device.
Part 1: How to use them
Part 2: Pros & cons round-up
Before we get to the detailed recommendations, let’s first look at why home laser and IPL don’t usually work on fair hair.
Why most laser/IPL doesn’t work on fair hair
Dark hair responds best to home laser and IPL hair reduction. Thatβs because it has lots of a dark melanin pigment called eumelanin. This absorbs the IPL and laser light energy, heats up and damages key areas of the hair follicle. After several sessions it slows and stops your hair growth.
But it doesn’t work like this on fair hair and so all home lasers and most home IPL devices won’t work for you. Thatβs because:
Red hair has a type of melanin called pheomelanin. It wonβt absorb IPL and laser energy.
Very light blonde hair has a small amount of eumelanin and pheomelanin, and usually not enough eumelanin to absorb IPL and laser energy.
Grey and white hair donβt have any of the melanin types and so wonβt absorb the light energy either.
Boo. But there are a few options.
How do some home devices work & are results just as good?
A few of the most powerful home IPL devices may work on lighter blonde hair. That’s because, if there’s enough dark eumelanin pigment, the strong IPL flashes could create enough heat to gradually slow your hair growth. This excludes blonde hair thatβs virtually white.
However, only Smoothskin suggest trying their Pure IPL device on light blonde hair, as shown on the chart.
There’s no clinical test data for results on lighter blonde hair. The advice is based on customer feedback. However, the Pure comes with a 90-day money back guarantee. This means you can treat your light blonde hair during the guarantee period and, if you aren’t happy with the results, organise a return for a refund. Yay!
Bear in mind, it will take several more sessions to see results on blonde and light blonde hair. That’s because, with less eumelanin, there’s less hair-reducing damage done to your follicles than with darker hairs. You may need more frequent top-ups too. Consider this extra commitment in your decision.
The Pure is the only high-power IPL in this list for blonde hair, based on the worldwide money back guarantee AND brand advice. Other high-power IPLs are the Philips Lumea Prestige and the Braun Pro 5 IPL. You could try these alternatives on blonde hair too, but be sure to check there’s a valid money back guarantee where you live.
So, what about other options, and for other fair hair colours too?
For blonde, red, grey and white hairs you can try the Iluminage devices. Both are clinially proven to work on fair hairs. The Iluminage Touch is suited to face, small and large areas whereas the smaller version, called the Precise Touch, is suited to face and small areas.
Next, onto how these devices work..
IPL & Radio Frequency by Iluminage
The Iluminage devices are the only home devices clincally proven effective on blonde and red hair. And, although white/grey hair participants weren’t part of the clinical test, hair reduction results should be exactly the same on these hair colours too. That’s because they don’t rely only any dark melanin pigment in your hairs.
They work in two ways:
π #1 You must pluck, wax or epilate your fair hairs immediately before your session. This way, the IPL energy targets the small, dark blood droplets left behind in your follicles after they’re pulled out. The blood droplets absorb the IPL energy and convert to heat creating damage.
π #2 They also send Radio Frequency (RF) current into your skin. The IPL and RF work even better together to heat your hair follicles, even if they lack eumelanin.
It works like this:
RF is a painless electric current sent through the skin from one electrode to the other. The spacing of the RF electrodes is just right to send the RF current down to your hair root depth. You canβt feel it at all. But as it flows through your skin, the RF encounters resistance and this creates heat in your tissues.
And it works so well with the IPL because warmer structures are less resistant to electrical current. This means, as each IPL flash heats the blood droplet and the surrounding follicle, it draws the RF current towards it. This then concentrates around the follicle, right where itβs needed. So, your follicles get an extra dose of heat from the RF. This gradually damages areas of the hair follicle and slows your hair growth.
This is how the Iluminage devices work without relying on melanin-rich hair. And explains why it should also work on white/grey hair too.
However, because the blood droplets are so small, it’s less efficient as it is on eumelanin-rich dark hair. Therefore, you must zap each treatment area 2 or 3 times per session to ensure the follicles get a big enough dose of heat. And, during the start-up stage, you must wax/epilate/pluck and zap hairs several times to be effective. So, prepare yourself you’ll need over double the recommended sessions. There’s more on this next.
What results will I see when?
All home laser and IPL devices recommend a start-up treatment schedule, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions.
The following table shows the advertised schedules for each of my recommended devices, plus any additional guidance for blonde or all fair hair colours.
Device treatment schedules:
# of start-up sessions | Frequency | Top-ups | |
---|---|---|---|
Iluminage Precise Touch | 7 on high & low intensities* 14+ for fair hair & plucked hairs |
Weekly | As needed. |
Iluminage Touch | 7 on high & low intensities* 14+ for fair hair & plucked hairs |
Weekly | As needed. |
Smoothskin Pure | 12 on high & low intensities | Weekly | As needed. |
* Iluminage shares for the first 6 or 7 weeks, you can use their devices 2 to 3 times per week on your face.
With the Pure, shave your hairs before each session. Pluck, wax or epilate immediately before sessions with the Touch and Precise Touch.
It will take several weeks of sessions before you’ll notice slower and softer growing, or fewer hairs. So be prepared for the extra time and commitment!
π With the Pure on dark hair, most see noticeable results between 4 to 6 weeks. It’s likely to take longer on light blonde hairs, perhaps the full 12 session start-up schedule.
π Although not published anywhere, Iluminage previously shared you’ll need at least double the start-up sessions (14+) to see results on fair hair.
So, keep going and complete the full start-up schedules. You may even need more sessions. The switch to top-ups. On dark hair, brands suggest these monthly. However, you may need them more frequently, every couple of weeks or so. Remove your hairs and zap them as you notice growth.
TIP: with the Iluminage devices your reduction in growth rate and hair thickness is not as obvious as it is on shaved hairs. Therefore, it may seem like itβs not working. Stick at it!
Results range from totally hair free results to slower growing, much finer hair thatβs much easier and less time consuming to manage. And remember, inactive hair follicles can wake-up and sprout new hairs. So, youβll need to shave/pluck and zap them as they appear!
How to stay safe
The Iluminage devices are sage for ALL skin tones, but the Smoothskin Pure is not safe for the very darkest skin tones.
Before you start your sessions, read the user guide carefully. Thereβs an important list of warnings and reasons you may be unsuitable to use home laser and IPL devices. Such contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, diabetes, medical & skin conditions, photosensitising medications, chemical peels and more. Stay safe and learn more about home laser & IPL safety and contraindications here.
β Women can use these devices from the cheekbones down
β Men can use them from the neck and down
β Donβt use them on the male beard or face, your genitals, anus, nipples, or on birthmarks, moles, or large freckles.
You must also do a skin sensitivity test in each treatment area. Follow the instructions in the user guide, and wait the specified time. If you have no skin reactions, proceed with your treatment. Do another skin sensitivity test after sun exposure or recent tanning.
You must also protect your skin from sun exposure before and after your sessions. Sunlight and tanning increase your skinβs sensitivity and so the risk of skin reactions and side effects.
Hereβs the sun exposure, tanning (natural sunlight, artificial light, and tanning creams) & sensitivity test duration guide for each device:
Device | Skin sensitivity test duration | Use on recently tanned skin? | Cover up or use SPF 30+ | Avoid sun before sessions | Avoid sun after sessions |
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Iluminage Precise Touch | 30 mins | β | β | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
Iluminage Touch | 30 mins | β | β | 2 weeks | 2 weeks |
Smoothskin Pure | 24 hrs | β | β | 7 days | 7 days |
How to prepare for your sessions
You MUST pluck, wax or epilate your hairs immediately before zapping with the Iluminage devices. The Iluminage Touch comes with an epilator attachment so you can pluck and zap at the same time. However, you may find this too intense depending on your tolerance for epilation!
You MUST shave your hairs immediately before zapping with the Smoothskin Muse. Try dermaplaning if you don’t want to shave your face!
Then, make sure your skin is clean and dry too. Donβt apply moisturisers, lotions, creams, cosmetics, or deodorant before your sessions.
WHAT DO THEY FEEL LIKE?
Youβll hear the cooling fan whir and a small pop or click with each IPL flash. The IPL flashes are bright but harmless when flush against your skin. You donβt need protective goggles. If you find the flashes irritating, wear sunglasses to help ease the glare.
With these IPL devices, the flashes feel warm to hot on your skin. But some body areas are more sensitive. For me, the flashes feel most intense on my thighs and ankles. Most brands liken this sensation to an elastic band snapping against the skin. Itβs instantaneous, uncomfortable but bearable.
Based on the online feedback, youβre more likely to feel it sting if your skin is a darker tone. But donβt worry because you can select gentle mode or drop the intensity level a notch or two if itβs too much. Also, try starting with your face and more sensitive areas when the flash window area is cool.
Hereβs how the devices compare for power and sensation:
Device | Type | Safe tones | Power J/cm2 | Sensation* |
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Iluminage Precise Touch | IPL & Radio Frequency | All I to VI | 2 to 4 | β‘ Gentle warmth |
Iluminage Touch | IPL & Radio Frequency | All I to VI | 2 to 4 | β‘ Gentle warmth |
Smoothskin Pure | IPL | I to V Not the darkest |
3 to 6 | β‘β‘β‘ Warm to hot |
POSSIBLE SKIN REACTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS
Hot, tingly, red, dry or itchy skin are all common skin reactions. They usually fade within 24 to 48 hours. Sooth them with ice, a cool face cloth, cooling water sprays, Aloe Vera gel or a non-scented moisturiser. If they donβt fade, go see your doctor.
Remember: you must avoid the sun, cover-up or wear a sunscreen SPF30+ to protect your skin from skin reactions and side effects.
Side effects are rare but can occur. They include temporary or permanent patches of light or dark skin, burns, excessive redness and swelling around your hair follicles, blisters, and scarring. In these cases, consult your doctor.
Another extremely rare side effect on the face and neck is called Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is increased hair growth in the treatment areas. The reasons behind it are unknown but itβs thought to occur more frequently in users of Mediterranean descent, and/or with underlying medical conditions such as hirsutism.
So, now letβs take a closer look at each device and what theyβre like to use:
Best for fair hair IPL devices pros & cons
Hereβs a quick summary comparison of the key spec and performance data for these best for fair hair home IPL devices. Then a review of each device in more detail.
#1 Iluminage Precise Touch | #2 Iluminage Touch | #3 Smoothskin Pure | |
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Image | |
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Weight & operation | 285g π Mains-power |
195g (applicator) π Mains-power |
270g π Mains-power |
Power | 2 to 4 J/cm2 3 intensity levels |
2 to 4 J/cm2 3 intensity levels |
3 to 6 J/cm2 10 intensity levels |
Lamp lifetime | 10+ years of monthly small area sessions β Not legs/large areas |
2 models: 120,000 flashes = 2 years of monthly whole-body sessions 300,000 flashes = 5+ years of monthly whole-body sessions |
15+ years of monthly whole-body sessions |
Sensor | β No sensor Start low & only move up if itβs comfy |
β No sensor Start low & only move up if itβs comfy |
β
Auto-adjusts each flash Wonβt flash if skin's too dark |
Time per leg | β Too slow & tedious for legs & large areas! | 20+ minutes | 7 mins (speed mode) |
My comfort & ease score | ππππ | ππππ | ππππ |
Money back guarantee? | β None | β None | β Worldwide |
Download the complete comparison guide, spec and test data for these three devices. Itβs all the same info just in handy comparison table format. Sign-up using this form to get this exclusive report! π
1. Iluminage Precise Touch
Clinically proven to work on fair hair
π Face & small areas
β Not legs!
View Iluminage Precise Touch deals:
When you shop via my links I earn a small commission (but your price stays the same). And I really appreciate your support π!
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If youβve missed how the Precise Touch works on fair hair, find out here.
I recommend the Iluminage Precise Touch for fair hair users especially if youβll treat your face and/or small body areas. Thatβs because itβs clinically proven to work on blonde and red hair (white and grey works in the same way) it gives decades of flashes for small areas, and is particularly suited to facial use.
TIP: You must remove your fair hairs at the root immediately before your session!
The Precise Touch is a mains-powered hand-held device. Itβs very comfy to hold and easy to position despite a slightly bulky shape. The small flash window is the perfect size for your upper lip and is very easy to flash around your chin and jaw too. Itβs also good for underarms and bikini line.
Itβs decent quality, although the mains-cable is a little thin and tangly. However, you get ample flashes for face and smaller areas lasting around 10 years of monthly use. Itβs not suitable for legs and large areas as it uses up too many flashes and takes ages with the small flash window.
It very simple to use too. Choose from the three ElΕs intensity levels, then place flush on your skin. Wait for it to flash then move to the next spot. Thereβs no flash button to press β the flashes come on skin contact. Cover your skin in adjacent flashes, then repeat for a total 2 or 3 times. Itβs quick on face and small body areas. You can treat facial hairs 2 or 3 times per week if needed.
Itβs also clinically proven safe on all skin tones, so a top choice for darker tones.
Hereβs a quick recap of pros and cons with the Iluminage Precise Touch:
- Clinically proven to work on fair hairs
- Clinically proven & FDA-cleared on ALL skin tones
- Decent quality & comfy
- Small accurate flash window & easy flashes
- Decades of flashes for face & small areas
- No money back guarantee
- Not suited to large areas & legs
2. Iluminage Touch
Clinically proven to work on fair hair
π Face, small & large areas
View Iluminage Touch deals:
When you shop via my links I earn a small commission (but your price stays the same). And I really appreciate your support π!
Check links for codes!
π¬π§ πͺπΊ Beauty Expert UK
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Use exclusive code WABBTOUCH
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If youβve missed how the Touch works on fair hair, find out here.
I recommend the Iluminage Touch for fair hair users especially if youβll treat a combination of large & small body areas. Thatβs because itβs clinically proven to work on blonde and red hair (white and grey works in the same way), and its suited to face, small amd large body areas.
TIP: You must remove your fair hairs at the root immediately before your session!
The Iluminage Touch works the same as the smaller Iluminage Precise Touch, but the design and operation is better if youβll treat large areas as well as small.
The Touchβs mains-powered base unit and corded applicator design is slightly outdated, but itβs robust and very comfortable to use. The applicator-cord is durable, long, and supple, and the applicator itself compact, lightweight, and easy to manoeuvre around your body. It’s very easy to flash, even on uneven areas like shins and ankles. The medium flash window (3cm2) fits most body areas, and the precision cap covers half for easy flashes on your upper lip.
There are two models; one with 120,000 and the other with 300,000 flashes. The first lasts around 2 years of monthly whole-body sessions. The latter lasts for around 5 years of monthly whole-body sessions so is much better value. Depending on how often you need top-up sessions you may eventually run out of flashes. Replacement flash cartridges are available (but quite expensive).
The materials feel quality, the build is sturdy and the applicator cord is flexible and robust. It feels durable and long-lasting. You get a good 1 or 2-year warranty depending on where you buy it. Unfortunately, thereβs no money back guarantee.
There are 3 IPL intensity levels. Start LOW and move up only if comfortable.
Itβs simple to work. Just choose your ElΕs intensity level and place the flash window flush on your skin. Wait for it to flash then slide to the next position, covering your skin in adjacent flashes. Then repeat for a total 2 or 3 times. It flashes on skin contact, so thereβs no button to press.
The flashes are consistent so you can work to a steady pace. And it’s very easy to get a flash too thanks to the RF sensor bars. However, it takes ages to cover your whole legs because you must do multiple passes. Two passes are reasonable on large areas like legs and each takes me around 20 minutes. I recommend three passes for smaller areas like underarms and bikini line where the hair is usually thicker and more stubborn. You can also treat facial hairs 2 or 3 times per week if needed.
Hereβs a quick round-up of the pros and cons of the Iluminage Touch:
- Clinically proven to work on fair hair
- Clinically proven & FDA-cleared on ALL skin tones
- Gentle IPL
- Robust & comfy
- Lightweight applicator with easy flashes on skin contact
- 300,000 flashes model gives several years of flashes for whole-body sessions
- Very time consuming on large areas like legs
- 120,000 flashes model is best suited to face & small areas
- Itβs expensive at full RRP
- No money back guarantee
3. Smoothskin Pure
May work on light blonde hair (but not white-blonde hair)
π Face, small & large areas
View Smoothskin Pure deals
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Use code BODYBEAUT
With 90-day guarantee
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π¦πΊ Shavershop AU (no code)
The Pure is quality, handsome, powerful, incredibly comfy and easy to use, and gives the fastest sessions of all the home IPL devices I’ve tested. It’s so easy because it has a super-safe skin tone sensor which auto-adjusts the IPL intensity level to your skin tone for every flash. Simply plug-it-in, position, and zap! There’s also a gentle and speed mode for extra control.
It’s a powerful IPL too. And this is why it may work on light blonde hair. Try it if you have fair skin and can use the highest intensity levels. It’s a top choice and I love the worldwide 90-day money back guarantee so you can try it and return it for a refund if you change your mind.
View all deals
Learn more in the Touch review, Precise Touch review and Pure review. If you’ve found this review helpful please support future reviews and shop via these links. I earn a small commission, but your price stays the same.
Iluminage Touch deals:
Check links for codes!
π¬π§ πͺπΊ Beauty Expert UK
πΊπΈ π¨π¦ π SkinStore US worldwide delivery in checkout
Use exclusive code WABBTOUCH
π¬π§ π CurrentBody UK
π¦πΊ CurrentBody AU
πΊπΈ π¨π¦ CurrentBody US & CA
Iluminage Precise Touch deals
π¬π§ π CurrentBody.com
πΊπΈ π¨π¦ π SkinCare RX
πΊπΈ π¨π¦ π SkinStore US
All with worldwide shipping options in checkout
Smoothskin Pure deals
Use code BODYBEAUT
With 90-day guarantee
π¬π§ π CurrentBody UK worldwide shipping in checkout
πΊπΈ π¨π¦ CurrentBody US & CA
π¦πΊ CurrentBody AU
π¦πΊ Shavershop AU (no code)
Download the comparison guide, spec and test data for these three devices. Itβs all the same info just in handy comparison table format. Sign-up using this form to get this exclusive report! π