Philips Lumea 7000 Series vs Ulike Air 3
We compare the Philips Lumea 7000 Series and the Ulike Air 3 across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Philips Lumea 7000 Series | Ulike Air 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.0/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Best for | Long-term hair reduction at home, on light-to-medium skin with dark hair | Long-term hair reduction at home, on light-to-medium skin with dark hair |
| Not ideal for | Very dark skin, or light/grey/red hair - IPL needs dark hair on lighter skin to work, and it's a cosmetic device, not permanent removal or a medical treatment | Very dark skin, or light/grey/red hair - IPL needs dark hair on lighter skin to work, and it's a cosmetic device, not permanent removal or a medical treatment |
| Brand | Philips | Ulike |
How It Works and Results
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
The IPL hair removal device BRI921/00 is an at-home IPL-style hair removal device that uses light-based treatment. It is designed for use on both the body and the face with the matching attachments, with the device placed directly on the skin during sessions. Results build over multiple repeat uses rather than instantly, and after an early period hair may grow back more slowly with finer regrowth, although some stubble may remain. Performance can vary because skin and hair types respond differently.
Ulike Air 3
The device's cooling feature and the "from face to toes" positioning support how the at-home IPL process is designed to feel and be carried out during repeated sessions. This IPL hair removal device uses IPL hair removal at home, and its sapphire cooling approach is intended to reduce heat build-up on the skin during treatments. In use, the device is placed against the target area and pulses are applied across the area in a methodical pattern to cover it evenly. Results typically develop gradually over repeated sessions, with early sessions often showing limited visible change. Dry, well-prepared skin and consistent follow-through support more even treatment results.
Skin Tone and Hair Colour Suitability
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
Skin tone and hair colour suitability determines how well the Philips BRI921/00 is likely to work, because light-based hair removal depends on how pigment in the hair absorbs the treatment. The device is intended for body and face use, and each area can have different hair shade and skin tone, which affects how evenly results may appear. Darker hair with more pigment absorbs light better, whereas very light, grey, or red hair may respond less. Deeply pigmented or very light skin tones can also change performance, so users should check the manufacturer's compatibility guidance first.
Ulike Air 3
How well an IPL device works depends on the skin tone and hair colour being treated. IPL is designed to target pigment in hair while limiting heat effects on the skin. For Ulike Air 3, the product title states IPL hair removal for women and men, from face to toes, and mentions sapphire ice cooling for comfort. Still, suitability varies, as lighter hair and very dark skin may reduce targeting or increase risk. Before starting, check the manufacturer guidance on skin tone and hair colour compatibility, perform a patch test, and seek medical advice from a doctor if pregnant, on medication, or with a skin condition. Use the device away from the eyes, broken or irritated skin, tattoos, moles and areas of tanned skin, and avoid the genitals.
Intensity Levels and Flashes
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
Once skin tone and hair colour have been checked for fit, the next part is choosing the right intensity so treatments feel consistent and stay within safe use. The IPL hair removal device BRI921/00 uses controllable intensity levels, and users typically start lower, then increase gradually if the sensation stays comfortable. During flashing, the device should be held steadily against the skin to ensure each pulse lands where intended. If an area feels overly harsh, intensity should be reduced before continuing. Consistent spacing between flashes supports more even coverage, whereas rushing can miss spots. Flashing ends after the planned pass.
Ulike Air 3
Which intensity level should be used first, since IPL performance and comfort can depend on the settings? The Ulike users should start on the lowest available intensity and increase gradually if the sensation stays tolerable. A small test area is a common approach: apply to a patch first and monitor the skin over the next hours for heat, redness or irritation. Flashes should be steady, with brief pauses only if the skin feels overly warm, since sapphire cooling is designed to reduce heat during use. Lower levels can feel gentler, but they can also reduce noticeable results.
Body Areas and Attachments
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
Body areas and attachments matter because different zones typically need different handling, and choosing the right attachment helps keep sessions more predictable. For each body area, device placement matters: larger, flatter areas generally require steady coverage, while smaller or curved areas may need shorter, overlapping passes. For the face, the face attachment supports more precise targeting, but proper mapping is still required. Overall, the system's main strength is its two-attachment workflow, with limitations arising from the complexity of different skin areas.
Ulike Air 3
For most people, choosing the right body area and attachment matters with IPL because placement and skin response vary by where hair grows. For the IPL hair removal device, the stated use is hair removal from face to toes. Typically, you would start with smaller patches and then expand to larger areas such as legs, arms, underarms and the chest, if applicable. Face attachments are implied by the face coverage mention.
Comfort, Speed and Safety
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
Comfort, speed, and safety depend largely on how the Philips Lumea 7000 Series BRI921/00 is used with its face and body attachments, since each area has different sensitivity and coverage needs. Heavier body areas require more deliberate passes, as the face attachment calls for slower, careful placement. The satin compact pen trimmer can support pre-treatment. For safety, he advises checking the skin beforehand and avoiding use where the skin is irritated, then stopping if discomfort builds. The process should follow the same order each session to reduce missed spots and reduce the chance of overlap irritation.
Ulike Air 3
Using IPL for hair removal, comfort, speed and safety depend on how the session is set up and how the user responds, not just on the device name. With Ulike Air 3, the company highlights sapphire ice cooling, which may help reduce heat during facial treatments and other areas. For faster progress, keep skin properly prepped, then move the applicator in a steady pattern, overlapping slightly as instructed. Safety improves when the device is used only on suitable skin and hair, and when any irritation is treated by stopping and reassessing. Results vary, especially by skin response and consistency.
Who Is This IPL Device For?
Philips Lumea 7000 Series
The Philips BRI921/00 is designed for at-home IPL-style hair removal on both the body and the face, using its dedicated body and face attachments. It suits people who want to manage hair removal themselves instead of booking salon sessions, with a single device covering multiple areas. The included Satin Compact Pen Trimmer also fits routines that require quick trimming before IPL. This model may feel limiting for anyone seeking coverage beyond body and face.
Ulike Air 3
The Ulike is intended for people who want at-home IPL hair removal across multiple body areas, including the face, using patented sapphire ice cooling. It suits users who prefer to treat more than one region themselves, rather than booking separate appointments. The brand positions the device for both women and men, so it is not marketed as a single-gender tool. It may be less suitable for those seeking a strictly face-only solution, or who want details on how to match settings to results.
Philips Lumea 7000 Series: pros
- Designed for body, face
- Long-term hair reduction from home, cheaper than salon courses over time
Cons
- Only suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair - not dark skin or light/grey/red hair
- Gives long-term reduction, not instant or total permanent removal
- Needs a full course plus top-ups, and consistent use over weeks
Ulike Air 3: pros
- Cooling technology for comfort
- Designed for face
- Long-term hair reduction from home, cheaper than salon courses over time
Cons
- Only suits light-to-medium skin with dark hair - not dark skin or light/grey/red hair
- Gives long-term reduction, not instant or total permanent removal
- Needs a full course plus top-ups, and consistent use over weeks
Our verdict
Our pick is the Philips Lumea 7000 Series (our score 9.0/10) - A practical ipl hair removal device for gradual, long-lasting hair reduction - used correctly and consistently. The Ulike Air 3 is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.