Hair removal methods explained: find the right option for you

No single body hair removal method fits everyone, and how you deal with it (if you want to remove it at all) is ultimately a personal choice that depends on your lifestyle, personal choices, and skin sensitivity. That said, you do have quite a few choices to choose from.

Shaving for quick, everyday smoothness

Though it does require consistent upkeep, routine shaving with a razor is easily one of the most convenient, affordable, and fastest ways to tackle body hair. With this hair removal option, the key is choosing products that minimize irritation, including uncomfortable razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Razors. Step number one is choosing the right razor for you. A favorite option is a multi-blade razor—sometimes with a built-in moisture bar—that has a disposable head you swap out every five to 10 shaves. For those who prefer a classic approach, a safety razor offers a close, precise shave. You can use either anywhere on your body, from tiny toe hairs to your underarms, legs, and even face.

Precision trimmers. This grooming tool is powered by electricity or a battery and is ideal for delicate spots or smaller areas of your body. This includes your upper lip, bikini line, eyebrow shaping, and other areas where precision is paramount. They typically have hypoallergenic blades that minimize irritation and cuts and are used without a shaving cream.

Shaving creams & gels. Whether using a multi-blade or disposable razor, shaving cream and gels are heroes that notably cut back on post-shaving bumps, irritations, and cuts. They help the blades glide across your skin, and work a double shift by moisturizing and nourishing skin at the same time.

After-shave balms. Post-shaving care is a key part of the process. Shaving is essentially a form of exfoliation, and following up with an after-shave balm, lotion, or body oil can help soothe skin and prevent razor burn.

Dermaplaning for smoother skin

Social media has catapulted this hair removal option into fame. This painless hair removal method involves using a special single blade on a long handle to remove fine hair (AKA peach fuzz) from your face. Along with creating a super smooth feel, one of the most notable dermaplaning benefits is that it creates a smoother canvas for your skincare and makeup products.

Dermaplaning razors. These are single-use razors suitable for at-home use. You hold them at an angle and slowly, gently shave off fine facial hair. It's recommended to toss them out after one use to avoid any risk of bacterial infections and since the blade isn't as sharp.

Hydrating serums. Dermaplaning is considered a form of exfoliation, which means you're sloughing off dead cells from the skin's surface. Following up with gentle, nourishing, hydrating serums helps replenish any lost moisture and soothes skin.

Soothing creams. If there's ever a time to jump on the skin-layering trend, it's with dermaplaning. After hydrating with a facial serum, follow up with a soothing moisturizer or cream. A product without any aggressive actives (such as AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids) is ideal in order to curb potential irritation.

Epilators for at-home precision

Shaving works by trimming hair right where it meets the skin, so hair comes back within 24 to 48 hours. Epilator hair removal goes one step further by removing hair from the root, giving you two to four weeks of smoothness. It's definitely a more painful approach, but the results last longer.

Cordless or corded epilators. Epilators work by pulling hairs out as you roll the device over your hairs. While holding skin taut, you place the epilator at a 90-degree angle and then slowly move it in the opposite direction of hair growth. They have multiple speed settings to adjust depending on the hair thickness and your comfort.

Attachments. Many epilators come with interchangeable caps (also referred to as heads) that you can swap in and out to target different areas. For example, you may use a larger head size for your legs, and a precision attachment for the bikini line.

Aftercare. Following up with a soothing cream or gel after using an epilator can help curb irritation. Ingrown hairs are more likely to occur when hair's removed from the root, but using an exfoliating pad or serum can help.

At-home laser and IPL devices

Long-term, smooth, hair-free skin is absolutely achievable—with the right approach. Both laser hair removal and IPL hair removal devices work by damaging the hair follicle over time. After a series of treatments, the follicles are not able to produce hair. One thing to keep in mind is that results can vary, with some people requiring more sessions to see and maintain results. These treatments are available professionally, and some devices are available for at-home use.

Handheld laser devices. Yep, you can do laser hair removal at home with FDA-cleared devices. These high-tech tools use a concentrated wavelength of light to deeply target hair follicles, and require multiple passes over weeks and months to experience results.

IPL devices. Also known as "Intense Pulsed Light," IPL hair removal devices use what's called “scattered" light to damage hair follicles, making it a good choice for larger areas of removal. You can also find FDA-cleared devices for at-home use; many can adapt to different skin tones and hair colors.

Temporary vs. permanent solutions

All the above hair removal options either come with short-term results or longer-term reduction. Shaving and dermaplaning have the shortest grow-back time and often require shaving several times a week to maintain smoothness. Lasers and IPL devices are tech-savvy hair removal treatments that offer a long-lasting reduction of hair, but they do require a higher up-front cost.

Which one is right for you?

Figuring out the best hair removal method is a personal choice and can change depending on the season, too. It's a combination of skin type, comfort level, budget, and desired result.

Skin sensitivity and comfort. Pain tolerance is one of the first things to consider before deciding on a hair removal method. Shaving arguably is the least painful, though it can cause razor burn and irritation if the blades are dull, not used properly, or with poor post-care. Epilators pull at the hair, as does waxing, which is temporarily painful. Post-care is also important, and ingrown hairs can be a recurring issue. Laser and IPL devices can be uncomfortable during the treatment sessions.

Hair and skin type. Your hair texture, growth pattern, and skin tone can all factor into which hair removal methods you choose to explore. Coarser hair may respond differently to techniques like shaving or epilating than finer hair. Devices such as lasers and IPL use light that interacts with pigment in the hair, so contrast between hair color and skin tone can influence how the technology functions. It’s important to review device guidelines and specifications to determine what may be suitable for your individual hair and skin characteristics.

Maintenance, time, and budget. Of course, factoring in your own preference for upkeep is a must. Shaving may be the most convenient and easiest option, but if your hair grows really fast and it's hard to keep up then you may prefer an option with longer-lasting results. Your budget factors in, too. Though the cost of razors can stack up over time, lasers and IPL come with a bigger price tag upfront.

Ultimately, figuring out the best hair removal method for you means striking the perfect balance between upkeep, pain tolerance, hair type, and skin type. You can always try some of the low-key options up front—like shaving or epilating—then decide from there whether that works or if it's worth going for a more permanent removal method.