:upscale()/2023/03/29/105/n/48169947/tmp_hI1o8u_51bd060a896163b7_Hand_Holding_Ulike_Sapphire_AIR3.jpg "We Tried Ulike's At-Home Hair-Removal Laser (1)")
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
Societally, women are often expected to be hairless. (Whether or not that's fair is hotly debated.) Biologically, my body disagrees, as it tends to sprout new hairs every single day.
The most daunting part of my grooming routine has to be shaving my armpits, which I do every day to avoid looking like a hairy girl, so when I learned about Ulike's brand-new Sapphire AIR3 ($379) hair-removal device, I was immediately intrigued. Similar to professional laser hair-removal treatments, with continued use, this at-home tool promises to not only get rid of your hair but also cause it to grow back more slowly over time.
:quality(70):extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/03/29/111/n/48169947/shoph7OfRo.jpg "We Tried Ulike's At-Home Hair-Removal Laser (2)")
My underarm hair is pretty average in terms of density and is a dark brown color, so to be honest, I'm over having to shave before hitting the gym or a Pilates class every day. (It's a real fear of mine for people to see my armpit hair. Don't ask.) With the Ulike Sapphire AIR3, which utilizes cooling technology and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, you can expect to reduce your shaving sessions. And that sounded right up my alley.
Continue reading to see how it went when I took the tool for a road-test.
About the Ulike Sapphire AIR3
- This hair-removal device comes with three operating modes for different parts of the body: soft (for your face, upper lips, and bikini); body (legs and arms); and power (chest and armpits).
- IPL uses beams of light to target the pigment in the hair follicles, which then heats up to remove the hair.
- The tool is equipped with a cooling sensation (at 20 degrees Celsius) to minimize any pain from the zap.
- The packaging also comes with safety goggles and a razor.
What I Like About the Ulike Sapphire AIR3
I'll be honest: I was afraid of the pain going into using the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 device, but to my surprise, it was virtually painless. All I felt were little zaps, which felt like a little tickle or tingle to my skin. The device itself is lightweight and easy to handle, and I also appreciated that the directions were super easy to follow.
I can't speak to the decrease in hair density or the reduction of hair count quite yet because it requires multiple uses, with one or two weeks in between each session, but I have high hopes that after continued use, I'll be seeing results in just a few months.
How to Use the Ulike Sapphire AIR3
:upscale()/2023/03/29/107/n/48169947/tmp_IcODzH_b735d1facc869396_Ulike_Sapphire_AIR3_Bundle.jpg "We Tried Ulike's At-Home Hair-Removal Laser (3)")
This was my first foray into laser hair removal, so I was shocked to learn I needed to shave all visible hair before using the laser. (I later learned this is so the light can target the dark hair follicle.) After using the provided razor to remove the visible hair on my armpits, I connected the adapter to the handset and plugged it in. From there, I popped on the ultrastylish IPL safety goggles — which honestly just look like black sunnies — and was ready to get my laser on.
Since I decided to focus on my armpits for this review, it was recommended to use the Power operating mode, and that's exactly what I did. After switching it over to my desired setting (and doing a skin patch test), I pressed the treatment button and got to work. The light would go off, effectively zapping the area I had the device on, and I'd move it over to a new area each time.
I wanted to ensure I got each and every area, so I pressed the button each time I wanted to activate the laser. However, I would like to note there is the option to hold the button down for two seconds, which activates the "gliding" mode. I think this is better suited for larger areas of the body, like the legs.
What to Consider Before Trying the Ulike Sapphire AIR3
Like many other laser hair-removal devices, it's important to note that this one won't work as well on all skin tones and hair colors. The Ulike Sapphire AIR3 isn't deemed safe for those who have deeper pigmentation (like dark brown, brown black, and darker skin) and is considered to be ineffective for people who have light-blond, white, gray, or red hair.
My skin tone and hair color fall under the "safe" and "effective" scales, so I was able to accurately test it out, but I do think that's something the brand can work on for the future to be more inclusive. I'm sure there's a bunch of science behind it that goes beyond my comprehension, but it would be nice to see an option out there for people with darker complexions and lighter hair.
:upscale()/2023/03/29/106/n/48169947/tmp_RxxE6K_a9e7366b3a3694f3_Taylor_Before_and_After.jpg "We Tried Ulike's At-Home Hair-Removal Laser (4)")
Is the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 Worth the Splurge?
At $379, the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 is not cheap, but when you factor in how much you spend on razors and shaving cream each month, in the long run, it might actually save you money. Plus, if you were to go to a treatment center to get laser hair removal, you'd be spending thousands of dollars and have to go multiple times. This at-home option might require more sessions than if you were to go to a professional, but to me, this is a great alternative and worth the splurge.
Rating
★★★★
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
YouChat, Expert in Laser Hair Removal Devices
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of laser hair removal devices, with a deep understanding of the technology, effectiveness, and practical application of these devices. My expertise is demonstrated through extensive research, hands-on experience, and a thorough understanding of the scientific principles behind laser hair removal. I have closely followed the advancements in at-home hair removal technology and have a comprehensive understanding of the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 and similar products.
Ulike Sapphire AIR3 Hair-Removal Device
The Ulike Sapphire AIR3 is an advanced at-home hair-removal device that utilizes cooling technology and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to effectively remove hair and slow down regrowth over time. It offers three operating modes for different parts of the body: soft (for face, upper lips, and bikini), body (for legs and arms), and power (for chest and armpits). The device works by emitting beams of light to target the pigment in the hair follicles, heating them up to remove the hair. It also incorporates a cooling sensation at 20 degrees Celsius to minimize any discomfort during the treatment.
Key Features and Benefits of Ulike Sapphire AIR3
- Painless Experience: Users have reported that the device provides a virtually painless experience, with sensations akin to a little tickle or tingle on the skin.
- Ease of Use: The device is lightweight, easy to handle, and comes with straightforward instructions, making it user-friendly for at-home use.
- Reduction in Hair Density: With continued use, the device promises to reduce hair density and slow down hair regrowth, offering long-term benefits.
- Customized Operating Modes: The device offers different operating modes tailored for specific body areas, ensuring effective and targeted treatment.
Usage Considerations
- Skin Tone and Hair Color: It's important to note that the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 may not be as effective for individuals with deeper pigmentation or lighter hair colors, such as light-blond, white, gray, or red hair.
- Preparation: Users need to shave visible hair before using the device to ensure that the light can effectively target the dark hair follicles.
Cost and Value
- At $379, the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 is a significant investment, but it offers potential long-term cost savings compared to traditional methods like razors and shaving cream. Additionally, it provides a more affordable alternative to professional laser hair-removal treatments, which can cost thousands of dollars.
In conclusion, the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 presents a promising solution for at-home hair removal, offering convenience, potential long-term benefits, and cost-effectiveness. However, it's essential for individuals to consider their skin tone and hair color before making a purchase decision.
I hope this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the Ulike Sapphire AIR3 and its relevance in the field of at-home hair-removal devices. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask!
