Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL review – Fast, no-faff & super-safe

👍 Powerful, ultra-fast, super-safe, elegant.
Ideal for face, small & large areas & especially varied skin tones across your body

Braun Pro 5 IPL Price from £249.99 to £610.00

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Quick Video Review of Pros & Cons (2.5 minutes)

Watch this 2.5 minutes video below for a quick introduction to the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL. There’s loads more detail and photos in the full review below.

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In this Braun Pro 5 IPL review:

• What’s it like? First impressions | Before you start | Lamp lifetime | Is it easy to use? | Is it safe? | How fast is it?
• What’s different about the models? PL5137 vs PL5124, PL5014 | Braun Pro 5 IPL vs Braun 5 IPL
• What to expect? During treatments | After treatments | How quick are results? | How much effort is it?
• In summary Should I buy it? | Pros & Cons | Where to buy it

What is it?

The Braun Pro 5 IPL launched in the UK March 2019, it’s clinically tested and meets EU standards with CE certification. It’s also FDA cleared. Proctor & Gamble market the device and Cyden Ltd manufacture it in the UK.

It uses intense pulsed light energy (IPL) to damage and disable your hair follicle, slowing and preventing hair regrowth. Periodic top-up treatments keep your skin smooth. Use it on your body and face from the cheekbones down. Men use from the chest down.

Related: how IPL hair removal works in home laser hair removal 101

You’ll need between 4 and 12 weekly sessions to get smooth skin results. Then, less frequent touch-ups as you need them, for example, every 1 or 2 months. Choose a model with body and precision attachment or just body attachment.

— What’s it like? —

First impressions

The packaging is professional, informative, attractive, compact and neat. Braun do a good job showing the features.

The packaging is sturdy and economical. I like that there’s very little plastic because the storage pouch keeps everything covered, clean and together.

What’s in the box?

• Braun silk-expert Pro 5 IPL with body attachment
• Fixed power cord and base station pack
• Power lead and plugs (UK & Australia)
• Precision attachment (not with PL5014 model)
• Venus razor and blade (differs per model)
• User guide

The white and gold IPL device is sophisticated and refined. I like the clean lines, subtle curves and gold accents. In the hand, it’s compact and lightweight. It feels quality – exactly what you expect from Braun.

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Before you start

Before you start zapping away, first read the user manual. There’s important information in there you must check. Such as, reasons you may not be suitable for home IPL (contraindications), warnings and guidelines around tanning.

You must also do a patch test first and get yourself a comfortable set up. Learn more in the next sections.

Read the user manual

The user manual is a quick and easy read. It’s well organised and spaced-out, with helpful diagrams.

You’ll find the safe skin tone and hair colour chart, a diagram of the IPL device, a brief explanation of how IPL works, contraindications and warnings, how to use it, about your skin patch test, the treatment plan, cleaning and storage, possible side effects and a troubleshooting guide.

Spend time checking the important safety information, warnings and reasons you should not use the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5. These include being pregnant, having epilepsy, taking photosensitising medications, skin conditions, on tattoos or after skin peels plus more.

You can learn more about general contraindications for home IPL here. But be sure to check the user manual on Braun website before you buy.

There’re also must-know guidelines on tanning and home-IPL in the manual.

Tanning guidelines

Follow the guidelines on tanning and sun exposure to keep your skin safe.

Your skin is extra sensitive after tanning, which increases the risk of side effects from IPL, such as burns, blisters, discolouration and scarring. Your skin is more sensitive after your IPL treatments too so there’s a higher risk of sunburn if you go out in the sun.

So, during your start-up treatments it’s best to avoid tanning altogether. Both by sunlight and artificially with light or creams.

Do a skin patch test

There’s no guesswork needed with the Braun Pro IPL. It’s special because it scans your skin and chooses the best intensity level for you. This makes the skin patch test very straightforward.

On each area you’re going to treat, shave and flash 2 side-by-side flashes on your skin. Wait 48 hours and if your skin is normal you can crack on with your first session (but avoid the test patch until your next weekly session).

You may experience some redness but this should disappear within 48 hours. lf after 48 hours there’s still a skin reaction, check in with your doctor. If there’s no lasting reaction then you’re good to start.

A smooth shave

Shave before every treatment. Your skin must be totally smooth before you start zapping. And luckily you get a brand new top notch Venus razor with the Braun Pro 5 IPL.

If there’s any hair left on the skin surface it can sting when zapped! The IPL energy needs to go deeper into the follicle (the bit below your skin). It’s down there it works to heat up specific areas, damage them and stop hair growth.

• Use a sharp razor for a clean, close shave
• Use a gel, foam or just hair conditioner to moisturise and protect your skin
• Take your time to remove all hair without any cuts!
• If you don’t want to shave your face, try this instead

Choose a comfy spot

Next, find a comfy and private spot to do your treatment.

Some people choose the sofa and watch some TV at the same time.  Others need more privacy so choose the bathroom or their bedroom. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• In front of a mirror: A full-length mirror is very helpful for underarms, a thorough bikini line, bum and backs of legs
• A mains extension cable: the Braun IPL has a 2 metre long power cord, but an extension cable from the mains gives you even more flexibility
• Find privacy: back to the bikini line again! It’s far from elegant and not something you’ll want to share with housemates, kids, window cleaner etc. The privacy of your bedroom is often best
• Choose the right time: you don’t want to be rushed or interrupted, so do it when you have plenty of time and kiddies are tucked up in bed

Once you’ve got the right spot, you’re ready to get started.

Simple to get started

Just follow these steps:

1. Shave before every treatment (unless there’s no hair left!)
2. Plug in and press the flash or feather button. The 3 small intensity mode buttons shine white and you’ll hear the fan start up inside
3. Select your intensity mode by pressing the feather button. 3 lights mean high, 2 gentle, and 1 extra-gentle.
4. Position flat on your skin at a 90-degree angle and press the flash button.
5. Slide to the next spot and repeat. Cover your skin in adjoining flashes avoiding overlap.

When you’re done, unplug from the mains and the Braun IPL powers down.

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Learn what’s good and bad about the Braun IPL design and features in the next sections.

Is it easy to use?

The Braun Pro 5 IPL is designed for speed and simplicity. It’s the fastest, safest, high-power home IPL you can buy.

The shape & weight are effortless to handle and work perfectly with the fast flashes. Plus, except for swapping to the smaller precision window, there’s no need to stop and adjust anything. Because it chooses the best intensity level for you too. Just plug-it-in and happy zapping!

Keep reading to learn more about all the features making it ideal for face, small & large areas & especially varied skin tones across your body.

First up, let’s see how long the flashes last from the IPL bulb.

Lamp lifetime

The Braun Pro 5 IPL gives excellent value form the IPL bulb. It’s one of the best, beaten only by the Smoothskin Muse.

The lamp gives 400,000 flashes. So, coupled with the 3 cm² flash window you can treat a total 1,200,000 cm² body area. That’s enough for over 200 full-body treatments of full legs, bikini line, underarms and face. This gives more than 15 years’ worth of monthly full body sessions. Braun say the flashes should last for around 22 years. It’s superb value, you’ll never run out of flashes.

N.B. I’ve used only the bulb life to calculate the years of use. General usage and wear and tear can also affect how long the machine keeps working.

Ergonomic shape & quality build

The Braun silk expert is a compact and distinctive shape. And despite being lightweight at 285g, the materials feel quality, and it looks sophisticated.

The white body has a subtle glittery sheen and feels smooth but not slippery. There’s a white glossy panel on top where the buttons sit. And it’s finished with polished gold accents, logo and matt-gold body attachment.

It feels solid and well-balanced with no creaks or cracks.

It measures just 18 cm long with only 2 buttons on top. The large flash button is easy to press with fingers or thumb. And it works in a few different grips. Here’s the first:

The width and curves of the tapered handle rest perfectly in your palm with your fore-finger on the button. This point-and-flash grip works well on underarms and your face.

Or, you can hold it downwards, gripping and pressing the flash button with your fingers or thumb. It puts less strain on your wrist. And the handle keeps the power cord well out of the way. I use it for legs and bikini line. Like this:

It’s very easy to handle around all your body, even if you have small hands.

Power cord

Even the power cord is premium.

It’s fixed into the base of the IPL device. So, unlike the earlier models, the weight of the power pack base isn’t going to pull the cable out mid-use.

The cord is 2 metres long and it’s a very supple, quality thick cord that doesn’t tangle or twist. There’s a smaller 90 cm cord that fits into the power pack to the mains. The power pack rests on the floor below the power outlet so you get the full 2-metre cable to manoeuvre with.

Flash windows

With all models, you get the standard matt-gold body attachment. The flash window measures 1 cm by 3 cm so that’s a total flash area of 3 cm². The size and shape mean it’s an excellent multi-purpose attachment. It’s on legs, body, underarms and bikini line. On your face and upper lip it’s ok, but can be a bit awkward to get a flash in places.

With the PL5137 and PL5124 models, you also get a smaller white precision attachment. The flash window is 1.1 cm wide by 1.5 cm long which is a total flash area of 1.65 cm². It’s a particularly good fit on the upper lip and around the jawline.

Changing the attachments is easy. Firmly pull from the base of the attachment away from the device. There’s a small lip there you can grip with your fingers.

There’s a sticky-out bit on the back of each attachment. Line this up with the small hole on the top of the device and plug in till you feel it click into place.

The flash bulb is part of the device and not the attachments. The attachments click into place over the top. They can feel a bit stubborn to remove at first until you get used to the pressure needed.

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Is the Braun Silk Expert Pro IPL safe?

The Braun Silk-expert Pro is clinically tested safe for home-use. It’s safe for Fitzpatrick skin types I to V.

As with all other home IPL devices, there’s an inbuilt filter blocking UV light wavelengths touching your skin. So, it’s protected keeping it healthy.

It’s also got reassuring independent accreditation from Skin Health Alliance. Skin Health Alliance have scientists and dermatologists work with companies ensuring products and services are safe. This means they’ve tested it and confirm it is skin-safe.

It also protects your eyes.

Eye safety

There are 2 skin sensors at either end of the flash window. They must sense your skin covers them or they won’t flash when you press the button. This means you can’t accidentally flash it into open-air anywhere near your eyes.

The flashes are bright. But the bit you see when it’s against your skin isn’t harmful to your eyes. Use it in a well-lit room so the flashes don’t seem so glaring. You don’t need safety goggles or glasses. But if you find the flashes irritating try wearing sunglasses.

Advanced skin tone sensor

The advanced skin tone sensor is a neat safety feature. But it’s also the reason why the Braun Pro 5 IPL is so darn simple and straightforward to use. Here’s what it does:

The blue sensor windows scan and check your skin tone before every flash. It protects your skin and won’t flash if it’s too dark (Fitzpatrick type 6).

If your skin is in the safe range (Fitzpatrick types 1 to 5) it actually chooses the best intensity level for your exact skin tone. This means the most powerful intensity that’s still safe for your skin tone.

The clever technology makes it so straightforward to use. No need to stop and check your skin tone. It takes all the guesswork out of which intensity level to choose. Just plug-it-in and start zapping!

And whereas most other home IPL devices have 5 intensity levels, the Braun Pro 5 IPL has 10 to choose from.

10 intensity levels

With 10 increments versus 5, you get a more bespoke level for your exact skin tone to give you the best possible results in the shortest time.

In addition, the maximum power intensity on level 10 is 6 J/cm². This is one of the most powerful home-use devices (just slightly less powerful than the Lumea Prestige). This means, if you have light skin and can use the higher levels, you’ll get longer-lasting results than less powerful devices.

But what if it smarts too much?

Gentle modes for sensitive areas

IPL can smart a bit on more sensitive body areas like your bikini line and underarms. So, the Braun IPL has 2 additional comfort modes to adjust the intensity. They’re simple to activate.

Press the feather button to cycle through the modes.

1 light means extra gentle mode. This chooses the lowest intensity level 1.

2 lights mean gentle mode. This reduces the intensity so you’ll see fewer white indicator lights illuminated.

3 lights mean standard mode. The Braun IPL balances maximum power and safety for your skin tone. When you power on the Braun IPL it defaults to standard mode.

As with the previous model, I’m unclear what value extra gentle mode adds. It’s some additional reassurance and control for dark skin tones because you can only use the lower intensity levels. However, if safety and comfort are a concern for darker skin you should consider my recommended device for dark and black skin.

Tip: Braun suggest you could use the gentle mode for your first few sessions to get used to the treatments. This is a good feature particularly if you’re cautious, but bear in mind you’ll get faster results in standard mode with the higher energy intensity levels.

So, how fast is it?

How fast is it?

The Braun Pro 5 IPL is the fastest high-power home IPL you can buy. The flash rate is ultra-fast at every 0.6 to 1.2 seconds. They’re fastest on the lowest intensities.

Here’s what it can do according to the specification:

• Lowest intensity flashes every 0.6 seconds – that’s 100 flashes per minute to cover 300 cm²
• Highest intensity flashes every 1.2 seconds – that’s 50 flashes per minute to cover 150 cm²

That’s super-fast! Keep the flash button pressed for continuous flashes in glide mode. After each flash glide the handset 1cm along your skin to the next position. You’ll appreciate the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle at speed. It’s a fluid motion – it couldn’t get any faster and still be manageable!

It’s magic on large areas like legs. However, sometimes the flash rate changes so you can glide it too far, or not far enough in between the flashes. It can take a little practise to find your technique and rhythm (especially if you’re used to a slower IPL device).

Braun say you can do both lower legs in 5 mins on the lowest intensity level. For me, it selected the higher intensities and one lower leg took just over 3.5 minutes. A meticulous full leg took me 9 minutes.

I did my full body in just under 28 mins (full legs, extended bikini, underarms and face). That’s simply the fastest high-power IPL I’ve tried. So, if you don’t have much spare time and speed is what you need most, this is a perfect choice.

And there’s a helpful App too.

Treatment App

For this updated Pro there’s a newer, rebranded App called ‘Braun Silk-expert Pro’.

It has all the product information and ‘how to’ videos available on the Braun website. And the most helpful bit is where you schedule your sessions and reminders. The App even lets you change the frequency of your sessions to accommodate the switch to your top-up maintenance.

It helps a lot to remember and stick to your treatment plan so you get the best possible results.

Any improvements?

As well as making it smaller, lighter and faster and so easier to handle, Braun have answered most of the criticisms made against the previous Braun 5 IPL.

• They’ve given us a smaller precision attachment for that tricky upper lip
• We’ve got a fancy storage pouch that keeps this expensive bit of kit together and protected
• The power cable is fixed so can’t accidentally disconnect from the base

The one thing it lacks? A cleaning cloth. You get one with most other devices. But this is a very minor thing.

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— The different models —

Braun Pro 5 PL5137 vs PL5124, PL5014

The only difference between the three models PL5137, PL5124 and PL5014 is the storage pouch they come with, the type of Venus razor and the PL5014 doesn’t have the precision attachment.

The performance and specification of the Braun IPL device is exactly the same with all models. The storage pouches all do the same job and are good quality. The razors all do the same job.

The small precision attachment is a nice to have, and it does make it easier to get a flash on your upper lip and jawline. But if there’s a big difference in price, rest assured you don’t need it. You’ll get the same results without it.

Check prices and go with the cheapest one.

Braun Pro 5 IPL vs Braun 5 IPL

The Braun Pro 5 IPL is updated and improved from the previous version. The power intensity range, advanced skin tone sensor and gentle and extra gentle modes are the same.

Here’s a quick roundup of the key differences.

Size & weight

Both models have the same ergonomic shape and large flash button. But the Braun Pro 5 IPL is 15% smaller and 25% lighter than the previous model. This makes a big difference. It fits better in the hand, and so is more comfortable to hold and easier to manoeuvre.

Styling & cord

The Braun Pro 5 has updated styling. The colours change from white and bronze with silver accents to a soft white and matt-gold with gold accents.

Both models are mains-powered with a long power-cord giving plenty of room to move around. However, the Braun Pro power cord is fixed into the base of the handle. This stops the weight of the power pack pulling it out during your treatments.

The cord itself is better quality too on the Braun Pro 5 IPL. It’s thicker, more supple feels better quality. There’s nothing wrong with the cord on the Braun 5 IPL (I don’t find it tangles). But on the Braun Pro 5 it’s just better!

Precision attachment

The Braun Pro 5 IPL also has the smaller precision attachment (but not with the PL5014 model).

This is a very helpful addition to get good contact for easy flashes on the jawline and upper lip. The previous model (and the PL5014) requires a bit of faffing and face-pulling to get a flash and cover all your skin. But, it’s still possible and gives the same results.

The Braun Pro 5 is faster

Sessions with the Braun Pro 5 IPL are faster than with the Braun 5.

• The Braun Pro 5 flashes come every 0.6 to 1.2 seconds
• The Braun 5 IPL flashes every 0.9 to 1.9 seconds

They’re fastest on the lowest intensities.

Both give fast treatments. I can do a full-body session in under 30 minutes with the Braun Pro 5 and around 45 minutes with the Braun 5. So, you’re done before you get bored or tired. But the Braun Pro 5 is super quick. It’s the fastest available. Therefore, it’s easier to fit in around a busy day and commit to the regimen.

Price

Both models promise the same hair reduction results. So the price of each is worth checking before you decide.

The Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of the Braun Pro 5 is £524.99 to £599.99. Today it’s on offer at around £300. That’s super value.

The RRP of the Braun 5 is £399.99 to £499.99. And you can get it on offer around £230. That too is a fine deal for a great device. Prices may drop further to sell leftover stock now that the Braun Pro 5 has arrived. You could pick up a bargain.

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— What to expect? —

What to expect during your treatments?

You’ll hear the cooling fan whirring inside the device. And you’ll hear each flash ‘pop’.

The flashes are bright, but harmless to your eyes. You don’t need to buy specialist goggles or glasses. Use it in a well-lit room so the flashes don’t seem so intense. Sunglasses can help ease any irritation you might feel.

It feels warm and tingly against your skin. Some more sensitive areas, like ankles, thighs, bikini line and underarms can smart a bit. Hair is generally thicker and denser on the bikini line and underarms so these areas can be uncomfortable. Simply select gentle or extra gentle mode if it feels too intense. Sometimes starting with the more sensitive areas is easier.

It’s really fast so you won’t get bored. But it still demands concentration because you must remember which areas you’ve flashed. This avoids too much overlap and missed hairy bits.

What to expect after your treatments?

Skin redness is a common skin reaction to IPL. Your skin may also feel a bit hot and tingly. It’s normal and should wear off within 24 hours. You can cover it with a cool facecloth or ice pack. Cooling water sprays are good too, Aloe Vera gel or a non-scented moisturiser.

After your treatment, avoid things that could irritate the skin you’ve flashed. For example, using hot tubs and saunas, spanking, wearing tight-fitting clothing, using bleaching creams and perfumed or exfoliation products.

Avoid tanning and wear an SPF 15 or 30+ if exposed to the sun! If you don’t you risk experiencing some of the rare home IPL side effects.

What side effects are there?

There are a few very rare side effects of home IPL. With the Braun Pro, the treatments are super-safe because of the clever skin tone sensor. So, you’ve virtually no risk of blisters or burns.

The rare but possible side effects are below. If you experience them and they don’t go away in the times shown, go see your doctor:

• Skin redness which doesn’t go away after 24 to 48 hours
• Swelling and redness around the hair follicle which doesn’t go away within 2 to 3 days
• Temporary lightening or darkening in skin colour
• Increased hair growth in your treatment area which doesn’t reduce after several treatments. This is very rare but is seen most in people of Mediterranean descent.

Now, onto the hairless results!

What results can I expect?

You’ll need between 4 to 12 weekly sessions to get to smooth and hairless skin. You may get there before 12 sessions. Once you’re there, switch to less frequent top-ups. These could be every 1 or even 2 months.  

Shave before every treatment, and /or between sessions as you need.

Based on the previous Braun model, after the first few sessions you should notice less and finer, lighter hairs. Most see a significant reduction in hairs after 6 sessions. Continue until you’re smooth.

Then do top-ups as you need them. Shave if you need to before these. Try spacing some a month apart, and eventually increase the gap to 2 months and even further.

Our tester noticed slower leg hair growth after 2 sessions. It got softer and lighter after session 3. They had big, smooth hairless patches after 5 sessions which made shaving super quick and without ouchie razor bumps. After 6 sessions there was very little hair left.

So far they say “I’ve now done 6 sessions and 3 top-ups 1 month apart. At first, I’d notice some hairs around tops of my ankles. So, I shaved and flashed them and now they’re no more. I’ll keep going and try dropping the top-ups to every 6 weeks. I’m smooth and shaving rash free in time for Summer. I can’t wait to get my legs out!”

IMPORTANT: Results vary by individual, so you may take longer to get to smooth or need top-ups more regularly to stop hair growing back. Top-ups are super important. If you don’t do them, the hair will grow back! Find out why and how here.

How much effort is it?

The Braun Pro asks for such a small amount of your time for excellent results. It’s one of the best.

For most people, to get a significant hair reduction from full-body treatments you’ll spend between 3 to 6 hours over 5 to 11 weeks during the start-up phase.

Here’s how I worked it out:

• A full-body session takes around 30 mins (excluding shaving)
• You’ll need between 6 to 12 weekly sessions, taking 5 to 11 weeks to complete
• 6 sessions x 30 mins per session = 3 hours
• 12 sessions x 30 mins per session = 6 hours
• So, that’s 3 hours over 5 weeks, up to 6 hours over 11 weeks

Obviously, if you’re treating smaller areas it’ll be even quicker! Then you’ll need a 30-minute touch-up session every 4 to 8 weeks. Start monthly, then after several top-ups, you may need them even less frequently.

I love the Braun Pro IPL because it’s so fast you can fit your sessions around your busy life.

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Braun say the Braun Pro gives “Permanent hair reduction in 4 weeks”. It’s an attention-grabbing statement, but I think it sets a false expectation. When I see that, I think I’ll need just 4 sessions to get smooth and stay that way forever. But that’s not the case because your top-up sessions are very important.

Top-up sessions target new hair growth in your skin. The IPL heats and damages them in the follicle. This damage has a compound effect on key areas of the follicle to give longer-lasting results. The more top-ups you do the better it gets. So, please don’t be blinded by the marketing promotion. The Braun Pro 5 IPL commitment is one of the lowest for the best results, but it’s not an overnight miracle.

— In summary —

Should I buy it?

Absolutely. It scores top marks in most categories and it’s a pleasure to use. I recommend it for super silky-smooth skin on your face and body. It’s perfect for whole-body and face treatments because it’s so darned quick. You can buy it on introductory offer so check prices of the different models before you buy.

“Elegant plug-and-go simplicity that’s powerful, fast and super-safe”

Here’s a quick Braun Pro 5 IPL pros and cons summary round-up:

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