I tried laser hair removal for the first time with a full Brazilian laser in my early 20s, and I recently went back to my laser spot to zap every last armpit hair after my birth control made it grow thicker and darker than ever before. If you don't feel like shaving, waxing, sugaring, or lasering, you don't have to, ofc. Body hair is natural, after all, and there's no reason to ever feel ashamed of it. But I want to feel like a slippery-smooth baby seal at all times, so lasering it is. However, I don't exactly have unlimited funds to laser off every inch of body hair. So when another Cosmo editor convinced me that at-home laser hair removal devices could get the job done for a lot less cash, I immediately began testing the famed Ulike Air 3.
Now, five weeks of testing later, I'm so glad I started using this high-tech tool because it completely transformed my body routine for the better. At-home laser hair removal isn't as scary as it seems, especially with a device like the Ulike Air 3. Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about this gadget (aka how it works, why it's not as painful as in-office treatments, and how long it takes to see results). Then, I'm breaking down my super honest, in-depth review.
What is the Ulike Air 3 device?
The Ulike Air 3 is an FDA-cleared IPL hair removal device that uses intense pulsed light (IPL), a different form of light than traditional in-office laser hair removal treatments. This technology uses multiple wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into your skin, whereas laser treatments in-office are more concentrated and utilize a single wavelength to address hair growth. What's especially cool about the Ulike device is that it helps counteract irritation with its ice-cooling technology. This regulates the temperature to keep your skin cool (65°F, to be exact) during treatments and prevent burning.
What it is: An FDA-cleared IPL hair removal device that safely and effectively targets the hair follicle minimizing its growth cycle.
Pros:
- Comprehensive to use
- Programmed with cooling technology for comfortable treatment sessions
- Can be used anywhere, including the face and pubic area
- Nearly painless
- Seriously reduces how fast hair grows back and how thick it is
Cons:
- The device is an investment
- You need to use it consistently (3 times a week for the first month, then monthly) to experience the results
Editor Rating:
4.5/5
How does IPL hair removal work?
When gliding an IPL hair removal device, like the Ulike Air 3 device, along your skin, the light is absorbed by the melanin in hair follicles and converts to heat, weakening the hair follicle and resulting in thinner and slower regrowth over time. IPL isn't as strong as in-office laser treatments, which lessens the likelihood of discomfort and pain.
While the device should work for many people, keep in mind that IPL isn't recommended for deep skin tones. Melanin-rich skin absorbs higher levels of energy, which can result in burns and changes in skin pigmentation. In the same sphere, IPL also isn't as effective for those with light hair because of a lack of melanin.
How to use the Ulike Air 3:
Before starting your first session, you'll want to shave the area you're focusing on with the included razor, whether that's your legs, armpits, pubic area, happy trail, wherever. This step is crucialâany surface hairs peeking through can block the follicle below, which won't lead to the results you're looking for. Plus, using the device on exposed hairs can lead to burns and irritation.
Once you're freshly shaved, put on the the included eye protection glasses (safety first!), plug the device into a nearby outlet, and press the side power button to turn it on. The Ulike Air 3 is programmed with three intensity levelsâsoft mode, body mode, and power modeâwhich you can toggle between by pressing the power button.
The big square button on the front of the device switches between the spot method and auto-glide method. When set to spot method, you'll need to press the button to trigger the light flash. Alternatively, when set to the auto-glide methodâwhich is recommended for larger body partsâthe light will automatically flash as you drag it across your skin. Once you complete your session, hold the power button on the side to shut off the gadget. See? It's easy.
How often can you use the Ulike Air 3?
For the first four weeks, Ulike recommends completing three sessions per week. Be sure to allow a day or two between each treatment (it's not recommended to use the device two days in a row). After a month, you can pare back and complete one to two sessions per month to maintain your results.
How long does it take the Ulike Air 3 to work?
It can take four weeks of consistent use to start noticing results (hair reduction), but the bulk of your results will come after two to three months. Reminder: these are the results you'll most likely experience if you adhere to the recommended three treatments per week. It's also important to continue with monthly or bi-monthly maintenance sessions to sustain your ~hairless-ness.~
Does Ulike remove hair permanently?
Technically, no. Even professional laser hair removal won't completely stop all hairs from growing back. Unfortunately, we've yet to crack the code on permanent hair removal just yet. But this Ulike device, and other IPL at-home devices, can help slow hair growth and reduce the number of hairs that grow, resulting in a more sparse look that's easier to maintain with shaving. But of course, the key is consistent use here.
My review:
About my body hair:
While this may surprise nearly everyone, I am a fake redhead. (Cue the gasps of disbelief!) So while I'm able to keep up the facade by regularly coloring the hair on my head, my leg hair gives my secret away. My arm hair is surprisingly light, while my leg hair is much darker and thicker. The same used to be true for my pubic and armpit hair... before I got those spots professionally lasered.
I feel more confident when my legs are smooth and shiny, and I had considered getting professional laser hair removal on the area for a while. That said, the high price deterred me. The Ulike Air 3 is by no means cheapâit costs $329. In the grand scheme of things, though, it is much more cost effective than in-office laser sessions, which can cost just as much for a singular session.
My experience:
While I never had a desire to try an at-home laser hair removal device (what if I burned myself?!), I felt comfortable and confident with the Ulike Air 3 as soon as I opened the box. Everything you need for a flawless experience is included: Along with the device, Ulike includes a mini razor, eye protection goggles, and a protective storage bag. The directions are clear and concise, which made the gadget extremely straightforward and comprehensive to use. Once I put on the goggles and plugged in the device, I was good to go.
I began gliding the tool on the lowest setting up my freshly shaved calf. There was no zapping sensation or stinging whatsoever, so I felt comfortable upping the intensity right off the bat. In most cases, I wouldn't just zip right to the highest setting, but because I'm familiar with laser hair removal treatments, using the Power mode was the right decision for me. If you've never had a professional laser treatment or are a complete beginner, ease into using the device and slowly work your way up to higher intensity levels.
While testing the Ulike Air 3, I focused on my legs, working my way up from my ankles all the way to my hips. Due to the large area, I had the device set to auto-glide so the light would automatically go off as I lightly dragged it up my leg. There were a few spots that felt a little spicy (particularly around my ankles.) I'd compare it to a static electricity shockâit wasn't seriously painful, just a little prickly. Other than that, the cooling technology in the device kept a steady airflow on my legs that made the treatment comfortable. I never felt like my skin was cooking, nor did I experience any burns.
Then, I completed those steps twice a week for five weeksâand tbh, it was a lil time-consuming. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I'd slowly glide the device around and up my legs to ensure I didn't miss any spots. Typically, finishing both legs would take about 30 to 40 minutes. I rarely have that much time to spareâya girl is booked and busyâso I wasn't the best at staying 100 percent consistent. I only managed to squeeze 10 sessions in during a five week period. Still, even though I didn't complete the initial recommended sessions, I still noticed a major difference in my hair's growth speed and thickness.
My results:
Generally, I shave my legs once a week. Sure, the frequency drops to about every two weeks in the winter (above, this was growth after a two-week time span). While testing the Ulike Air 3, I shaved my legs three times total. I began to notice a difference in how quickly (or, I guess, slowly) my hair was growing after about six sessions. Not only was my leg hair returning at a snail pace, it also became patchier. With 10 sessions under my belt, there are now big swaths of skin where hair hasn't grown back at all.
My results thus far have encouraged and convinced me to continue making time for sessions. I know that if I keep up usage and commit to the twice-monthly maintenance treatments, my future self will be thanking me by the time summer rolls around.
Buy the Ulike Air 3 device here
Final verdict:
I'm kinda mad at myself for waiting so long to try an at-home IPL device. If I would've known how easy and effective the the Ulike Air 3 was, I probably wouldn't have spent my hard-earned cash to get my armpits professionally lasered. The device has completely simplified my hair removal routine, and I know it will save me a ton of money in the long run. Plus, my legs are well on their way to baby seal status.
I understand that $329 may be an investment up front, but when you compare the cost to individual laser sessions, this at-home tool is a fraction of what you'd end up spending for in-office treatments. Keep in mind that it's probably not suitable for those with dark and deep skin, or anyone with light or red hair, but for those who fall into Ulike's recommended skin tone and hair color range, this might become as life-changing to your routine as it was to mine.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including ranking the best Supergoop! sunscreens and settling the debate between CeraVe and Cetaphil. She's an authority in all beauty categories and takes pride in her skin. For this story, she spent five weeks putting the Ulike Air 3 to the test to give her full, unfiltered review.
