This article was first published in the January 2016 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.

WIRED enlisted the help of 26-year-old Rosie Asfa to try out three intense pulsed light hair-removal devices over the course of eight weeks. Each unit was tested on a 4cm x 4cm patch of arm and rated for ease of use, performance and versatility. At the end of the test, hair growth was measured and the surface assessed to see which was most effective.

This design comes with two emitter heads: a small one for use below the cheekbone on sideburns, upper lip and chin, and a larger one for the body. Five intensity settings cater for a range of skin types. It's the largest and heaviest device, but, "It is easiest to hold, and its main flash window is quick to use on large areas," says tester Rosie Asfa. "After eight weeks, I found a few hairs in the test area, but they're very fine and soft." 9/10 £450 philips.co.uk

This model can be used below the cheekbones, as well as on the body. A 15-minute rapid-charge function gives 20 flashes - useful for quick touch-ups. But having the smallest flash window in the group means it takes longer to cover the same area. After eight weeks, hair regrowth was visible, but the texture felt smooth. 7/10 £199 remington.co.uk

At 341g and 20.8cm long, Asfa was impressed by this model's lightweight, slimline body and large 3.5cm-wide flash window. "It's easy to hold and set up - just click and go," she says. Battery life is impressive and it's faster to use than the Remington. It can cover a large area of the body, but, unlike the others on test, it can't be used on the face. After eight weeks, hair regrowth was minimal. 8/10 £350panasonic.co.uk

words: emily peck. photography: mitch payne; roger stillman

This article was originally published by WIRED UK