In this guide 6 sections
There is no single "best" way to remove unwanted hair — the right method depends on the area, your skin and hair, and how long you want the results to last. Here is every common at-home method, compared honestly.
Every method at a glance
| Method | Pain | Smooth for | Best areas | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving / razors | None | 1–3 days | Legs, underarms, brows (facial razor) | Low, ongoing |
| Trimmer / facial remover | None | A few days | Upper lip, chin, brows | One-time |
| Cream / spray / powder | None | A few days | Legs, arms, underarms | Every use |
| Threading | Short sting | 2–3 weeks | Face, brows | Tool once, or parlour |
| Waxing | Short sting | 3–4 weeks | Everywhere | Heater once + wax |
| Epilator | Stings at first | 2–4 weeks | Legs, arms, underarms | One-time |
| IPL | Warm snap | Longer, with regular use | Legs, underarms, bikini | One-time |
Surface methods: quick and painless
Razors, trimmers, sprays, creams and powders remove hair at the skin's surface. They are painless and fast, which makes them great for touch-ups — but hair is back in a few days. A rechargeable 2-in-1 facial hair remover is the most popular surface tool for the face; Ecrin spray is a quick option for the body. And no — shaving or trimming does not make hair grow back thicker.
Root methods: smooth for weeks
Threading, waxing and epilating pull hair out from the root, so skin stays smooth for 2–4 weeks and regrowth is often finer. They sting at first, but most women find it gets easier. Use a threading tool for the face, a pot wax heater with hard wax for sensitive areas, and an epilator for legs and arms.
IPL: for longer-lasting results
Home IPL devices send light to the hair root. With weekly sessions for about 8–12 weeks, many users see hair grow back slower, finer and less. IPL suits light to medium skin with dark hair only. Read is IPL safe? before buying an IPL device.
Our recommended routine, by area
- Upper lip and chin: facial remover for touch-ups, threading or hard wax every 2–3 weeks.
- Eyebrows: leave the shape to a professional; tidy stray hairs with the eyebrow head or a facial razor.
- Underarms: epilator on low speed, hard wax, or IPL.
- Legs and arms: epilator or roll-on wax; IPL for the longest results.
- Bikini line: a shaver head or hard wax — gentle and quick.
Safety for every method
- Patch-test anything new on a small area and wait a day.
- Exfoliate a day or two before root methods to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Avoid moles, cuts, sunburn and irritated skin.
- Sudden, heavy new hair growth can have a medical cause — talk to a doctor.
Browse all hair removal machines or see the hair removal machine price list.
