Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL vs Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
Get the Braun Pro 5 IPL for long-term reduction. Get the Silk-épil 9 Flex if you need hair removed immediately or IPL does not suit your hair and skin tone.
Our pickBraun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL
The IPL pick for most people: fast flashes, automatic skin-tone sensing and compact handling.
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex
The premium epilator pick: a flexible head, wet-and-dry use and strong short-hair pickup.
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These devices solve different problems. IPL reduces regrowth over repeated sessions when hair and skin tone are suitable; an epilator pulls hair out now and works on more hair colours.
- —You want less regrowth over time.
- —You have dark hair and a suitable skin tone.
- —You can follow a treatment schedule.
- —You want hair gone today.
- —Your hair is blonde, red, grey or white.
- —You do not want to shave before sessions.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Automatic skin-tone sensing
- +Fast for legs and larger areas
- +Multiple caps for body, face and bikini line
- −You must shave before treatments.
- −You need a schedule for the first weeks, then maintenance sessions.
- −It can feel warm or prickly at higher settings.
- +Flexible head for curves
- +Wet and dry cordless use
- +Catches very short hair
- −The first sessions are the most uncomfortable.
- −You need to exfoliate and clean the head to reduce ingrown hairs.
Ready to choose?
- Is the Braun Pro 5 IPL worth it?
- Is the Silk-épil 9 Flex worth it?
- Silk-épil 9 Flex vs Philips 8000
- Best hair removal devices
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Which?, Philips Lumea 9900, Braun Pro 5, manufacturer specifications.