Say goodbye to shaving (if you want)! Today, there are loads of inexpensive, at-home options for removing the fuzz. (Getty Images)
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?
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
