After watching the infomercial on the Home Shopping Network a few times, I thought I would take the plunge and try out the No No Hair System 8800. I got it through their web site so that I could get the 60 Day Trial promotion just to be sure. Although I wasn't expecting to be hairless after 60 days, it would be enough time to get a good feel for it and decide whether I wanted to keep it.
The following review is based on the No No Hair System 8800 as opposed to the No No "Classic", which is their original unit. I wanted a unit that I could use on my face, and the 8800 was it since the Classic is not recommended for the facial area. Although the No No Hair System 8800 (0) is more expensive than the Classic (0), it is definitely worth the extra to have the option to use it on my upper lip. In this review I try to cover every aspect of the product to answer the question does No No work, and help you make an educated decision.
No No Hair System Claims
It's pain free
It costs less than laser systems
It is safe for all skin types
It is effective on all hair and skin colors
You get up to 94% reduction in hair growth
It's important to note that the No No Hair System is not a permanent hair removal system, nor is the length of time to see results as good as those of professional laser hair removal or electrolysis. And remember, professional laser hair removal is also not permanent. In any case, with repeated and continued use, No No Hair System does considerably lessen the density and growth of hair on all targeted areas. The thermal or heat technology used, directly affects the hair follicle and delays and disrupts future hair growth.
It's been 4 months for me and I would say I've experience 80% hair reduction on my legs and 100% on my upper lip. That's huge! I haven't used it in any other area yet. Keep in mind, that the No No Hair System, like any other (heat, light or professional laser) hair removal system, it is often time consuming, with applications recommended 2-3 times weekly for a minimum of 8 weeks. Personally, this is not a big deal for me since I'm watching TV when I "no no".
The Review
The question is, does No No work or is it just a bunch of empty promises? Well, it may not be perfect, but I was happy to buy it after the 60 day trial period was over. Here's why...
I got my No No Hair System in the mail 1 week after I placed my order from their website. The system comes with the unit itself, a charger, a quick user's guide, an after treatment lotion, 2 hot blades (a small and a large), a handy carrying case, a skin buffer and a little cleaning brush so you can clean the blades and the unit head.
The first thing I noticed is that the 8800 is thinner and taller than the Classic (which my friend has). It is cordless so all you need is to charge it and you don't have to spend money on buying batteries, which was a complaint a few people had about the "Classic". Once you charge it, you unplug it and start using it. I mention that because some electronic stuff needs to be plugged in while you use it - the No No Hair System 8800 doesn't. The unit has a display that shows how much battery life is left which is also handy since you don't want to go dead in mid-treatment, charge it and then have to remember where you were last.
How To Use No No Hair System
As you know, the No No Hair System was created to remove unwanted hair from the face, legs, arms, underarms, back and bikini line - almost all the areas of hair growth except that you cannot use the No No Hair System on your genitals or the breasts - so the areola (the ring of pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) is out. Many people do have hair in the areola so I would suggest tweezing those areas. The No No Hair System is based on Thermicon technology, which basically means it uses heat energy to zap hairs all the way to the root.
Here's how easy it is to use: hold the No No Hair System device at a 90 degree angle over the targeted area and move it slowly in a straight line. No No Hair System has a little light on the front of the unit that stays green when the device is being used the right way. That's it. Make sure to follow instructions. For instance, let's say you're doing your arms.
Start on one end and glide the No No Hair System device at a 90 degree angle to the other end. When you reach the end, make sure to lift the unit. Don't stop it on your skin and let it sit there or you may experience a slight burn. Remember it uses heat to zap the hairs. Don't worry... it doesn't hurt.
Before you start treatment with the No No Hair System, you need to ensure your skin is clean and dry, and that you're using the right-sized blade that comes with the system, for the area you are targeting. If you are doing your upper lip, use the smaller blade, if you're doing your arms, use the bigger blade. The No No Hair System is an absolute no-brainer when it comes to ease of use.
It's important to note that the No No Hair System folks tell you that to attain good hair reduction, the No No Hair System should be used 3 times per week on intended areas, particularly in the beginning of your treatment phase, for a period of about 6-8 weeks. I would go a bit further and say that if you can use it more often, do so. You will see better results and there are no side-effects to using it more. But it really depends on how sensitive your skin is, how much time you have, how much hair, your skin type, etc. I was using it 4-5 times per week for the first month.
My No No Hair System Results
I have been using the No No Hair System 8800 for just over 4 months now. I have dark, naturally curly hair with olive complexion, so I'm considered an "excellent" candidate for laser hair removal (see the skin type chart in the Laser Hair Removal post). My personal experience has been very good but that will vary depending on your hair and skin color/type. To find out your skin and hair type, please see my post on Laser Hair Removal and scroll down to find the Fitzpatrick Chart. I have also read reviews on people of different hair and skin types who have been using the No No Hair System, and the majority have been positive in their reviews, having experienced good to significant hair reduction.
After 6 Weeks Using The No No Hair System
When I started using the No No Hair System I didn't follow the instructions and used it 1-2 per week for the first 2 weeks and saw little results (some hair reduction, probably 10%). I was traveling for work at that time and just couldn't be consistent with it. But once the dust settled I started to use it 3 - 5 times per week and started to see great results after the fourth week.
There was definitely good hair reduction already, I would say around 40%, but the best part is, my hair was growing in much softer than usual. My skin wasn't totally smooth yet, and there was a soft stubble in the hairiest part of my legs (the shin) where my hair is more coarse. I continued to shave as usual during the first month to get 100% hair-free results, but I did find my skin getting increasingly smoother. By the way, I've been using it on my legs and my upper lip only.
Please note that I am not recommending you use it as often as I do (4 times per week). I did and it is fine for me - I don't experience any burning or side effects but everyone is different. I am a good candidate for laser hair removal according to the "Fitspatrick" Skin chart so I'm assuming my skin type can handle it.
Treatment on my legs takes me around 30 minutes (I take my time and do it right, while I watch TV), and around 7 minutes for my upper lip, which is still much less time than going to a salon or clinic specially if you throw in travel time.
My trial period was going to end in 2 weeks but I had seen enough - "chaching"! I bought it!
After 10 Weeks of Using The No No Hair System
I found that after 10 weeks I started to shave much less - about once a month just to "clean up" the few hairs that are still growing. I will now start to use an epilator on my legs since I don't have enough hairs to actually shave. All I have now is new hair growth.
It's been 4 months since I started to use my No No Hair System and I haven't shaved my legs in 5 weeks, and still going.... This is a huge benefit. I do have some hairs but they are so soft and light, I can't see them so I'm not worried about it yet. Okay....After 5 weeks of not shaving my legs and not seeing any hair growth on my upper lip, I'm falling in love with my No No Hair System.
The Hot Blades
You will eventually have to replace the No No Hair System blades. The company tells us that you should replace them after about 1 month but I disagree. It's been almost 3 months for me and only now am I ready to replace it. I already ordered a package of 3 blades for about . A colleague at work has the No No Hair System and although she uses it less than me, she has only replaced it twice in about 10 months. She has the Classic unit and bought hers last year. Nevertheless, mine lasted 2 months longer than they were supposed to so don't spend your money unless you have to. Gauge it for yourself.
Oh That Smell...
Because the No No Hair System removes hair with thermal or heat energy, it generates a smell of burning hair that is certainly unpleasant. To decrease the odor, I only use my No No Hair System in well-ventilated areas or near an open window. Depending how much it bothers you, you may want to wash the treated area or take a shower after treatment (especially if you're going out for a night on the town)!
What's It Going To Cost Me?
The cost of hair removal is certainly one of my key concerns when making a choice between hair removal systems. No No Hair System sells for 0 which is much cheaper than professional laser hair removal. You will also have to factor in the cost for new blades which costs for a pack of 3. Although the No No hair system comes with a buffer and smoothing cream, you won't need to reorder this really. I don't use the buffer, I just use a cloth to rub the hair off and I use my own natural skin lotion.
Keeping in mind that a professional laser hair removal session (1 session) costs between 0 (upper lip) to 0 (back) depending on the body part, 0 is very economical in comparison. Also, considering that laser hair removal involves a few treatment sessions to achieve long-lasting results, it is definitely the most expensive option available.
The "Ouch" Factor
Another consideration with any hair removal treatment is the risk of pain or adverse reactions.
This is an important consideration for many people when it comes to choosing not only their preferred hair removal method but also the system. How does the No No Hair System score on the pain scale?... is the No No Hair System painless? Yes, absolutely. The No No Hair System is indeed painless on my skin, my friend's skin, and on the users I researched online. Outside of a warm feeling and a slight tingling sensation, there is no pain.
As you glide the No No Hair System over your skin, it detects hair and zaps it - in other words, in burns or "crystallizes" the hair. Because of that, there is a distinct odor of burning hair that lingers in the air. Unpleasant, yes. But not a deal breaker. This bad smell was the one complaint most users had. The No No Hair System can cause accidental burns if you don't use it correctly or if you use it in the wrong areas. I did get "burned" once because I used it the wrong way but it was so mild I don't consider it a burn.
The Final Word
The majority of users I found online (as well as my friend and I), found a significant improvement in hair reduction with consistent, repeated use of the No No Hair System. In addition, No No Hair System does seem to work for all skin and hair types - I know of two for a fact: dark brown hair with olive skin (me) and light blonde hair with fair complexion (my friend, although her hair reduction was less in the same length of time).
Your individual preference and needs will dictate what hair removal system is best for you. If what you want is a system that will give you a very long reprieve from hair growth, and money is not a concern, than professional laser hair removal is a good alternative. Who doesn't like to lay back and be pampered? But if you are concerned with cost and want to significantly reduce hair re-growth for a reasonable length of time then the No No Hair System is definitely worth the 0 onetime cost.
If you think you just have to run the device over your skin a few times to have perfectly smooth skin, you will be very disappointed with every hair removal system including professional laser hair and this one.
On the other hand, if you're prepared to follow instructions and use it regularly for a few months, then you'll be happy with your purchase. Just do it near an open window... because it smells a bit. Follow directions, do it right, be patient and give it time! Don't forget, the No No Hair System is now risk-free for 60 days. That's plenty of time to return it for a full refund if you don't like it.
I hope this review has helped set the right expectations for the product if you do choose to go with it. When I'm asked "does No No work", my answer is a resounding yes. Bottom line, I had realistic expectations when I bought the product and I'm very happy with my purchase of the No No Hair System.
