Hair removal: your every option, explained by the experts
It goes without saying that hair removal is an entirely personal choice: some of us religiously grab a razor before jumping into the shower, while others prefer to prune and preen particular areas, and many opt out altogether.
But if you are someone who prefers to de-fuzz parts of your body, it’s understandable if the options open to you are leaving you a little perplexed. What’s the difference between laser hair removal and IPL? Do those expensive at-home devices really work? And, crucially, what’s the pain factor you’re in store for?
Of course, many of us are used to relying on the salon when it comes to hair removal. And while some options are still only available via a professional, such as laser hair removal, the at-home hair removal options have come on leaps and bounds in recent years.
Whether you’re wondering exactly how epilating works, or want to know if IPL is a treatment that’s right for you, we’ve done all the homework to ensure we can answer every question. Here, see the Bazaar guide to hair removal, including the skin types each method suits, the permanence of the results, and, crucially, exactly how to use each one. Now all that’s left to do is manifest a long, hot summer…
The Bazaar guide to hair removal
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is an in-clinic option relied on by many people seeking a long-lasting hair-removal solution. It works by emitting light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, where it is converted to heat. This damages the bulb, inhibiting – or in some cases, altogether stopping – the growth of new hair from that follicle.
Laser hair removal is considered a semi-permanent hair-removal method, and results can last anywhere from eight weeks to several years, with factors such as skin type and hormones playing a role. Most patients require between two and eight treatments for best results, and you can expect to start seeing a difference after your first session.
IPL
Also working by killing the hair follicle, IPL, or 'intense pulsed light' is the most permanent way to remove unwanted hair at home. It works in a similar way to laser hair removal, but the two technologies are not the same.
“Laser uses a single spectrum of concentrated light in one single colour and wavelength, whereas IPL uses a much broader spectrum of light in various colours & wavelengths,” explains Emily Buckwell, brand manager at Currentbody. "Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle, and can provide long-lasting results."
There are now several good at-home IPL devices to try. According to Buckwell, the practical Smoothskin device is a bestseller. "It’s a British-made device, produced in Swansea and its makers, Cyden, were the originators of home IPL, launching the first device back in 2009."
However, before you buy, consider that IPL devices are not suitable for all skin types and tones. "Darker skin tones towards the end of the Fitzpatrick scale should not try IPL," says Buckwell, as there needs to be a certain degree of difference between skin and hair colour in order for the laser to work.
Epilating
Unlike lasers, epilators work by physically removing each hair. Where a razor cuts off the hair from the surface of the skin, an epilator grabs and plucks each one right from the root, meaning you get smoother, longer lasting results – and no shaving rash.“Epilators pull hairs directly out of the follicle, just like tweezing or threading,” explains Buckwell, who says you can expect the results to last as long as your salon wax, which works in the same way.
There are dozens of epilators on the market today, but this long-trusted option from Philips ticks all the boxes. Offering 70,000 hair-catching actions per minute, it allows you to treat your lower legs in just ten minutes, with smooth results that will last up to a month. It's cordless and can be used wet or dry (so you can epilate your legs in the bath) and comes with a host of welcome attachments. Use the exfoliating brush head for a thorough scrub, or use the bikini trimmer to remove unwanted fuzz.
Waxing
A simple, mechanical hair-removal method that likely needs little explaining, waxing involves using an adhesive substance to physically pull each hair from its root.
While it's a fairly quick and easy option for either in-salon or at-home, there are a few things you need to consider before heating up the wax. Firstly, your hair should ideally be three-quarters of an inch long to ensure it's able to stick to the wax – not ideal if you don't have time to let your hair grow before your appointment. Secondly, there's the well-documented pain factor. If you do struggle with the sting, be sure to avoid waxing around the time of your period, as you may be more sensitive at that time of the month.
Shaving
The most commonly used hair-removal method, a good old razor is still the obvious choice for many. In fact, many of the gripes associated with traditional razors have been all but abolished, thanks to an influx of clever, considered razor brands.
For those who always forget to replace their razor head, consider a shaving subscription service, which will drop a brand-new set of blades through your letterbox at a frequency to suit you. We've been impressed by Estrid, whose razors are made from steel and topped off with five blades to ensure a close shave without bumps or redness.
Bikini trimmers
Your bikini line can be tricky to shave with a regular razor, due to the curves of your body and the sensitivity of the skin in that area. This is where a bikini trimmer comes in: these specialised tools use small, ergonomic heads and sharp, fine blades to eliminate razor rash in the trickiest of areas.
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