We put the Silk’n 7 IPL Hair Removal Device to the test for eight weeks to see whether this at-home treatment could really deliver smoother skin, less hair growth and long-lasting results without the pain of waxing or the expense of professional laser treatments.
Over the past decade, men’s body hair has become something of a fashion statement, with trends seemingly changing as quickly as the seasons. One year, the fashion industry tries to convince us that a completely smooth chest is the ideal, while the next, Hollywood’s leading men are proudly showing off their carefully groomed chest hair. So, which is it? Should men have chest hair or not?
At AmongMen, we’ve always subscribed to the idea that every man should make that decision for himself. Whether you prefer a naturally hairy chest, a neatly trimmed look or completely smooth skin, personal grooming should be exactly that: personal. Of course, for men who do like to manscape, whether that means maintaining a smooth chest or getting rid of unwanted back hair, finding an effective hair removal method can be a frustrating experience. From at-home waxing strips and depilatory creams to endless shaving sessions, most of us have experimented with different techniques, often with mixed results and varying degrees of discomfort.
That’s where at-home IPL (intense pulsed light) devices come in, promising a more convenient way to achieve long-lasting hair reduction without repeated visits to a professional clinic. To find out whether the technology really delivers, we put the latest IPL hair removal device from Silk’n, the Silk’n 7, to the test over eight weeks. Here’s how it performed.
What Is At-Home IPL?
First, let’s explain exactly how IPL hair removal works. Unlike traditional shaving or waxing, which removes hair at or above the skin’s surface or pulls it out from the root, IPL uses pulses of light to target pigment in the hair. That light energy is converted into heat, which affects the hair follicle and helps reduce future growth over time.
Although IPL and professional laser hair removal operate on similar principles, there are some important differences. IPL uses a broader spectrum of light rather than the concentrated beam used in laser treatments, and its effectiveness depends on factors including skin tone and hair colour. Generally speaking, IPL works best on darker hair against lighter skin, although the suitability of individual devices can vary.
The biggest advantage is convenience. Unlike professional laser treatments, IPL can be performed in the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. And while the initial investment can be significant, there are no ongoing appointment fees once you’ve purchased the device.
Retailing for approximately $599 CAD, the Silk’n 7 uses the brand’s patented eHPL (enhanced Home Pulsed Light) technology, which combines optical light with galvanic energy. According to Silk’n, the galvanic energy helps improve the effectiveness of the light treatment, allowing it to target hair follicles at lower energy levels.
The device also features a 360-degree rotating head that clicks into six different positions, allowing it to transform from a straight handheld tool into an L-shaped device. It’s a particularly useful feature when you’re trying to reach awkward areas, such as your back or shoulders, without twisting yourself into uncomfortable positions.
Three interchangeable treatment windows, ranging from 1 to 5.1 square centimetres, allow users to switch between smaller, more precise areas and larger sections of the body. There are also five intensity levels, an automatic skin-tone sensor designed to help determine appropriate treatment settings, and Bluetooth connectivity to the Silk’n app, which allows users to customize treatment programs, track their progress and receive reminders about upcoming sessions.
Perhaps most appealingly, Silk’n claims that users can begin seeing a visible reduction in unwanted hair after just two weeks, with treatments designed to cause minimal discomfort.
Naturally, we wanted to find out whether those promises held up.
Does the Silk’n 7 Actually Work?
Simply put, yes.
We tested the Silk’n 7 over eight weeks, following the manufacturer’s recommended treatment schedule. The initial instructions called for treatments every two weeks during the first four weeks, followed by monthly sessions and occasional maintenance treatments as needed. Depending on hair colour, skin type and individual hair growth patterns, Silk’n suggests that some users may require approximately eight to 12 sessions to achieve their desired results.
What surprised us most was how quickly we began noticing a difference. After approximately two weeks, hair growth had already started to slow, and by the six-week mark, the reduction was significant. Hair that previously required regular attention was growing back noticeably more slowly, making the entire grooming routine considerably easier to maintain.
The device itself was also impressively straightforward to use. The rotating head made it easier to manoeuvre around different areas of the body, while the interchangeable treatment windows allowed us to move between larger sections and smaller areas without much fuss. Once we became familiar with the settings and treatment process, incorporating the Silk’n 7 into our regular grooming routine required relatively little effort.
Of course, eight weeks isn’t enough to determine how long the results will last without maintenance, but based on the reduction in hair growth we experienced during our testing period, the results were certainly encouraging.
Is It Painful?
Absolutely not, at least not in our experience.
Having experimented with various hair removal methods over the years, we were particularly interested in whether the Silk’n 7 could deliver noticeable results without the discomfort often associated with waxing or professional laser treatments.
Even when we increased the device to its highest intensity level, which was appropriate for the skin and hair combination being treated, the experience remained remarkably comfortable. We didn’t experience any noticeable redness, irritation or discomfort, even when treating more delicate areas of the body.
That’s not to say every user will have an identical experience, as individual skin sensitivity and treatment settings can affect comfort levels. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding suitable treatment areas and intensity settings. Still, compared with some of the more uncomfortable hair removal methods we’ve tried, the Silk’n 7 was a welcome surprise.
The Verdict: Is It Worth $599?
In our experience, yes.
At approximately $599, the Silk’n 7 is certainly an investment, particularly when compared with a package of disposable razors or a tube of depilatory cream. However, for men who regularly wax, shave or otherwise remove unwanted body hair, the convenience of achieving long-lasting results at home makes the price considerably easier to justify. Depending on how frequently you typically book professional waxing or laser appointments, the device could also represent savings over time.
After eight weeks of testing, we were impressed by how quickly hair growth slowed, how easy the device was to use and, perhaps most surprisingly, how comfortable the treatments were. The rotating head is a thoughtful addition, particularly for anyone trying to tackle those notoriously difficult-to-reach areas, and the ability to perform treatments at home is an undeniable advantage.
There are, of course, a few things to keep in mind. IPL doesn’t work equally well for everyone, and results can vary depending on skin tone, hair colour, treatment intensity and individual hair growth cycles. Very light blonde, red, grey or white hair may respond poorly to IPL, while certain darker skin tones may not be suitable for treatment. It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s compatibility guidelines before purchasing. And while IPL can provide significant long-term hair reduction, it shouldn’t be confused with guaranteed permanent hair removal. Occasional maintenance sessions may still be necessary to keep unwanted growth under control.
Still, for men looking to spend less time manscaping, whether that means maintaining a smooth chest, reducing back hair or simply cutting down on the constant cycle of shaving and waxing, the Silk’n 7 makes a convincing case for itself. It’s an effective, convenient and surprisingly comfortable addition to a grooming routine, and one we’d happily recommend to anyone whose skin and hair type are suitable for IPL treatment.
