9 Methods For Best Hair Removal For Women

Hair removal is a common part of many women’s grooming routines. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the best method for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a temporary fix or a more permanent solution, understanding the pros and cons of each technique can help you make an informed decision. This guide will explore nine popular hair removal methods, providing insights into their effectiveness, cost, and potential side effects, so you can choose the best option for your lifestyle and preferences.

1. Sugaring

Sugaring’s resurgence is due to its long-term effects and sustainability. The method, consisting of lemon juice, sugar, and water mixed into a paste, has been used since the Egyptians’ time.

Where does it work best?

Sugaring is a versatile hair removal method that can be used from brows to toes, suitable for all skin tones and types. It’s gentle and can reduce regrowth.

How do you use it?

Are you looking for a local hair removal specialist? Or do you want to try an at-home sugar wax? For DIY sugar wax, you’ll need 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 it will be for your first time,” shares Tanja. And, like all methods that extract hair from the root, it is essential 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 excellent 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 reduces hair.” Sugaring can be like giving your skin a facial, so wait up to 24 hours after treatment to carry out strenuous exercise or step out in the sun.

2. Bleach

Bleaching hair can be messy and time-consuming, so be prepared to set aside time and protect your belongings for the best results.

Where does it work best?

You can use Jolen almost anywhere, but it’s particularly effective for the face, for example, sideburns and upper lips. It can also lighten arm hair and eyebrows, but be cautious around the eye area. Avoid using bleach near the bikini line, broken skin, and blemishes.

How do you use it?

When using a hair bleaching kit, be sure to follow the specific instructions included. To activate the formula:

• Mix a cream with a powder.
• Apply the bleach by brushing the hair upwards, ensuring every strand of hair is covered from root to tip.
• For the best results, do not leave it on the skin for more than 10 minutes. If the desired lighting level is not achieved, wait 24 hours before trying again.

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 open and become more susceptible to sensitivity. Apply to clean yet-to-be-moisturized skin.

How long will it last?

As Hudson explained, the effects can last for around a fortnight, but this can depend on your hair’s “growth cycle and how quickly it grows.”

3. Depilatory Cream 

Depilatory creams are best used in the bathroom due to the mess. They are a cost-effective hair removal method suitable for beginners. Reading the label is crucial.

Where does it work best?

Depilatory creams are hands down the least painful hair removal option. Unlike shaving, there’s no risk of actual bloodshed. These creams effectively remove hair in large and hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for first-time hair removal.

How do you use it?

Apply the formula to the area where you want to remove hair, covering every strand. Look to the recommended time on the packet for how long it should be left on. Formulas are thick and stay in place well, so you can get on with other things while you wait. When time is up, take the plastic instrument and scrape the hair off, or step into the shower and wash it away.

How can you prep beforehand?

A patch test before use is all that is necessary to ensure that you are not allergic to the formula.

Depilatory creams remove hair just below the skin’s surface, so regrowth can be expected in two to three days. While this method quickly achieves smooth skin, the effects are less long-lasting than those of other methods.

4. Maintain

Where does it work best?

To maintain natural body hair:

• Use products that keep it in optimum condition.
• If you have armpit hair, use spray deodorant.
• For longer hair, use lightweight moisturizers.

How can you prep beforehand?

If you want to trim, you will find it easier when your hair is wet and more malleable.

What are the benefits of using?

While a whole 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 who use oils or potions will agree, applying these products can become a luxurious self-care ritual that can help you embrace and enjoy a fuzz-filled life.

5. Epilate

Using an epilator may be painful initially, but the more you use it, the less it hurts. The long-term effects make the temporary discomfort worth it.

Where does it work best?

Epilation involves plucking individual hairs from the root with tweezers, which can be painful. Over time, regrowth decreases, and hair becomes thinner, reducing the discomfort. Consider epilating less sensitive areas like the legs.

How do you use it?

You can use epilators on dry or wet skin. It’s recommended to start with a tool that can be used in the shower, as warm water helps loosen hair follicles, making hair removal easier. For less pain, start with areas like the calves and avoid sensitive areas like ankles until you are used to the sensation.

How can you prep beforehand?

To get the best results with epilation:

• Exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs.
• Before dry epilating, brush your legs with a towel to lift the hair at the root.
• Make sure the hair is at least 0.5mm long before epilating.

How long will it last?

Epilation removes hair from the root, so stubble days are a thing of the past. The effects can last up to four weeks, making it a fuss-free method.

6. Shave

Shaving is a popular, cheap, easy, and quick hair removal method. Just be careful with 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 moisturizer 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, you must move the razor in more directions to meet the differing directions in which hair grows. Pull the skin tight when shaving intimate areas for a cleaner and more manageable regrowth.

How do you use it?

There’s more to shaving than simply running a razor over the skin. For the best results, Adam Boulding, a Venus expert, recommends the following: shave with a fresh blade (dispose after ten uses) against the direction of hair growth and pull taut in areas where the skin is less firm; use a light touch (use a gliding motion over skin as opposed to pushing down); soak the 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 softened in a warm bath for only two to three minutes. Unlike other hair removal methods, shaving does not factor in hair length, so you can do it as frequently or infrequently as you wish.

How long will it last?

Shaving results vary based on individual skin patterns. Wet shaving typically lasts one to three days, while dry shaving lasts only about 24 hours.

7. Tweeze

Remember, less is more when using a tweezer for your brows or flyaways. Before you tweeze, take a moment to consider the bigger picture.

Where does it work best?

Tweezing is great for eyebrows and stray hairs but not ideal for large areas like legs or underarms. However, it can help remove stubborn strands after waxing or shaving. Remember, less is more when using a tweezer for your brows or flyaways. Before you tweeze, take a moment to consider the bigger picture.

How do you use it?

Always tweeze toward 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 the skin once you’ve finished to help reduce redness. Close pores and keep out infections. It’s also worth considering the type of hair you hope 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 fingertips.

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 much longer.

8. Wax

Waxing, like epilating, comes with a severe ouch reputation, but it’s temporary, and the long-lasting effects are just one of the reasons why this method has become a firm favorite.

Where does it work best?

If you’re considering getting a bikini wax, it’s a good idea to start by waxing your legs first. This will help you understand the process and make you more comfortable when waxing more sensitive areas. Remember that sensitive areas may be more painful to wax, so be prepared if you have a low pain threshold.

How do you use it?

An expert best does waxing. “Many 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.

How can you prep beforehand?

If you’re considering getting a bikini wax, starting by waxing your legs first is a good idea. This will help you understand the process and make you more comfortable waxing sensitive areas. Remember that sensitive areas may be more painful to wax, so be prepared if you have a low pain threshold.

How long will it last?

Waxing typically lasts four to six weeks. Aim to get eyebrows waxed once a month. The more you wax, the longer the results last. After waxing, avoid exercising, sun exposure, or applying products to the skin for 24 hours.

9. IPL

IPL is not for immediate hair removal, but it’s great for long-term results.

Where does it work best?

IPL, or Intense Pulse Light, can be used below the eyes on any body part. At-home devices have attachments for different body areas. Consider your skin tone and hair color before buying an IPL device, as it only works on specific hair and skin types. IPL targets hair melanin, so it’s not practical for light-blonde, white, grey, and red hair. It’s also not suitable for women with naturally dark skin tones. Be cautious of products claiming to treat red and very light blonde hair, and do plenty of research before buying.

How do you use it?

There’s no need for goggles or messy gels or creams here. Place the machine in the target area and let the lights do their thing.

How can you prep beforehand?

Before using IPL, the targeted area should be hair-free. Dr. Williams recommends shaving because there needs to be a hair bulb in the follicle that can absorb the light from the device.

How long will it last?

IPL uses high-energy light to achieve long-term hair reduction by heating the hair root and putting the hair into a resting phase. You treat the desired area every two weeks for eight weeks to reduce hair growth by up to 92%. Then, you treat every six to eight weeks to maintain the results. Results may vary.