Hair removal can be a pain (often both literally and figuratively). Shaving is oftentimes a tedious and time-consuming task while waxing can be painful and expensive (and not to mention a bad idea if you also use a retinoid in your skincare routine). But if your seventh-grade self learned anything from those experiments with smelly depilatories, it’s that at-home hair removal products were seldom the solution. But there’s a new crop of hair removal options that are challenging that notion. Whether you’re looking to temporarily or permanently get rid of hair on your face or body, there’s a product (or two) out there you’re going to want to try. To find the best hair removal products on the market, we conducted hours of research and we tested some of our selections at home, evaluating each product based on how efficiently, quickly, and painlessly they could remove hair. We also checked for other benefits, such as whether they were exfoliating or moisturizing. Finally, after considering dozens of products, we landed on these high-quality picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best for Upper Lip: Best for Facial Hair: Bliss Poetic Waxing Straight-From-The-Spa Hair Removal Kit at Amazon ($16) Best Disposable Razor: Best Safety Razor: Oui The People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor at Sephora ($85) Best for Bikini Line: Best for Underarms: Best For Legs: In This Article Our Picks What To Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie What We Like Includes everything you need Easy to use Long battery life What We Don't Like Might irritate sensitive skin A multistep system, this esthetician-recommended package has everything you need to get rid of unwanted peach fuzz from start to finish. It allows you to prep your hair, remove it, and then soothe the area after the fact. First, use the included cleanser to prepare your skin for hair removal. This is formulated with salicylic acid and papaya enzymes to exfoliate the skin while willow bark and niacinamide soothe the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. The dermaplaning head can then be used in short feathery strokes to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz. Lastly, calm the skin with the Hydrating Moisturizer.The result? Smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin. This is suitable for anyone that wants to remove very fine, ‘peach fuzz’ hair on the face while also targeting aging signs. This can be used on all skin types but is not recommended for sensitive skin. What We Like Affordable Portable What We Don't Like May not be ideal for sensitive skin It’s cost-friendly to dermaplane at home. Sephora’s disposable razors allow you to exfoliate and remove excess hair on the face for smoother, younger-looking skin that’s also unobstructed for better product absorption. Each razor features an ergonomic design that’s easy to control and handle with a stainless steel head. As they are quite sharp, we’d suggest only using them if you’re confident in dermaplaning–testers say they can scratch if your technique isn’t on point. It kind of goes without saying, but they need to be kept well out of reach from children, too. These razors are suitable for anyone who wants to remove very fine hair on the face. They’re suitable for all skin types, apart from those with sensitivity or eczema. What We Like Affordable Portable Can be used daily What We Don't Like Battery life could be longer Hair removal isn’t the most glamorous concept, but this discreet white-and-rose-gold device makes the process a little bit chicer. If you've ever tried to remove fuzz from your upper lip area, you know just how painful it can be. But this new hair removal device is designed to gently remove facial hair without redness or irritation thanks to an 18-karat gold-plated tip and LED light—it’s even safe enough to use every day. We’ve been using one of these little gizmos for the past two years and it’s made our (very painful) monthly threading appointments a thing of the past. It’s totally painless and the results are very long-lasting. It was our best-kept secret, until now. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, this hair removal device is safe and suitable to be used by all skin types. It can be used all over the face – from the eyebrows, to the upper lips, face and chin. What We Like Safe for sensitive skin Includes everything you need Hardens fast What We Don't Like Takes a while to melt/warm up This wax infused with chamomile oil is soothing and safe to use on sensitive skin. The cute kit includes spatulas and a pre-and post-waxing oil. To use, first microwave the cup in 30-second intervals until its consistency is similar to that of thick honey. Make sure to stir the wax gently between each interval. After heating, use the spatula and check the temperature of the wax on the inside of your wrist. If all feels right, apply the wax against the direction of hair growth, let sit until it hardens, and go to town. The wax contains a host of soothing ingredients including purifying rosin that removes dead skin cells, cruelty-free beeswax and lanolin, paraffin wax (known for its low melting point), and soothing chamomile flower. Salon results from the comfort of your home? We’re in. The chamomile oil in this wax means that it’s gentle enough to be used on all skin types, including sensitive. It can be used anywhere on the body – from the eyebrows to the legs. What We Like Moisturizing Comfortable grip Affordable What We Don't Like Some may not like the weighted handle Is shaving your go-to way to remove pesky stubble? If so, we found your new favorite razor, courtesy of Gillette. Each razor has five blades, which are surrounded by a moisturizing lotion for extra hydration, and a microcomb that leaves the skin feeling super smooth. Also, its grip is comfortable and it glides easily, so you don't have to worry about nicking your skin from pressing too hard. One blade should last up to 30 days and each pack comes with two heads. A razor blade is one of the simplest forms of hair removal and is suitable for all. Use it to remove unwanted hair from the armpits, legs and bikini line. What We Like Safe for sensitive skin Prevents razor burn Provides a close shave What We Don't Like Can rust if left in the shower Before you decide that you're done with shaving, this weighted single blade straight razor, made in Germany from stainless steel, could be worth a try. A noted Byrdie team favorite, it provides a close shave without all of the hair-pulling and after-burn often associated with razors, even for those with thick, curly hair. It’s designed with the ritual of shaving in mind, so you're going to want to take your time with this weighty razor. (Your smooth skin will thank you for it). Each razor comes with 10 blades, too, so you’ll be set for quite a few months. As the razor’s name suggests, this is a great pick for those with sensitive skin but it can be used by all. It’s also ideal for those that suffer with strawberry skin after shaving as it can help to reduce bumps and irritation. What We Like Fast results 90-day money back guarantee Works anywhere under the neck What We Don't Like Takes multiple treatments to see results If you're looking for more of a permanent solution, this at-home hair removal device uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to zap away unwanted hair. It's not exactly the cheapest in the bunch, but with a 94% reduction of hair in three uses, it's worth every penny. Before getting started, use the skin tone tester to make sure it’s suitable for wider use and find the power level that’s right for you. (Rest assured, it’s clinically proven and FDA approved). If you're worried about giving up using retinoids on your skin, a more permanent method of hair removal means that it won't be an issue for you for too long. This device is for anyone that wants to permanently remove unwanted body hair. It can be used anywhere below the neck including the armpits, bikini line, legs, back, and chest. What We Like Portable Easy to use Prevents cuts What We Don't Like Works better on pre-shaved hair Whether you love being by the pool, beach, or just laying out in your backyard, this handy tool is your new best friend when it's time to start showing some more skin. The 90-degree angled head allows for total precision and maneuverability, making trimming your bikini line quick and easy. It follows the body’s natural curves and prevents any cuts along the way. The compact design is also travel-friendly, so you can conveniently pop it into your check-in bag on the way to a tropical location. It gets extra points for being battery-operated, so no extra wires or chargers are needed. This handy shaver is designed to trim and shape unwanted pubic hair safely and easily. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a more affordable and less painful alternative to a bikini wax. What We Like Safe for sensitive skin Mess-free What We Don't Like Strong smell Infused with natural coconut oil and vitamin E, this hair removal formula is designed for sensitive, hard-to-reach areas like your underarms. Plus, applying it is completely mess-free—just twist the dial to dispense the cream, smooth it onto your skin using the top of the applicator, leave it be for six minutes, rinse it off, and you'll be set with smooth underarms for up to six days. If you find daily shaving under your arms causes irritation, this is a great alternative. It won’t leave you with any bumpy bits either. What We Like Moisturizing Smells good Includes applicator What We Don't Like Long application time Unlike other hair growth inhibitors of the past, this one doesn’t smell like rotten eggs. (That statement, alone, deserves a standing ovation). With soothing superstars like vitamin E and aloe, the formula glides on easily and performs its disappearing act in five minutes. It penetrates the skin and eliminates the hair follicle as close to the root as possible, revealing super-sleek legs with no stubble in sight. You can even use it on short stubble which is ideal if you don’t like to grow out your leg hair. To apply, take the included spatula and spread an even layer of cream to coat every strand. After 5-10 minutes, remove the cream using the same spatula and rinse the skin with warm water. Voila, vacation-ready legs! Dermatologist tested, this formula is suitable for sensitive skin and safe for all, including pregnant women. It can also be used on stubble and longer body hair. What We Like Moisturizing Smells good Affordable What We Don't Like Must use consistently to see results This cruelty-free lotion wears many hats, so to speak. First of all, it reduces hair growth with two ingredients: cb tri-complex and cap slow. These are clinically proven to reduce hair growth by 55 percent, hair density by 50 percent, and hair length by 30 percent. But the benefits don’t stop there. With ingredients like shea butter and white willow bark, it hydrates and soothes the skin while enhancing cell turnover leaving you with super-smooth legs. Plus, it has a super refreshing scent, thanks to lemongrass and green tea extract. For best results, apply the cream twice a day. This cream is for anyone who loves the look and feel of super smooth, hair-free legs but doesn’t want to shave every day. It can also be used anywhere on the body. What We Like Long-lasting results Can be used wet or dry Includes different caps for different areas What We Don't Like Doesn't have the best battery life Wet or dry, this virtually painless epilator grabs onto even the shortest hairs that waxing and shaving miss. And the best part? It can remove hair four times shorter than is needed for waxing and, since it's basically a quicker version of tweezing, you don't have to pass on this new hair removal device if you also use a retinoid. It also comes with a number of attachments including a facial cap and a bikini trimmer so you can use it from head to toe, even in the bath or shower. Enjoy the results of a wax (up to four weeks of smooth, hairless skin) without all the fuss. With extra attachments for the face and bikini line along with the standard shaver and trimmer, this is for anyone that wants one gadget to do everything, hair-removal wise. Epilation is more painful than other options in this list but if you don’t mind that, this is an excellent multi-tasker. What We Like Affordable Moisturizing What We Don't Like Long application time You treat your hair, your face, and your eyes to a mask, but what about your legs? Hair removal has a bad reputation for being painful and uncomfortable, but this treatment uses clay and charcoal to not only exfoliate and moisturize the skin but effortlessly remove hair and stubble, too. Just smooth the cream onto the area you want to treat, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and wipe off. Soft, smooth skin is yours. This can be used on all skin types but a patch test is recommended before using on a large area like the legs. It’s also a good option for anyone who hates the discomfort associated with waxing and epilating as it’s pain free. What We Like Includes everything you need Safe for sensitive skin No muslin strips needed What We Don't Like Reviewers note it is painful to remove This kit has everything you need for a Brazilian wax in the comfort of your own home. This wax hardens—no need for muslin strips—and conveniently heats up right in your microwave. The system comes with the wax, two pre-wax treatments, two post-wax treatments, and 10 applicators. Basically, with this kit in your arsenal, you are your own wax technician. Users like how effective the product is at removing hair from such a sensitive area but a word of warning–it is painful. This is for anyone who loves the very thorough hair-removal results of a Brazilian wax but doesn’t want to commit to the salon price tag. If you do want to remove hair from all the areas involved in a classic Brazilian, however, you’ll probably use most of the wax in the container. What We Like Painless Doesn't need to be replaced Safe to use on all skin tones What We Don't Like Has to be plugged in to use Although many hair removal devices are called “lasers,” many don’t actually use them. Instead, they use Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology, which actually targets hair’s melanin to banish the follicle. Desired results usually occur after repeated treatment. Its biggest benefit: It’s completely painless. This system, in particular, has a lifetime’s worth of pulses—approximately 400,000—which means you never have to replace the cartridge, which makes the hefty price tag well worth it. When gently moved across the skin, galvanic energy is released to open the pores, allowing for more speedy removal. Unlike many other devices, this one is safe to use on all skin tones. The brand states on its website that it’s ideal for use with lighter skin tones (I to V on the Fitzpatrick Skin Tone Classification Scale) and brown-to-black hair. It may work on blonde, grey, or red hair if there is enough pigment. What We Like 10 minute treatments Painless FDA-approved What We Don't Like Might irritate sensitive skin Another (and more affordable) at-home IPL option is this pick from Nood. Each treatment only takes 10 minutes at a time, and you should expect results in less than 8 weeks. Another pro: it's been FDA-approved to be safe for the skin, so you don't have to worry about any damaging side effects. The LED display makes using it super easy and you can switch between modes to treat smaller and larger surface areas. Testers say, however, that it can be irritating on sensitive skin so we’d recommend a patch test before using on larger areas. This handy gadget is suitable for anyone that wants long-lasting hair removal without any associated pain. It may not be suitable for very sensitive and compromised skin. FAQ What product can remove hair permanently? IPL (intense pulsed light) technology can remove hair permanently. However, this process takes longer due to the hair’s growth cycle, which must be interrupted at every stage. This can take a few months, but some devices can remove 94% of hair with only three uses. Which product is best for pubic hair removal? A razor is a safe and practical choice for pubic hair removal in the sensitive genital area. Some waxes may be suitable for the pubic area but beware of very sensitive and thin skin in the genital area. Which hair removal method lasts the longest? IPL technology is the longest-lasting hair removal method that can be safely performed at home. For a less expensive and time-consuming option, you can try waxing or hair removal creams that last longer than shaving. The best epilators also typically create results that last longer than shaving. Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials. Syden Abrenica has worked as an editor for publications like Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, and Health. She's also been a copywriter for Macy's and American Express. Syden is an NYC-based writer with 5+ years of experience writing and editing for national magazines such as Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Health, All You, and Harper's Bazaar. She also creates content for large retail companies. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Montclair State University. According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough hair removal products from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-hair-removal-products-tout-8568197832864baaaafdb118ee405d57.jpg "These Are the Hair Removal Products We Use to Get Smooth Skin From Head to Toe (1)")
Who It’s For
Best Budget
Sephora Collection 4 Piece Facial Razor Set
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Who It’s For
Best for Upper Lip
Finishing Touch Flawless Hair Remover
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Who It’s For
Best for Facial Hair
Bliss Poetic Waxing Straight-From-The-Spa Hair Removal Kit
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Who It’s For
Best Disposable Razor
Gillette Venus Platinum Extra Smooth Razor
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Who It’s For
Best Safety Razor
Oui The People Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor
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Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Best for Bikini Line
Gillette Venus Bikini Trimmer
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Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Best For Legs
Veet Legs & Body Gel Cream Hair Remover
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Who It’s For
Best Lotion
Completely Bare Don't Grow THERE Hair Inhibitor
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Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Who It’s For
Best Long-Term Option
Silk'n Infinity Hair Removal Device
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Who It’s For
Best Long-Term Option, Runner-Up
nood The Flasher 2.0
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Who It’s For
What to Look For in Hair Removal Products
Why Trust Byrdie
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Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Town G, Botchkareva NV, Uzunbajakava NE, et al. Light-based home-use devices for hair removal: Why do they work and how effective they are?. Lasers Surg Med. 2019;51(6):481-490. doi:10.1002/lsm.23061
