When it comes to hair removal, it’s worth exploring all of your options. There’s something for every schedule and budget—but not all treatments are created equal.
Here are our top 5 picks for our DIY-ers, and one method that could save you time AND effort.
5. Shaving
Shaving is the most common way people get rid of that excess facial hair and leg hair. Not only is it affordable and relatively painless, razors are easy to stash in your bag for a long weekend away from home.
Cons:
✖Nicks or cuts happen, and they’re often more noticeable on freshly-shaved skin
✖Frequent shaving can irritate skin and cause ingrown hairs
✖You’ll have to shave every few days to maintain results
4. Tweezing/Plucking
Tweezing is an inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted hair. And since it pulls hair directly from the follicle, the results tend to last longer than shaving.
Cons:
✖Tweezing can only cover a small area—usually the face—and it’s pretty tedious and time intensive
✖You have to allow a certain amount of growth before hair is long enough to grasp with tweezers
✖Process of pulling out individual hairs can sting, making this method more uncomfortable than shaving
3. Depilatories
Depilatories (or hair removing creams/gels) are another popular method for at-home hair removal, causing hair to simply dissolve after a short application process. You’ve probably seen countless brands at your local drug store or supermarket, and they typically promise fast results. Depilatories are usually pain-free, and results can last as long as 4 weeks.
Cons:
✖Can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity of the skin
✖Depilatories don’t eliminate the risk of of ingrown hairs
✖Chemicals in some depilatories result in a strong odor after use
2. Waxing
Waxing is a versatile method of hair removal that can be performed by virtually anyone. You simply apply hot (or cold) wax to the target area and remove with a strip or bare hands. Waxing pulls hair out by the root, so results can last for several weeks, and you can use it anywhere from your upper lip to the bikini area.
Cons:
✖Waxing is notoriously painful, with increased discomfort in sensitive areas
✖Depending on the type of kit you use, you can expect to leave behind a big mess
✖Waxing does not completely prevent ingrown hairs and can cause skin irritation and redness
1. Laser
At-home laser hair removal devices are a fairly new addition to the at-home remedy toolbox. The process involves targeting dark pigment in hair follicles and slowing down future growth. Compared to seeing a professional, it’s an affordable alternative, and can be great for targeting small areas of unwanted hair. although the results we’ve seen have been far from perfect.
Cons:
✖Laser treatments are most effective on people with light skin and dark hair
✖Potential side effects include blistering, scarring, burning and hyperpigmentation
✖Although cheaper than multiple sessions with a professional, at-home laser devices can be costly upfront
✖Usually achieve temporary thinning out rather than permanent results
The Final Word
Depending on your schedule or budget, one of these remedies may work for you, especially if you don’t require complete or permanent results. But if you want complete removal, and permanent results, you should consider electrolysis. Our pros are here to help.