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For some, angel-soft, fuzz-free skin is the ultimate beauty quest. I’ll never forget the moment I first shaved my legs and Nair'd my moustache for the very first time — let's just say it was ... slightly traumatic. These days, there are many more ways to get your skin as smooth as a baby seal's. Of course, you can always have peach fuzz professionally waxed off or, for a more permanent solution, head to a derm's office for laser hair removal. Then again, what's more fun than enduring the pain of removing your body hair in the comfort of your own home?!
There are plenty more at-home, body hair removal options that do a better job than painful, old-school epilators of the past or the aforementioned Nair. (Though the old classic is still a go-to for many!) We have sugar waxing, IPL (intense pulsed light) and — quite simply — better quality razors. Still, the question persists: Is at-home hair removal the way to go?
The risks of at-home body hair removal
"Some forms of at-home hair removal can be done safely, but it really depends on the method," explains Kathleen Hamilton, certified esthetician, Regional Trainer and Education Director at Woodhouse Spas. "Shaving, depilatory creams and at-home IPL devices are accessible options if done with care." When it comes to risks, all types of hair removal methods have the potential of resulting in redness, irritation, ingrown hairs, burns or allergic reactions. "Those with sensitive skin, eczema or certain skin conditions should take extra care or check with a pro first," adds Shay Sadrolashrafi an esthetician and co-founder Dovian Haus in Irvine, Calif.
According to our experts, at-home waxing, especially in the bikini or Brazilian areas, is generally not recommended. Though if you do decide on a DIY wax, Sadrolashrafi says to follow directions closely, take your time and start with a small area. “Watching tutorials and using the right products (especially wax) makes a big difference,” she says.
The best, most affordable at-home body hair removal methods
Ready to get rid of that 'stache or armpit hair without taking a trip to your nearest salon or med spa? Sadrolashrafi has one last tip: "Take it slow, always do a patch test and follow the instructions closely. Practice on small areas before going big to avoid irritation or mistakes." Now that's covered, keep reading to shop our favorite picks for each kind of at-home body hair removal.
Razors
Let’s talk about razors. They’re one of the oldest, most tried-and-true (and relatively painless!) ways to remove hair, but for good reason. If you’re someone who likes smooth skin on demand, razors are your best friend. Unlike waxing appointments or laser devices that can take time and money to commit to, shaving is quick, affordable and accessible. You also don't need a lot of prep or equipment — just the razor, some shaving cream or body wash (or hair conditioner if you don't have either) and a few minutes in the shower, and you're good to go.
One of the biggest, most sellable perks of shaving is convenience. You can grab your razor and be fuzz-free in minutes. There's no waiting around for hair to grow long enough to wax. Plus, it usually gives your skin a light exfoliation (see: dermaplaning). The results are, of course, not permanent, but that is a plus if you decide if you want to switch up your routine and grow out your nether regions. At the end of the day, razors are all about simplicity and straightforwardness.
If you like to keep things simple, shaving is most likely your hair removal love language and Billie keeps it cute and painless. Made with high quality, stainless steel blades, this stylish razor set gives an exceptionally close, smooth shave. It's available in an array of different colors, and comes with five replaceable blades. Most importantly, the ergonomic handle is easy to grip, while the head pivots exactly where you’ll need it, including all those hard-to-reach curves and crevices. Plus, I love how you can just stick the magnetic holder in your shower and have instantly have a tidy, rust-free setup. So much better than the razor situations I've had in the past.
It also has built-in soap to help the blade glide. Though, a good shaving cream can't be beat, and the brand's Whipped Shave Cream is a must for its soft, fluffy texture and nourishing coconut, shea butter and aloe formula. (I have sensitive legs post-shave and this cream has helped keep irritation at bay in the past few months I've been using it.)
I personally have been using a Billie razor for years, but you can also take the word of this five-star Amazon review: "I have coarse dark hair on my legs and these razors cut through seamlessly. They're sharp and they have the bonus moisture added to the blade. I never have any razor burn or get ingrown [hairs] with this razor!"
Creams
While razors are about speed, hair removal creams are more about ease. These little tubes and tubs do all the hard work for you, no blades or risks of nicks, just slather on the cream, wait a few minutes, and you have smooth skin. They're a great option for anyone who gets irritation bumps or breakouts from shaving, or who finds waxing too harsh. Depilatory creams offer a gentler alternative.
Hair removal creams typically contain thioglycolic acid, mixed with calcium, sodium or potassium hydroxide, which breaks down the protein structure of the hair right just below the skin's surface (but not at the root). So, the results can last a bit longer than shaving. Application is also pretty straightforward. You just smooth on an even layer, wait a few minutes (follow the instructions), and wipe away. It's an oddly satisfying experience seeing the cream lift away hair, leaving behind skin that feels soft and silky.
Veet is a proven legacy brand — they've been around for literally one hundred years, and smoothness seekers swear by the product to this very day. This gel cream contains a dermatologist-tested formula that cushions the skin with aloe and vitamin E, so your skin gets nourished at the same time. If you're okay with fragrance, this contains a light floral scent.
To use it, you slather it on evenly, wait five to 10 minutes, then remove it with the included spatula and simply wipe it off. While this version uses 35 percent fewer chemical ingredients than its original formulation and is marketed as sensitive skin-friendly, it still does contain chemicals, so it's always important to read the instructions and perform a patch test.
One five-star Target reviewer with sensitive skin has a great tip: "I always apply in a thick layer to freshly exfoliated skin, leave on for max time, then rinse off using a wet washcloth. You have to use a little bit of a scrubbing motion to get the hairs to come off. Then, I use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and it will get any remaining hairs that are trying to hang on. I’ve done this for years, and it’s the only thing that works for me! Shaving leaves my legs red and itchy, no matter what method or products I've tried. Veet is the only thing I use."
Waxing
Unlike shaving, which delivers instant results but short-lived smoothness or creams that dissolve the hair right beneath the surface, waxing pulls hair from the root. The result is unmatched — skin that stays soft for weeks. At-home waxing options have come a long way, giving you plenty of ways to find the method that fits your comfort level and routine. Soft wax is paired with fabric strips and is good for covering larger areas like legs and arms; however, it adheres to the skin, which can sometimes be painful. Hard wax is warmed up, typically in its own heating device, then applied thickly, allowed to set, and pulled off without strips.
There's also sugar waxing, a good beginner-friendly option that uses a paste made with natural ingredients like sugar, lemon, water and honey. Because it only sticks to the hair, not the skin, many find it feels less intense than traditional wax. Whichever type you choose, with consistency, you may find your hair growing back softer and finer with waxing. A total plus.
While the experts I spoke with (who are professional waxers) aren't fans of at-home waxing, it can be a much more affordable and convenient option for getting rid of unwanted hair. Just make sure you follow instructions closely and carefully.
These strips are beginner-friendly and make the whole waxing experience way less intimidating. They're pre-loaded with the wax, so you don’t have to deal with heating, dripping or any messy cleanup — just pull them apart, press on in the direction of hair growth and finish with a confident yank.
One helpful tip from regular users is to rub the strips in well enough to cover all the hair you want off. Then, make sure the skin is taut and pull the strip off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This kit also comes with its own post-wax care: a small cloth soaked with antioxidant-rich sweet almond oil to cleanse off the wax and calm your skin.
Wrote one five-star reviewer on Amazon: "I didn't have the time or energy to visit my esthetician and these were the perfect solution. Easy, mess-free way to wax your legs or arms on your own! My legs and arms stay smooth year-round with minimal fuss."
Soft wax is less messy and easier to work with than hard wax, but if you don't mind that route, check out the adorable named Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit. At $35, it's affordable, and it's easy to use since you simply heat up the wax in the microwave.
If you've got coarser hair to tackle, like your underarms or bikini area, this kit is the way to go. The thick, goopy wax is made with just three ingredients: sugar, organic citric acid and water. No heating required — simply scoop out the "Doh", then apply it with your fingers, cloth strips or the included reusable applicator, pressing it firmly into the skin. In one swift motion, flick it off in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove the fuzz. Any residue rinses away easily with plain water.
You may need a second pass at the hair spot, but because this paste is so it's so thick and malleable, you can just knead it a bit and reuse it — so you get a lot of bang for your buck with each tub. This formula requires a bit of a learning curve, but fans of the product say that once you have it down, it's amazing.
"I love everything about this product! The detailed, easy-to-follow guide, the adorable design, and the simple yet super effective sugar dough — it's all so well done. I initially thought the amount seemed a bit small compared to other products, but it's actually really easy to control how much you use. I ended up using just the right amount each time and saving more than I expected," wrote a five-star Amazon shopper.
Electric shavers
Electric razors are the unsung heroes of hair removal. They're created with comfort, convenience and minimal fuss in mind. They’re especially great for anyone with sensitive skin, since the blades never make direct contact with your skin.
One of the biggest benefits is that they are practically irritation-proof. Because the cutting elements sit behind a protective foil or rotary system, there's less risk of cuts, bumps or razor burn that you might get with a traditional blade. Plus, they're fast. No shaving cream, no water and no prep needed — you can literally shave dry in front of your bathroom mirror (though many models are waterproof).
This compact, affordably priced trimmer is easy to maneuver and works wet or dry, so you can tidy in the shower or as a last-minute touch-up. It's built with a dual clipper blade with rounded edges that help make shaving around curves relatively easily. Plus, if you've got a larger area to shave, like your legs, the ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold. It also comes with two easy-to-switch blades: one wide-tooth for trimming longer and thicker hair and a precision blade for short and fine strands.
This one is battery-operated, but fans of it say it's surprisingly long-lasting. Still, if you prefer a rechargeable product, there are plenty of options out there at a slightly higher cost. This Panasonic Electric Bikini Trimmer is a good option, as it has plenty of the same features (ergonomic design, waterproof, ultra-sharp blades) but with a convenient charging stand.
"This shaver always comes in handy and is excellent for everyday use," wrote one five-star Amazon reviewer. "It gives a close, clean shave without pulling or irritating my skin. The battery life is impressive and charges quickly. I also like that it's lightweight and easy to maneuver around my face and neck. Cleaning it is super simple — just rinse it under water!"
Epilators
Epilators occupy a sweet spot that lies between shaving and waxing. You get long-lasting smoothness without the mess of wax or the constant need to shave. The difference between using one of these handheld devices and an electric razor is that they work quickly, plucking hairs from the root (kind of like having dozens of tiny tweezers working at once). It can sound a bit scary but it's a sensation users say is bearable and that you get used to quickly. The payoff: weeks of stubble-free skin with just one session.
They’re also highly efficient: no strips, sticky formulas or much prep beyond ensuring you have clean, dry skin. Just switch it on, glide it over the area and let the device do the work. There is definitely the potential for pain, especially with thicker, coarser hair or sensitive skin. Like waxing, however, the more you do it, the more tolerable it becomes. Lastly, regular epilating weakens the follicles, which means hair often grows back finer, lighter and less noticeable.
Some might say epilators are outdated, but judging by the 13,000-plus 5-star reviews this Braun Epilator has on Amazon, this method is clearly still going strong. The device boasts a 20-tweezer system that quickly plucks away unwanted hairs while a SmartLight feature ensures that fine hairs get picked up, too. Massage rollers are built in to help make the whole experience less painful.
Another fantastic feature is that it's actually a 2-in-1 device. Since it comes with a shaver and trimmer heads, you can put the epilating thing on pause. So, if you'd rather leave more sensitive areas up to shaving, you're covered.
One devoted Amazon user gave some very helpful advice: "I love this epilator so much. As someone who has waxed their legs over five times, I found it to be a little less painful than waxing. It just slightly hurts/feels uncomfortable for the first second or so, but your body gets used to the sensation after a while. It works pretty well; you just have to do several passes in the same area to get everything. Now, the armpits on the other hand, hurt way more than when I did my legs (which makes sense). Some recommendations before epilating: exfoliate, shower, then epilate."
IPL
Think of IPL as the "investment piece" of hair removal. It's not the grab-and-go solution like razors, but if you're looking for long-term smoothness, it is definitely worth the commitment. IPL uses pulses of light to target the pigment in the hair follicle, gradually reducing regrowth over time. You just have to be consistent: The more you use it, the less you'll need to reach for other methods.
Modern at-home IPL devices are designed to be user-friendly, with safety sensors and adjustable settings to suit different skin tones and comfort levels. As for the process itself, it feels like a quick "snap" of light. It's not painful, but a tiny zap that you'll quickly get used to.
Once you've gone through the initial treatment phase (usually a few weeks of regular use), you can enjoy smoother skin for much longer stretches. If you get tired of constant upkeep, this is a game-changer.
This bad boy is the most serious (and priciest) option for at-home hair removal. However, if permanent hair removal is the goal, you will save hundreds of dollars compared to in-office treatments. IPL devices visibly slow regrowth with consistent sessions, and the Braun Smart IPL Silk Expert Pro 5 is popular for a few reasons.
It automatically adjusts the light level to suit your skin tone as you go, and is quick on larger areas like legs, with different heads to swap for the face or bikini. Keep in mind that it works best for darker hair on lighter to medium skin tones, and will not be effective on red, light blonde, gray or white hair. Again, this will not be as instant as other hair removal methods but if you're consistent and devoted, you'll be able to say buh-bye to that body hair!
According to one impressive five-star Amazon fan: "I've had this for half a year now, and I am still in shock about how effective it is. It worked!! My hair growth noticeably slowed down after the first couple of treatments. ... I've been able to get rid of armpit hair completely, got rid of about 98% of my leg hair and about 90% of hair *down there.* I have ZERO ingrown hair now, and my skin is smooth like silk."
Shaving creams
Sure, you can technically shave with just water and a razor, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you want a smoother, softer and way more skin-pampering experience, you should keep a bottle of good shaving cream (or oil) on hand. It’s not just about creating that fun, fluffy lather — it's about giving your skin the hydration and protection it needs for a close, comfortable shave.
The cream acts like a cushion, forming a barrier between your razor and skin, helping the blades glide without tugging. That means fewer nicks, less irritation and a reduced chance of razor burn or horrible ingrown hairs. Plus, many formulas are packed with ingredients that moisturize and soothe your skin, like shea butter, aloe and other botanical oils.
This rich, non-foaming shaving cream blankets skin in plush creamy richness so blades glide smoothly. Hydration is the keyword here: It's made with a ton of luscious butters, like shea, cocoa and argan, which all soothe and nourish the skin. The texture is also key, as it's thick enough to shield the skin while being silky enough to spread easily, so you get a closer, more even result. (If you're curious about shaving oil, try the brand's sister option, Eos Cashmere Shave Oil, which has the same moisturizing butters but in a silky, skin-gliding oil form. Both come in a lovely Vanilla Cashmere scent (alongside other fragrance options, like Pink Champagne).
And don't forget aftercare
A good shave or wax doesn't end when you put down the razor or throw away the strips. You can't let your skin go freely into the night without some good ol' aftercare. The first step is bringing hydration back into your shocked, now-hairless skin, so you'll want to reach for soothing lotion, serums or body oils afterward to lock in moisture and calm down redness. Look for ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid or shea butter to help your skin replenish what it might have lost during the process.
Another thing to think about is protection. SPF is always important, but skin is especially vulnerable after hair removal. A proper sunscreen, like CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (which has hyaluronic acid and ceramides), will protect while preventing irritation.
This chic-looking bottle has become a cult-favorite for tackling one of the most annoying parts of hair removal: pesky ingrown hairs. It doesn’t matter if you shave, wax or epilate, this formula will step into hero mode to banish those bad guys. With hydrating coconut and tamanu oils, healing tea tree oil and soothing chamomile, your skin will be comforted. If you use it daily, it also helps prevent future ingrown attacks. And in case you do get an ingrown hair, the little exfoliating mitt is the perfect sidekick, gently coaxing them out with light buffing.
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