LumaRx IPL Hair Removal Device Full body Review

Product Contents List

Product Overview

Nowadays, it can be difficult fitting time-consuming professional hair removal sessions into our busy schedules, not to mention that it can prove to be a very costly process.

The LumaRx is an IPL (intense pulsed light) device specifically designed for those of you who wish to have the convenience of removing body hair in the comfort of your own home, at your own leisure.

It is true to say that, for safety reasons, home devices are not as powerful as those used by professionals, and so not as effective.  

However, as manufacturers have developed and improved their products, it is now possible to achieve pretty good results at home, given patience and the right product. 

LumaRx Mini

The LumaRx is suitable for most parts of the male and female body and female facial hair (but not male), for those with light to medium skin tones and dark hair.

The LumaRx Mini is also available, which is rechargeable and with a smaller head size, so ideal for underarms, female facial hair and bikini line.  

Currently retails at $379.99, so around $70 less than it's "big brother" but not as versatile as the smaller head size makes it slow for larger areas.

Features

Corded Operation

The device is corded - the base unit plugs straight into the mains electricity supply, so no need to worry about the power running out, or the constant need to ensure that the batteries are recharged.

Large Treatment Window

At 3 cm squared, the LumaRx has the largest treatment window currently available in home devices, making it great for quickly covering larger areas of the body e.g. male chest or back (average time to treat a full leg is approx. 20 minutes)

​Skin Colour Sensor

There is a skin tone sensor on the control panel of the base unit, to check that the skin tone of the area where you wish to remove hair is safe for treatment.

If your skin tone is suitable the device will unlock and you can proceed. However, if the sensor detects that the skin is too dark to be safely treated, the device will stay locked and you will not be able to use it.

This is an important safety feature, as using IPL technology on dark or tanned skin can cause serious side effects including burns and blisters - the reason for this will become clear in the "how does it work" section further on in this article.

​

Replaceable Flash Cartridge

The flash cartridge holds 65,000 flashes which should last a considerable time, depending on the areas being treated, and is replaceable when all the flashes have been used.

5 Power Levels

The LumaRx has 5 different energy levels, to suit each individual and the part of body being treated.  Five lights on the base unit indicate which level you are using, the default setting being at the lowest level.  It is advisable to start with this and work up.

The higher the level, the more uncomfortable but more efficient the device is likely to be, so generally the lower levels are best for the more sensitive areas.

Rule of thumb is that you should use the highest setting with which you are comfortable for the best results.

2 Treatment Caps​

The device comes with 2 interchangeable treatment caps, one for the face and one for the body.

The facial cap minimises light leakage and can flash every 5 seconds.  It is for use on the chin, neck, above the lip (taking care to avoid the actual lip, as the skin is darker and may burn), sideburns and cheeks only - and must be kept well away from the eye area.  ​

The body cap can flash every 3 seconds and has a wider field to make covering larger areas quicker.​

Who Will it Work For?

The very best results are likely to be achieved by those with very light skin and dark hair.

Fitzpatrick Scale

The table below shows the Fitzpatrick scale, which is used to categorize individuals to ascertain whether or not they are suitable for IPL and lazer treatment.

The LumaRx is suitable for those falling within the I - IV categories.​

Skin Type	Skin Colour	Hair Color (darkest)	Eye Colour	Description
1	White or very pale	Blonde	Blue, grey, green	Always burns, never tans
2	Pale white with beige tint	Chestnut or dark blond	Blue	Always burns, sometimes tans
3	Beige to light brown (olive)	Dark brown	Dark brown	Sometimes burns, always tans
4	Light to moderate brown	Black	Brown	Rarely Burns, always tans
5	Medium to Dark Brown	Black	Brownish black	Rarely burns, tans more than average
6	Dark brown to black	Black	Black	Never burns

Hair Colour

Hair colour is also an important part of the equation; the device should be used for those with dark blonde, brown and black hair but is not suitable for removal of Light blonde, grey, white or red hair.

The significance of skin tone and hair colour will become clear in the "how does it work" section which follows.​

If you fall outside of these parameters, you may wish to consider other at home methods or professional electrolysis.

How Does it Work?

The LumaRx uses IPL technology; in a nutshell light rays are used to target the dark pigment (melanin) found in quantity around the base of the hair follicle.

The energy produced damages the follicle, causing the hair to fall out.

It is for this reason that it is not suitable for darker skinned individuals, or those with light hair; if your skin is dark toned, the light rays will be also be absorbed by the skin, causing damage - possibly severe and permanent.

If your hair is light, then the melanin is not dark enough to attract the rays, so it will be ineffective.​

How Long Does it Take?

It is recommended that you carry out 3 treatments in the first month, 2 weeks apart.  Thereafter, touch up treatments will be needed as and when required.  

Treatments of the same area should not be carried out more frequently than every fortnight.

Hair growth follows a 3-stage cycle, with only a certain number of hairs being in the growth stage at any one time.  Because IPL is only effective on hair whilst it is in the growth stage, several treatments are required to treat all hairs in any area.

Once an area has been treated, you should notice a bit of difference after a couple weeks, as it takes that long for the hairs to fall out.   After 6 weeks there should be a more obvious reduction in hair re-growth.

How Painful is the LumaRx

There is a certain amount of pain involved with most methods of hair removal, and IPL is no exception.

The question of how painful is rather a subjective one, as pain thresholds and how much pain is felt varies from person to person.

That said, it is usual to feel a mild warmth and tingling sensation - often likened to the light snapping of an elastic band against the skin.​

It is recommended that you thoroughly shave the treatment area prior to using the device, which will help to minimise the pain.​

The good thing is that with 5 energy levels you are able to control the level of pain to a certain extent.  It is usual for the skin in the treatment areas to build a resilience to the pain, as with waxing etc., so it will lessen with use, over time.

If you are female, it is worth thinking about the fact that you may be more sensitive to pain at certain times of the month, and avoid use at that time.

Is it Effective?

I think it is worth pointing out here that for a few individuals, even though they may represent "ideal" candidates (with light skin and dark hair) laser and IPL just doesn't work, the reason for which is not currently known.

Conversely, for a lucky few, results can be remarkable and permanent.

This said, the majority of users should achieve good, satisfactory results and noticeable reduction in hair regrowth.

​Generally, consumer feedback around the efficacy of this product is very positive however, you do need to persevere and be patient as it is not a quick fix like waxing, epilating, shaving etc.

As previously mentioned it takes time and a course of at least 3 treatments to notice the effects - and often this will need to be many more for complete satisfaction.​

There is a 90 day money back guarantee though, so you should have enough time to find out if it works for you.

FDA Approval

The FDA (US Federation for Drug Administration) is responsible for the protection of public health.

The LumaRx has been registered and approved by the FDA for sale to the public for use at home.

Furthermore, it has defined the device as effective for permanent hair reduction.

Permanent hair reduction (as opposed to permanent hair removal) is defined by the FDA as "the long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing after a treatment regime which may include several sessions.

Permanent hair reduction does not necessarily imply the elimination of all hairs in the treatment area."

LumaRx - Questions and Answers

Does the LumaRx work for Men?

Yes, it is suitable for male body hair; legs, arms, chest, back, underarms, but not on the male face, head or neck.  It should not be used anywhere where the skin is darker in tone - so not on tattoos, dark freckles, birthmarks or nipples, genitals and around the anus.

How much do the replacement cartridges cost?

Replacement cartridges are currently available for $149.99

Is it dual voltage?​

Yes, it is dual voltage 120 - 240v

How long is the cord?

It is just over a metre long (3 1/2 feet)​

Do you need to use gel with this product?​

No - skin should be thoroughly cleaned so that there make-up or other products are present and shaved well prior to treatment

Can I use it on my eyebrows

No - do not use on the eyebrows due to close proximity to the eyes

Is it safe to use on moles?

No - the device should not be used on moles

What about tattooed skin?

The LumaRx s not safe for use on tattooed skin because the light rays will not distinguish between the melanin around the base of the hair follicle and the darkness of the ink in the tattoo

Will it work for facial hair?

Absolutely yes, but for females only - there is a special cap provided.  Must not be used for eyebrows or eyelashes or anywhere in near the eyes as could potentially cause permanent eye damage

Can I use other hair removal methods whilst using this device?

Shaving is fine and in fact recommended, but do not use any method which involves pulling hair out at the root e.g. waxing, epilating, tweezing as the hair needs to be in place in the follicle.  You will need to wait at least 6 weeks following any such treatment before using the LumaRx on the area.

Is there a warranty

Yes, there is a 2 year warranty against manufacturing defects.  There is also a 90 day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product - make sure to keep the receipt

Do you need safety goggles?

No - it is not necessary to wear safety goggles and they are not provided.  The safety element of the device means that the treatment head needs to be in full contact with the skin for it to work.  

Where is the device made?

China

Can this device be used for anti-ageing?

No - the device may only be used for the purpose of hair removal

Is it safe for use on tanned skin?

Definitely not - tanning makes the skin tone darker, so you will need to wait until the tan is completely faded before using the LumaRx on it.

Is it safe for use on bikini line?

Yes it is - using the small interchangeable head

How do I know when the cartridge needs replacing?

When the cartridge is nearly empty (at 90%) the bulb life light, which is normally green, will turn yellow.  When the cartridge is finished, the yellow light will flash and there will be an audible beep - the device will not function

How does it compare with other products on the market?

We have published a roundup review of home laser hair removal machines in which we feature 6 devices.

Of these, the editor's pick was the Tria Home Laser 4X​.

So, the question is, what are the pros and cons of the Tria 4X versus the LumaRx:

In terms of initial outlay, they are both currently retailing at around the same, $450 mark.

We recommend that you read our full review of the Tria 4X for a thorough understanding of the differences between the two devices, before making up your mind.​

In Conclusion ...

If you really want the comfort and convenience of a home IPL hair removal device, and wish to use it for large areas as well as small one's, then the LumaRx would definitely be recommended by me.

Although results cannot be guaranteed, the majority of customer reviews, which are freely available ​on the internet, are very positive.  This, coupled with the fact that there is a 90 day money back guarantee offered with the product, so that there is time for you to see for yourself before you are finally committed to the outlay, it has to be a worthwhile experiment.

The initial outlay, although not insignificant, is a fraction of the cost of a series of professional treatments in a salon.

The device is easy to use, and safety has been kept in mind and embedded into the design features, making this an uncomplicated but effective product.

Purchase LumaRx IPL Full Body Online

Things we Liked

• Cheaper than visiting a salon - over a course of treaments professional hair removal will cost thousands of dollars, in comparison to which the current retail price of $449.99 is relatively inexpensive
• Convenient - use in comfort at home at a time to suit yourself
• Easy to use
• Quick - larger than average head size to treat large areas quickly
• Facial cap - for more precision for female facial hair and bikini line
• 5 strength settings - you can choose the level that you are comfortable with and that works for you
• Corded - no recharging of batteries required
• Skin sensor - safety in mind
• Guarantees - comes with 90 day money back satisfaction guarantee and long, 2 year warranty against defects
• FDA approved - peace of mind

Things we didn't Like

• Corded use only - in one way an advantage, but obviously it does restrict where you can use the device
• Cost of replacement parts - the replacement cartridges are quite costly at $149.99, but that said, they should not need to be replaced very often

Purchase LumaRx IPL Full Body Online