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Episode details

Radio 4,23 Apr 2026,24 mins

Hair Removal Devices

Sliced Bread

Available for over a year

Can Intense Pulsed Light devices really "zap" away your unwanted hair? You may have seen IPL devices advertised on social media - that promise painless hair removal using light to "zap" away body hair. Listener Karen got in touch to ask if these "Zappers" could possibly free her from having to shave her legs in the summer? How are they supposed to work, are they safe to use, and is it worth the investing in one? To find out, Greg Foot is joined by Dr Gill Westgate, a skin and hair biologist and honorary visiting lecturer at the University of Bradford. All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. RESEARCHER: PHIL SANSOM PRODUCERS: KATE HOLDSWORTH AND GREG FOOT

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