Ulike Air 10 IPL Air hair removal review – can this device really reduce hair in two weeks?

By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-11-20 10:10:14 | Updated at 2024-11-20 12:44:30 2 hours ago

Price: Currently £249 at Boots or £295.20 at Ulike

Our rating: 9/10

We like:

Quick hair reduction with visible results within two weeks
Suitable for more frequent use, compared to other designs
Painless and suitable for sensitive skin

We don’t like:

Not cordless
Not suitable for light hair or dark skin tones

What is the Ulike IPL Air 10?

This is the newest device for home use from the Ulike IPL hair removal range. Just like the Braun IPL, this compact hair removal device uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology across a broad spectrum to heat and weaken the hair follicle, which reduces hair growth after just a few uses.

According to Ulike, the hair removal device is painless, user friendly and suitable for darker hair types and lighter skin types, including those with sensitive skin or coarse hair. They promise visible results within a fortnight after consistent use. We wanted to put these claims to the test.

How we tested the Ulike Air 10 IPL device

I put the Ulike IPL Hair Removal device through a month-long trial to determine how effective it was in reducing hair growth on my dark hair and fair skin. I evaluated the device for usability, speed, comfort, design and weight. I assessed the safety features, in particular the SkinSensor, which detects the skin and hair type, as well as the Sapphire Ice Cooling technology, designed to prevent burns or irritation by maintaining 18°C temperature.

In preparation, I shaved the hair on the target areas and carried out a patch test before full body use. Adhering to Ulike’s instructions, I used this IPL device three times in the first week, spaced two days apart, before I reduced it to once or twice per week.

I tested a combination of programmes, including Auto-Glide and Manual modes, as well as the four settings (fast, normal, high and stubborn hair), across different areas of my body, such as my legs, underarm and bikini line, to determine if this tool is as painless and effective as it promises to be. Admittedly, I was sceptical about Ulike’s claims that the Air 10 IPL effectively reduces hair growth within a fortnight – but I was pleasantly surprised by its performance.

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Ease of use: 9/10

I’ve tested various epilators, but Ulike’s Air 10 IPL device is one of the simplest to use. Though corded, the streamlined and compact design makes it easy to hold and use on all areas of my body, even smaller intimate areas. It’s mid-weight, but not as heavy as other IPL devices, which meant my hands weren’t aching after a full body treatment.

Unlike competitors, the Air 10 doesn’t require interchangeable heads. Instead, it is fitted with a rectangular treatment window and boasts curved edges, which nestled into the contours of my body easily – even the nooks of my kneecap, underarms, and the bikini line, it still sat flush to my skin. This is a key feature for me, because other devices had a tendency to gape in those areas, which prevented the IPL from working.

Switching between modes and intensity is not hard. You use the on/off button on the side to activate the device and press it again to alternate between the fast, normal and high settings.

There is also a Stubborn Hair Removal (SHR) mode. I tested this mainly on my underarms and bikini line, where my hair is darker and coarse. To initiate this setting, I held the SHR button on the side, then pressed the central button to activate the light pulse every time I wanted to target a patch of hair.

In addition to the four manual settings there is an Auto Glide mode, activated with a button on the back of the device. I found this to be the most fuss-free setting. It made light work of treating my leg hair, zapping the hairs away without me needing to press a button continuously.

Pain: 10/10

It can be difficult to determine how pain-free a device is. It depends on each individual’s tolerance, as well as their hair and skin type. That said, IPL hair removal devices should not cause harm, irritation or burn. If they do, they should not be used.

The contrast between my dark hair and fair skin means I can use higher intensity levels. Even when I used the Stubborn Hair Removal programme on intimate areas, such as my underarms and bikini line, it didn’t cause any pain, irritation or discomfort during, or after, use. In fact, no matter what setting I used, Ulike’s Air 10 IPL delivered an utterly painless experience, which I put down to numerous innovative design features: the SkinSensor, that detects if the device is properly in contact with the skin, as well as the Sapphire Ice Cool Technology.

The Sapphire Ice Cooling Technology is my favourite feature out of all the IPL devices I have tested. This cooling technology ensures the IPL head maintains a low temperature of 18°C, which was soothing on my skin. Most IPL tools I have tested can get hot during prolonged use, but not this Ulike IPL. In fact, it’s the opposite. I’d even go so far as to say this device felt cold on my skin, even after a full head to toe laser hair removal session. Big tick.

Power: 10/10

The Ulike Air 10 delivers 26 Joules of energy per second in the form of double flashes every 0.25 seconds. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicles and is converted into heat energy, which disrupts their growth.

I had high hopes this would be a powerful and effective hair removal device, as Ulike claimed results would show within a fortnight. Though sceptical at first, after one week of consistent use, I noticed my hair growth had slowed, particularly under my arms and on my legs, which can only be a testament to how powerful the Air 10 IPL is.

Lifespan: 10/10

Generally, the higher the light pulse count, the longer the lifespan of the device. The Air 10 claims a 900,000-flash lifespan, which is one of the highest available. Considering other IPL devices with 400,000 flashes typically last over 20 years with regular use, I’ve estimated that Ulike’s Air 10 could last up to 40 years at least, though it depends on the usage.

Although the brand hasn’t confirmed exactly how long the IPL tool could last, as the device comes in a padded case for safe storage this could help to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan even further.

Results: 9/10

Ulike promises ‘96 per cent hair reduction in just two weeks’ and 24-months of silky smooth skin, if the recommended usage, three times in the first week, followed by weekly maintenance sessions thereafter, is followed.

I was sceptical about Ulike’s claims, especially since the majority of home IPL devices only show results in three to six months or longer. But I was pleasantly surprised to see my coarse dark hair change by the second week. The hair growth on my legs, underarms and bikini line slowed down and I didn’t need to shave as much between sessions. I also noticed after three weeks my hair texture was finer too.

While I can’t confirm the longterm claims yet, I did experience noticeable improvements within weeks, so much so that it will be the beauty tool I’ll continue to use. I’d love to be hair-free within the next two years.

Technical specifications

Verdict

The Ulike Air 10 IPL hair removal device appeared to deliver rapid results. It’s also easy to hold and quick to use, especially on the automatic mode. What makes it stand out is the dedicated feature for stubborn hair and the Sapphire Ice Cooling Technology, which means the hair removal experience is painless.

While it isn’t suitable for lighter hair and a darker skin types (no home IPL hair removal devices are), it is the gentlest and quickest device to ever touch my skin. Admittedly, the price tag of just over £300 is expensive for a beauty tool. The current Black Friday sale at Boots takes a £70 sting out of the purchase.

Ultimately the Ulike Air 10 is powerful, fast and pain-free. It’s also user friendly and boasts a long lifespan, which makes it one of the best IPL hair removal devices I’ve tested. I believe it’s worth investing in.

FAQ

How does Ulike IPL Hair Removal work?

The Ulike Air 10 uses IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology to reduce hair growth. Four times a second, it pulses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths through the treatment window which are absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle. This light energy is converted into heat energy which weakens the hair follicles and slows down the hair growth.

However, Ulike point out that its effectiveness depends on the melanin levels in both the skin and hair. ‘IPL may be less effective on lighter hair colours due to lower melanin levels,’ they say, ‘and it could pose safety concerns for darker skin tones, which absorb higher levels of energy due to their higher melanin content.’