LumaRx Review: IPL Hair Removal Device – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Verdict: Very flexible and sustainable at home IPL hair removal device. However, the price is a tad too high in comparison with other similar devices.

LumaRx Review: IPL Hair Removal Device – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

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Update: This version has been discontinued by the brand. For a selection of the latest releases, please refer to the Top 5 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.

LumaRx IPL Laser Hair Removal System

Verdict: Very flexible and sustainable at home IPL hair removal device. However, the price is a tad too high in comparison with other similar devices.

Jade Serieys

LumaRx Full Body IPL Hair Removal Device for Face & Body
Hair-Eliminating Power
Safety
Skin & Hair Compatibility
Product Design & Ease of Use
Value for Money

Summary

     Results aren’t instant, but you should have remarkably fewer hairs around 2 weeks after your last treatment. Hairs on the treated areas will gradually fall out on its own.
At this point, any additional treatments can be done on an as-need basis (e.g. some of my coarser hairs are more stubborn than others). Any new hair growth should also be lighter and finer.
     The unique interchangeable face/body caps make it more flexible than the majority of the at-home laser hair removal devices out there. Though I found switching caps a bit of a bother at first, it’s become automatic after a while. The switch makes the treatment much more efficient as well, so it’s a small pay off.
     The replaceable cartridge extends the device’s lifespan. Unlike other brands where you’ll have to replace the entire unit once the laser flash lamp runs out, you only need to replace the cartridge to keep going.
     One of the major caveats for me though is the price tag. The LumaRx is a high-end device with a high-end price tag. But, if I’m going to invest anyway, I’d rather shell out for an effective one that will last me for years than a cheaper one-off.

3.4

Video Reviews:
Long-term & Short-term Results, Tips & Tricks

Video: My Experience with Laser Hair Removal | Does it work? Does it hurt?

Video: How To REMOVE HAIR at Home | LumaRX Full Body System Results

Video: LumaRX Results + Tips & Tricks

Video: LumaRx IPL Beauty System Reviews


Product Overview:
Features & Benefits, Pros & Cons, Technical Specifications, Compatibility Guide

Video: Get to Know LumaRx IPL Skin Beauty System

Pros: Features & Benefits

94% hair reduction in just 3 treatments

94% hair reduction in just 3 treatments

Uses clinically-proven Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to deliver up to 94% hair reduction in just 3 treatments.* This is one of the quickest forecasted results among the leading brands. It also uses the same technology that most clinics and professional dermatologists use, all contained in a handheld device that’s perfect for home use.

lumarx 94% hair reduction in just 3 treatments

Easier to use on face & body with interchangeable caps

Uses clinically-proven Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to deliver up to 94% hair reduction in just 3 treatments.* This is one of the quickest forecasted results among the leading brands. It also uses the same technology that most clinics and professional dermatologists use, all contained in a handheld device that’s perfect for home use.

More effective with higher IPL energy fluence/power

The higher intensity level is, the more effective it is in removing hair. Most at home IPL lasers average 3-6 J/cm2. (E.g.  Silk’n Flash & Go Express Hair Removal 3-5 J/cm2Gillette Venus Silk-Expert IPL Braun Hair Removal System – 6 J/cm2) Even worse, some devices don’t even disclose this up front. (We’ve checked.)

The LumaRx goes up to 8 J/cm2, one of the highest IPL-powered at home hair removal devices out there.

Minimizes chances for mistakes or injury

It has a built-in skin tone sensor that tests for suitable skin tones prior to use. It also has 1-5 energy levels that allow you to control the intensity so you can use the setting that’s effective and most comfortable for you. Some of the lower-end devices lack this feature and can result in the user treating an area with the wrong setting and result in skin injury.

Another is its built-in contact sensor that prevents the device from going off and wasting a flash unless it has full skin contact. This will also prevent you from accidentally flashing your eyes, which can potentially cause eye damage. (PSA: Don’t point any type of laser directly to your eyes!)

Wide skin tone & hair color coverage

Very effective on a wide range of skin and hair types. It covers light to olive skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) and naturally dark hair.

Long-term savings

The replaceable cartridge extends the lifespan of what would otherwise be a machine that would need replacing as a whole once the flash lamp runs out. This means your device can last year in and year out as long as it’s kept in good condition. This is a lifetime of savings right here.

With other brands, you also have to buy separate devices for precision and body use. The LumaRx is a 2-in-1 that’s definitely one of the most sustainable and cost-effective at home IPL machine in the market today. Each lamp cartridge is good for a solid 65,000 flashes.

Peace of mind

FDA-cleared (yes, some other devices are not) with a 90-day money back guarantee + one of the longest at-home laser hair removal device warranties at 2 years. Warranty is especially important in this case because this isn’t exactly cheap, plus has a lot of detachable parts.

No batteries or recharging necessary

No need for batteries or recharging with its corded feature.

Convenient digital and manual treatment log systems

You can easily track your treatments via the LumaRx App (available for download via the iTunes. Play Store app no longer available.) or manually through Treatment Record Cards (provided in the package).


Cons: Things to Consider Before Buying

   Alternating the two caps can be inconvenient while in the middle of treatments

   The cord can limit your range and working area

   If you have very sensitive skin and low pain tolerance, you might not be able to maximize the LumaRx to its full 8 J/cm(±20%) power. (If you have normal skin, you should be fine. You’ll just feel a warm, tingling sensation as it flashes.)

   Even though the LumaRx has a high energy fluence/power for an IPL device at 8 J/cm(±20%), it’s still behind diode lasers like the Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X which goes as high as 7-22 J/cm2.

   One of the more expensive, higher-end devices

   Face cap is made for female facial hair, and is not recommended for male beards

   Has an average speed that clocks in at 3 seconds for the body cap, and 4 seconds for the facial cap. (Why is the face cap slower when it’s smaller? Weird.) It’s not snail-paced, but it won’t win awards for speed either. Some brands only take 1 second per flash. The most common pay-off though is those have less energy fluence, no. of flashes, and/or the window area.


Technical Specification Sheet:

Technology:IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Warranty:2 years
Maximum Energy Fluence/Power:8 J/cm2 (±20%)
Wavelength:Body cap: 650-1200 nm, Facial cap: 600-1200nm
Power System:Corded, Electric
Lifespan/No. of Flashes:Replaceable cartridge – 65,000 flashes
Flash Window Size:
(Smaller windows are better for precision eg. underarms & bikini, bigger windows for wider areas eg. legs & arms.)
Body cap: 3 cm2, Facial cap: 2 cm2
Flash Speed:Body cap: 3 secs, Facial cap: 4 secs
Recommended Treatment Schedule and Results:Once every other week over 1 month (for a total of 3 treatments) for each area
Treatment Log System:App available in iTunes and Play Store. Treatment Record Cards also provided in the package.

Compatibility Guide:

Skin Tone Coverage:Fitzpatrick I-IV
Natural Hair Color Coverage:Natural Hair Color Coverage
Skin Tone & Contact Sensors:Yes, via manual digital checking upon using the device. Also allows manual laser power adjustment for comfort.

The LumaRx Full Body IPL Hair Removal Device is ideal for:

Face and full-body treatments

Facial Cap: Female facial hair (cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck areas, and above the lips)

Body Cap: Female & Male body hair (underarms, bikini line, legs, arms, stomach, chest)

Light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV)

Refer to the skin tone chart to check if yours is compatible with the system. The device also has a built-in tester in case you have areas that have darker skin.

Note: If you have tanned skin, you’ll have to wait until it’s completely faded before you can use any laser hair removal device. (This applies to all brands.)

Darker hair color (Black, Brown, Dark Blond)

The laser on hair removal systems targets the dark pigment in hair, therefore making it more effective on darker hair.

Most of the devices on the market today have similar or lower hair coverage. If you have lighter colored hair, I recommend trying out the Silk’n Infinity instead. It’s the only device I’m aware of that covers ALL skin and hair types.


In-Depth Comparison Guide:
LumaRx IPL Hair Removal Device vs. Tria

Brand/Model:Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4XLumaRx Full Body IPL Hair Removal Device for Face & Body
Product Image:tria 4x laser hair removal	LumaRx Full Body IPL Hair Removal Device for Face & Body
Technology:
(Both DL and IPL treatments are highly effective and safe. In clinical studies however, DL was found to be more effective than IPL. (Jump to: Laser vs. IPL)
DL (Diode Laser)IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Maximum Energy Fluence/Power
(In clinical studies, higher energy were found to be 2-3 times more effective.)
7-22 J/cm28 J/cm2
Power System
(Depends on your preference.)
Battery-powered, 30 mins.Corded, Electric
Skin Tone Coverage
(Jump to: Limitations of Laser Hair Removal)
Natural Hair Color Coverage
(Jump to: Limitations of Laser Hair Removal)
Skin Tone & Contact Sensors:
(Skin tone sensors measure the color of your skin for safety. Contact sensors ensure the device only goes off when in contact with your skin.)
Yes, via manual digital checking upon opening the device.Yes, via manual digital checking upon using the device.
Recommended Treatment Schedule and Results:Once every 2 weeks, up to 3 months, or until necessary.Once every 2 weeks, up to 3 treatments or until necessary.
Lifespan/No. of Flashes:Built-in laser – 300 battery recharging cycles or 90,000 pulsesReplaceable cartridge – 65,000 flashes
Flash Window Size:
(Smaller windows are better for precision eg. underarms & bikini, bigger windows for wider areas eg. legs & arms.)
.81 cm2Body cap – 3 cm2, Facial cap – 2 cm2
Flash Speed:3.5 secsBody cap – 3 secs, Facial cap – 4 secs
Ideal For:– Precision lasering; perfect for small areas like upper lips and bikini lines
– Very dense and coarse hair where IPL may be less effective
– Thick skin (DL penetrates deeper than IPL)
– Face and full-body treatments
– Precision and broad coverage for different areas with the facial and body cap
– Extended years of continuous treatment
Cons:– Small flash window size, inefficient to use in larger areas like legs and arms
– People with low pain tolerance may need to use a numbing gel during treatment because of its high energy levels
– Needs re-charging
– Needs light cartridge replacement after 65,000 flashes
– Can be inconvenient to use with alternating 2 caps
Verdict:Most Powerful At-Home Laser Hair Removal DeviceMost Flexible & Sustainable
Price:$$$$$$
Check for current discounts on AmazonCheck for current discounts on Amazon

Additional Safety Tools & Skincare:

UV Resistant Glasses – The devices emit flashes of light that direct exposure may potentially be harmful to the eyes. It’s actually recommended on the manual that you look away from the device when it’s activating (which is annoying and inconvenient). You can use these UV-resistant glasses as a precaution. (e.g. IPL Safety Glasses Laser Protection)


Safety Precautions & Other Treatment Tips:

OPERATING TIPS

  • For the face, always use a mirror when doing treatments to have a good view and avoid cautionary areas like the lips, dark spots, etc.
  • Stretch skin for better coverage. The contours of the face may make it hard for the device sensors to get depressed areas. If necessary, you can catch your lips between your teeth to stretch out the skin on your upper lip or blow your cheeks for better skin contact.
  • After every session, make sure to log it in to your Treatment Cards or through the LumaRx app.

GENERAL

  • Do not use it in areas where you may want hair to grow back again. Some results may be permanent.
  • Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hormonal changes are common during this period and could increase skin sensitivity or skin injury.
  • Do not use it in places where light emissions could cause an explosion like in the presence of gas, etc.

SKIN

  • Do not use it if you have wounded or damaged skin. This includes cold sores, sunburn, or areas where you have had a peel or skin resurfacing. Wait 6-8 weeks before doing any treatments.
  • Do not use it on irritated skin as well, including swollen skin or rashes. The laser makes the skin more sensitive to light. Wait for the affected area to heal or the redness to subside before proceeding with the treatment.
  • Do not use it if you have dark skin. Darker skin may absorb too much light and may cause temporary blisters and skin swelling. If you fall under this range, you can try the Silk'n Infinity instead.
    If some areas of your body are darker than the others, you can test each area with the device’s built-in skin sensor.
  • Do not use on lips, nipples, genitals, or around the anus; as these areas have darker skin as well.
  • Do not use on tattoos, dark brown/black spots (freckles, moles, birthmarks, warts).
  • Do not use if you have tanned skin. The same principles would apply once your skin tone goes out of the covered range. You should wait until your tan fades before getting treatments.
  • Do not use it if you have a sensitivity to light i.e. photosensitivity. This includes when you are taking medication that makes your skin sensitive to light. If you’re not sure if you are, you can do a patch test.
    Jump to: How to patch test laser hair removal devices.
  • Do not use on skin with makeup applied. It could react negatively to the laser, so make sure to thoroughly clean the area before using it.

HAIR

  • If you’ve had any form of laser or IPL done lately, wait until 6 months before using the LumaRx.
  • If you’ve plucked, waxed, or epilated in the treatment area, wait at least 6 weeks before treatment. The device disables the hair root, so it won’t work if it’s been pulled out.

EYES

  • Avoid looking directly at the flash as it has the potential to damage your eyes. You can use UV Resistant Glasses as a precaution. (e.g. IPL Safety Glasses Laser Protection)
  • Do not use around the eyebrows, eyelashes, or eyes. This can cause serious and permanent eye injury.

USAGE

  • Do not flash the LumaRx on the same spot multiple times during the same session as this can also cause temporary swelling, blisters, or could change the color of your skin.
  • Do not treat the same area more than once every other week. This won’t speed up results and can cause the same effects noted above.
  • Do not flash the LumaRx on any other surface other than skin or for any other purpose than hair removal.
  • Do not cover the ventilation area on the device as this helps keeps it from overheating.
  • Do not use if any part of the device has been damaged or broken, including the cord. This could cause skin or eye injury from the flash lamp.
  • Do not allow the device to become damp or wet as this is an electric device. Avoid using it near bathtubs, basins, showers, or other places with lots of water.
  • Keep the device away from heated surfaces like radiators, stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces. Again, this can cause electric shock.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the LumaRx Full Body Hair Removal System work?

It utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, one of the most effective processes for laser hair removal. It disables hair at the root and prevents future growth.
The IPL penetrates the skin, to the root.
The heat stuns the follicles and deactivates the hair’s growth cycles.
Hair falls out within 7-10 days.

The LumaRx Advantage
Power – the higher the energy fluence, the more effective it is at removing hair. The LumaRx has one of the highest IPL powers in the market.
Longer Pulses – the light energy should be delivered in long, thorough pulses to gradually and efficiently heat the hair, as well as keep the surrounding skin cool. Longer pulses are more gentle and effective.
Wavelength Depth – the energy must reach deep enough into the skin to the hair root to effectively deactivate growth.

How to use the Facial & Body Caps?

•     Facial Cap – specially designed for the female facial hair, designed to be precise and minimize flash leakage. It’s recommended for use on the sideburns, cheeks, above the lips, chin, and neck. It has a wavelength of 600-1200nm (vs. 650-1200nm for Body Cap).

•     Body Cap – for use on male and female body hair on the legs, arms, chest, stomach, underarms, and bikini area.

How many treatments are needed until I see results?

There are 3 initial treatments, every other week for a month. After which, use as necessary for periodic touch-ups.
And be patient, it takes time for it to work. You should be able to see results around two weeks after your last treatment.

Is the LumaRx painful?

As with every laser device, you need to take your pain tolerance into account. If you have normal pain tolerance, you should be fine. The norm is a warm, tingling sensation. From experience, I was fine until level 4/5 but the 5/5 I had to build up to. If your worst nightmare starts with the buzzing of an epilator, the high energy levels may be painful for you.

One common option to reduce the sting is to use numbing creams like the ones used for tattoos and ablative laser resurfacing treatments. (eg. Clinical Resolution Non-oily Numb Master Topical Anesthetic Cream, Numb100 Doctor recommended Fast

Penetration Pain Relief Cream).  Just make sure you passed the patch test first before putting it on AND wash off all traces before using the device. (NOTE: This is a generic hack, LumaRx DOES NOT endorse this method nor do they recommend using any creams at all. Please do this at your own risk.)

If you’re going this route, patch test first! Pain tolerance and skin sensitivity is different and you need to address them separately. You have to first check that your skin does not have adverse reactions to the energy level you choose before putting any cream on it.

Pain vs. Sensitivity?

The LumaRx has 1-5 energy levels, and the higher the intensity the more effective it is. As you go higher, you’ll need to take two things into consideration: your skin sensitivity and pain tolerance.

Skin sensitivity and pain tolerance is different–you need to address them separately. Sensitivity is an unexpected reaction (like allergy) that requires you to hit brake immediately, whilst pain can be managed and really depends on your tolerance (slash willpower).

You can hack your pain tolerance with numbing creams like the ones used for tattoos and ablative laser resurfacing treatments to reduce the sting. (eg. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream).  Just make sure you passed the patch test first before putting it on AND wash off all traces before using the device. (NOTE: This is a generic hack, LumaRx does not endorse this method nor do they recommend using any creams at all. Please do this at your own risk.)

Skin sensitivity, however, you have to determine this through patch testing and once you’ve hit your ceiling, that’s it.
If this is a deal-breaker and you’re willing to write off the pros for a more affordable device, it may be more practical for you to go with a lower max energy one (e.g. SmoothSkin Bare Ultrafast IPL Hair Removal System, Black – 3 J/cm2; Gillette Venus Silk-expert IPL Braun Hair Removal System – 6 J/cm2).

To be fair though, at this stage you really can’t tell where you’re at until you’ve tried. It’s just a matter of maximizing your money’s worth.

How do you perform a patch test on a laser hair removal device?

This process can help determine if your skin is sensitive to light and if you can use the laser device using a specific power intensity on an area.

Thoroughly clean, shave, and dry the intended area.

Perform a test on a small patch of skin with your chosen setting.

Wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions such as redness, blistering, or skin irritations. If there are no adverse reactions, you can proceed with the treatment.

Remember, higher intensity levels are more effective in removing hair but it may be uncomfortable for people with low pain tolerance. LumaRx advises that for best results, you should use an effective set that you’re comfortable with and that doesn’t have any adverse reactions.

However, scenario: you feel like you need to go higher. You’ve already passed the patch test on that level BUT it hurts like hell.
Thanks to laser users of yore, we know you can hack this by using a numbing cream.

You can use the ones used for tattoos and ablative laser resurfacing treatments. (eg. Numb Master 5% Lidocaine Topical Numbing Cream).

Skin sensitivity and pain tolerance are different, and you need to address them separately. Sensitivity is an unexpected reaction (like an allergy) that requires you to hit the brake immediately, whilst pain can be managed and really depends on your tolerance (slash willpower).

However, if it really does have a reaction and the irritation does not go away within 3 days, you can contact their team directly. Details are on the package.


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Jade Serieys
A beauty journalist and copywriter with over eight years’ experience in the industry. Jade has contributed to print titles in magazines like Le Figaro and various publications before shifting to freelance writing.