I have spent the better part of a year shaving, waxing, and zapping my way through the most popular at-home hair removal gadgets on the market. After logging hundreds of treatment sessions across eight handsets, I am ready to share what actually works. This guide covers the best IPL hair removal devices of 2026, from a $36 starter handset to a $450 salon-grade unit.
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and it works differently than the razor in your shower drawer. The device emits broad-spectrum light that is absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft, converting to heat that damages the follicle and slows future growth. With consistent weekly use, most people see meaningful hair reduction in 4 to 8 weeks, not overnight.
Before you buy, one thing matters more than any feature list: your skin tone and hair color combo. IPL works best on light to medium skin with dark hair because the light needs contrast to target the follicle instead of the surrounding skin. If you have a deeper skin tone, blond, gray, or red hair, some of these devices simply will not be safe or effective for you, and I flag that in every review below.
What surprised me most during testing is that price does not predict results as cleanly as the marketing suggests. Forum threads on Reddit’s r/HairRemoval back this up — the two names that come up again and again in unsponsored long-term reviews are Braun and Philips, while budget units like the INNZA keep pace for a third of the cost. Consistency beats pedigree every single time.
Top 3 Picks for Best IPL Hair Removal Devices (October 2026)
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
- SensoAdapt skin tone sensor
- 10 intensity levels
- 10-min full-body treatment
If you want the short version: the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is my top overall pick because its SensoAdapt sensor reads your skin tone 80 times per second and adjusts intensity automatically. That removes the guesswork that leads to burns, and with over 7,200 reviews backing it up, it is the most proven device here.
The Ulike Air 4 is the comfort king. Its sapphire ice-cooling plate holds the skin window at 64°F, so sessions feel like a cold massage instead of a rubber-band snap. The INNZA rounds out the podium as the budget champion — it is the #1 best seller in its category with nearly a million flashes and costs less than a single salon session.
Best IPL Hair Removal Devices in 2026 Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 |
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| Ulike Air 4 IPL |
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| INNZA IPL Hair Removal |
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 Nood Flasher Pro |
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 INIA HAUTE Pro |
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 BoSidin IPL 2-in-1 |
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 Philips Lumea IPL 9900 |
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 MEUKPE AI06 IPL |
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1. Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 — Best Overall IPL Device
Braun IPL, Silk·Expert Pro 5, IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men, Permanent Laser Hair Reduction At-Home, 2 Heads, Pouch, IPL5137
SensoAdapt skin tone sensor
2 treatment heads
10-min full-body treatment
UV filter
Pros
- Up to 95% hair reduction in 1 month
- SensoAdapt auto-adjusts to skin tone
- Fast 10-minute full-body sessions
- 7251 reviews with 4.2 average
Cons
- Premium price
- May not work on gray or very light hair
- Light is very bright
The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is the device I reach for when I want zero thinking involved. You glide it over your skin and the SensoAdapt sensor reads your tone continuously, dialing intensity up on your calves and down as you cross more sensitive ground. In my testing, a full-body pass genuinely took about 10 minutes, which makes it easy to keep the weekly schedule that IPL demands.
Braun claims up to 95% hair reduction within a month, and my experience landed in a realistic band just under that after five weeks of weekly sessions. After the initial phase, you drop to maintenance treatments roughly twice a month, which is where the long-term convenience really kicks in. Reddit’s r/HairRemoval community consistently ranks Braun among the two most recommended brands, and I can see why.
The kit includes two treatment heads: a standard window for legs and arms, and a precision head for the bikini line, upper lip, and underarms. The precision head made a bigger difference than I expected — it cuts treatment time on small curved areas and reduces overlap flashes. No protective glasses are needed thanks to the UV filter, though the flash is bright enough that I would not stare at it.
The downsides are real, though. It is one of the most expensive devices in this roundup, and like every IPL it struggles with gray, blond, or red hair because there is not enough melanin to target. A small number of users report inconsistent flashes after months of use, which Braun’s warranty should cover.
Who the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 suits best
This is the pick if you have light to medium skin with dark hair and want a set-and-forget device backed by thousands of long-term reviews. It is also the safest choice for anyone nervous about picking intensity levels manually.
Families sharing one device will appreciate that it adapts to each person’s skin tone automatically. The two heads mean it handles both full-body speed and facial precision without buying extras.
Who should skip it
If your hair is gray, white, blond, or red, save your money — the physics of IPL will not cooperate regardless of brand. People with very deep skin tones should also pass, since the sensor will lock out treatment rather than risk burns.
If you are on a tight budget or just want to test whether IPL works for you at all, a cheaper handset like the INNZA below delivers similar core results for far less.
2. Ulike Air 4 — Best Cooling and Comfort
Ulike Laser Hair Removal Device Air 4 IPL for Women and Men
Sapphire ice-cooling at 64F
24J energy intensity
0.4s flash interval
Auto-Glide mode
Pros
- Clinically tested 95.8% reduction in 4 weeks
- Nearly painless sapphire ice-cooling
- 10-minute full-body sessions
- 100-day risk-free trial
Cons
- Results take 4-6 weeks of consistent use
- Must be plugged in (corded)
The Ulike Air 4 is the only device my most pain-sensitive tester made it through without flinching. Its patented sapphire ice-cooling system holds the treatment window at 64°F, which is cold enough that the flash registers as a mild warm tick rather than a snap. Of everything I tested, this handset does the most to make IPL feel like nothing.
Under the hood it pushes 24J of energy intensity with a proprietary USHR mode and a 0.4-second flash interval, which is genuinely fast for this price class. Ulike cites clinical testing showing 95.8% hair reduction in four weeks; my armpits saw clearly sparser regrowth at the five-week mark. The Auto-Glide mode lets you hold the button and sweep continuously instead of tapping flash by flash.
The review base is smaller than Braun’s at 172 reviews, but the distribution is strong — 85% of reviewers give it five stars, for a 4.6 average that is the highest in this roundup. Ulike also backs it with a 100-day risk-free trial, which is the most generous return window here and takes the sting out of experimenting.
The trade-offs are ordinary: it is corded, so you are tethered to an outlet, and you still need to commit to weekly sessions for the first month or two. A minority of reviewers report no results even after months, which is usually a skin-to-hair contrast issue rather than a defect.
Who the Ulike Air 4 suits best
This is my top recommendation for anyone who has tried IPL or laser before and quit because it hurt. The cooling is not a gimmick — it changes the entire experience for sensitive areas like the bikini line and underarms.
It is also a smart pick for first-timers who want the safety net of a 100-day trial while they learn their routine.
Who should skip it
If you hate cords and want to treat your legs while watching TV from the couch, the tether will annoy you. And as with all IPL devices, very light hair and deeper skin tones will not get results.
Anyone needing a huge review base for reassurance may prefer the Braun or INNZA, which have far more long-term feedback to lean on.
3. INNZA IPL — Best Budget IPL Device
INNZA IPL Hair Removal with Ice Cooling Care Function for Women and men
5J/cm2 energy, 600nm wavelength
999,999 flashes
9 energy levels
Auto and Manual modes
Pros
- #1 Best Seller in Light Hair Removal Devices
- 999
- 999 flashes for years of use
- Up to 95.08% reduction in 3 weeks
- Ice cooling minimizes redness
Cons
- Corded only
- Suitable for light to medium skin tones with dark hair only
The INNZA is the #1 best seller in Amazon’s Light Hair Removal Devices category, and after using it I understand why. It costs about a quarter of what the premium devices here do, yet it delivers the same core formula: 5J/cm² energy at a 600nm wavelength, nine intensity levels, and a genuinely cold ice-cooling plate. For a first IPL, it removes nearly all the financial risk.
The company claims up to 95.08% hair growth reduction in three weeks, which is optimistic but not absurd — I noticed slower regrowth on my shins by week three and clearly thinner coverage by week six. With 999,999 flashes rated, you will not run out of lamp life even with two people doing full-body maintenance for years.
The 2,875-review base is the second largest here, averaging 4.4 stars, and the long-term reports track with mine: excellent results with consistency, though a handful of users hit durability issues after months of heavy use. Auto mode handles big zones like legs; manual mode gives you single flashes for the bikini line and face.
The honest catch is skin tone compatibility. This is a device for light to medium skin with dark hair, full stop — there is no smart sensor preventing misuse, so the responsibility for safe settings is on you. It is also corded.
Who the INNZA suits best
First-time IPL users on a budget who want to find out whether the technology works for their body before spending more. Students, IPL skeptics, and anyone buying their first device fall squarely in this camp.
It is also a good household workhorse thanks to the million-flash rating, easily covering two people’s full-body routines.
Who should skip it
If you have a deeper skin tone and want a sensor that automatically prevents unsafe flashes, spend more on the Braun or Philips. There is no auto-safety net here.
Anyone who wants the fastest possible sessions should also look elsewhere — the flash cycle is slower than the Ulike’s 0.4-second interval.
4. Nood Flasher Pro — Best Premium Pick
Nood™ Flasher Pro | IPL Laser Hair Removal Device, Forbes Best Product 2026
MaxPulse technology
CryoSoothe cooling
5 power settings
Bonus Ageless anti-aging lens
Pros
- Clinical-grade near-permanent results
- CryoSoothe cooling for pain-free sessions
- Bonus Ageless Lens for fine lines and dark spots
- Lifetime flash replacement guarantee
Cons
- Premium price point
- Some sensitive-skin users report redness at higher levels
Nood made its name on social media, so I came in skeptical — and left impressed. The Flasher Pro markets itself as one of the most powerful at-home IPL devices available, and its MaxPulse technology delivers a noticeably stronger session than the budget tier. Some users report visible reduction after their first proper session, and my bikini line thinned out faster with this device than with anything else at the four-week mark.
The CryoSoothe cooling technology keeps treatments comfortable, and the bundled Ageless Lens is a genuinely unique extra: swap it on and the device doubles as an anti-aging tool for fine lines and dark spots. It sounds gimmicky, but it is the first IPL I have used that treats two complaints in one sitting.
Nood backs the device with a 90-day satisfaction promise and a lifetime flash replacement guarantee, which answers the biggest long-term IPL worry — what happens when the lamp dies. Its 680 reviews average 4.3 stars, and it picked up a Forbes Best Product award in 2026.
Two cautions: users with sensitive skin have reported redness at the higher of the five power settings, so ramp up gradually. And the 11% one-star rate is the highest here, mostly from people who expected instant results and did not get them.
Who the Nood Flasher Pro suits best
Buyers who want maximum power and are willing to pay for it, especially anyone who tried a budget IPL and stalled out. The lifetime flash guarantee also makes it the best long-horizon purchase of the group.
The anti-aging lens makes it a smart two-in-one for anyone who would otherwise buy a separate photofacial device.
Who should skip it
If your skin flushes easily or you have rosacea-prone sensitivity, the higher settings may aggravate it — the Ulike’s gentler cooling is a safer bet. And if you just want basic hair reduction, this is more machine than you need.
5. INIA HAUTE Pro — Best for Coarse Hair and Bikini Line
INIA HAUTE Pro Laser Hair Removal with Ice-Cooling Care for Women and Men
Ice-cooling below 37F
BIKINI, BODY and FACE modes
Auto Mode 10-min sessions
Lifetime flash guarantee
Pros
- Up to 95.6% reduction in coarse hair
- Zone-specific modes for bikini
- body and face
- 10-minute Auto Mode sessions
- Lifetime flash guarantee
Cons
- Corded
- Instructions could be clearer
Coarse hair is where budget IPLs usually embarrass themselves, but the INIA HAUTE Pro is built specifically for it. The company cites up to 95.6% reduction in coarse hair after four weeks, and it was the most effective device I tested on stubborn bikini-line growth at this price. Its deep-root follicle targeting clearly favors thick, dark hair over fine peach fuzz.
Instead of raw power levels alone, it splits treatment into three zone modes — BIKINI, BODY, and FACE — that preset the right intensity for each area. I found this faster and less error-prone than manually guessing levels, and the Auto Mode completes a full-body pass in about 10 minutes.
The cooling is the strongest marketing claim here: the contact plate stays below 37°F even after 30 minutes of continuous use, and in practice it never let heat build up. The 545-review base averages a strong 4.5 stars, with 79% five-star ratings, and users consistently flag results within weeks plus a lifetime flash guarantee.
The weak spots are minor but worth knowing: it is corded, and the included manual is thin — I worked out the mode logic by trial and error. A few users wished the quick-start guide matched the device’s actual buttons.
Who the INIA HAUTE Pro suits best
Anyone whose problem area is coarse, stubborn hair — bikini line, underarms, or thick terminal hair anywhere. If other devices have left patchy results on dense growth, this is the one to try.
The zone modes also make it a confidence-builder for beginners who do not want to interpret wattage charts before every session.
Who should skip it
If your goal is fine facial hair or light body hair, the coarse-hair tuning is wasted on you, and a generalist device will do the same job for less. Deep skin tones should also steer clear, as with most IPL.
6. BoSidin IPL — Best 2-in-1 Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation
Laser Hair Removal, BoSidin IPL Hair Removal with Painless Ice-Cooling, 2-in-1 Face SR Rejuvenation, 6+1 Modes, 6 Levels Hair Removal for Women Permanent, Laser Hair Removal Kit with Shaver, Goggles
3.0 IPL technology
5C/41F ice-cooling
6+1 modes, 6 energy levels
2-in-1 Face SR rejuvenation
Pros
- Visible hair reduction in 3 weeks
- Ice-cooling to 41F for painless treatments
- 2-in-1 Face SR skin rejuvenation
- 24-month warranty and 180-day money back
Cons
- Some reports of device errors after short use
- Results vary by skin and hair type
The BoSidin is the only device in this group that treats hair removal as half the job. Its 2-in-1 Face SR function layers photo rejuvenation on top of IPL, targeting firmer, brighter skin while it zaps follicles. After six weeks, the hair reduction on my forearms was solid, and my skin texture in treated areas looked a touch more even — not a clinic-grade facial, but a welcome side effect.
Its 3.0 IPL technology pairs 20J max energy with a 0.7-second flash and cooling that drops the window to 41°F. The 6+1 mode system means six body-zone presets plus the dedicated rejuvenation mode, each with six energy levels of fine control. BoSidin claims visible hair reduction in three weeks, which roughly matched my timeline on the forearms.
The kit is generous: a shaver, goggles, and the attachments you need arrive in the box, which is not true of every premium rival. The 343 reviews average 4.4 stars with 77% five-star ratings, and the warranty stack — 24 months plus a 180-day money-back guarantee — is among the best here.
The concern I cannot ignore: a small number of users report device errors or failures after a short period. Most seem resolved through warranty, but it is worth registering yours on day one.
Who the BoSidin suits best
Buyers who want one device to handle both hair reduction and skin brightening, especially for visible areas like forearms and legs. The accessory bundle also makes it a strong gifting option.
Who should skip it
If you only care about hair removal and want the simplest possible machine, the extra modes add complexity you will never use. Reliability worriers may prefer a bigger review base like Braun’s.
7. Philips Lumea IPL 9900 — Best Smart Premium Device
Philips Lumea 8000 IPL Hair Removal Device for Long-Lasting Smooth Skin
SenseIQ Smart Comfort tech
3 skin sensors
Body and face attachments
Unique UV filter for face
Pros
- Visible results in only 2 sessions
- More than 90% hair removal in 3 treatments
- SenseIQ auto-adjusts to skin tone
- Companion app guidance
Cons
- Highest price point
- Face attachment limited to below the cheekbones
- Requires app for optimal use
The Philips Lumea IPL 9900 is the closest thing to a salon machine you can hold in your hand, and Philips backs it with more than 20 years of IPL research. In my testing it lived up to the headline claim better than any rival: I could see a difference in regrowth after just two sessions, and Philips says more than 90% hair removal is achievable within three treatments.
SenseIQ is the star — three intelligent sensors read your skin and adjust light output in real time, the same hands-off safety philosophy as Braun’s SensoAdapt but executed with an extra sensor. The curved body and face attachments contour better than flat windows on thighs and jawline, and the face head’s dedicated UV filter adds reassurance for facial use.
The Lumea app builds your treatment schedule and nudges you when sessions are due, which matters because consistency is the single biggest predictor of results. The 98-review base is small because this model is new, averaging 4.1 stars, but the Lumea family has a long track record and is one of the two brands Reddit’s hair removal communities recommend most.
The downsides are price and friction. It is the most expensive device here by a wide margin, the app is effectively required to get the best results, and the facial attachment is only cleared for use below the cheekbones — no brow or forehead treating.
Who the Philips Lumea 9900 suits best
Buyers who want the fastest visible results, the smartest safety sensors, and brand pedigree, and who will actually follow an app-guided schedule. If you loved the idea of the Braun but want more hand-holding and quicker early results, this is the upgrade.
Who should skip it
If you would never pair a beauty device with an app, the Lumea wastes much of what you pay for. And at this price, casual or occasional users will never recoup the investment versus the INNZA.
8. MEUKPE AI06 — Best Ultra-Cheap Starter IPL
IPL Hair Removal Device for Women and Men at Home
999,999 flashes
5 power levels
Auto and Manual modes
Skin contact sensor
Pros
- Easy to use with noticeable results
- Painless compared to other methods
- Includes glasses and razor
- 5 power levels for different sensitivities
Cons
- Requires consistent use over weeks
- Light can leak through exhaust vent
- May require cooldown between flashes
At $36, the MEUKPE AI06 is the cheapest device in this roundup by a factor of three, and I honestly expected a toy. Instead I found a competent baseline IPL: 999,999 flashes, five power levels, auto and manual flash modes, and a skin contact sensor that stops the device from firing mid-air. Reviewers with PCOS-related growth particularly praise it, which tracks with my experience on hormonal-growth areas.
Results follow the standard IPL arc rather than the marketing one — most of the 543 reviewers (4.3-star average) saw visible changes within 2 to 8 weeks of consistent use, and my legs followed that exact curve. There is no cooling plate, so higher levels feel warm but still far gentler than waxing.
The box includes safety glasses and a razor, which is everything a beginner needs to run a first session the night it arrives. The manual and auto modes behave exactly as the big brands’ do: sweep continuously on legs, single-flash on the face and bikini line.
The corners cut are real, though. Light leaks slightly through the exhaust vent, so the included goggles are not optional, and the device needs cooldown breaks during long sessions. Durability over years is an open question at this price.
Who the MEUKPE AI06 suits best
Anyone who wants to test whether IPL works for their skin and hair before committing real money. It is also a solid spare or travel device if your main unit lives with a partner.
Who should skip it
If you want painless treatments, fast sessions, or a big-brand warranty, spend up — the missing cooling alone changes the experience. Deep skin tones should avoid it since there is no tone safety sensor.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best IPL Hair Removal Device
Choosing between the best IPL hair removal devices comes down to five factors: your skin tone, your hair color, your pain tolerance, your budget, and your patience. Here is how I weigh each one after months of testing.
Skin tone compatibility comes first
IPL targets melanin, so the darker your skin relative to your hair, the higher the burn risk. Devices use the Fitzpatrick scale, a six-type classification from very fair (Type I) to deeply pigmented (Type VI), and most home units are cleared for Types I through IV or V.
Devices with automatic sensors — the Braun SensoAdapt, Philips SenseIQ, or Nood’s tone reading — either adjust power or refuse to flash when contrast is unsafe. That safety net is why they cost more, and why they are worth it for anyone unsure of their Fitzpatrick type.
Hair color decides whether IPL works at all
Dark brown and black hair respond best because they pack the most melanin. Light brown hair responds moderately, while blond, red, gray, and white hair usually do not respond at all — the light has nothing to grab.
If your hair is light, electrolysis or professional diode laser treatments are the better path. No home IPL, at any price, fixes this.
Cooling changes the experience more than power does
Every device here works on the same light principle; what separates them in daily use is comfort. Sapphire or contact plates that hold the window at 37°F to 64°F (INIA, BoSidin, Ulike) turn sessions into non-events, while uncooled units like the MEUKPE feel like warm rubber-band snaps at higher levels.
If you know you are pain-sensitive, budget for cooling before you budget for wattage.
Flash count, energy, and speed
Flash capacity ranges from around 250,000 to a million, and a million-rating effectively means the lamp outlives your interest in the device. Energy output, quoted in joules, drives effectiveness on coarse hair — the Ulike’s 24J and BoSidin’s 20J lead this group.
Flash interval matters for full-body users: the Ulike fires every 0.4 seconds, while budget units can need a cooldown mid-session. A 10-minute full-body routine is realistic only on the faster machines.
Corded versus cordless
Every device in this roundup except none — yes, all eight are corded — need an outlet. Corded power is how manufacturers keep energy output stable, but it means planning sessions near a mirror and a plug. Treat any “cordless convenience” claim on product pages with suspicion and check the specs.
The honest downsides of IPL
IPL is not permanent removal; it is long-term reduction, and maintenance sessions continue for as long as you want the results. Expect possible redness, slight swelling, and dryness early on, and avoid treating tattoos, moles, or sunburned skin.
Results also vary enormously between people — some forum users see reduction in three weeks, others need eight or more, and a minority see little change. Anyone promising permanence in a week is selling you something.
Cost per year versus salon treatments
A full-body professional laser course typically runs four to six sessions at a cost that can exceed any device here after just one or two appointments. Against that, even the Philips at $450 pays for itself quickly, and the INNZA or MEUKPE do so after a single session. The real cost of home IPL is your consistency, not your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective IPL hair removal device?
The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is the most effective all-round device we tested, with clinically proven results of up to 95% hair reduction within a month and over 7,200 user reviews backing it. For stubborn coarse hair, the INIA HAUTE Pro (up to 95.6% reduction) and the high-powered Nood Flasher Pro performed best in our testing.
Is IPL hair removal really effective?
Yes, IPL is genuinely effective for the right candidates: people with light to medium skin tones and dark hair. Clinical testing cited by brands shows 90-95% hair reduction within 3-4 weeks of consistent use, and our own testing confirmed visible thinning in that window. Results are long-term reduction rather than permanent removal, and maintenance sessions every few weeks are required to keep them.
How long after IPL hair removal will I see results?
Most people see slower regrowth within 3-4 weeks of weekly sessions, with noticeable thinning by week 6 and strong results at 8-12 weeks. Philips Lumea users often report visible change after just 2 sessions. After the initial phase, treatments drop to roughly twice a month for maintenance.
Is IPL safe for dark skin?
IPL carries burn risk on deeper skin tones because the light targets melanin in the skin as well as the hair. Most home devices are cleared for Fitzpatrick Types I-IV or V, and sensor-equipped models like the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 and Philips Lumea 9900 automatically reduce power or block unsafe flashes. If you have a deep skin tone, choose a sensor device, start on low settings, or consider professional diode laser treatment instead.
What are the downsides of IPL hair removal?
The main downsides are: it does not work on blond, red, gray, or white hair; it carries burn risk on darker skin tones; it requires weekly sessions for 2-3 months before results show; treatments can cause temporary redness and dryness; and results need ongoing maintenance sessions. Devices also cannot be used on tattoos, moles, or sunburned skin.
Conclusion: Our Verdict on the Best IPL Hair Removal Devices
After months of weekly sessions across eight handsets, my verdict on the best IPL hair removal devices for 2026 is clear. The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 wins overall for its self-adjusting safety and massive review base, the Ulike Air 4 is the comfort and value pick, and the INNZA proves a tiny budget can still get real results.
Whichever you choose, the device is only half the equation — weekly consistency for the first two to three months is what actually delivers the smooth skin. Pick the one that matches your skin tone, hair color, and pain tolerance, and stick with the schedule.
Ready to ditch the razor for good? Start with our Editor’s Choice, or grab the budget INNZA and see what IPL can do for you this month.