Tom's Guide Verdict
The ULike Air 10 provides a cost-effective, pain-free at-home IPL method for lasting hair removal, delivering results similar to professional laser treatment. I saw noticeable results in just three weeks of consistent use. But note that IPL is ineffective on light hair and unsuitable for dark skin tones.
Pros
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Pain-free hair removal
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Quick sessions
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Effective results
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Cheaper in the long term than other hair removal methods
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Easy-to-use
Cons
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Restricted by skin tones and hair color
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Requires consistency
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If you want to get salon results with an at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device, I wholeheartedly recommend the ULike Air10. Although IPL treatment is only suitable for light skin and dark hair, for me, the ULike Air 10 has been the perfect hair removal treatment. I’ve seen lasting results after quick sessions, and the cherry on top is that it’s been totally pain-free.
The device may be on the expensive side, but when weighing this cost with other hair removal methods, it actually works out cheaper in the long run.
ULike Air 10 review: Specs
ULike Air 10 review: Price & availability
The ULike Air 10 IPL machine is available at Amazon U.S. for $349 and from Amazon U.K. for £369. The ULike Air 10 IPL machine is FDA-cleared. Most IPL devices sold from reputable sites are FDA-cleared, and you should avoid using the device unless it has been approved. You can get the device in purple or white.
Although $349 might seem pricey, it’s actually the middle of the road for an IPL device. At the higher end of the spectrum is the Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7, $599, and at the other end of the scale is the TikTok viral RoseSkinCo Lumi for $189. Similarly priced to the ULike at $299, the Nood Flasher Pro is a popular choice that also offers red-light therapy.
ULike Air 10 review: Design
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the ULike Air 10 was some sort of futuristic weapon straight out of Star Trek. The device measures 8.2 x 2.7 x 2.1 inches and has a slight curve to the body, which makes it easy to hold and maneuver to get the perfect angle so the light window at the top sits flush against your skin.
The light will only activate on clean, dry skin. This is a useful safety feature, as IPL light can be harmful to your eyes, though ULike does include a pair of tinted goggles for protection. The same technology is also found in Braun IPL machines, such as the Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7.
The screen on top of the device shows the settings, which are easy to see at a glance. On the underside are vents for funneling in the air, which cool the device to stop it from becoming too hot on your skin.
The power cord goes into the end of the device and needs to be plugged in to operate, which is standard for IPL devices. The wire is pretty long and meets a brick in the middle, which is quite heavy — but this can all be tucked away in the storage pouch.
Controls
The controls are very simple to use. On top of the device, there is a large button to turn on the flash. To activate auto-glide mode, you hold this button down for two seconds, and this will allow you to quickly cover larger areas.
On the left side is the button to activate SHR (which is more advanced than IPL but uses a narrower frequency of light to target the hair follicle at the root), and a power button, which you short-press to cycle through the different modes on the device, which I will discuss below.
ULike Air 10 review: Who can use it?
Given that IPL treatment works based on the amount of melanin — or pigment — in the hair, unfortunately, it’s not suitable for everyone. The device comes with a booklet that depicts a range of skin tones from fair to tan to deep and notes that the treatment isn’t suitable for dark skin tones. This is because the higher melanin content will absorb more energy from the light.
This also means that anyone with large, dark moles should avoid IPL. People with broken skin, skin cancer history, or hemangioma should also be mindful about usage. Tattoos follow the same rule, and using the IPL device over a tattoo can be pretty painful. Due to the flashes, anyone with a photosensitive condition should also steer clear of this treatment.
The Ulike Air 10 IPL device is intended for those with a light skin tone and dark hair. Anyone with a dark skin tone or with light hair will find the device ineffective. My skin is very fair, and I have dark brown hair, so I’m an ideal candidate for IPL treatment. My results may not be replicated on someone with a different skin or hair color.
ULike Air 10 review: Performance
The ULike Air 10 is one of the easiest-to-use IPL machines I have come across. The steps are incredibly easy to follow, the controls are foolproof, and the guided plan makes everything feel manageable.
Modes
The ULike Air 10 has four different operation modes: Fast, Normal, SHR, and Glide. Fast mode is effectively a patch test, and then you can work up through the intensities if your skin isn’t too sensitive. Normal Mode should be used for general treatment sessions. When I was using this mode consistently, I noticed the regrowth of hair was really slowing down. High-Intensity Mode is for more stubborn areas or coarser hair, and should be avoided by those with sensitive skin.
SHR Mode works a little differently for treating more stubborn hair that just won’t budge. This mode also works better for people with darker skin. Auto Glide mode then provides quick zaps automatically as you move around your body, but it can’t be used with SHR Mode.
My usage schedule
Much like laser hair removal, IPL results are not instant. You can’t use this machine once and expect to see immediate results; it requires you to set aside some self-care time.
ULike recommends using the device three times a week for one month, then reduce to fortnightly. After a few weeks, you should be able to use the device for touch-ups only.
I used the device every other day for two weeks before switching to bi-weekly sessions and saw a reduction in the speed of hair growth, meaning I was shaving less frequently between sessions.
Overall, I would recommend IPL to anyone who doesn’t want to invest in laser hair removal treatment but still wants to achieve long-lasting results that can make self-care and maintenance a little easier. But you have to be consistent with it, otherwise you won’t see results.
Results
I’ve been using the Air 10 for a couple of months now, and it’s really impressed me. I saw a difference in just three weeks, with my hair coming back a lot thinner, slower, and completely disappearing in places. The process is also pain-free thanks to the 65ºF cooling air during usage.
I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), so I have more stubborn body hair than most people. I’ve tried out every method of hair removal you can think of over the years, but I’ll be sticking with the IPL.
I like that the device adjusts intensity based on your skin condition, like the color, for example. The process is very quick, too. I can do a session in just 10 minutes when I hop out of the shower, and it’s not a whole complicated process. I literally plug in and start zapping.
ULike Air 10 review: Storage & maintenance
The ULike Air 10 is easy to store in a small fabric pouch. This is useful to keep the device dust-free, but it’s a little flimsy in comparison to the Braun Skin i-Expert Pro 7, which comes with a storage box.
The ULike machine comes with a two-year warranty, which can be extended to five years with registration to ULike Care. This is a pretty good deal, as the RoseSkinCo Lumi only offers one year of warranty.
In terms of cost-to-longevity ratio, I think the Air 10 is worth the investment. Hair removal methods can become incredibly expensive. If you opt to shave, you end up constantly replacing your disposable razor, and if you choose to wax, you can spend up to $100 on each appointment.
Longer-lasting methods like laser hair removal and electrolysis come at a hefty cost, too. Depending on where you go and where you get the treatment, just one laser hair removal session can set you back more than $600. Investing in an at-home IPL machine like the ULike Air 10 could save you thousands of dollars in the long run if smooth skin is your ultimate goal.
ULike Air 10 review: Verdict
The ULike Air 10 is a cost-effective hair removal method for achieving hair removal results without spending thousands of dollars. It can help to achieve the same results as laser hair removal in a pain-free way, with quick sessions you can do yourself at home.
The device is easy to use and has given me very effective and noticeable results in just three weeks. While you have to make sure you are consistent with the treatment, it’s incredibly easy to use.
But do note that if you have a dark skin tone or light hair, IPL hair removal won’t work for you as it targets melanin, which will cause pain in dark skin tones and be ineffective on light hair. If you’re a suitable candidate, this device is going to save you heaps of cash and give effective results, which I personally love.
