Pros: Doesn’t hurt. Easy to use. Cons: Requires frequent use (hair grows back at normal speed). Can smell bad. Notes: For best results, apply after bathing when hair is softest. Don’t use products labeled for body use on the face — these can be made from harsher chemicals. [2] X Research source See our depilatory article for more information.
Pros: Doesn’t hurt when used correctly. No soreness afterward from lotion, aftershave, etc. Cons: Time-consuming. Notes: This product will also abrade the skin, leaving it looking ashen or “ashy. " You may want to apply lotion afterwards to re-moisturize. Wash and dry pads after use.
Pros: Healthier for skin than waxing. Good choice for sensitive skin. Lasts for several weeks. Cons: Can hurt. Most useful only on flat surfaces (not joints). Can’t be done at home. Notes: Take the time to find a threader with good reviews. An expert threader can make the process much less painful.
Pros: Precise — allows you to remove exactly which hairs you want, one at a time. Cons: Painful. Time-consuming except when plucking just a few hairs. Can cause mild irritation in some individuals. Notes: Wash tweezers before and after use. See How to Avoid Bumps When Plucking Hair for a guide to minimizing skin irritation during a tweezing session.
Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Cons: Painful, though this reduces after the first waxing. Difficult to do at home; professionals can be somewhat expensive. Notes: If waxing yourself, always apply wax in the direction of hair growth and pull in the direction opposite the hair growth. Follow all directions on the wax packaging, especially when it comes to heating the wax. Make sure that you don’t wax skin with any sores, pimples, or other infections. Unfortunately, waxing only spreads the bacteria further around. [10] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Smaller risk of allergies/irritation. Can be made at home (cautiously). Cons: Similar pain level to waxing, though this reduces after the first sugaring. Difficult to do at home; professionals can be somewhat expensive. Notes: See our sugaring article for an at-home recipe and directions for use.
Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Quicker than tweezing manually. Gentler on the skin for some. Cons: Some pain, though this reduces after the first use. Requires minor cleaning/maintenance. Notes: If you can, get a waterproof epilator and remove hairs in the shower when they’re softest and easiest to pull out.
Pros: Quick, relatively painless. Widely available due to popularity. Cons: Causes pain and redness similar to that of a sunburn for several days. Blisters, temporary discoloration, and other, more painful side effects are possible but rare. [15] X Research source Notes: Treated hair falls out over about a month, not immediately. Sunscreen usually recommended to protect the treated area. Cost: Varies; about $235 per session. [16] X Research source
Pros: Generally very minor discomfort. Short appointments, only a few sessions usually needed. Cons: Can cause temporary pain and redness. Notes: Be sure to choose an accredited, certified electrolysis expert. Poor technique can cause additional pain. [18] X Research source Cost: Varies; about $25-$150 per hour.
For this reason, it’s crucial to discuss these procedures with your doctor before agreeing to undergo them. Only your doctor can tell you for sure which treatments (if any) are safe and appropriate for you.
