Anyone starting out with Philips Lumea?

[CountryCob]

Hello having heard lots of great things I have got one of these in the sales in the hope of being free of shaving this summer. Anyone want to share experiences/ tips? Going to pick it up on Wednesday....

I've wanted one of these for ages, but I have very moley skin - am I right in thinking it's not suitable?

Thanks Ninkanink. That's what I needed to hear

I really want one but which to buy??

I bought one from John Lewis with my Christmas money and have done two treatments so far. I’m desperate to do more often but it does clearly state that it’s not worth it so I’m holding off.
So far I think it might be working - hair seems a tad finer and less spiky and small tiny bald areas. I’m a bit borderline though - hair isn’t that dark. I did have one extremely rouge black hair growing out of the side of my face (🤮) which hasn’t returned after the first zap, yay! Not finding it particularly difficult or a chore to use but haven’t targeted the bikini bit yet.

Did my shave today in preparation for Lumea treatment tomorrow (I haven’t inspected since my last shave two weeks ago) and realised that after two treatments I only had about ten little hairs left growing on each armpit! Result! Bikini line is also almost clear, legs getting there and intimate area is much reduced but will take a couple more treatments, I think. It will be great not to have to do much maintenance at all over the summer (and beyond).

Can you use the lumea straight after shaving?
And when you do the second treatment do you have to shave first?
I have a lumea but haven't used it yet as I really couldn't be bothered to shave but I have now so I'm without an excuse!

I think you can use it straightaway after shaving (but just check to make sure). I’ve done so twice on top lip, armpits and legs with no issues, but I always wait one day to do bikini area etc, just in case of irritation. Yes, you remove the hair before each treatment.

Thank you Ninkanink
I will be using mine for the first time tonight. Exciting times

Joining - just did my third treatment today ... I still can't get my head around what magic makes it work

I've been using mine for about 4 months. I'd say about 10% regrowth on my arms, 50% on my legs and 70% on my bikini area. Bikini area very patchy though.
Happy with this as I used to do a full body shave every day before!

Just getting back with update on regrowth:

Top lip, underarms and legs have pretty much no regrowth at all! 👍👍I’d say about 20% regrowth on intimate area and bikini line has none at all. I reckon one more treatment will do and then I’ll be able to switch to monthly maintenance! Very happy indeed.

Quick shaving question: Do you shave in-between treatments? Or is it better to leave the hair until you are ready to do your next treatment?

I've had mine for 2 years now and never really got into the habit of using it. I read this thread last week and decided it was time to commit . I've set a reminder on my phone for every 2 weeks. Even after one treatment, I can see a difference. The rate of growth is much reduced and what hair there is is very soft.

You can shave/wax/whatever between treatments, it makes no difference to the effectiveness of the treatments. Essentially the light damages the follicle and results in the hair going into a ‘sleep phase’.

I don’t routinely shave between treatments - I haven’t needed to.

Make sure to charge it if you haven’t been as if it’s not charged every three months the battery is likely to fail, so it may not work now.

I find it takes absolutely ages to do my legs. Any tips for making it quicker?
I’ve resorted to just using it on my pits

To be honest I just look at it as relaxation time - it takes as long as it takes and I’m happy to just enjoy it. But I find repetitive and methodical actions very soothing so I almost find it meditative, which probably sounds really odd. It takes me 10-15 min per leg, but I only do below the knee.

I usually put on a YouTube video that I don’t necessarily need to look at, so that I can pay attention to what I’m doing.

@Ninkanink Yep it's charging fine (I did a treatment last week). Surprising as I don't think I've used it since last July!

I agree that it's essential to just chill and try and make the most of the time whilst you are doing your treatment. I watch tv or listen to a podcast. It only takes me 10 minutes per leg (below the knee only) and my armpits take a minute or so each.

Oh phew I was thinking it would be gutting to get it out of the back of a cupboard and find it’s not working...

(Apologies - I realise you did say in your previous comment that you had used it last week; I have a terrible habit of skim reading!)

@TheWomanTheyCallJayne - do you know you can hold the button down continuously and move the machine along your leg slowly - this speeds up doing larger areas- but you need to go slowly enough to not leave any gaps.

Yeah. It’s just slow
One of the disadvantages to having 35inch inside legs I guess. That and having put on a little weight recently means I’ve got even more surface to cover

I have just ordered the prestige model of this contraption from John Lewis and I am so excited to get started. I have primary bought it to use on lower leg (including knees), armpits, and bikini line. May also do top lip, but the idea of shaving any part of my face gives me the fear!

I cannot actually fathom what it will be like to be fair free. I really hope it works for me!

Do people find this helps with ingrown hairs over time? I suffer a lot with these, on my legs particularly.
Also, on the bikini area, can you use it on your whole undercarriage, flaps and all?
I have quite frankly skin, which I am hoping won't cause problems. Over all I am fair skinned with dark hair though.

Jesus that was full of typos!

Primary = primarily
Fair free = hair free
Frankly = freckly

I’ve had one for years and it’s the best thing ever. I’ve tried all sorts of hair removal stuff in the past and this is the best. I have dark hair and a light/medium skin tone.
I followed the instructions to begin with but now just use it when I think of it. I wasn’t aware of the deodorant stipulation and have used it under my arms which are now pretty much hair free. I’ve also used on my face, full arms and bikini line. It really works. It seems to slow the hair growth and makes it finer and lighter and completely reduces growth. It’s quick, easy and pretty much pain free. I love it.