Ulike vs. Braun IPL Review 

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About Ulike

Body hair is natural, but not always welcome. With Ulike, you can remove unwanted hair in the comfort of your own home. The pain-free IPL device uses patented Sapphire Cooling Technology and UV protection to keep your skin cool and comfortable.

The Ulike Air3 is a clinically tested hair removal device that promises long-lasting results and different treatment intensities to suit your schedule. Results are visible after just three weeks.

Ulike has been developing IPL hair removal products for over 10 years, which is probably why their latest IPL device is so popular and has been featured in Pop Sugar and InStyle. You can find all the details in the following sections of this comparison test between Ulike and Braun IPL.

About Braun

Braun is a long-established company founded in Germany in 1921 by Max Braun. It enjoys an excellent reputation for manufacturing high-quality products, and its IPL devices are no exception. They are considered reliable, effective, and user-friendly, and include the Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL and i-Expert Smart IPL devices, with the former being by far the more popular.

This classic hair removal device is equipped with smart features and an ergonomic design and is very popular with media outlets such as Women’s Health and Byrdie.

The IPL devices from Ulike and Braun are similar, but they also differ significantly from each other. Knowing their unique features, value, and reviews will help you make an informed decision and find the right device for you. In this comparison between Ulike and Braun IPL, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

What To Consider

There is a lot to discuss in this comparison between Ulike and Braun IPL, and in the following sections, I will go into detail about the technology, results, design, value, promotions, feedback, and much more. Before we begin, take a quick look at the following important factors. They will give you an initial impression of which product is better suited to you.

• Who is it suitable for?
• IPL devices are a great option for anyone with a lighter skin tone and darker hair. They are not safe to use on darker skin, and they are not as effective on blonde hair. If you fit this description and you are tired of shaving, waxing, or laser treatments, IPL could be a good choice for you.

• Features
• Ulike: Sapphire cooling technology ensures pain-free treatment. The flat head reduces deposits and increases efficiency. Multiple treatment modes. Integrated UV protection.
• Braun: Multiple treatment modes for sensitive skin. Multiple treatment heads for large and small areas. Skin reading technology for treatments without guesswork.

• Design
• Ulike: Various colors, easy-to-hold device. Modern look.
• Braun: Ergonomic handle, easy to hold. Colors: White and gold or white and champagne.

• Value
• Ulike: More affordable, includes safety glasses. 90-day warranty, 2-year guarantee.
• Braun: More expensive, includes carrying case. 100-day warranty, 2-year guarantee.

What Is IPL?

Before we delve into the details of this comparison between Ulike and Braun IPL, it is important to understand what IPL actually is. The abbreviation has been present in social and popular media for several years, accompanied by amazing results and satisfied customers.

IPL stands for “Intense Pulsed Light” and refers to a technology used by medical professionals and cosmeticians for various skin treatments. One of the most popular treatments for which this technology is known is hair removal. It is said to be just as effective as laser treatment, if not more so. It can also be done in the comfort of your own home, and the intervals between sessions are longer than with shaving.

In addition, IPL is said to reduce hair growth and shrink hair follicles, which means you can see a reduction in hair growth over the long term. When used correctly, results can be visible after just three weeks.

The IPL Process

1. Light penetrates the skin surface, where it is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle.
2. The light is converted into heat, which deactivates the hair follicle and makes regrowing hair thinner.
3. If you continue to use the device, hair growth may stop completely.

Keep in mind that results always vary. It is also recommended that you consult suitability charts, such as those provided by Ulike, to determine whether IPL is suitable for your skin and hair.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: How Do They Work?

Ulike and Braun have harnessed the power of IPL and packed it into attractive, user-friendly, and effective devices for home treatment. Both devices are powered by electricity, which means you need to plug them into a power outlet. Fortunately, both companies have been generous and made sure their cables are a reasonable length.

How to prepare for your journey with Ulike:

• Ulike recommends cleaning and shaving the area to be treated. This ensures that you target the hair root. Dry your skin completely.
• Never use the device on very sensitive skin, such as around the eyes and in the inner bikini area.
• Put on the protective goggles included in your order.
• Connect the power cord, press “ON” and select the desired treatment level.
• Place the light source on the area of skin to be treated and move it vertically across your skin.
• Use the device three times a week for the first month, then every 1–2 weeks as needed.

Braun’s process is carried out like this:

• Remove all visible hair and pat your skin dry.
• Select the standard or precision attachment depending on the area to be treated.
• Plug in the IPL device.
• Place the nozzle completely on your skin to ensure that it is working properly. If the light flashes white, the device is suitable for your skin tone. If it does not flash, it is not suitable or you have not placed the device flat on your skin.
• Use the glide mode for larger areas of the body or the gentle or extra gentle mode for sensitive areas.
• Wipe the nozzle clean after each use.
• Treat the skin once a week for 4 to 12 weeks and then adjust the treatment every 1 to 2 months.

The process differs slightly between Ulike and Braun, with Ulike appearing to be slightly less complicated. However, Braun offers different attachments for greater precision, while Ulike, due to the shape of its integrated attachment, does not include an attachment that needs to be cleaned.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Technology

This section of my Ulike vs. Braun IPL review focuses on the details. Let’s take a look at how these two brands manufacture their devices and what that means for your results.

Ulike IPL devices are known for their skin protection. They use sapphire glass technology to maintain a contact temperature of 18°C on your skin—even after 30 minutes. Incidentally, Ulike is the only company that uses patented sapphire ice cooling technology to enable pain-free treatments.

With a treatment head that fits flush against your skin, you’ll experience less residue and more efficient hair removal. What’s more, you’ll benefit from built-in UV protection thanks to the 1 mm UV filter. Enjoy results in just three weeks 3 weeks and 3 power modes to customize your treatment.

On the other hand, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL offers long-lasting hair reduction in 4 weeks. Thanks to advanced IPL technology, it promises up to 6 months of smooth skin from the comfort of your own home. How does it work?

The Skin Pro 2.0 sensor automatically adjusts to your skin tone and helps you find the right balance for your skin. Thanks to the sensitive modes, you don’t have to worry about pain if you have sensitive skin. The Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL flashes up to 125 times per minute, which ensures greater precision.

In some reviews of the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5, I read that users experienced a burning sensation after treatment, but that this disappeared after about an hour. This could be because the device does not have the same cooling technology as the Ulike Air3. Nevertheless, I think it’s good that Braun has integrated the Skin Pro 2.0 sensor, which helps you find the right treatment level for your individual skin.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Results

In this comparison between Ulike and Braun IPL, we go one step further and dive right into the results of each device. Let’s start with Ulike.

I think it’s great that Ulike publishes statistics on its website that come from a 28-day clinical study conducted by the SGS laboratory. Here are the results:

• 90% noticed a reduction in hair density.
• 89% noticed a reduction in hair length.
• 64% noticed a reduction in hair count.

It’s worth noting that most of Ulike’s results are only visible after the first month, but these results alone are very promising. In their feedback, users also report a reduction in all three factors. Ulike states that IPL is not a permanent treatment, but a solution for long-term reduction of hair growth. Maintenance requires 1-2 treatments per month after you notice a significant reduction in hair growth.

As far as Braun is concerned, this company has neither clinical studies nor much information about what to expect when using the device. It is recommended to use the device weekly and then adjust it to individual needs. In the first 4 to 8 weeks, hair should become thinner and less abundant. Once the desired results have been achieved, use should be reduced to once every 1 to 2 months.

Feedback on Braun’s IPL devices is promising, even though the company cannot provide any clinical results. Overall, customers are satisfied with the effectiveness.

Since Braun has not conducted any clinical studies, it is difficult to compare the results. However, this does not mean that the IPL device is not effective. In fact, it is very effective and was named the best IPL device by Women’s Health in 2023.

You should note that IPL, whether you choose Ulike or Braun, is not suitable for everyone. It is designed for people with lighter skin tones and darker hair. It is not as effective on blonde hair and is not safe for people with dark skin.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Design

The appearance of a product is very important. It can be the deciding factor in why you choose one product over another, but appearance isn’t everything. Let’s compare them in this section of my review of Ulike vs. Braun IPL between the brands.

The Ulike Air3 is available in purple, pink, and white and has a sleek, modern look. Customers say it is easy to use.

Braun has two different models. The i-expert Smart IPL is available in champagne and white, while the Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL is available in white and gold. These devices have an ergonomic shape, making them easy to hold.

In comparison, Braun’s IPL devices are slightly larger than Ulike’s and look less modern. I am a fan of more compact devices as they are easy to store and carry around.

I really like the modern design of Ulike’s devices, although I understand why Braun has equipped its devices with a non-slip handle.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: Price & Value

While price is the cost of an item, value is what you get for that cost. In this section of my review of Ulike vs. Braun IPL, I will look at both aspects and explain what that means for you. Here is an overview of the prices of Ulike IPL devices:

• Ulike Air3: $329 – on sale for $259 with promo code

Your order also includes a charging station with cable, protective glasses, and a razor. Shipping is free for customers in the US. You get a 90-day guarantee and a 2-year warranty—basically everything you need to use the device and be confident that it works.

Braun offers the following products:

• Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL: $378
• I-expert Smart IPL: $450

These are the base prices; you can add additional attachments for an extra charge. All devices come with a free app, a carrying case, a Venus razor, and 3 smart attachments. You also get a 100-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty, as well as free shipping within the US.

The price of the IPL device from Ulike is much lower than that of Braun. And as you can see from the scope of delivery, you don’t get anything extra for the higher price (apart from 10 additional days of warranty). Ulike includes protective glasses, while Braun includes a carrying case.

Ulike vs. Braun IPL: What Do Customers Think?

There are numerous online reviews for both companies. I checked various sources to get an overview of the strengths of each brand from the customer’s perspective. Below is a list of star ratings from various sources, followed by general opinions from buyers.

• Ulike.com: 4.6/5 stars, 570 reviews
• Amazon: 4.2/5 stars, 1,911 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.2/5 stars, 117 reviews
• Current Body Canada: 4.6/5 stars, 25 reviews

Now for the feedback:

• Slows hair growth
• Great accessories/features
• Absolutely painless
• Better than other IPL devices on the market
• Easy to use

Braun also has excellent reviews on the internet. Here’s what I found:

• Amazon: 4.3/5 stars, 6,020 reviews
• Braun: 4.2/5 stars, 578 reviews
• BestBuy: 4.6/5 stars, 101 reviews
• Current Body Canada: 4.8/5 stars, 789 reviews

In terms of general feedback, buyers had the following to say about Braun’s IPL devices:

• Effective, long-lasting results
• No pain
• No skin irritation or ingrown hairs
• The device is easy to use.
• Fast treatment times

To be honest, the feedback for both brands is quite similar. Braun has been around longer and is a more established company, but that doesn’t always equate to better product quality. The star ratings for Ulike show me that their devices are just as popular, even if they are not as well known.

Who Will You Choose?

This comparison between Ulike and Braun IPL has given you a comprehensive overview of the two brands and their IPL devices. Which device appeals to you more? Of course, the choice will vary from person to person, but let’s briefly go over the details of the two devices again for a better overview.

The Air3 from Ulike has been tested in a clinical study with proven results. It has a modern design, is available in different colors, and has several treatment modes to find the right strength for your hair and skin. Ulike also features sapphire cooling technology for pain-free use, as well as UV protection and a flat head for effective treatment.

The IPL device from Ulike costs less and comes with a variety of offers. It has great reviews, albeit fewer overall than Braun.

On the other hand, we have Braun. The company’s two different IPL models are highly praised for their effectiveness. These classic devices have an ergonomic shape, are available in white and gold or champagne, and feature multiple treatment tips for large and small areas. They also feature a Smart Pro 2.0 sensor that detects your skin tone and automatically adjusts the treatment level.

Braun’s devices are more expensive. They have fewer discounts but a large amount of excellent feedback.

Which one will you choose? Modern, painless, and streamlined or classic, smart, and big-budget?