How I Acquired It
The team at JOVS reached out to gauge my interest in trying one of their signature products. Naturally, I opted for their top-seller—the Venus Pro II IPL Hair Removal Device. Delivered in a secure, cushioned package, the device itself came enclosed in a plastic-wrapped box. The Venus Pro II is priced at $429 and is also available in a white variant.
My Hair Removal Journey
To provide some context, I’ve been experimenting with various hair removal methods since my teenage years. I began with the usual—shaving and plucking (ouch, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line). Fast forward to about 14 years ago, I underwent roughly six laser hair removal sessions on my underarms and legs. The results were impressive, leaving me worry-free about hair growth for quite some time. However, it’s often recommended to do maintenance treatments every 1-2 years, depending on your hair type. Personally, I noticed some very fine regrowth after about two years, but nothing substantial until four years had passed. Even then, it was minimal—just a few hairs here and there, easily removed with a quick pluck. My legs, however, did see a bit more regrowth, prompting me to consider additional treatments.
What the Device Offers
The JOVS Venus Pro II IPL hair removal device is a hand-held tool designed for home use. For those unfamiliar, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a method often used in professional salons for long-term hair reduction, but there are now devices available for at-home use. JOVS specializes in hair removal and skincare devices, and the Venus Pro II is among their most popular offerings.
This device boasts a 330° rotating head, six treatment modes (including settings for arms, legs, armpits, face, sensitive areas, and skin recovery), six intensity levels, multi-frequency technology, and advanced OPT hair removal capabilities. It also features an ultra-thin sapphire ice-cooling screen designed to instantly cool the skin during treatment.
My Experience with the Device
Upon opening the box, I found the device neatly housed, along with accessories like power cables, adaptors, a five-blade razor, protective glasses, and an instruction manual. While the box can be reused for storage, it’s a bit tricky to manage the cables neatly. The device is ready to use right out of the box—no charging required, though it must remain plugged in during use as it’s not wireless.
Before using the Venus Pro II, I washed and shaved the target areas, avoiding tweezing to prevent the need for extra treatments. Given my fair-light Asian skin tone and sparse, dark hair, I’m an ideal candidate for IPL treatment. My focus areas include my legs, underarms, forearms, upper lip, and bikini line.
For my first session, I started on level 1, which was entirely painless. In comparison to previous salon treatments where the sensation was akin to a light rubber band snap, I barely felt a thing. So, I quickly moved up to level 3, where I began to feel a slight tingling sensation. There was also a faint smell of burnt hair, which is completely normal. I anticipate using level 5 or 6 in future treatments. There’s a helpful chart included that outlines recommended levels based on your skin and hair type, so it’s wise to increase the intensity gradually to avoid irritation or burns.
Once plugged in, turning the dial activates the fan, and faint lights on the side indicate the device is powered. The cooling feature around the treatment window becomes instantly cold, which is a huge plus for sensitive skin. After selecting the mode and intensity, you’re ready to go. Simply place the treatment window against the skin and press the button to trigger a flash. For continuous flashes, hold the button for three seconds, and it will flash every three seconds. I appreciate the built-in safety feature that prevents the device from flashing if it’s not in direct contact with the skin, ensuring you don’t accidentally flash it elsewhere.
While using the device, the flash is quite intense, so wearing the provided protective glasses is essential. The treatment should be done methodically, section by section.
Post-Treatment Results
After my first session, I noticed that the treated hair grew out slightly before falling off on its own. You can also lightly tug on the hair, and it will come out as if it’s broken. Subsequent treatments are spaced 3-4 weeks apart as new hair starts to grow. The typical recommendation is 6-8 sessions to effectively target most areas. Since I now own the device, I can easily extend my treatments if needed. However, using it too frequently (like once a week) won’t provide better results since the new hair hasn’t yet appeared.
After just two sessions, I’ve already noticed a significant reduction in hair growth, and I’ll continue to use the device as needed. Whenever any hair grows back, I’ll simply shave and zap the area again.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely thrilled to have the convenience of an at-home device that saves both time and money on salon visits. While you do need to be meticulous with your treatments, it’s easy to manage any missed spots once the hair grows back.
The Venus Pro II is simple to use, comfortable to hold, and incredibly efficient. The cooling feature is a game-changer, as it preps and numbs the skin before each flash. I also love the continuous flash option—it makes the process much faster. Overall, this device truly delivers. I’m already seeing less regrowth, and my skin feels smooth and soft.
Shop the JOVS Venus Pro II here!
