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The best creams and tools to remove unwanted hair without shaving
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Tired of excess face or body hair, but hate the pain, cost, and wasted time that comes with shaving? No worries—there are tons of ways to get rid of hair without getting close to a razor! In this article, we’re providing all the ways you can remove pubic, leg, face, and body hair without shaving. We also spoke with FAAD board certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, and certified esthetician Karina Villalta for advice on how to choose the right hair removal method for you.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Pubic, Face, & Body Hair
If you want to remove pubic hair, book an appointment for laser hair removal or electrolysis. Try waxing or sugaring for semi-permanent results that last longer than shaving, or use a depilatory cream that's designed for the bikini area. To get rid of face and body hair, opt for threading, tweezing or epilating.
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Section 1 of 2:
How to Remove Pubic Hair without Shaving
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Laser hair removal Laser hair removal therapy is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures to remove pubic hair. In this procedure, a highly-concentrated beam of light targets individual hair follicles and destroys them. A licensed professional will customize the type of laser depending on your skin and hair color, and while no hair removal method is 100% permanent, it can reduce the amount of pubic hair that grows over time. [1] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Pros: Quick, relatively painless. Widely available due to popularity. Hair generally stops growing after 2 to 6 treatments. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Cons: May cause pain or redness for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. Blisters, temporary discoloration, and other painful side effects are possible but rare.
- Notes: Treated hair falls out over a period of days to weeks, not immediately. After a few years, some minor amount of hair regrowth is possible, so repeat “touch up” sessions may be necessary. While laser therapy is a FDA-approved method, there is a chance of complications. Discuss any hair removal procedure with your doctor first to see if it’s safe for you. [3] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Cost: The average price of laser hair removal is about $697, but a single session of bikini line hair removal can range from $95 to $149. [4] X Research source
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Electrolysis During electrolysis, an electrologist inserts a thin needle into the hair follicle underneath the skin’s surface, and then an electrical current is applied to destroy the hair follicle. [5] X Research source This removes hair from all skin tones, and it’s safe for sensitive areas like the face or bikini line. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Pros: Generally minor discomfort. No downtime. Less risk of an adverse reaction.
- Cons: Can cause temporary pain and redness, but you can take paracetamol beforehand and apply ice to the area afterwards.
- Notes: Hair around the bikini line is coarse, so it will take more sessions than other body parts before it’s removed. Be sure to choose an accredited, board-certified electrologist. Poor technique can cause scarring, burns, or a skin or blood infection. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Cost: It depends on how much hair needs to be removed and where you get your services performed, but prices generally range between $30 to $150 per session. [8] X Research source
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Waxing Waxing is great for removing stubborn hair from the bikini area “if done appropriately [and at] the right temperature,” according to Tareen. [9] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020. It's especially good for people with coarse, dark hair that contrasts against their light skin. You can wax at home by purchasing a bikini waxing kit , or visit a salon for a professional treatment. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source- Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Results last for several weeks.
- Cons: More painful than other hair removal methods, though this reduces after the first wax. Can be difficult to do at home; professionals can be somewhat expensive.
- Notes: Follow the directions on the wax packaging, especially when it comes to heating the wax. Always apply the wax in the direction of hair growth and pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. Soothe the skin (and remove sticky residue) by applying baby oil with cotton wool .
- Tareen recommends choosing an esthetician that “has the right credentials” and “knows your skin tone.” If you “have sores, pimples, or an infection, you should stay away from waxing until [your skin] has healed.” [11]
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Expert Source
Mohiba Tareen, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
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Sugaring Sugaring is a hair removal method that involves applying a thick, sticky liquid to the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth, allowing it to set, then pulling it off with a cloth in the direction of hair growth. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source “This makes the hair much finer and sparser over time,” and “some people have seen results after only 2 treatments,” according to Villalta. [13] X Expert Source Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician Expert Interview. 19 August 2020. Unlike waxing, sugaring uses natural ingredients (like sugar, lemon, and water), which makes it gentler on the skin. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Pros: Removes lots of hair relatively quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Smaller risk of allergies or irritation. Can be done by purchasing a sugaring kit or making a sugar paste at home .
- Cons: Similar pain level to waxing, but you can take an OTC pain reliever beforehand. [15] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Red bumps may appear afterwards. It can be dangerous to do sugaring at home (if you don’t cool the sugaring paste properly), but the prices can add up if you do it at the salon.
- Notes:
Villalta says that “sugaring is a service you want to maintain every 6 weeks or so.” [16]
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Expert Source
Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician Expert Interview. 19 August 2020. Right after sugaring, avoid using exfoliating scrubs and oils to prevent ingrown hairs. [17] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Depilatory creams This product contains chemicals that break down the proteins in your hair, dissolving hair at the skin's surface. Since it can irritate sensitive skin, perform a patch test before applying the cream to your pubic area. Rinse off the product thoroughly to avoid a chemical burn, and always follow the directions on the label. For example, you do not want to remove pubic hair with a depilatory cream designed for leg hair. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Pros: Doesn't hurt. Easy to use. Affordable.
- Cons: Can smell bad. Doesn’t last long. The chemicals in the product may cause irritation.
- Notes: Usually, these products come in a lotion or shampoo-like bottle and are sold at drugstores for fairly cheap. Apply the cream after bathing when your hair is the softest.
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Trimming This is the safest hair removal method because it shortens your pubic hair without cutting close to your skin. Take a pair of scissors (or a bikini trimmer ) to clean up the edges of your bikini line and trim down the length for a tidy look. Just make sure your trimming tool is sharp, clean, and rust-free to avoid infection. [19] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
- Pros: Doesn't hurt. Low risk of infection.
- Cons: Requires frequent use (hair grows back at normal speed).
- Notes: Use a handheld mirror and good lighting to ensure you don’t miss a spot.
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Section 2 of 2:
Other Hair Removal Techniques for Face & Body Hair
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Threading When someone has unwanted hair threaded, a threader rolls 2 twisted cotton threads over the hair, which plucks it out. It’s as precise as tweezing but much faster, so it’s a great option for areas where you want to keep some hair (like your eyebrows). It also causes little to no irritation, making it perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
- Pros: Healthier for skin than waxing. Good choice for sensitive skin. Lasts for 4-5 weeks.
- Cons: Can hurt. Can only be done on flat surfaces (no knees or bikini lines) Not suitable for larger areas. 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 and clear a decent amount of hair quickly. In fact, it usually takes 15 minutes or less to thread both eyebrows. [21] X Research source
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Tweezing This is one of the cheapest methods of hair removal, since it only requires a pair of tweezers. All you have to do is grab one hair with your tweezers and pull it out. The hair will eventually grow back at the same thickness, but it can last for 3-8 weeks. [22] X Research source
- Pros: Easy. Cheap. 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). Not ideal for large areas. Can cause mild irritation, ingrown hair, or an infection in some individuals. [23] X Research source
- Notes: Wash your tweezers before and after use to avoid bumps when plucking .
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Epilators An epilator is a device that works like an automatic set of tweezers, pulling out hair with a set of mechanical grabbers. It removes hair completely from the root, so the results last longer than shaving. Unlike tweezers, epilators pull out a lot of hairs at once. [24] X Research source This can make it more painful than other hair removal methods, but you can use an epilator on all parts of your body.
- Pros: Removes lots of hair quickly. Lasts for several weeks. Quicker than tweezing manually. Gentler on the skin for some.
- Cons: Not precise. Some pain, though this typically reduces after the first use. Requires minor cleaning and maintenance.
- Notes: If you can, get a waterproof epilator and remove hairs in the shower when they're the easiest to pull out.
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Hair removal erasers This hair removal device works like a small handheld buffer. You rub the rough surface of the eraser against your skin using circular motions to clump the hair together so it sloughs off. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source The area that the eraser can buff out at one time is small, making this method best for small patches of hair.
- Pros: Doesn't hurt when used correctly. No soreness afterward.
- Cons: Time-consuming.
- Notes: This product will also abrade the skin, leaving it "ashy." You may want to apply lotion afterwards to re-moisturize. Wash and dry the eraser after each use.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs waxing harmful for body?Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.Not at all—when done properly, waxing is perfectly safe. Just keep in mind that it might not be the best option for certain skin tones; unfortunately, waxing can cause a lot of damage and discoloration to people with more pigmented skin.
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QuestionWill bleaching cream remove hair?Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.No, but it will definitely make your hair harder to see. If your goal is just to obscure the hair somewhere on your body, this isn't a bad way to go.
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QuestionHow do you get rid of body hair without shaving or waxing?Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.Your options are a little limited at that point. You've got plucking, tweezing, and threading, which are mainly used for removing single hairs. There are products like Nair that will work. One thing you could do is use sugar, lemon juice, and water to create a natural kind of wax, if your goal is to avoid using the traditional stuff. Beyond that, you'll need to see a licensed esthetician to explore personalized treatment solutions.
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Tips
- To remove an ingrown hair, exfoliate your skin with a washcloth, exfoliating brush , or exfoliating scrub . [26] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
- If you decide to try a hair removal method at home, perform a patch test before using the product all over your skin. For example, if you are using a depilatory cream, apply a small amount on your inner wrist to see how your skin reacts. If you develop a rash, itching, or redness, do not use the product.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you go to a salon for a wax, make sure the esthetician dips an unused wooden stick into the wax each time. Dipping it into the wax more than once is an unsanitary practice called “double dipping,” which can transfer bacteria from previous clients to you.
- Some medications, like birth control pills and metformin, can reduce hair growth. It can take a few months to see results, so you might want to hold off on laser hair removal or electrolysis!
- Certain hair removal methods don’t work for all skin types. Laser hair removal, for example, is most effective for people with light skin and dark hair.
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Warnings
- Discuss any hair removal procedure with your doctor before agreeing to undergo it. Only your doctor can tell you which treatments, if any, are safe and appropriate for you.Thanks
- Be extra cautious when removing hair in highly visible areas like your face. Remember, you can always wax again if you miss a spot, but you can't put hair back once you pull it out.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/to-shave-or-not-to-shave-an-ob-gyns-guide-to-pubic-hair-care
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-things-know-laser-hair-removal
- ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/laser-hair-removal-cost#paying-for-the-procedure
- ↑ https://www.electrolysisnyea.org/about-electrolysis-hair-removal.php
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8306-electrolysis
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
- ↑ https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/electrolysis-vs-laser-hair-removal-an-intro-for-trans-folks
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
- ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-sugaring
- ↑ Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-sugaring
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/to-shave-or-not-to-shave-an-ob-gyns-guide-to-pubic-hair-care
- ↑ Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-sugaring
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/depilatory-cream-hair-removal
- ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/to-shave-or-not-to-shave-an-ob-gyns-guide-to-pubic-hair-care
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/remove-unwanted-hair
- ↑ http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/bodyhair.html
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hair-removal.html
- ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/the-secrets-of-body-hair-removal
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hair-removal.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/crystal-hair-erasers
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair
About This Article
Article Summary
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One way you can remove body hair without shaving is by using a depilatory cream to dissolve the hair at the skin’s surface. To get the best results when using these creams, apply them right after bathing since your hair is at its softest. Alternatively, try plucking unwanted hairs individually with a pair of tweezers. If you want to remove patches of hair without chemicals, opt for hair removal pads, which have a rough surface that rubs the hair off of your skin. Another way you can remove a lot of hair quickly is by waxing, either at home or via a professional. For more tips, like how to ask your doctor about permanent hair removal, read on.
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