Ulike Air 3 Review: At-Home IPL Hair Removal That Delivers Results
A thorough review of the Ulike Air 3 IPL device after five weeks of testing—covering efficacy, comfort, value, and user experience.
Ulike Air 3 Review: Does At-Home Laser Hair Removal Really Work?
Laser hair removal used to be a luxury reserved for clinic visits and a big budget. Now, at-home devices promise professional results from the comfort of your bathroom. The Ulike Air 3 is one of the most discussed IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices, and after five weeks of rigorous testing, this review offers a complete breakdown of its technology, effectiveness, ease of use, pros and cons, and suitability for different users.
What is the Ulike Air 3 Device?
The Ulike Air 3 is an FDA-cleared IPL hair removal device designed to safely and effectively reduce hair growth by targeting follicles with intense pulsed light. Unlike traditional laser devices that use a single concentrated wavelength, IPL utilizes multiple light wavelengths to penetrate and disrupt hair growth below the skin’s surface. The Air 3 is notable for its celebrity-loved ice-cooling technology, which maintains a skin-contact temperature of about 65°F (18°C) during treatments, aiming to minimize discomfort and skin irritation.
- Safe for Home Use: Cleared by FDA for personal use.
- Intense Pulsed Light: Uses broad-spectrum light to reduce hair over time.
- Advanced Cooling: Built-in cooling plate keeps skin comfortable.
- Suitable Areas: Can be used on legs, arms, face, underarms, and bikini area.
- Cost Effective: Priced at $329—significantly less than multiple professional sessions.
Ulike Air 3: Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Related: At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices |
Editor’s Rating
4.5/5 Stars: The Ulike Air 3 excels in comfort, delivers visible results in hair reduction, and offers high value over time, despite the need for consistent use and initial investment.
Personal Hair Background
To understand how the Air 3 worked, the device was tested on contrasting hair types: very light arm hair, and much darker, thicker leg hair. Professional laser hair removal had previously been done on underarms and pubic area, with decent long-term results, but those procedures were expensive and time-consuming. The Ulike Air 3, though still an investment, promised a much lower total price for lasting smoothness, making it an appealing alternative. For comparison:
- Professional Laser Sessions: $300+ per session, often requiring 6+ visits.
- Ulike Air 3: $329 for the device, unlimited treatments at home.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Ulike Air 3 arrives with everything needed for a safe, efficient start:
- Device unit featuring the cooling plate and controls.
- Mini razor: To shave areas before treatment for maximum effectiveness.
- Eye protection goggles: Essential to shield eyes from the bright light pulses.
- Protective storage bag: Keeps device and accessories organized.
- Quickstart guide: Covers basic operation and safety.
Setup is straightforward—plug in, put on goggles, adjust settings, and begin. Users are encouraged to start on lower settings before increasing intensity (Gentle, Regular, Power modes) to avoid discomfort, especially for beginners.
Real-World Testing: My Experience Over Five Weeks
What others are reading
Testing focused primarily on leg hair, a challenging area due to its high density and thickness. Each session began with shaving, then using the Air 3 on either Gentle or Power mode (depending on comfort). The auto-glide feature proved efficient for large areas like calves and thighs, enabling the light to fire automatically with each slow glide along the skin. This sped up treatments while reducing the chance of missed spots.
- No major discomfort: Sensation described as a mild prickly zap, occasionally like static electricity—far milder than professional lasers. No burning, thanks to active cooling plate.
- Session length: 30–40 minutes for both legs, 10 sessions over five weeks.
- Consistency: The recommended 15 sessions in five weeks is hard for busy users, but good results were still noticed with 10.
Initial challenges: Despite occasional scheduling lapses, even less-than-perfect frequency led to visible improvements: less regrowth, finer hair texture, and extended smoothness between shaves.
Results: Efficacy and Pain Level
- Noticeable hair reduction: Hair started growing back slower and finer after just a few sessions.
- Comfortable sessions: Cooling technology prevented any overheating or burns.
- Minimal irritation: Most users, including those in published reviews, never felt burnt or experienced lasting red patches.
Even if not following the strict recommended schedule (3x per week), the Air 3 provided major improvements in growth speed and hair quality. It was especially effective for darker, coarser hair, aligning with user comments and clinical guidance that IPL works best on contrast between hair color and skin tone.
User Reviews and Community Feedback
- Painless performance: Users praise the device for its “pain-free” feel and cooling effect.
- Smoothness: Many have reported smoother, shinier legs and arms after several weeks of treatment.
- Convenience: The ability to do treatments at home, with less cost and travel, is a major advantage.
- Limitations: Some reviewers note IPL’s limitations for darker skin tones and lighter hair colors, consistent with science.
Customer ratings often cite effective, noticeable hair reduction after a few weeks, with special mention of the cooling feature preventing skin irritation.
How Does IPL Technology Differ From Professional Laser Hair Removal?
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Uses broad-spectrum light, covering multiple wavelengths, suitable for various hair and skin types within specific ranges. Penetrates deep to disrupt hair growth cycles.
- Professional Laser: Uses a single, focused wavelength, generally more powerful per pulse, and can require fewer sessions. Best performed by a trained technician.
For most users with suitable skin and hair color, high-quality IPL devices like Ulike Air 3 can offer very similar results to professional treatments over time, especially when used regularly and correctly.
Who Is Ulike Air 3 Best For?
- People with contrast between hair and skin color (medium/olive/fair skin and darker hair).
- Those seeking pain-free, convenient treatments at home.
- Individuals with body hair on legs, arms, underarms, face, and bikini who prefer a gradual reduction rather than daily or weekly shaving.
- Users willing to commit to a routine (consistency is key!).
Not ideal for:
- People with very dark skin (risk of burns or discoloration due to melanin absorption).
- Those with red, gray, or blonde hair (less melanin means IPL is less effective).
- Anyone with tattoos in the treatment area (risk of irritation).
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Always shave the area right before treatment—IPL works best on hairless skin.
- Start with the lowest setting, then increase intensity as comfort allows.
- Use protective goggles during every session.
- Follow recommended treatment frequency—ideally three times a week for the first month, then monthly for maintenance.
- Don’t use on tattoos, broken skin, or over moles.
Ulike Air 3 Maintenance and Care
- Clean the device head after each session to prevent residue build-up.
- Store the device in the provided protective bag.
- Never immerse the unit in water—use a dry cloth for cleaning.
- Replace razor and goggles as needed to maintain safety and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ulike Air 3 really work for permanent hair reduction?
A: It significantly reduces hair growth over time; while not always “permanent,” results last as long as maintenance treatments are continued. Most users see lasting reduction within 4–8 weeks.
Q: Is it painful?
A: Treatments are described as “virtually painless” due to ice-cooling technology. Some may feel a mild prickly zap, especially in sensitive spots, but far less than waxing or professional laser sessions.
Q: How often should I use the device?
A: For optimal results, use three times a week for the first month, then switch to monthly maintenance.
Q: Is it safe for all skin tones and hair colors?
A: It works best on darker hair and lighter skin. IPL is generally less effective on red, gray, or blonde hair, and can be risky for darker skin tones due to increased melanin absorption.
Q: Can I use it on my face or bikini area?
A: Yes—the Air 3 is cleared for use on sensitive areas including face and pubic area. Always use gentle mode to start and test on a small patch before full treatment.
Q: How does it compare to in-office laser treatments?
A: The Air 3 is much more affordable, allows treating multiple areas at home, and avoids travel and appointment costs. Although professional lasers might work faster, consistent at-home IPL use provides significant, lasting results.
Should You Buy the Ulike Air 3?
If you’re tired of the expense and hassle of waxing, shaving, or professional laser clinics, the Ulike Air 3 stands as a compelling alternative. It’s especially suited to those with contrasting hair and skin tones, looking for safe, pain-free treatments and willing to invest in regular sessions for smoother, slower-growing hair. While not a solution for every user (particularly those with very light or very dark skin/hair), it has delivered real-world results for most testers and users.
Ultimately, the Ulike Air 3 earns its high ratings for delivering comfort, safety, and value. With consistent use, you can expect smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, and a dramatic cut in your grooming time.
- FDA-cleared and safe for home use
- Delivers visible results within weeks
- Virtually painless thanks to ice-cooling technology
- Requires regular sessions for optimal effect
For most users, the Ulike Air 3 is well worth the investment, offering lasting smoothness without the pain or expense of clinical treatments.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a63592200/ulike-air-3-review/
- https://www.bestbuy.com/site/reviews/ulike-ice-cooling-at-home-hair-removal-device-air-3-purple/6583543
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g41591137/best-ipl-devices/
- https://www.ulike.com/blogs/hair-removal/ulike-air-10-honest-review-amp-unboxing-ipl-hair-removal
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRLnQwe11Bg
- https://uk.ulike.com/blogs/hair-removal/ulike-air-10-the-best-at-home-laser-hair-removal-tool-of-2025
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72jOKkXO0f8
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
