Whether you love it, leave it, remove it, or hate it, the politics surrounding methods of hair removal for women, in particular, are forever a contentious issue. Following, a guide to it all—so you can decide what's the best choice for you.
With multiple options on the market, it can be tricky to work out which method is best for you and your body—finding your favorite can be a long and winding road of momentary pain and accidental bloody knees, but once you find your solution, it’s a blissful end result.
If you don’t like the idea of getting rid of your hair, but still want to enjoy the ritual which comes with it, there are a raft of new brands that focus on doing that, too.
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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 Egyptians.
Where does it work best?
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.”
How do you use it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
Let your hair grow out ahead of your first sugaring appointment. “For first-time sugaring your hair needs to be at least 3mm—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.”
How long will it last?
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.
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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.
Where does it work best?
Hair with a small surface area. As Danielle Hudson, a Jolen expert 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.
How do you use it?
Each kit you buy will have a slightly differing 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.
How can you prep beforehand?
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.
How long will it last?
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.”
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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.
Where does it work best?
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.
How do you use it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
All that is necessary is a patch test before using to ensure that you’re not allergic to the formula.
How long will it last?
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.
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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, colours 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.
How do you maintain it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
If you are keen to trim, you will find it easier when your hair is wet and more malleable.
What are the benefits of using?
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.
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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.
Where does it work best?
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.
How do you use it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
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 at least be 0.5mm to epilate.
How long will it last?
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.
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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.
Where does it work best?
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 with the differing directions hair grows in. When it comes to shaving more intimate areas, pull the skin taught for a cleaner shave which will also aid the regrowth of coarse pubic hair.
How do you use it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
Hair becomes 60% easier to cut when it’s softened in a warm bath for only two to three minutes. Differing to 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.
How long will it last?
Shaving doesn’t last long and will depend on individual skin patterns. If you wet shave, you can expect results to last between one to three days, but dry shaving will only last 24 hours.
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Tweeze
Whether it’s neatening 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.
Where does it work best?
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 should you want to remove a significant amount so 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.
How do you use it?
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.
How can you prep beforehand?
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 their finer tips.”
How long will it last?
This is all about you and your hair growth. For some, it’s a tweeze a day but others can go for much longer.
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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.
Where does it work best?
The benefits of waxing are universal as, other than eyelashes & 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 by how it works and more comfortable when the sensitive areas are ready to be waxed.
How do you use it?
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 your self, make sure to test the temperature of the wax – so as to not burn your skin – and always remember to pull against the hair growth.
How can you prep beforehand?
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 hairs 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.
How long will it last?
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 Shimol. Immediately after waxing you should not exercise, expose skin to sun or apply products to the skin for 24 hours after.
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IPL
The newest at-home method to rise in popularity over the last few years, IPL is all about longevity so should not be your go-to if you’re after immediate hair removal.
Where does it work best?
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, there is certain criteria that needs to be met. As Dr 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, grey 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 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.”
How do you use it?
There’s no need for goggles or messy gels or creams here. Simply place the machine to the target area and let the lights do their thing.
How can you prep beforehand?
The area you are targeting needs to be hair-free before IPL can be used. Dr Williams recommends shaving (as opposed to other methods) before as there needs to be a hair bulb in the follicle which can then absorb the light from the device.
How long will it last?
IPL is all about long-term hair reduction. As Dr Williams explained to us: “It essentially utilizes high-energy light to achieve long-term hair reduction. It works by progressively reducing the re-growth 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 to be expected, results do vary with each person.
