Comparison Philips Lumea 9900 BRI 977 vs Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 IPL PL5139

— For epilation. A tool designed for traditional hair removal by uprooting the hair along with its roots (follicles). The operative section of this attachment contains numerous small tweezers. Classic epilators are inherently furnished with epilation attachments (refer to "Type"), a feature that is notably absent in other devices.

— Nozzle for an epilation with massage. The epilation head with a massage feature serves a dual purpose: it removes hair and massages the skin simultaneously. This type of attachment can alleviate pain during usage by gently stimulating the skin through the textured surface. The working area typically features a ridged edge. Some versions of these attachments include specialized inserts designed to interact with the skin as the attachment is moved.

— Delicate (bikini area). Attachments designed for sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini region, face, etc., are frequently offered. Many of these attachments are caps that fit onto the primary epilation head. These caps often feature a small aperture that restricts the treatment area and minimizes discomfort. It's important to recognize that a "gentle" attachment (of any style) doesn't automatically guarantee discomfort-free usage. Additionally, even with a sensitive skin-oriented device, an adjustment period might be required for those with sensitive skin.

...— Spot hair removal. A special nozzle for removing hair in a very small area. It can be in the form of a lid with a slot, put on the main nozzle — thus, only a small part of the working surface remains open, convenient for precise work.

— For eyebrows. The eyebrow attachment enhances precision and meticulousness during hair removal. This attachment confines the epilation area, safeguarding desired hairs from being removed. Eyebrow attachments are exclusive to tweezers and disc epilators.

— Foil razor. This attachment essentially transforms the epilator into an electric shaver. Shaving is distinct from epilation as it trims hairs "at the root" while preserving the follicles. Consequently, this procedure induces significantly less discomfort and proves beneficial for sensitive skin areas where plucking would be excessively painful. However, shaved hairs tend to regrow almost instantly, whereas epilation can maintain smooth skin for up to 3 weeks.

— Trimmer nozzle. An attachment resembling a clipper in its action principle. It features two rows of teeth that oscillate left and right during use, trimming hairs caught between them. In terms of hair removal effectiveness, the trimmer falls behind razors and especially epilators. Nevertheless, this attachment can prove valuable for diverse supplementary tasks, like hair length reduction before shaving or epilating, defining hairstyle contours, and eyebrow grooming.

— For exfoliation the face. A variety of exfoliation tips (see the relevant paragraph) intended for use on sensitive areas of the skin, primarily on the face. Provides a soft and delicate effect that maximally prevents the occurrence of irritation.

— To smooth the skin. The skin-smoothing attachment maintains skin tautness. Pulling the skin taut during epilation enhances the speed and effectiveness of hair removal, while also minimizing discomfort. These attachments for skin smoothing are applicable to mechanical epilators, specifically classic tweezers and disc models that extract hairs from the root.

— For rough skin. The coarse skin attachment is primarily intended for the removal of foot calluses and corns. Typically, it consists of an abrasive roller, offering a practical, secure, and efficient approach to addressing troublesome body areas. There are also disc-shaped abrasive models available. Such attachments are commonly found in multifunctional epilators designed not only for hair removal but also for other cosmetic procedures like shaving, exfoliation, and massage.

— Nozzle massager. The massaging attachment facilitates device-assisted massage sessions, typically targeted at the legs and thighs. Utilizing this attachment helps in toning and relaxing muscles, while also enhancing skin stimulation through improved blood circulation.

— Comb. The comb serves the purpose of aligning the hair for more efficient and effortless removal. When hair is properly aligned, the removal process becomes quicker and smoother. In devices that combine both an epilator and a trimmer, the comb frequently acts as a height limiter for the trimming function. The comb, featured in the epilator, can take the form of an attachment on the working head or exist as a separate tool, resembling a regular comb.

— Additional nozzles. Additional nozzles significantly enhance the capabilities of the epilator. Epilators with an extended set of nozzles turn into multifunctional devices for cosmetic procedures. The list of additional attachments may include: for pedicure, microvibration, nose trimmer, etc. The exact list of additional attachments depends on the specific model of the epilator. When choosing an epilator with a set of additional attachments, note that with an increase in the number of attachments, the cost of the set will also increase.

The number of attachments supplied with the epilator in standard configuration. A wide variety of attachments allows you to save on the purchase of other body care products (for example, a trimmer or a razor).

— For the body. An attachment featuring an enlarged light window, designed for treating larger body areas like the upper and lower limbs, abdomen, and more. This attachment is often curved to ensure optimal skin contact.

— For the face. The facial attachment typically incorporates a compact flat light window, often accompanied by a red protective filter. Its purpose is to perform hair removal on delicate skin areas like above the upper lip, the chin, and cheekbones.

— For armpits. With the removal of hard-to-reach hair in the armpit area, a special nozzle for the armpits does a good job. It provides a medium-sized light window, and thanks to the curved shape, the attachment perfectly follows the contours of the body.

— Bikini area. An attachment equipped with a transparent filter in the light window serves as an efficient solution for treating the bikini area. This filter enhances the treatment's effectiveness on coarse hairs while ensuring dependable protection for sensitive skin.

The number of power settings provided by the laser epilator or photoepilator (see "Type").

The emitted light flashes from the epilator need to strike a balance between intensity and skin safety. Different situations necessitate varying levels of light intensity. For instance, addressing dark hair on light skin requires relatively lower power, while lighter hair demands a more intense approach. Sensitive or problematic skin might call for reduced intensity. The greater the power options in the device, the finer the adjustments possible for specific scenarios. Advanced models can offer as many as 5 to 6 options.

A filter incorporated into the flashes of the photoepilator lamp to block ultraviolet radiation. Excessive exposure to this radiation can be detrimental to the skin and heightens the risk of burns.

The photoepilator lamp has a guaranteed lifespan in terms of the number of flashes it can emit before it becomes depleted and ceases to function. Ideally, this number should be a minimum of 750 flashes (0.75K). In certain models, the lamp's longevity can extend to tens of thousands of flashes.

Power supply for the epilator.

— Mains power. Operates through a regular household outlet, offering nearly limitless usage as long as there's a power supply. The downside is mobility constraints due to cord length and dependence on available sockets.

— Battery. Uses its internal, often non-removable, battery. While this affects weight and cost, it grants the advantage of being usable even without nearby outlets, which proves beneficial during travel and at home. Compared to another autonomous power source—batteries—these batteries are more efficient, suitable for robust and long-lasting devices. Charging is necessary, unlike quick battery replacement, though this isn't a critical concern considering the specific use of epilators.

— Network/battery. Essentially battery models with the added capability to function using a power outlet. This way, the device can operate autonomously, and when the battery depletes, it can be connected to the mains and resume operations (typically while recharging the battery). Such combined power supply models are less common due to their infrequent necessity.

— Batteries. Reliant on standard replaceable batteries, often AA-sized. A perk of this type is that a drained battery can be swiftly swapped for a fresh one. However, battery performance is relatively limited, influencing the efficiency a...nd lifespan of epilators. This approach can lead to ongoing expenses for fresh batteries, unless rechargeable batteries are used (along with a charger, which might be costly). Consequently, this option is less common, primarily seen in inexpensive models.