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Original poster

Right, I'm going to splurge on an at-home hair removal device. Which one should I get?

47 replies

SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 19:47

Have had a course of salon laser hair removal for legs over the winter and now that the sun's out I'm realising (no exaggeration) that it's changed my life. I could never shave as my skin was too sensitive and I'd get HORRENDOUS razor rash and still had stubble; I used to wax but that left me with appallling ingrowns so my legs were always red and bumpy...

Suffice it to say I used to wear trousers and long skirts all summer long, and just SWELTER.

Now (only halfway through my laser course) I can bung on a pair of shorts or a shorter skirt without a thought and it feels fantastic. I just got so sick of being the only person dreading the warm weather as my legs were always such a state.

So... I want to get an at-home device which will help me tackle facial hair Blush. I've had salon treatment for this too very effectively but it was 5+ years ago and it's all starting to come back. Can't afford the time or money to keep up the salon visits, of which I'd need about another 8ish I think.

Which is the best at-home laser or IPL device? I can afford to spend up to about £400 which seems to open up the range. I have very fair skin and dark hair so I'm a good candidate. No hormonal issues, I'm just getting older and hair seems to be sprouting from my upper lip and chin at a scary rate these days...

OP posts:
ForeverFireflies · 08/05/2016 19:53

I recently got a nono! I only used it for the first time yesterday but it seems to be good.
I will need a few more sessions, as Like yourself I also have very fair skin and dark hair.
hth

NattyGolfJerkin · 08/05/2016 20:01

I've just bought a Philips Lumea. I bought the £450 one, it's £310 on Boots' website today.

Can't comment on effectiveness yet as only used it once but has really good reviews, seems sturdy and was easy to use.

SwingingFromTheChanderlier · 08/05/2016 20:02

No No to a NoNo! Bad bad reviews, wide berth I think!

I invested in a Phillips Lumea about 10 weeks ago and I'm getting great results, it does take a bit of time and effort but it does start to work!

WakeUpFast · 08/05/2016 20:04

Philips Lumea. Changed my life with upper lip and chin hair. Been using it for over a year. It's amazing.

NattyGolfJerkin · 08/05/2016 20:04

I have the SC2007/00, it has a facial and body attachment (all areas below the neck).

Nanasueathome · 08/05/2016 20:11

I have a Lumea and also a no-no
The Lumea is fab and I have not used the no-no since having the Lumea
Thoroughly recommend
Bought mine a while ago from Amazon when it was in offer

twirlypoo · 08/05/2016 20:24

Another lumea owner here and I love mine too. It's made a bigger difference than I ever thought possible. It's expensive but life changing. Doooo it!

Original poster
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 20:26

Philips lumea it is... does anyone know if the boots offer is just today or will it run a little longer...? Might need to just wait a couple of days before spending £300ish in one splurge as have just had a couple of large bills that need to clear!!

OP posts:
Original poster
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 20:27

Thanks everyone btw!! Just want to be able to look in a mirror without seeing fresh hairs sprouting...
Oh and to those who use the lumea - am I right that you need to shave the area before use? That's the only thing that feels a bit scary - shaving my face!! Usually I trim the hairs very very short indeed (roughly once a day, embarrassingly) so I was wondering if that might be enough or if I really DO need to shave...?

OP posts:
CarpeJugulum · 08/05/2016 20:29

I have a Veet (same principle) and I don't shave with a razor - I use a little eyebrow trimmer. Think it's just to reduce the length so it doesn't burn IYSWIM?

WakeUpFast · 08/05/2016 20:34

Yes you shave, but just use it lightly and its fine. The hair grows back really thin so a quick sweep is only needed. Actually, the hair that grows back can be pulled out with your fingers. It's amazing!

Original poster
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 20:40

Thank you all!

OP posts:
ilovetosleep · 08/05/2016 20:48

Sorry to Hijack but just wondered if anyone has used a boots smoothskin? It gets great reviews and you don't need any gel - does this mean all the others you need to use gel? Sounds faffy?

SwingingFromTheChanderlier · 08/05/2016 20:49

The Lumea is a great investment! It's suppose to last 5ish years. Remember once the hairs are all gone you stil need to zap occasionally to keep them at bay!

Original poster
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 20:53

Thanks Swinging - yes in fact that has been the biggest problem with the facial treatment I had a few years ago - the results were amazing but as I couldnt' afford the time or money to go back for a couple of sessions every 18 months-ish, the hair has all crept back... I think none of these things are 100% permanent, it's just that the reduction is MASSIVE. But yy to top-ups and it's the main reason I want an at-home device, so I can keep on top of it.

OP posts:
pollyblack · 08/05/2016 20:55

I got a lumea for about £300 on amazon. I was sceptical but desperate as was getting terrible ingrown hairs. Used it three times and omg i cant believe how well it works. I am really impressed and it is fairly quick and easy to use. It has actually changes my life!

Pinkvici22 · 08/05/2016 20:59

Another vote for the Lumea - I have only used mine 3 times (had it about 6 weeks) and it has already changed my life. Bikini and underarm are amazing and no more ingrown hairs - legs also much much smoother.

Original poster
SomeDayMyPrinceMightCome · 08/05/2016 21:03

Oh wow I hadn't even thought about being able to use it for underarms too... that would be a bonus. Mainly I'm just focussed on these awful face hairs but once I've sorted those, I can move on to other bits!!

I totally get the 'changed my life' comments, my laser leg treatment has just been a revelation.

OP posts:
SwingingFromTheChanderlier · 08/05/2016 21:08

This is one of my legs after 10 weeks of treatment (I have not shaved in 2 weeks). If you look close there are only a few stray hairs- probably been missed!

I have mid to dark hair whilst my skin is fair to medium (although I do tan very easily).

Unfortunately I have no before photo, I intended to but alas forgot! I'd say 90% reduction to hazard a guess. The bikini line being more coarse will take a while longer- no I'm not going to post a picture of that Grin but I'd say I've seen 50% reduction at this point!

YorkieDorkie · 08/05/2016 21:12

I didn't think lumea was safe for the face but could be wrong! The boots one is supposedly the facial one.

SwingingFromTheChanderlier · 08/05/2016 21:13

Oops neglected photo... Here you are

Right, I'm going to splurge on an at-home hair removal device. Which one should I get?
SwingingFromTheChanderlier · 08/05/2016 21:17

It's safe to use on the face too. It comes with a smaller attachment specific to this area . The daunting bit is the shaving. To be fair I have not shaved this area but have treated 1-2 days after threading instead.

NattyGolfJerkin · 08/05/2016 21:44

Some of them aren't advised for use on the face but others (like the one I have) have a facial attachment. It basically has a smaller window for more precise application.

WakeUpFast · 08/05/2016 23:59

I got my lumea for about £300 from John Lewis. It was odd because the older version on their website was about £100 more expensive. I'm sure they'd mixed up the prices.

Dollytwat · 09/05/2016 00:11

Can you use them on mole hair?
I have to check daily for any hairs that have sprouted overnight!