The Best Hair Removal Techniques for Every Body Part and Skin Type
Whether you love it, leave it, remove it, or hate it, when it comes to hair removal, there are many options you can choose from. But it can be tricky to work out which method is best for you and your body. What’s the most convenient? What will actually work for my hair and skin tone? What will give me the best results without having me writhing in pain (or apologizing to my bank account)? These are all important questions to ask before you commit.
To help you find the best fit, we broke down the most popular hair removal options. From easy at-home options to the best in-office treatments, below is the ultimate guide.
Key Takeaways
- There are many hair removal options you can turn to. Sugaring, shaving, lasers, IPL, and threading are just some of the most popular options out there.
- To find the right hair removal method, it all depends on your goals, skin type, and the area being treated.
Sugaring
Sugaring is seeing a resurgence thanks to its long-term effects and sustainable potential. Consisting of simply lemon juice, sugar, and water mixed into a paste, this method has been used since the time of the Egyptians.
Much like waxing, sugaring can go here, there, and everywhere. As Tanja Westendorff from Sugaring London advises: “You can sugar from your brows to your toes and everything in between. Sugaring is suitable for all skin tones and skin types. We particularly love it when young people who have never removed any hair start with sugaring.” Not only will sugaring immediately remove hair, but it can also reduce regrowth from here on in. Refreshingly, Tanya admits that it is also “the gentlest way to remove unwanted hair.”
Find your local specialist for clean, efficient, and effective hair removal. But if DIY is your thing, all you need for an at-home sugar wax recipe is 1 cup white sugar, 1/8 cup lemon juice, and 1/8 cup warm water.
Let your hair grow out ahead of your first sugaring appointment. “For first-time sugaring, your hair needs to be at least 3 mm long—the size of a grain of rice. The longer the hair, the better for your first time,” shares Tanja. And, like all methods that extract hair from the root, it is important to exfoliate the skin before and in between appointments. “Dead skin can trap hair—and we don’t want that to happen.”
What’s great about sugaring is that not only does it remove hair immediately, but it also stunts its regrowth over time. “We say keep your sugaring four to five weeks apart,” advises Tanja. “Regular sugaring doesn’t just get rid of all unwanted hair, it gives you amazing, positively glowing skin (free of ingrown hair!) and also leads to hair-reduction.” Sugaring can be like giving your skin a facial, so wait up to 24 hours after treatment to carry out strenuous exercise or stepping out in the sun
Bleach
If you’re keen to bleach hair, first things first, it can get a little messy. This isn’t a removal method made for those in a hurry. To get the best results, you need to put some time—and your prized possessions—aside.
Hair with a small surface area. As expert Danielle Hudson explains: “It can be used almost anywhere but is particularly great on the face, such as sideburns and upper lip.” It can also be used to lighten arm hair (you will need quite a lot) and eyebrows, but be cautious around the eye area. Bleach is best kept far away from the bikini line, broken skin, and blemishes. If you want to bleach your brows, see our guide here.
Each kit you buy will have a slightly different step-by-step, but activating the formula usually involves mixing a cream with a powder. With bleach, every strand of hair needs to be coated fully from root to tip to ensure that it works and hair is removed of color, so it’s best applied by brushing hair upwards. It shouldn’t be left on the skin longer than 10 minutes, so if it hasn’t worked completely, you will need to try again 24 hours later.
Once you’ve done the patch test 24 hours before application, bleaching requires little pre-prep fuss. Avoid bleaching shortly after a hot bath, or pores will be open and more susceptible to sensitivity. Apply to clean skin that is yet to be moisturized.
As Hudson explained, you can expect effects to last for around a fortnight, but this can be dependent on your own hair “growth cycle and how quickly your hair grows.”
Depilatory Cream
Much like bleaching, depilatory creams get a little messy, so are best done in the bathroom. It’s a simple, cost-effective hair removal method and is perfect for those just starting to remove body hair. Reading the label is essential.
In the world of hair removal options, depilatory creams are hands down the least painful, and, unlike shaving, there’s no risk of actual bloodshed. These creams can be used to remove hair in large areas or in trickier, hard-to-reach places and are a great starting option for those wanting to remove hair for the first time.
Apply the formula to the area you wish to remove the hair from, ensuring that every strand is covered. Look to the recommended timings on the packet for how long it should be left on for. Formulas are quite thick and stay in place well, so you can get on with other things while you wait. When time is up, simply take the plastic instrument and scrape hair off, or step into the shower and simply wash it away.
All that is necessary is a patch test before using it to ensure that you’re not allergic to the formula.
Depilatory creams eradicate hair to just below the skin’s surface, so you can expect regrowth in around two to three days. As all hair is removed, silky smooth skin is achieved quickly and with little expertise, but the effects are not as long-lasting as other methods.
Maintain
We’re all given body hair for a reason, and while many opt to remove it, it’s also worth remembering that it often serves a purpose. Hair comes in many textures, colors, and varying levels of thickness, so some people will need to manage it wisely. It’s your preference, and it might take some time experimenting with what feels right for you.
As more people now opt to leave hair in its natural state, innovative brands have quickly become aware that while people might not want to remove hair, they still want to ensure that body hair is kept in optimum condition. If you prefer to keep it natural, it’s also worth noting the products that sit in your beauty bags. Those with armpit hair will find a spray deodorant more beneficial, and moisturizers will work best with longer hair if kept lightweight.
If you are keen to trim, you will find it easier when your hair is wet and more malleable.
While a full body of hair is our natural state, and each little strand exists for a reason, paying a little attention to it also reaps rewards. As many of those who use oils or potions will agree, applying these products can become a luxurious self-care ritual that can help you embrace and enjoy living a fuzz-filled life.
Epilate
Epilation comes with a bad rep for ranking high on the pain scale. But the more you use an epilator, the less it hurts, and the long-term effects are worth the temporary bouts of ouch.
As epilation works by plucking individual hairs from the root with mechanically-operated tweezers, it can be a little bit painful (although as re-growth happens less and less and hair becomes gradually thinner, this does subside), so it’s best to look to areas that are not so sensitive. Legs are the perfect example.
Epilators can be used on dry or wet skin. As Braun advised us when we reached out for some top tips, it’s recommended to start with a tool that can be used in the shower, as warm water helps loosen hair follicles, which helps with the easy removal of hair. We advise that when you take the time to epilate, start in an area that you might find less painful—the calves work well. You might find the area close to the ankle is slightly more sore, so best done once you’ve become used to the sensation.
Exfoliation and epilating go hand in hand. As the hair becomes thinner, ingrown hairs can become more frequent, so using a gentle scrub regularly will help. Before dry epilating, brush the legs with a towel to help lift hair at the root and ensure a perfect finish. Braun advises hair should be at least 0.5 mm to epilate.
As epilation removes hair from the root, stubble days are a thing of the past. Effects will usually last up to four weeks. It’s a perfect method for those who want a fuss-free approach.
Shave
There’s a reason why some hair removal methods become the most popular. Cheap, easy, and quick to use, shaving is the busy girl’s fuss-free, fuzz-removing solution. Just mind the sharp blades.
Shaving can be performed anywhere, but there are certain things to consider depending on each area of the body. With the legs, long, clean strokes are effective as the skin is taut—although they can dry out quickly, so it’s wise to follow with moisturiser or choose a razor with moisture bars; comparatively, the underarm area is naturally more moist, which does make hair removal simpler in theory. As the skin is more flexible, it requires you to move the razor in more directions to meet the differing directions hair grows in. When it comes to shaving more intimate areas, pull the skin tight for a cleaner shave, which will also aid the regrowth of coarse pubic hair.
There’s more to shaving than simply running a razor over skin. For the best results, Adam Boulding, a Venus expert, recommends the following: shave with a fresh blade (dispose after 10 uses), against the direction of hair growth and pull taut in areas where skin is less firm; use a light touch (use a gliding motion over skin as opposed to pushing down); soak hair for a few minutes beforehand and use a shave gel—rather than a potentially skin-drying soap.
Hair becomes 60% easier to cut when it’s softened in a warm bath for only two to three minutes. Unlike other hair-removal methods, hair length is not a factor with shaving, so you can do it as frequently or as infrequently as you wish.
Shaving doesn’t last long and will depend on individual skin patterns. If you wet shave, you can expect results to last between one and three days, but dry shaving will only last 24 hours.
Tweeze
Whether it’s cleaning up your brows or tackling pesky flyaways, a tweezer should be a mainstay in your daily beauty bag. There’s one rule to proceed with: less is more, and always take a look at the bigger picture before rushing for the next pluck.
Tweezing is a perfect way to maintain brows and any unruly hairs. As it tackles one hair at a time, it’s an arduous method, so if you want to remove a significant amount, it’s best to employ other tactics when it comes to legs or underarms. That being said, if you’re a perfectionist, having a tweezer on hand post-wax or shave can be helpful to remove the remaining stubborn strands.
Take the tool between the forefinger and thumb, grasp the hair and tug. As a Tweezerman expert shared with us, there is a magic to the method. “Always tweeze in the direction of hair growth to avoid breakage and never yank or tug on brow hairs. Use a pair with a neat precision tip to isolate, lift, and then grab the hair from the root.” Isolate, lift, grab—simple.
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If bleaching is about keeping pores closed, tweezing works best when they’re open to free the hair from the follicle’s clutches. Swipe a cold flannel over skin once you’ve finished to help reduce redness. close pores and keep out infections. It’s also worth thinking about the type of hair you’re hoping to remove. “Use a slant tip for coarse and longer length hair,” offers the expert. “For baby-fine and stubble-like hairs, the point tweezer would be easier to grab using its finer tips.”
This is all about you and your hair growth. For some, it’s tweezing every few days, but others can go for much longer.
Wax
Waxing, like epilating, comes with a serious ouch reputation, but it’s temporary, and the long-lasting effects are just one of the reasons why this method has become a firm favourite.
The benefits of waxing are universal, as, other than eyelashes and head hair, this method can be employed all over. Sensitive areas will be more susceptible to hurt so those with a low pain threshold should be prepared. If you’re thinking of having your first bikini wax, book to have your legs done prior. You’ll be completely prepared for how it works and more comfortable when the sensitive areas are ready to be waxed.
Waxing is best done by an expert. “A lot of people avoid waxing more sensitive areas due to bad experiences, but if done by a trusted therapist, it should give the best and longest-lasting hair-free finish,” explains Shimol Kanuga, founder of Wewaxx. If you’ve decided to attempt it yourself, make sure to test the temperature of the wax—so as not to burn your skin—and always remember to pull against the hair growth.
As with all hair-removal methods that take hair from the root, exfoliation is your best friend. Prepare the evening before by using gentle exfoliation to help the hair leave the root. It’s also important to remain really hydrated, so up your water quota beforehand. You can also be savvy with the day you book—be sensitive to your body and think about your menstrual cycle. Times closer to your period will be most painful! With waxing, you also need to ensure that there is enough hair present for it to be able to grip and remove the entire hair. Around half an inch is optimum for the body.
Waxing lasts a while—usually for around four to six weeks. With eyebrows, once you’ve achieved your perfect look, get them waxed once a month. “The finer the hair, the longer it lasts, so if the area has been shaved, the effects last a shorter period as the hairs are all at different lengths. However, with continuous waxing, the hairs decrease, and the lasting effect time gets longer,” explains Kanuga. Immediately after waxing, you should not exercise, expose skin to the sun, or apply products to the skin for 24 hours after.
IPL
The newest at-home method to rise in popularity over the last few years, IPL is all about longevity, so it should not be your go-to if you’re after semi-permanent hair removal.
IPL—Intense Pulse Light—works anywhere on the body that grows below the eyes. Many of the at-home devices come with attachments tailored to different body areas. Before purchasing, it’s important to note your own skin tone and hair color. For IPL to work successfully, certain criteria that needs to be met. As Stefanie Williams, cosmetic dermatologist and a Philips Lumea ambassador, explained to us: “IPL works by targeting the melanin in the hair in contrast to the melanin in the skin. Due to the low levels of melanin in light-blonde, white, gray, and red hair, all light-based hair removal treatments are not effective. IPL treatment is also not suitable for women with naturally dark skin tones, as there is a risk that the light may react with the melanin in the skin and not the hair. There are products on the market which claim to be able to treat red and very light blonde hair, however I would approach these products with caution and ensure that you do plenty of research before purchasing to ensure that it will work for you.”
There’s no need for goggles or messy gels or creams here. Simply place the machine on the target area and let the lights do their thing.
The area you are targeting needs to be hair-free before IPL can be used. Dr. Williams recommends shaving (as opposed to other methods) because there needs to be a hair bulb in the follicle that can then absorb the light from the device.
IPL is all about long-term hair reduction. As Dr. Williams explained: “It essentially utilizes high-energy light to achieve long-term hair reduction. It works by progressively reducing the regrowth of hair by applying gentle pulses of light to heat the hair root (i.e., hair follicle). This puts the hair into a resting phase. Existing hair then sheds naturally, and regrowth is greatly slowed down. Application is incredibly straightforward; you simply treat the desired area of the body every two weeks for an eight-week period to reduce hair growth by up to 92%. After the initial phase, you treat every six to eight weeks to maintain the results.” As expected, results do vary with each person.
Threading
Not as painful as tweezing or waxing, threading is another popular hair removal option that doesn’t require fancy tech. This ancient practice uses a cotton thread to remove hair and has become a go-to for a quick and cost-effective method.
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skincare Junkie, says that threading is best suited for smaller, precise areas. Think eyebrows, upper lip, chin, and sides of the face.
A trained technician will use a cotton thread and twist it to trap and pull hair out at the follicle level.
There’s minimal prep before a threading appointment. Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends going into an appointment free of makeup or heavy oils. You can expect minimal pain, and she likens the sensation you’ll feel throughout as a quick pinching, but it is generally well-tolerated. Just be sure to go to a trained threading professional.
Dr. Murphy-Rose says results typically last to four weeks. As for aftercare, she recommends using gentle skincare, avoiding irritants, and minimizing heat or friction for 24 hours.
Oral Meds
Oral medications don’t remove hair directly, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Instead, some medications that target underlying hormones are also able to reduce hair growth over time. The most common ones include spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors, and certain oral contraceptives that help regulate hormone levels.
Dr. Murphy-Rose explains that because oral meds are particularly helpful for hormonally driven hair growth, they are best for hair on the face, chest, chin, and lower abdomen.
This will be dependent on which oral med you opt for, so be sure to ask your doctor how to safely take your medication of choice.
This is also dependent on which oral med you take. For best prep, ask your doctor.
Dr. Murphy-Rose says results are gradual and can typically take several months to become noticeable, but there is continued improvement over time. She adds that there is no traditional aftercare, and you’ll want to take it under medical supervision.
Laser
As Dr. Murphy-Rose explains, laser hair removal uses a specific wavelength of light to target pigment in the hair follicle to damage it and reduce future hair growth. Results last longer than waxing, threading, or tweezing, but can be more of an investment.
Traditionally, lasers work best when there is a stark contrast between hair and skin. “Because these devices target melanin, the best candidates will be those with light skin and dark hair,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “Darker skin will increase the risk of burning, and lighter hair can decrease the effectiveness.”
But there are newer technologies that are made safer and more effective for a wider range of skin tones, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. So do your research and ask a trained technician for your best options.
For in-office treatments, lasers use light energy that is converted to heat that damages the hair follicle and reduces future hair growth. At-home devices, says Dr. King, use a lower energy setting so it’s safe to use on your own.
Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends avoiding sun exposure and shaving the area prior to treatment. She also says to expect mild discomfort during treatment. “Many patients describe the sensation as a quick snapping or warming feeling,” she says.
Dr. King says that a laser is most effective if the hair is in its growth phase in the hair growth cycle, and to expect multiple sessions for best results. “For in-office laser treatments, I generally tell patients to expect to need five to seven sessions initially, spaced at least four weeks apart, and then maintenance once or twice per year,” she says. “More treatments will be needed when using at-home devices because the energy used is lower.”
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a permanent method of hair removal. Dr. Murphy-Rose explains that, unlike laser hair removal, it doesn’t rely on pigment to destroy the follicle and is suitable for all hair colors, including blonde, gray, and white hair.
Because each follicle is treated individually, Dr. Murphy-Rose says electrolysis is best suited for smaller areas like your chin, upper lip, or stray facial hairs.
This is an in-office treatment that you’ll want to get from a licensed practitioner. It works by delivering electrical energy into each hair follicle through a probe that is inserted into each strand. This will then destroy the follicle at the source.
You’ll want to make sure your skin is hydrated and to avoid shaving the area you want treatment in. This is a long process as you are treating each individual follicle. And also expect some discomfort throughout (though you will have topical numbing cream to help).
Dr. Murphy-Rose says that multiple sessions are required to target hairs in different growth cycles, but this is a permanent hair removal method. Aftercare involves gentle skincare and minimizing sun exposure.
Is at-home or professional hair removal best? Why?
It all depends on your goals, skin type, and the area being treated, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. If you’re looking for something convenient and cost-effective, then you might want to use at-home methods such as shaving, depilatory creams, and other at-home devices. But these offer temporary results and require more maintenance.
For something with longer-lasting and more permanent results, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and other professional treatments (performed by experienced and licensed providers) are the way to go.
How can you prevent ingrown hairs and irritation?
Irritation and ingrown hairs can happen for many reasons, but there are a few easy ways to avoid them. “Preventing ingrown hairs comes down to proper technique, consistent exfoliation, and supporting the skin barrier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose.
Dr. King says that it might be helpful to gently exfoliate with a warm, wet washcloth or gentle scrub. Dr. Murphy-Rose agrees and also says that gentle chemical exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid will help keep pores clear and prevent hair from becoming trapped beneath the skin.
If you’re choosing to shave hair off, Dr. King recommends spending about ten minutes beforehand in warm water to help soften the outer layer of the skin so that it’s easier to remove hair and reduce your risk of getting razor burn. And both experts say it’s important to use a sharp, clean blade to shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation.
Post-hair removal, Dr. Murphy-Rose says it can be helpful to wear loose clothing to avoid friction that might cause irritation. And always keep skin hydrated. “Keeping the skin well hydrated supports a healthy barrier and allows hair to grow out more easily,” she says. Look for soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients (we love an aloe or niacinamides) to further calm skin.
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