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As spring approaches, many are looking forward to lighter wardrobes, which often include shorts and swimsuits. For those exhausted by the routine of shaving, waxing, or frequent spa visits, there are effective alternatives emerging in the beauty market.
Prior to the pandemic, I ventured into laser hair removal, undergoing professional IPL treatments at a local med spa. After investing hundreds of dollars, I faced regrowth and discovered the high cost of follow-up treatments—nearly $100 for a brief session was daunting.
Opting for a more sustainable solution without compromising quality, I sought recommendations from The Curator’s beauty editor, Adriana Monachino. She promptly directed me to the Ulike Air 3, a popular choice on TikTok. Reviews suggested it was effective and painless, making it an attractive option. After some consideration, I decided it was time to give it a try, especially since results typically take around four weeks—ideal timing for spring.
Ulike Air 3 vs. Air 10: Which should you choose?
The Ulike Air 3 operates using IPL technology, designed for home use. Users can notice significant hair reduction within three weeks. This device features different modes: a ‘soft mode’ for delicate areas like the face and bikini, a ‘body mode’ for larger areas such as legs and arms, and a ‘power mode’ for tougher spots like the chest and underarms. The package includes the device, a charger, protective glasses, and storage bag.
For those wanting to advance their hair removal regimen, Ulike has introduced the Air 10. Brimming with advanced technology, it promises quicker results—often within just two weeks. Although it comes at a higher price, it is particularly beneficial for individuals with dark, coarse hair.
How IPL hair removal works
Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) functions by emitting light that penetrates the skin, targeting the melanin in hair follicles. This interaction ultimately destroys the hair follicle, inhibiting future growth.
For optimal effectiveness, there should be a noticeable contrast between hair color and skin tone—greater contrast leads to better results. Ulike has provided a helpful chart to determine if IPL is suitable for your hair removal needs.
My step-by-step experience
Curator tip: Always perform a patch test before full treatment. I tested a small area on my leg and, having seen no adverse reactions, I proceeded the next day.
Target areas: Armpits, bikini area, and legs.
Step 1: Shave beforehand. The kit includes a convenient travel razor to ensure the area is smooth, optimizing results.
Step 2: Select your power setting. After plugging in the device, hold the power button to choose the appropriate setting based on the area being treated: soft mode for face and bikini, body mode for legs and arms, and power mode for armpits.
Step 3: Apply the device. Position it on the skin, press the flashing button to activate, and move it methodically over your treatment area. For larger sections, such as legs, you can press and hold the button for continuous operation.
Step 4: Repeat treatments three times weekly. Following the initial four-week regimen, I adopted a Wednesday/Friday/Sunday schedule and made sure to apply sunscreen post-treatment, crucial for skin care during this period.
Throughout the first week, I maintained caution by using the ‘soft mode’ for all areas. The device remained cool, and although I experienced mild stinging after treating my armpits, it was manageable. By the second week, with my skin responding well, I upgraded to ‘power mode’ on my body while continuing with ‘soft mode’ for sensitive areas.
After four weeks, visible results emerged; my armpit hair appeared sparser, and the bikini area and legs were nearly hair-free. Although the use of the Ulike device lengthened my morning routine, the outcomes justified the extra effort.
Reflecting on my earlier laser treatment experiences at the spa, I remained aware that some hair could resurface. To counter this, I continued using the Ulike device for maintenance once a month. I observed that my armpit hair regrows faster—likely due to hormonal factors—whereas some leg and bikini hair has not returned. It’s important to tailor future treatments based on hair coarseness, with monthly sessions and occasional touch-ups as necessary. The freedom to schedule treatments at my convenience is a significant advantage of at-home devices.
One of the most appealing aspects of these touch-ups? They come at no additional cost.
More bestselling at-home hair removal
Another reputable IPL option is available from CurrentBody, which claims an 82 percent reduction in hair growth after eight weeks of consistent use.
If waxing suits your preferences, the Sliick kit provides an effective solution. It requires just microwave heating of the wax beads in the included silicone cup before application and removal.
For on-the-go touch-ups, the Finishing Touch Flawless device is recommended, promoting a nick-free experience without redness, all at an accessible price point.
While you can’t use hair removal devices on eyebrows, I find dermaplaning tools, particularly the Schick Hydro Silk model, highly effective for perfecting brows and eliminating unwanted peach fuzz.
For those targeting the body and legs, the Veet gel cream simplifies the process by removing stubborn hair while keeping skin hydrated for up to 24 hours.
IPL technology for bikini line maintenance serves as a game changer, and a portable trimmer can help maintain other areas. Look for a cordless trimmer that accommodates wet or dry use for convenience in the shower.
You may also like:
Gillette Venus Tropical Disposable Razors – $10.97
Tweezerman Exclusive Dusty Rose Slant Tweezer – $23.83
L’ange Hair Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer – $97.98
Source
globalnews.ca