Not Original Poster. But thought that you’d like to learn more about a hair removal device if laser salon visit prices are too high

My Experience as a male using the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL device: what you won’t find in most reviews

by /u/Rantakemisti Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 6:08:50 AM GMT

I’ve been using the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL for over two years now, and as a guy, I’ve noticed that most of the reviews are written by women, focusing on areas like the face, legs, or bikini line. But what about the areas men want to treat? The pubic region, penis, balls, butt, and armpits. Before I bought the device, I couldn’t find any reviews or other helpful info from men, especially about treating those areas down there. That’s why I want to share my personal experience and everything I wish someone had told me when I first started out.

This isn’t a product review going over the device’s features—you can find that anywhere. This post is about my personal journey toward hairlessness and everything I’ve learned over two and a half years of consistent IPL use, especially in those areas most reviews don’t focus on, like the pubic region, scrotum, penis, and armpits. I’ll talk about the results I’ve seen, how to approach those tricky areas, and what kind of maintenance you’ll need. Along the way, I’ve discovered a few tips, like using powder on darker skin to get better results, and I’ll show you close-up photos of my progress so you can see exactly what’s possible. I hope this helps you avoid the trial and error I went through and gives you realistic expectations based on my experience.

What this review covers:

• Results after two and a half years of use: How long it took to see results, the kind of hair reduction I experienced, and what maintenance looks like now.
• Close-up photos after two years of IPL treatment:: Detailed visual examples of treated areas, including the pubic region and armpits.
• Tips and Tricks for treating male-specific areas: Practical advice on using IPL on the pubic region, the shaft of the penis, the scrotum, and the area around the butt crack.
• Important note for using IPL on genitals: Manufacturer warnings and my personal experience after using the device in sensitive areas for over two years.
• What affects IPL effectiveness? (and why it doesn’t work for everyone): Factors such as hair density, thickness, skin tone, and device settings that influence how well IPL works for different people.
• Are the results permanent?: My thoughts on permanence, regrowth, and how individual factors may influence results.
• Final thoughts and overall value: Was it worth it? My honest conclusion after long-term use, including comparisons to professional treatments.

First off, I want to clarify that I have no connection to Braun or the beauty industry, and I didn’t receive this product for free. I bought it with my own money, and at the time, Braun had a campaign offering a money-back guarantee if the device didn’t deliver results. I’m not sure how difficult it would have been to go through that process, but it made me feel more confident about purchasing. Fortunately, I never had to think about returning it because the results were fantastic.

When I was doing my research, I noticed that many people recommended laser treatments and suggested that IPL devices like this one were scams. Despite those opinions, I chose the Braun IPL, and I’m glad I did. Professional laser treatments in Finland can cost over 450 euros per session for areas like “the bikini line”, and multiple sessions are needed. Besides the cost, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of someone else treating my intimate areas. The Braun IPL cost me around 299 euros on sale (though it’s currently priced closer to 500 euros), but it has been an excellent long-term investment, and the results have been well worth it. The exact model I bought was Braun SilkExpert IPL PRO 5 PL5237, and it came with a normal head, a precision head, a wider head, a Venus razor, and a pouch (there are many model numbers, but the difference is usually in accessories).

Now, I’ve been using the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 for about two and half years. I’ve treated areas like my armpits, the entire pubic region (including the typical “bikini line area”), the base and shaft of the penis, the skin near my butt, and the scrotum. These areas are now almost entirely hairless, except for a small pubic landing strip I left intentionally. The few hairs that grow back are incredibly fine and barely noticeable transparent – I can literally count them on one hand! Even though I’ve achieved great results, I still shave and use the device once a month for maintenance, treating any new fine hairs that come back in that time period.

Results and how long it took

It took about two to three months of weekly treatments before I noticed a significant reduction in hair. My armpits responded quickly, becoming hairless fairly early in the process, while the genital area—especially the pubic region and the base of the penis—took longer due to the dense, thicker and coarser hair in those areas. Additionally, the skin in the genital region is darker, which likely affected the device’s ability to operate at full power in those spots. The area near the butt crack also required more time, but the results have been excellent.

In the beginning, I used the IPL device once a week. After reaching a state of “hairlessness,” I switched to using it about once a month or whenever I noticed hair starting to regrow. The regrowth was much slower, and the few hair that came back was very fine and soft - more like baby hair. Initially, each session took about 15 minutes, but as the hair thinned out, the treatments became much shorter—often less than 5 minutes now. Larger areas, like the legs, could take up to an hour, even though Braun’s marketing suggests faster results. Consistency was key for achieving smooth skin within a few months, and now I only need occasional touch-ups to maintain those results.

In terms of discomfort, the first few treatments were a bit painful, especially due to my dark, thick hair, but the pain decreased significantly as the hair thinned. Now, during my monthly maintenance sessions, there’s no pain at all. I should also note that despite using the device on the genital area, against the manufacturer’s recommendations, I haven’t experienced any burning, irritation, or side effects in over two years of use. That said, every body, skin, and hair type is different. Especially if you have dense and thicker hair and dark skin, I recommend starting at a lower intensity and increasing it gradually as the hair reduces.

While I can’t say for sure if the results will be permanent, the reduction has been significant and long-lasting. It’s possible that the hair may never return to its original state, or if it does, it could take years and come back finer and sparser. If I continue treatments for many more years, I don’t know if I’ll eventually achieve full hairlessness. I want to be open about the fact that I can’t promise anything that I haven’t experienced, but so far, I’m very happy with the results and the ease it’s brought to my routine.

Close-up photos after two years of IPL treatment

To give a clearer idea of my progress, I’ve included two close-up images taken today (22. Oct 2024), a month after my last shave and IPL treatment, which was at the end of September. These areas have been treated regularly—first every week and now just once a month for maintenance. The images show the results after two and a half years of consistent use. Remember that these are macro shots, revealing details beyond what the naked eye can see. Even I can’t see those hair follicles, but they are clearly visible in a macro image.

Pubic Mound Image: This close-up photo shows the right side of my pubic mound, right next to the landing strip of hair I intentionally left. The upper right corner shows the pubic hair I kept, while the lower right direction is towards my genitals (not visible in the image), and my abdomen is towards the upper left corner. My hip is towards the lower left. In simple terms, the treated area is the lower section of the image that was previously full of hair. It gives a clear contrast between the untreated and treated areas. Remember that this is a macro shot, so you can see more detail than you would with the naked eye. In everyday life, the treated skin looks completely smooth and hair-free. It’s been about a month since I last shaved and treated this area with IPL.

This close-up photo shows the right side of the pubic mound, right next to the landing strip of hair I intentionally left. The treated area is the bottom half of the image, and the photo was taken a month after the last shaving and IPL treatment.

Armpit Image: This close-up of my armpit shows the results after two years of treatment. I’ve been a bit lazier with armpit treatments compared to the pubic area. Again, the image is zoomed in to show the details of the skin, but in reality, my armpit feels smooth and hairless to the touch. Like the pubic area, it’s been about a month since I last shaved and treated this spot with IPL. The armpit is mostly hair-free, with only a few very fine, light hairs that are barely noticeable.

Close-up of the armpit. The photo was taken about a month after last session.

These images help show how far I’ve come since starting IPL treatments. Even though they’re highly magnified, the areas are almost entirely smooth in real life, and the monthly treatments keep the regrowth minimal.

Tips and Tricks: How I treated male-specific areas

If you’re thinking about using IPL for the pubic region, the base and shaft of the penis, the area around the butt crack, or the scrotum, the device worked really well, but there are a few tips that can help make the process easier and more effective:

Tip 1. Stretch the skin for better contact:

For areas like the scrotum or the base and shaft of the penis, gently stretching the skin can help the device make better contact. This ensures the hair is properly targeted.

Tip 2. Use baby powder or corn starch for darker skin areas:

If you’re treating darker areas, like the skin near the scrotum or the butt crack, applying baby powder or corn starch beforehand helps lighten the skin slightly. Without this trick, I found it required a lot of adjusting and positioning to get the device to even work on the scrotum, as many parts of that area were too dark for the device to activate. The powder allows the device to operate at a higher intensity and makes the process much smoother. Make sure the area is dry before applying the IPL.

Caution: Manufacturers recommend using clean and dry skin without any products. The warning is likely about liability and ensuring the device is used safely. Excessive powder use could affect the device’s cooling fan, so take it easy with the powder and use common sense.

Tip 3. Reduce friction and control moisture with powder

Powder also helps reduce friction, making it easier to drag the IPL device, especially when using the burst fire feature. Additionally, if your skin is damp, moist, or sweaty, the device can struggle to read the skin color correctly, leading to decreased power. Applying powder keeps the skin dry and helps the device maintain its intensity, even for light-skinned users.

Tip 4. Move the testicles aside when treating the scrotum

When treating the scrotum, move the testicles aside to avoid directly zapping them. Focus on the skin around the testicles, and be patient with the process. I don’t know if it’s unsafe to treat testicles, but my common sense said that it won’t be a good idea.

Tip 5. Flexibility helps for hard to reach areas

For difficult-to-reach areas like the butt, back of the thighs, or similar spots, positioning can make a big difference. Use a hand mirror to improve visibility and help with alignment. Elevating one leg on a stool or bathtub edge can stabilize you and improve your reach. For even more control, a low squat can offer stability and better angles. Sometimes lying on your back with knees bent or even twisting slightly can help access awkward spots. Experiment with these positions to ensure full contact and thorough coverage.

Tip 6. Choose a wider head for larger areas

If you’re considering getting this device, I highly recommend purchasing the version that comes with a wider treatment head. It covers larger areas more quickly, saving a lot of time, especially when treating regions like the lower abdomen or general pubic area.

Tip 7. Avoid missing spots with proper IPL head positioning

The flash area of the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 is smaller than the treatment head due to the surrounding borders and sensors. This can lead to missed spots if the device isn’t aligned correctly. To ensure complete coverage, position the flash window directly over the area you want to treat rather than relying on the width of the treatment head. Move in small, overlapping sections to prevent untreated spots, ensuring consistent results, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Tip 8. Evening treatments for reduced redness

I found it helpful to do the treatments in the evening. This allows any potential redness or irritation to calm down overnight, so your skin looks and feels better by the morning.

Tip 9. Let the skin cool between zaps

I’ve found that treating some spots twice, like around the scrotum, helps because the darker skin there causes the device to lower its intensity automatically. However, I always give the skin time to cool down before zapping again to avoid any burning or discomfort.

Tip 10. Shave closely before IPL for better results

Always shave closely before using IPL. This allows the light energy from the IPL device to target the hair root beneath the skin effectively. Remember, don’t wax or pluck, as this removes the root and reduces the effectiveness of IPL. Also, hair in areas like the pubic region can have deeper follicles, so don’t be discouraged if it takes longer to see results in those spots. Consistency and patience are key for getting the best outcomes.

Tip 11. Start small and break it into manageable sessions

Results take time and regular use, so I recommend starting with smaller areas like your armpits or the genital area. When I first started, I tried to treat everything at once—armpits, genitals, butt, and legs—and it quickly became overwhelming. I ended up dropping leg treatments because I didn’t want to spend over an hour each week on shaving and IPL. The process became much more manageable by breaking it down into shorter sessions with smaller goals.

Tip 12. Less is more: Focus on session quality over quantity

Based on my experience, treating once a week has been effective, and I find it hard to say if more frequent sessions would yield better results. Pushing for too many treatments could lead to fatigue or frustration if progress doesn’t meet expectations. Many manufacturers recommend waiting a week or longer between treatments to align with the hair growth cycle. I prefer focusing on the quality of each session, even revisiting tricky areas, rather than increasing the number of sessions. As results improve, consider extending the intervals between treatments.

Tip 13. Treat IPL like a long-term commitment, not a quick fix

Think of IPL as a fitness journey—achieving lasting results can take months or even over a year, depending on factors like hair type, skin tone, and the area being treated. IPL isn’t a quick fix; it’s a gradual process that requires patience and consistent effort. Since everyone’s experience can differ, maintaining a regular treatment schedule and realistic expectations is essential. While results can be rewarding, they may vary significantly from person to person.

Important note for using IPL on genitals

Braun advises against using the device on mucosal areas (like the labia minora, vagina, or anus) and recommends avoiding the genital region due to potential discomfort from darker skin and denser hair, which absorb more light. That said, I’ve been using it on the pubic region and scrotum for over two years without any burning, irritation, or side effects. Every body, skin type, and hair type is different, so if you decide to treat sensitive areas, proceed at your own risk with caution and common sense.

What affects IPL effectiveness? (and why it doesn’t work for everyone)

When considering an IPL device, it’s important to understand that its success isn’t just about skin tone and hair color. While the contrast between light skin and dark hair is often highlighted as a key factor, there are many other variables that can influence how effective the treatment is for each individual. From the thickness and density of hair to the depth of the follicles and even the settings on your device, several factors come into play that can impact the overall results.

1. Hair Density, Thickness, and Follicle Depth

Areas with thicker, denser hair or deeper follicles tend to require more treatments. For example, in my own experience, my armpits responded faster than areas like the pubic region or scrotum, where the hair is coarser and more stubborn. Hair thickness can slow down the process, meaning you might need more patience for regions where the hair is stronger or rooted deeper.

2. Device Power and Settings

The power level of the IPL device also makes a difference. Devices like the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 have different intensity levels, and if the device automatically lowers its power due to darker skin, the results might take longer to appear. I found that in certain areas, adjusting the angle of the device or using tricks like applying powder to lighten the skin helped improve contact and deliver stronger results.

3. Skin Tone and Hair Color

IPL works best for those with a clear contrast between their skin and hair—light skin and dark hair give the best results. To help explain, Braun provides a skin tone chart from 1 to 7, which you can also find in the product manual and I attached it after this paragraph. My skin tone falls between 5 and 6, with some areas, particularly down there, reaching a 7—the darkest shade where the device doesn’t work effectively. My pubic hair was the darkest shade on the chart, and it still remains so in untreated areas like the pubic mound. Other visible body hair is closer to the second-darkest shade, while I also have some white or transparent baby hair.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve experienced difficulty using the device in areas where the skin is darker, like the scrotum. However, by adjusting the angle of the device and applying powder to lighten the skin slightly, I’ve been able to get better results. If you have darker skin in certain areas, this may be a helpful tip to consider.

Braun’s skin and hair tone chart.

4. Hormonal and Biological Factors

Other factors like hormones or individual hair growth cycles can influence results. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how hormones affect the process, but I wouldn’t be surprised if things like testosterone levels play a role in regrowth speed. I can only speak from my experience, and I’ve seen varying results even within my own body—some areas clear up quickly, while others need more attention.

5. Variability in Results by Area

Even with the same routine, I’ve noticed that different areas of my body respond differently. For example, my armpits, which I left untreated for months this year, experienced minimal regrowth. On the other hand, areas like the butt needs more consistent treatments to stay hair-free. This shows that IPL results can vary not only between individuals but also across different parts of the same body.

6. IPL Isn’t Suitable for Everyone

While IPL has been highly effective for me, it doesn’t work for everyone. If you have very light hair (blonde, grey, or red) or very dark skin, the device might not work as well or at all. Additionally, IPL doesn’t work on tattoos and can even damage tattooed skin. It’s important to check your skin and hair type against the skin and hair tone chart and be aware that results can vary significantly from person to person.

Are the results permanent?

The question of permanence is a big one when it comes to IPL, and it’s something I’ve reflected on a lot in the comments and I feel it’s almost like a philosophical discussion point. What does “permanent” actually mean when it comes to hair removal? For some, it might mean never seeing any hair again after a few months of treatment. For others, it could simply mean significant reduction, where the hair grows back much more slowly, or is so fine and sparse that it’s hardly noticeable. In my experience, the reality lies somewhere in between, and what permanence means depends on each person’s expectations, body and how consistently they maintain treatments.

After two and a half years of regular IPL use, I can say that the areas I’ve treated are almost hairless. Any hair that does grow back is fine, soft, and very sparse—almost like baby hair. But to be honest, I still do monthly touch-ups. This has made me wonder: am I doing this out of necessity, or more out of habit? There’s such minimal regrowth that it’s hard to tell whether I need the treatments to maintain the results, or if I could stop completely and still stay mostly hairless.

For example, I left my armpits untreated for several months earlier this year, and there was very little regrowth during that time. The hair that did come back was fine and sparse, almost unnoticeable unless I looked closely. While I’ve recently started treating my armpits again about once a month, it’s mostly because I’ve gotten back into a routine. In contrast, areas like my scrotum and butt still seem to require more regular maintenance, and I haven’t felt comfortable stopping treatments there yet. These varying results have made me curious about stopping treatments on other areas, like my pubic mound, where the results have been excellent (see the earlier posted photo). I plan to experiment with this and will update my post as I learn more.

However, it’s important to understand that permanence can vary greatly between people. If someone expects to never see a single hair again after a few months, they might be disappointed. I can’t say for sure if all the hair would eventually grow back if I stopped treatments entirely. It’s possible that over time—months, or even years—some of the hair might return. Or maybe it wouldn’t. To be completely transparent, I don’t have enough long-term data to say what will happen if I stop treatments completely. Will my body eventually start growing hair like before, or will the results hold up permanently? I honestly don’t know, and that’s something I think about when considering how I talk about IPL.

While this has been my personal experience, I’ve seen comments and heard from others that their results can vary significantly, with some experiencing near-permanent hair removal and others needing more frequent touch-ups depending on individual factors like hair type, skin tone, and how consistently they follow the treatment schedule.

In summary, while I can’t say for certain that IPL will provide permanent, lifelong results, the reduction I’ve experienced has been significant, and the regrowth minimal. It’s possible that some hair could return over time, but it’s also possible that I might remain nearly hairless in the treated areas for the rest of my life—even if I stop treatments completely. It’s hard to predict with absolute certainty how my body will respond in the long term. For now, I’m satisfied with the ease of quick monthly touch-ups, and I plan to continue experimenting, especially by pausing treatments on my pubic mound to see how well the results hold up. I’ll share more updates as I go, but overall, I’m very happy with the results so far.

Final thoughts: Was it worth it?

In the end, I’m really happy with the results. As a guy, I no longer have to shave regularly or deal with irritation in sensitive areas. The device may have been pricey upfront, but compared to the cost of professional treatments, I feel like it paid for itself relatively quickly. When you shave, you get that smooth, dolphin-like skin for a day or two, but soon after, the hair grows back and the skin becomes prickly, almost like a hedgehog. Now, after owning the Braun for almost two years, I’m completely hairless in the treated areas. It’s enough to shave and use the device about once a month. The feeling of being hair-free and not having to deal with stubble, especially in the genital and butt regions, is truly priceless.

One of the best parts of using IPL is how easy the maintenance has become. After a few months of weekly treatments, I reached a point where I only need to treat the areas once a month. My sessions now last just a few minutes—far from the initial 15 minutes they used to take, and definitely a far cry from the constant shaving I had to do before IPL. It’s been such an easy part of my routine that I hardly even think about it anymore. The occasional fine hair that grows back is so light and soft, it’s barely noticeable and doesn’t feel uncomfortable like before.

Throughout this review, I’ve shared plenty of tips, especially for treating male-specific areas like the scrotum and penis. Especially, using powder to lighten darker areas has been a game-changer for me, especially where the skin is more sensitive. I’ve shared these tips so others can get as much value from the device as I have and avoid the trial-and-error I went through.

I don’t know if my results will be permanent, but the reduction has been significant and long-lasting in my case. It’s possible that with continued use, the remaining hair might stop growing entirely. I can’t say for sure if the hair would ever fully grow back if I stopped using the device, but based on what I’ve experienced so far, it would probably take a long time, and the regrowth would be much finer and sparser. Since I’m writing this review based on my own experiences, I want to be transparent about what I’ve observed and what I haven’t yet encountered.

If you’re a man considering IPL, I hope my experience helps. The reviews out there often focus on areas that women are more concerned about, but for men, this device works really well on the areas we care about. Don’t be discouraged by the lack of male reviews – this device has worked wonderfully for me.

Feel free to ask me any questions if you’re thinking about getting one!

permalink by Rantakemisti (↑ 304/ ↓ 0)

Comments

+1 for powder, it changed the game even for me specially if you’re gonna drag the IPL it speeds up the time and lightens the area which results in higher intensity ⏤ by sushigotpussy (↑ 33/ ↓ 0)

├─ It’s a great point that it reduces friction and makes it easier to use the burst fire feature simply by dragging the device.  I’ve also learned that when the skin is damp, moist, sweaty, or otherwise reflective, the device struggles to read the skin color correctly, which results in decreased power. Using powder can definitely help in this situation, even for light-skinned users who do not need to hack their skin color  ⏤ by Rantakemisti (↑ 24/ ↓ 0) ├── Using powder is a bit of genius. Thanks for the write-up. ⏤ by MyLastAdventure (↑ 11/ ↓ 0) ├─── Yes, it’s definitely one of the greatest tricks. I just wish I had learned it much earlier. It would have saved a lot of time, struggle, and made the process less painful. ⏤ by Rantakemisti (↑ 3/ ↓ 0) └────