I'm Trish, founder of Bondi Body. Yes, at-home IPL works on men's back and chest hair, and it works best on dark hair against light to medium skin. The back is hard to reach on your own, so you will need someone to help.
Key facts
- Product: Bondi Body V2 IPL, £249 (code GLOW40 gives £40 off).
- Key figures: 600,000 flashes, 8 intensity levels, 7.81–15.31 J/cm², mains powered.
- Who it suits: men and women. Works best on light to medium skin tones with darker hair. Not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI) or for light blonde, grey or red hair.
- Where men can use it: body, face and intimate areas. Using it on the face means a beard may not grow back if you want one in future years. Never on or around the eyes.
- Free UK delivery on orders over £100. 50-day money-back guarantee. 12-month warranty.
Does IPL work on men's body hair?
Yes. IPL targets the pigment in the hair, so darker hair responds best. Over repeated treatments it gradually thins out body hair. It is long-lasting hair reduction, not instant removal, and results vary from person to person.
It will not work on light blonde, grey or red hair, and it is not suitable for very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick V–VI). If your chest hair is going grey, IPL will only act on the hairs that are still dark.
How do you prepare your back and chest?
- Shave first. IPL works best on stubble no longer than 5 mm, so shave about 24 hours before. Do not wax, epilate or use hair removal cream, because the hair follicle needs to be intact.
- Clean, dry skin. No deodorant, perfume, moisturiser or body oil on the area.
- No tan. Do not use IPL on tanned, fake-tanned or sunburnt skin.
- Safety glasses. Wear the glasses that come in the box.
How do you treat the chest?
You can do this yourself. Plug the V2 in and press the window firmly against the skin. Move in 1 cm steps so you cover the whole area. The device flashes every 3 seconds. We recommend trying automatic mode first, which adjusts the power for you; in manual mode, start on a low setting of 2 or 3 and see how your skin responds before going higher. Do not use it over tattoos.
How do you treat the back?
Get a helper. You cannot see your own back or keep the window pressed firmly against it. Ask a partner or friend to shave the area for you and then work across the back, moving 1 cm at a time. The V2 is mains powered, so sit near a socket.
How often, and how long until you see results?
Treat the chest and back up to twice a week for 12 weeks, then once a month to treat any new growth. Results vary from person to person; noticeable hair reduction typically starts after around 4 treatments. A back and chest are large areas, and the V2 has 600,000 flashes.
Does it hurt?
Most people find IPL comfortable. You may feel a warm flick or a slight tingling. Start on a lower setting and work up over the 8 levels as you get used to it.
Can men use the V2 on the face and intimate areas?
Yes, men can use the V2 on the body, the face and intimate areas. An important warning about the face: using it there means a beard may not grow back if you want one in future years. Only treat facial hair you are sure you never want again. On the face, neck and intimate areas, use it up to once a week for 12 weeks. Never use it on or around the eyes.
Is it cheaper than the salon?
Salon laser courses for a man's back and chest are priced per area and per course. The V2 is a one-off £249, or £209 with code GLOW40, and you can use it on every area. For how the two approaches differ, read at-home IPL vs laser hair removal.
What do reviewers say?
The Telegraph named the V2 Best IPL Hair Removal Device for Beginners, scoring 8/10, and The Times named it Best for sensitive skin. See our press page for the full list.
The short version
Dark hair on light to medium skin, a shave the day before, a helper for the back and twice a week for 12 weeks. The Bondi Body V2 has a 50-day money-back guarantee, so you can see how your own back and chest respond.
