Buying guide · Checked 11 October 2026
Is the Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5 worth buying in 2026?
Salon-style hair reduction, done at home.
The Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5 (PL5137) is worth considering if you have light to medium skin and dark hair and want long-term hair reduction without salon appointments. It reads your skin tone and adjusts each flash automatically. IPL does not work on very light, red or grey hair, and is not suitable for very dark skin.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The 30-second verdict
IPL uses flashes of light to slow hair regrowth over a course of treatments. The Pro 5 is Braun's fast model, with a sensor that adapts the intensity to your skin as you go, three comfort modes and different heads for different areas. It suits people who will stick to the schedule for the first few months. Check Braun's skin and hair chart before you buy.
It was one of the best-selling products in its category on Amazon UK when we checked, on 11 October 2026. We have not tested it ourselves. This guide is based on the manufacturer's specifications and buyer demand. How we choose.
Good fit for
- Light to medium skin with dark hair
- Legs, arms, underarms and bikini line
- People who will follow a weekly schedule at first
- Replacing regular waxing or salon sessions
Think twice if
- You have very dark skin
- Your hair is blonde, red, grey or white
- You want instant, one-off results
- You are pregnant or have a skin condition (ask a professional first)
Key specifications
| Technology | Intense pulsed light (IPL) |
|---|---|
| Skin sensor | Adapts each flash to skin tone automatically |
| Comfort | 3 intensity modes |
| Speed | Full body in about 10 minutes (manufacturer claim) |
| Areas | Legs, arms, body, face below the cheekbones, underarms and bikini line, with dedicated heads |
From the manufacturer's Amazon UK listing, checked 11 October 2026. Specifications can change, so confirm them on the listing before you buy.
What actually matters
Suitability comes first
IPL targets the pigment in hair. It needs contrast between hair and skin, which is why it does not work for everyone.
It is a course of treatments
You treat weekly at first and then top up occasionally. Results build over weeks.
The drawbacks
- It does not work on light hair or very dark skin.
- You need to shave before each session.
- Results need occasional top-ups to maintain.
Braun Pro 5 or Pro 7?
Braun also sells a Pro 7 with extra features and heads. The Pro 5 covers the core job. Compare the heads and accessories in each bundle.
Buying it on Black Friday 2026
IPL devices are among the most discounted beauty products around Black Friday. Braun sells many Pro 5 bundles with different heads and model codes, so compare what is included. Black Friday is on Friday 27 November 2026. We do not list prices here because they change by the hour. See our Black Friday checklist.
Questions people ask
Does IPL work on dark skin?
It is not suitable for very dark skin. The device's sensor will not flash on skin tones it cannot treat safely. Check Braun's chart.
Does it work on blonde or grey hair?
No. IPL needs pigment in the hair, so it is not effective on blonde, red, grey or white hair.
Is IPL permanent?
It is long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. Occasional top-up sessions keep the result.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel warmth or a light snap. The gentler modes are for sensitive areas.
Should you buy the Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5?
The Braun IPL Silk-Expert Pro 5 (PL5137) is worth considering if you have light to medium skin and dark hair and want long-term hair reduction without salon appointments. It reads your skin tone and adjusts each flash automatically. IPL does not work on very light, red or grey hair, and is not suitable for very dark skin.
Paid link · opens Amazon.co.uk · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
