Ulike is a hair removal brand that’s been featured in many of the top health publishers in the US. The brand describes its products as “No Shave Freedom,” and suggests its hair removal devices are pain-free and cause no skin damage.
But is Ulike based on legitimate technology or are these just marketing claims? How does the device work anyway? How does it compare to other hair removal products in terms of cost and effectiveness? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of Ulike?
In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we explain how Ulike works and give our opinion on whether it’s likely to be effective based on a review of medical studies.
We’ll compare Ulike to other hair removal methods, and feature unsponsored customer reviews of the brand.
Does Ulike Actually Work?
Ulike utilizes a technology called intense pulsed light (IPL) to cause the hair loss effect.
This type of technology has been studied in various research trials and shown to be effective.
A 2004 medical review described IPL as “very effective and safe” for hair removal.
A medical review published in the Lasers in Surgery & Medicine journal reported that light-based home-use devices were effective for hair removal, although somewhat less effective in individuals with very dark skin.
IPL devices are clinically shown to improve skin quality beyond the removal of hair, as we documented in our review of another IPL brand called Rose Skin Co.
Overall, we consider Ulike likely to be effective for hair removal. It’s based on a technology with significant research backing.
We Tried Ulike Ourselves
One of our product testers named Aly Goldstein tried Ulike. Here's her experience:
I was a little intimidated to get started with this product, but I really appreciated how they offered both an in-depth how to guide, as well as a quick start guide.
During my first few sessions the device felt pretty cold, which I think is because the hair roots were present so the cold was activated to overcome the heat that gets produced. The sensation was as if I was wiping a very cold gel-like substance up and down my legs.
The automatic feature for the laser is really great because you can just glide the device easily up and down the skin.
My only complaint is that entire base of the Ulike needs to have skin contact to be activated, and on the sides of my leg, which have slightly less surface area relative to the front or back, it would sometimes just be a little finicky.
I was a little surprised at how bright the laser was. You definitely need to wear the glasses that they provide, and I was careful to make sure my cat and family stayed out of the room when I was using the laser. Even with the glasses on I tried to look away as much as possible.
After a few weeks, the decrease in hair grown on my legs was definitely noticeable. I will still need to shave my legs, but it will definitely take less time and there is noticeably less hair to have to remove.
If you are someone who really doesn’t like having body hair and frequently shaves, I think this is a great product to help reduce time spent and the frequency of shaving.
Below are images of my legs before and after using Ulike:
Ulike vs. Other Methods
There are a number of hair removal methods including IPL, shaving, waxing and permanent laser hair removal.
Each has their advantages and drawbacks.
Shaving is the cheapest hair removal method, and has been used for thousands of years and proven effective. Drawbacks include skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Cost per use (assuming monthly disposable razors and shaving gel, and weekly shaves): $1.25
Waxing is another popular hair removal method, and may be more convenient than shaving because it’s typically done at a spa. This method is more expensive and may cause side effects in some cases according to a 2014 medical review.
Cost per use (varies greatly based on location): $65
Laser hair removal typically refers to diode lasers, which provide a more long-term solution than IPL but are also more expensive. They can also cause skin burns and are not appropriate for every skin type.
A 2013 clinical trial compared the effectiveness of laser hair removal and IPL for long-term hair loss, and found laser hair removal to be the superior option. Hair count reductions were around 17% greater with laser hair removal than with IPL after 12 months.
Cost per use (varies greatly based on location): $400
IPL has the advantage of being done at home with devices like Ulike.
The FAQ page on Ulike’s website states that the device has a 1-year warranty, so let’s assume it lasts one year as a conservative estimate.
Cost per use (assuming weekly use): $6.33
Overall, we consider shaving to be the clear winner for consumers on a budget, but the convenience, clinical backing and reduced cost of IPL versus laser hair removal makes IPL the best option for consumers who aren’t as budget-conscious.
Real People Try Ulike
A YouTube creator named Cassandra Bankson has a Ulike review with over 150,000 views:
A YouTube creator named Jordan Sparks shared his experience after using Ulike for eight weeks, to see if the device really works:
Does Ulike Cause Side Effects?
We can’t find any published clinical research testing Ulike, so it’s challenging to say whether or not this specific device causes side effects.
However, IPL devices have been studied in many clinical trials, and side effects are reported in such trials.
A medical review published in the Lasers in Surgery and Medicine journal evaluated the safety of IPL devices like Ulike. The study authors analyzed results from various clinical trials on IPL for hair reduction and the side effects reported.
Side effects were uncommon and mild. Some patients experienced mild pain and others experienced hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation that faded over time. No serious side effects were reported.
The FAQs page on Ulike’s website claims that the device causes “zero side effects.”
Ulike vs. Other IPL Brands
A YouTube channel called “The Honest Channel” compared Ulike to other popular IPL brands Phillips and Tria:
Our Clean Hair Removal Picks
The Flasher 2.0 from Nood is our top hair removal pick.
This device is cleared by the FDA and uses IPL technology, which is clinically shown to be effective and safe for hair removal as we documented above in this article.
MBG Postbiotic Body Lotion is our top post-hair-removal body lotion pick.
Squalene (which is included) is clinically shown to hydrate the skin, and shea butter was described as having moisturizing effects in a medical review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Both of the products recommended in this section are entirely free of ingredients or materials that we consider to be unhealthy.
Pros and Cons of Ulike
Here are the pros and cons of Ulike in our opinion:
Pros:
- Should remove hair effectively
- Unlikely to cause side effects
- Patented tech may reduce pain compared to competitors
- Cheaper than laser hair removal per-session
- Long-term results
- FDA-approved
- Sleek design
Cons:
- More expensive than other IPL brands
