The expert’s guide to at-home hair removal
Skip the salon and welcome silky smooth skin with these tips and tricks for shaving, waxing, IPL and everything in between
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Summer brings plenty of things; chief among them, warm, sunny weather and the chance to finally dig out your short shorts, strappy tops, floaty dresses and bikinis. Which probably means some serious beauty admin in the hair removal department is in order. Whether shaving, waxing, epilating or lasering, there are plenty of ways to keep unwanted hair away from home – and we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you master the art. No more trips to the salon needed and no more ‘plucked chicken’ disasters. You’re welcome.
Whether targeting your legs, underarms or bikini line, we’ve tapped the knowledge of skincare experts Monica Ella Botros, co-managing director at Strip Hair Removal Experts, and Trish Coulton, founder of Bondi Body, for their insider secrets for head-to-toe buttery soft, prickle-free skin.
So whether gallivanting across the beach, picnicking in the park, running around the common, or donning your favourite party dress, here’s your gateway to smooth, supple summer skin all season long.
Shaving
Probably the most common method of hair removal, shaving is a quick and easy fix to rid yourself of unwanted hair, whether on your legs, underarms or bikini line. A great hassle-free and pain-free option, use your razor in tandem with a good shaving cream to optimise results (and ensure your razor blade is nice and sharp for the cleanest, most accurate cut).
Top tip: Trish Coulton recommends exfoliating before shaving to “remove dead skin cells and allow the razor to glide more smoothly over the skin. This minimises the risk of nicks, cuts, and razor burn. It also helps prevent clogged razors and ingrown hairs, which can result in a more effective shave.” Apply a gentle moisturiser once done to nourish and rehydrate the skin, and maximise the smooth-as-velvet feel.
The downside? These baby soft results don’t last long and it can be easy to cut yourself accidentally. Unlike some methods, shaving solely removes hair from the skin’s surface, leaving the root behind, so hair can grow back pretty fast. Quite the upkeep to stay prickle-free, then.
Waxing
From strips to hot, cold or hard options, waxing provides longer term, more effective results. Using said wax to pull hair directly from the root, rather than just cutting from the surface like shaving, this method aims to remove follicles and slow down regrowth (while also giving your skin a good exfoliation at the same time). Skin will be left silky soft and hair will become finer and lighter over time, with waxing recommended approximately every four weeks.
Prepping your skin beforehand is key in order to achieve the best results. Botros advises gently exfoliating “24 to 48 hours before waxing to lift any trapped hairs and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. Avoid moisturising on the day of waxing too, as oils and lotions can interfere with the wax’s ability to adhere properly (and we want to make sure we’re not missing anything).” She also recommends having “roughly six to 12mm of hair growth pre-wax so the wax is able to stick to the hair efficiently.”
Once you’re ready to go, she says to “hold the skin taut before pulling the wax strip off. Be sure to pull in the opposite direction of the hair’s growth to ensure a clean removal.” The trick is to be quick and confident – “if you try to pull the strip off slowly, the hair won’t come out, the wax will get stuck to your skin, and things will start to get messy.” Of course, this does mean waxing requires a higher pain threshold, while ingrown hairs and sensitivity rashes are also common side effects. Aftercare-wise, moisturise to soothe and prolong results.
Epilating
Essentially a set of electronic tweezers, an epilator plucks hairs from the root with its rotating blades. Similar to waxing, the smooth results are long-lasting, although the process can be a little more on the painful side, and skin may be left a little rosy for up to 24 hours afterwards. Most devices can be used on wet or dry skin based on your preference, and come with different attachment heads, such as a bikini trimmer and shaver head to offer a full body treatment. Use your epilator in the direction of hair growth and take your time to achieve optimum results (which can last up to one month).
Depilatory creams
A very simple, but slightly messy if you’re not careful, hair removal method, depilatory creams contain pH chemicals that dissolve hair. Apply where required, leave for a few minutes (as per the instructions) and wipe away both cream and hair in one swoop. Magic. No cuts, no pain and super easy to use, the only downside is that depilatory creams only target surface hair so stubble grows back quickly (and the scent can often be quite overpowering). Best used on a regular basis and better for those with finer hair, always do a patch test first and lather skin with moisturiser to finish.
IPL hair removal
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology is a “highly effective and innovative method for reducing unwanted hair. It works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles with light energy, resulting in slower and finer hair regrowth,” explains Coulton. Devices are typically straightforward to use, whether on the legs, underarms or even face, and although a little more expensive than other methods, IPL is probably the most effective form of hair removal. IPL promises longevity, with results that can last for a few years, and delivery is typically pain-free, convenient and easy. But be patient – it will take multiple sessions to achieve smooth, fuzz-free skin.
Prepping is key with IPL and Coulton recommends exfoliating beforehand to get the most out of this procedure: “It can help to remove dead skin cells and create a smoother surface which allows the light from the IPL to penetrate more effectively into the hair follicles. If there is a layer of dead skin, it can obstruct the treatment and reduce its efficacy,” she explains. “And make sure your skin is also free of lotions, oils, or any other product residue.”
Something to note – disappointingly, this technique doesn't always work on all hair colours or skin types so it’s worth testing a small area first. Coulton points out that it “generally works best on people with light skin and dark hair”.
