In an era where at-home beauty treatments are gaining traction amid rising costs for professional services, a recent review of the No! No! IPL Plus Hair Removal Device has highlighted its appeal as a budget-friendly alternative to salon laser hair removal. Priced often under £120, the device offers a compact solution for consumers seeking to reduce hair growth without the expense of in-salon sessions that can exceed £500 for comparable models. According to a detailed hands-on evaluation published on Yahoo Shopping, the No! No! IPL Plus stands out for its affordability and ease of use, earning it the designation of 'Best Value' in a roundup of 10 similar machines.
The review, conducted by a journalist who tested the device over several weeks, describes the No! No! IPL Plus as a lightweight and compact handheld gadget that employs intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target body hair. IPL devices, as explained in the article, work by emitting high-intensity light pulses that are absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles, disrupting growth over time. This method serves as a more accessible option compared to professional laser treatments, which require clinic visits and can be prohibitively expensive. The reviewer emphasized that while premium models promise quicker results, the No! No! device claims visible reductions in hair growth after eight to 12 weeks of consistent use, with long-term maintenance potentially requiring 18 to 24 months.
Safety and suitability are key aspects covered in the evaluation. The device is designed for lighter skin tones with dark hair, aligning with standard IPL limitations where melanin contrast is essential for effectiveness. 'It works best on lighter skin tones with dark hair,' the reviewer noted, cautioning that it is not suitable for those with olive to dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI) or white, grey, or red hair, as the light cannot detect the necessary melanin. The inclusion of built-in cooling technology was praised for providing a soothing effect during treatments, preventing discomfort even at the highest intensity levels.
During testing, the journalist performed a patch test 48 hours prior to full use, applying the device to clean, dry, and shaved skin once a week. Both automatic and manual modes were utilized, along with gliding and pulsing techniques across areas like legs, underarms, and the face. 'I predominantly used the highest intensity setting, which No! No! recommends for my dark hair and fair skin combination,' the reviewer wrote, reporting no pain, redness, irritation, or heat spikes—experiences that contrasted with previous professional sessions. The skin contact sensor, which only activates pulses when the device is pressed against the skin, was highlighted as a crucial safety feature to avoid stray emissions and potential injuries.
Technical specifications of the No! No! IPL Plus include five intensity levels, manual and automatic settings, and two magnetic attachments that create three treatment window sizes ranging from one to three square centimeters. This modular design allows for precision in smaller areas, such as the face below the cheekbones, but the reviewer pointed out a drawback: the smaller windows make treating larger surfaces like legs more time-consuming compared to competitors such as Silk’n, Foreo, and Braun, which offer larger windows up to five square centimeters. 'While the smaller windows were useful to treat intimate areas that required precision, I found it made treating large surface areas... time consuming,' the article stated.
The device's operation is straightforward, with a compact handset that remains comfortable for full-body sessions despite its cable. Controls are limited to two buttons: one for power and intensity adjustment, and a trigger for pulses and mode switching. It flashes blue when ready and auto-shutoffs after five minutes of inactivity for added safety. Notably, the IPL is estimated to deliver around 300,000 light pulses, potentially lasting up to 15 years, though the lack of a display for remaining pulses was mentioned as a minor inconvenience.
Effectiveness emerged as a balanced topic in the review. After several weeks, the tester observed subtle changes, including slower hair regrowth in patches on legs and underarms. However, results were not as rapid as those from devices like Ulike or Silk’n IPL 7, which reportedly show reductions in as little as two weeks. 'While the No! No! Plus IPL may not deliver results as fast as other beauty tools, it is easy to use, gentle on the skin and significantly more affordable than regular waxing sessions or professional laser-hair removal,' the reviewer concluded. For permanent results, the device does not fully eliminate hair but slows regrowth; discontinuation leads to resumed growth.
Usage guidelines provided in the article recommend starting at the lowest intensity and gliding the device at a 90-degree angle against hair growth, followed by buffing and moisturizing. Initial treatments should occur two to three times weekly for the first four to six weeks, then taper to once or twice weekly based on individual hair growth rates. Facial use is permitted below the cheekbones with the smaller heads, but precautions include avoiding the eye area, using provided protective eyewear, and steering clear if recent aesthetic treatments or active skincare ingredients have been used. The reviewer experienced no discomfort on sensitive areas, crediting the cooling feature, but stressed the importance of patch testing.
Comparing the No! No! lineup, the review mentions the sibling No! No! Ice IPL, noting both as more affordable than competitors, with visible differences in design but subtle technical variances. The IPL Plus's glasses were critiqued for being overly dark, hindering visibility during leg treatments. Overall, the device appeals to those prioritizing cost and comfort over speed, particularly for sensitive skin or travel-friendly options.
In the broader context of at-home hair removal, the rise of IPL devices reflects consumer demand for convenient, salon-alternative solutions. Professional laser treatments, often costing hundreds per session, have driven interest in devices like the No! No! Plus, which retails for a fraction of high-end models. The review positions it as ideal for full-body or precise treatments but less so for beginners needing automated skin-type detection or users with larger treatment needs.
Potential buyers are advised to consider limitations: it's not for darker skin tones or light hair, and results require patience. 'If you are looking for a compact, lightweight and travel-friendly IPL device to get rid of hair, without the expense of visiting a salon, I would recommend this reasonably priced device,' the tester advised, while suggesting alternatives with more guidance for novices.
FAQs addressed in the article clarify common queries. On permanence, 'The No! No! Plus IPL aims to reduce hair growth, but it does not permanently remove hair,' with visible reductions after two to three months and ongoing use for maintenance. Effectiveness is affirmed but slower: 'Yes, the No! No! Plus IPL does work... results will start to show between eight to 12 weeks after consistent use, so be patient and trust the process.' The review underscores that while not the fastest, its gentleness and price make it a viable entry point into at-home IPL.
As the market for personal beauty tech expands, evaluations like this one provide consumers with practical insights. The No! No! IPL Plus, with its cooling tech and magnetic heads, emerges as a solid budget choice, though users must align expectations with its timeline. For those committed to regular use, it offers a pathway to reduced salon dependency, potentially saving hundreds over time.
Looking ahead, ongoing testing and user feedback will likely refine perceptions of such devices. No! No! continues to market its products as accessible innovations, and reviews like this contribute to informed purchasing in a crowded field.