Safely Removing Hair at Home: A Guide

Choosing to remove body hair is a personal decision. There's nothing wrong with keeping your hair right where it is. But, if you want to get rid of body hair, doing so professionally at a salon can come with a hefty price tag. The good news? There are plenty of affordable ways to safely and conveniently remove body hair at home. However, it's important to make sure you're removing hair safely. Whether you shave, wax, or use a depilatory cream or laser, there are certain precautions and best practices to remember. Here, experts explain the pros and cons of each at-home hair removal method and how to achieve optimal results safely.

If you want a quick, relatively easy, and accessible way to remove hair immediately, a temporary method is likely the route to choose. These options include shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams.

Shaving with a razor blade is one of the most common at-home hair removal methods, which cuts the hair from the skin's surface. 'By gliding the device gently and carefully along the skin, the razor makes close contact with the skin to cut unwanted hairs,' explains board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD. Shaving can be done with a manual or electric razor using a shaving gel, cream, or foam. 'It's beneficial to moisten the hair with warm water or use a shaving cream or gel to soften the hair and provide lubrication for the razor,' explains board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD.

While shaving is probably the easiest at-home hair removal method on this list, it only lasts for a short time since hair is cut at the surface. Fun fact: everyone's body hair grows at slightly different rates. Certain body areas also grow hair faster than others, but shaving typically lasts one to two days before hair regrowth is noticeable.

Preparing your skin properly before shaving for the best results is important. 'To minimize skin irritation, it is best to cleanse the skin with warm water and soap prior to shaving,' says Akhavan. 'Physically exfoliating with a scrub is also beneficial because it helps remove dead skin cells and allows a closer, smoother shave.'

It's also important to only shave each area once. 'The more pass overs your skin endures, the more likely you will experience some kind of irritation,' says Greenfield. Use a clean razor each time, and be sure to clean your razor after each use thoroughly. Shave in the direction your hair grows in rather than against it to avoid irritation. After shaving, Greenfield recommends using a moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier disrupted during the shaving process.

Akhavan recommends using shaving products that cater to your skin type. 'Try to stay away from shaving products with harsh ingredients such as alcohol and fragrances as these can cause irritation,' he says. 'When purchasing razors, the more blades, the better, as it will be easier to reach each hair.'

Unlike shaving, waxing removes the hair at the root. The wax is applied to the hair and adheres to it, then pulled off the skin, removing hair at the root. 'Waxing can last anywhere from four to six weeks depending on the frequency of regular waxing and hair growth cycle,' explains Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician and owner of Blue Water Spa. The more frequently you wax, the slower hair is to regrow. 'Over repeated waxing, you can expect waxing to last a little bit longer, from six to eight weeks,' says Lozina.

A few common types of at-home wax include:

Cold wax.  Cold wax is exactly what it sounds like — an at-home wax that doesn't require heating. An obvious pro of using cold wax is that there's no prep work involved, but Akhavan says this method is less effective on coarse or stubborn hair that's hard to remove. 'Make sure skin is clean and dry before applying the wax; always pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth,' says Akhavan.

Hot wax.  Hot wax is more effective for coarse and stubborn hair, costs less than other at-home wax options, and is easier to apply. On the downside, this wax requires heating equipment, has the added risks of burns or skin irritation, and can get messy. 'Always test the wax's temperature on a small area of your skin before applying,' says Akhavan. 'Pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth, and apply pressure to the skin immediately after removing the strip to alleviate pain.'

Wax strips. Wax strips are coated with wax on one side and come in premeasured strips for easier application. They're convenient, portable, ready to use, and great for small areas like an upper lip or eyebrow wax. However, they can be less effective in pulling out shorter hairs and can leave a residue behind. Akhavan recommends warming the strips slightly by rubbing them between your hands before applying them for the best results.

Depilatory creams use chemical ingredients to dissolve hair at the surface level, making it easier to remove. "When applied to the skin, depilatory creams can dissolve and weaken the hair to make it easily removable after you wash off the cream," says board-certified dermatologist Alberto de la Fuente Garcia. Unlike other at-home hair removal methods, depilatory creams only impact the hair at the surface level, but provide longer-lasting results compared to shaving. Depilatory creams need to be used with caution as they can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it's important to do a patch test to check for allergies and follow the instructions on the label carefully. For a more permanent hair removal option, epilation, laser hair removal or intense pulsed light hair removal are recommended.

Epilation involves removing hair from the root by using a device or a tweezer to pluck it out. This method can last up to four weeks longer than other methods, however, it can be more painful. Using a moisturizer can help soothe the skin and reduce irritation after epilating. Laser hair removal uses light energy to target hair pigment, destroying hair follicles and reducing hair growth. At-home laser hair removal devices come with risks such as burns, scars, and skin damage. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) has similar technology as laser hair removal but uses a broader spectrum of light. While laser hair removal is more targeted, IPL is less painful and has built-in cooling methods.

If you choose to use an at-home IPL device, it's important to follow product instructions carefully and choose the right device for your skin and hair type. Always shave the hair prior to using IPL and wear protective equipment to prevent any damage to your eyes.

Using appropriate safety techniques prior to removing hair at home is key for avoiding injury and irritation. Here are a few ways to minimize the potential risks.

Patch testing is recommended when trying new skincare products and is especially important when testing a new at-home hair removal method. Instead of applying or targeting the product on a large area, start small with an area of the body. Different at-home hair removal products may advise different lengths of time or testing methods for patch testing, so be sure to read the instructions before patch testing. If skin appears irritated, experts recommend discontinuing the use of the product. When selecting an area of the body to patch test, opt for a less sensitive area first. 'I recommend saving the bikini area after you've successfully tested your skin in other areas, as the skin in the bikini area can be sensitive,' says Lozina.

Depending on what at-home hair removal you use, treating the skin properly post-removal for best results is important. 'After shaving, use an after-shave balm or moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and calm irritation,' says de la Fuente Garcia. 'For depilatories, apply a soothing lotion with aloe vera or glycerin to reduce sensitivity. You can also wet a washcloth with cold water and press it on your skin to reduce inflammation.'

After waxing, laser hair removal, or IPL, it's important to keep skin dry for at least 24 hours and avoid workouts that would make the area sweat. 'Once the skin has had time to heal, apply a moisturizer or oil to protect the skin and keep it hydrated,' says de la Fuente Garcia. Since many at-home hair removal methods disrupt the skin's barrier, applying sunscreen to protect these areas is key.

There's no shortage of at-home hair removal options available for every need and preference — but finding the right one for your skin may take some trial and error. No matter the method, always read and follow instructions for safe, effective results. Akhavan suggests consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional who can provide more personalized recommendations based on your skin type and sensitivities before starting a new at-home hair removal treatment.