The best hair removal products to use at home

Hair, be gone. 👋🏼

hair removal products

by Ruby Barry |
Updated on

When it comes to the best hair removal products, everybody is looking for something different. Some of us want to have dolphin-smooth skin, and others just want a little trim. Either way, we respect it, and we see you. But we have a question. Is the current hair removal method you use the most effective?

For example, you may be using women's razors as we speak. But if you find yourself needing to shave every week, why not go for the best epilator, which will rid you of hair for three to four weeks? Or, if you have a low pain tolerance (AKA an epilator is your worst nightmare), you could go for a long-term solution, such as an IPL laser device.

In a rush? Here's our shortlist of the top three hair removal products to buy

The best epilator for hair removal: Braun Silk-epil 9 Flex 9-002 Wet and Dry Use Cordless Epilator, £160

The best electric razor for hair removal: Philips HP6341 Battery Ladyshave Wet and Dry, £17.99

The best hair removal cream: WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In Shower Hair Removal 50ml, £5.59

And facial hair? Well, that's a whole different ball game. If you're looking for a quick yet long-lasting solution, good old-fashioned waxing might be the best option. If, however, you find the latter to be far too painful, then a dermaplaning tool might be more your style.

If the options we just listed in quick succession overwhelmed your brain, don't worry. We're aware there are too many hair removal products on the market. Just choosing the right one for you can be a bit of a brain scramble. Rest assured - we've got the only guide you'll ever need for hair removal right here. Here at Closer, we have summed up, through extensive research and testing, the top ten hair removal products to buy online. Whether your pain tolerance is low or you're tough as nails, there's a product made for you.

From shavers and hair removal creams to laser hair removal and waxing kits to use at your house, here are the best hair removal products to buy online, with ratings and reviews to prove it.

SHOP: The best hair removal products to use at home in 2023

The best epilator for hair removal

The world's first epilator with a fully flexible head. If you can handle the pain - then getting an epilator is a no-brainer. We recommend starting with small patches on your legs to get used to the sensation and build up your tolerance from there. This kit includes the epilator, a charger, two different heads, a travel pouch and a cleaning brush. You'll have everything you need to get started.

Customer review: "I absolutely love this product. I was nervous about the pain before I first started but it was bearable and the more I used it the less painful it was. It's really flexible so ideal for hard-to-reach places like the back of the knees. Perfect to use dry or in the shower. I honestly don't know how I got by without this for so long. I can't imagine switching back to any other hair removal."

Read our full guide on the best epilators here.

Pros

  • It has a fully flexible head, making those hard-to-reach areas easier to target
  • The SensoSmart technology shows a red light, so you know if you've applied enough pressure

Cons

  • This comes with a two-pin charger. You may need an adapter
  • Argos rating
    4.8

The best electric razor for hair removal

Philips HP6341 Battery Ladyshave Wet and Dry Single Foil Pinkamazon
Price: $38.27

For a safe yet quick way to shave intimate/sensitive areas of your body, we highly recommend getting yourself an electric razor if you're genetically blessed with stupidly fast hair growth. Our top pick for an electric razor is the Philips Ladyshave, which you can use both wet and dry.

Customer review: "I had an older type Philips shaver and decided to upgrade, I wanted something small, cordless and powerful and this shaver did not disappoint!!! It is the closest shave I have had with a mechanical shaver, not quite as smooth as a wet razor but close, no shaving rash, no soreness after shaving and applying deodorant straight away like my old one and most importantly no cuts!! So good that you can do a decent Hollywood by yourself!!!! Underarms, bikini line and area and legs were all shaved, fast, easy, quiet, brilliant, I would highly recommend this to anyone, and as an added plus wet and dry!!! Marvellous!!"

Read our full guide on the best electric razors for women here.

Pros

  • You can use the Philips Ladyshave on either wet or dry skin
  • The single foil head is hypoallergenic

Cons

  • It is battery-operated, so you need to have batteries on hand
  • Amazon rating
    4.5

The best dermaplaning tool for hair removal

Dermaplaning is the hip, new hair removal method loved by celebrities such as Laura Anderson and Belle Hassan. Essentially a razor safe enough for the face, a dermaplaning tool will get rid of any unwanted peach fuzz or rogue eyebrow hairs. Our favourite is the Hollywood Browzer, an affordable option with a precision tip.

Customer review: "I cannot believe I ever managed without this product. I had quite a bit of peach fuzz on my face and it was getting more the older I got. I tried everything. Cream, shaving and IPL and epilating. None were great or sustainable. This product is amazing I will never go back! It will be replaced over and over! It removes the fuzz, my face feels super smooth and it's quick. My make-up goes on smoothly and looks so much fresher. You do have to repeat weekly but it takes no time at all just a minute before you do your make-up. Love it. 5 stars."

Read our full guide on the best dermaplaning tools here.

Pros

  • Its stainless steel blade is gentle on the skin when shaving
  • It's armed with a precision tip to provide high accuracy when shaping your brows

Cons

  • Although the blade is steel, the handle is plastic and may wear with use. Reviews say it can last between one to three months.
  • Amazon rating
    4.3

The best home waxing kit for hair removal

Are you a waxing kinda gal but don't want to pay hefty fees to get it done in a salon? Well, we've got good news for you. You can now buy waxing kits to use at home, like this Mylee one that includes a wax heater, strip wax, paper strips and more.

Customer review: "I was really sceptical about this only because I'm the biggest baby when it comes to waxing. I normally have to take paracetamol when I go to the salon! However, this was the most painless wax I have ever had and I did it myself! The strips are thick and fluffy so do not hurt when you pull off the wax and the whole setup is so simple and professional. The additional gel to soothe and cream for after come in massive bottles and will last a lifetime and you get lots of strips and wooden spatulas. I normally pay £30 a leg wax at a salon and after using this I will never go to a salon again. Amazing for beginners like me and I've recommended it to all my friends. Thank you Mylee!"

Read our full guide on the best home waxing kits here.

Pros

  • The tea tree-infused creme wax in this kit has antibacterial properties, helping to minimise ingrown hairs
  • Using wax and pulling the hair out by the root can deter hair growth for up to four weeks

Cons

  • You'll need baby oil to remove this from any surfaces, as this particular formula isn't water soluble
  • Amazon rating
    4.5

The best razors for hair removal

FFS Razor Kitffs

It's always handy to have a razor for shaving on hand - especially for those last-minute nights out with the ladies. But what if you've run out? Never fear - if you get a razor subscription, such as the FFS one, you can customise how many razors you receive every two months. Genius. With your first delivery, you also get a travel set and shower holder. When you're done with your blades, you can send them back to FFS to recycle them.

Customer review: "Amazing quality handle very comfortable to use. I like the way it's not too light and gives you an extra smooth glide across your legs. My legs have never felt so smooth I love it and have recommended it to everyone."

Read our full guide on the best women's razors here.

Pros

  • FFS is a subscription service so you never have to worry about running out of razors again
  • The six blades, which contain vitamin E to moisturise skin, guarantee a close, clean shave

Cons

  • The suction shower holder doesn't work on certain tiles
  • FFS rating
    4.7

The best hair removal cream

WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In Shower Hair Removal 50mllook fantastic

Hair removal creams seem to be underutilised in the modern age, mainly because of their toxic smell that you can't seem to get out of your nose. Well, times have changed - and nice-smelling hair removal creams exist. Our fave is the Woo Woo! Tame It cream because it can be used on intimate areas, as well as your legs.

Customer review: "Great product. I have to leave it on a little longer than recommended for first use, but once you figure out the timing for you, it works well. Don't usually get ingrown hairs/ razor bumps on regrowth."

Read our full Woo Woo! Tame It Hair Removal Cream review here.

Pros

  • The vegan formula works in as little as three minutes and is sensitive-skin friendly
  • It can be used on your bikini line, legs or bum

Cons

  • You'll have to experiment with how long you leave the cream on your skin before rubbing it off, as some people need longer than three minutes for it to effectively work
  • Look Fantastic rating
    3.7

The best hair removal stone

Continuously going viral over on TikTok, the hair removal stone is the latest hair removal product the internet won't stop banging on about. Is it worth the hype? We seem to think so. This version from Amazon has 3,306 five-star reviews, and being under £10, it's a worthwhile tool to add to your basket.

Customer review: "I bought this in the hopes that it wouldn't leave me with strawberry legs and make my skin feels silky smooth, and it did just that - use it on dry skin and apply moisturiser after a couple of hours, not straight away as it may sting. Overall very happy with the product, definitely will recommend it. However, do keep in mind that it takes a while!"

Read our full guide on the best hair removal stones here.

Pros

  • Long-lasting product
  • Exfoliates the top layer of dead cells off your body for smooth, renewed skin

Cons

  • Recommended for use on legs only
  • Amazon rating
    4.3

The best laser device for hair removal

Philips Lumea IPL 8000 Series Prestigeboots
Price: $399.99 (was £509.99)

www.boots.com

If you're determined to say goodbye to your body hair forever, you'll want to invest in an IPL laser device. The Philips Lumea, currently discounted by £110, guarantees "up to 92% hair reduction in as little as 3 treatments on legs." It can also be used, alongside its various attachments, on the face, body, bikini and underarms.

Customer review: "I have been using it as instructed and am now on my fourth treatment. The results are simply incredible and I genuinely think I should have both this years ago. The real results started to show after the third treatment and the growth under my underarms, my bikini, my lip, my legs were almost entirely gone."

Pros

  • Promises up to 92 per cent of hair reduction after just three treatments.
  • The Lumea comes with four attachments for the body, face, bikini and underarms with a pen trimmer.

Cons

  • It's a long-term process, so you won't get short-term hair loss solutions if that's what you're after
  • Boots rating
    4.5

The best facial hair removal product

If the dermaplaning tool above didn't call your name, a facial trimmer like this one from Argos is a safer option if you're newer to the facial trimming world. This little gadget is painless, with no redness or irritation for all skin types and tones. Argos is the MVP when it comes to realistic hair removal methods.

Customer review: "Was sceptical about the Flawless after reading the mixed reviews, but after years of painful waxing and smelly hair removal creams I thought I would give it a go. I wish I had bought on early it is absolutely brilliant. There is still no hair regrowth after nearly three weeks. My advice is don't hesitate - treat yourself, you won't regret it."

Pros

  • Discreet enough to have in your hand luggage, people will simply think you're carrying around lipstick
  • Can be used for all facial hair, including the lips, chin, cheeks and peach fuzz

Cons

  • It is battery-operated, so non-rechargeable
  • Argos rating
    4.7

The best shaving cream for hair removal

Gillette Satin Care Women's Shaving Gel Sensitive 200mlboots

After you've got your hair removal tool sorted, you'll want to look for a shaving product to make the process smooth and with no rashes in sight. May we introduce - Gilette's satin care range? Not only does it smell lush without being overly fragranced, but it is perfect for a smooth glide for your manual or electric razor.

Customer review: "This gel is so creamy and thick and a little amount goes a long way, allowing the razor to easily glide over your skin with no nicks or cuts. It also rinses away easily leaving your legs super smooth. I use this gel with the Venus Extra Smooth blades and shaving my legs has never been easier. I've used Gillette women's shaving products for years and now wouldn't use anything else."

Pros

  • Ideal for all skin types, this non-fragranced formula is enhanced with aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin
  • Works well with both a manual or electric razor

Cons

  • None!
  • Boots rating
    4.7

Our verdict? The best hair removal product is...

The IPL laser hair removal device is our answer to hair removal. Although it costs a chunk of money in the short term, the long-term effects vastly outweigh this. As well as laser being pain-free, You'll be eliminating the very need for your hair to even grow once the laser works long enough, and less time shaving in the future is always a plus. You're not going to catch us trying to balance whilst shaving our legs when we're 70.

If you've never used laser hair removal, then you're going to want to take a look at our everything you need to know about laser hair removal guide.

We spoke to Kelly Sullivan - head aesthetician at Courthouse Clinics - and she revealed people often spot the difference straight after getting the treatment done.

"Most people notice results after the first session, which continue to improve over the course of 6-8 treatments.

"Laser only destroys hairs when they are in the growth phase, and because around 20% of hairs are resting or dormant at any one time, repeat sessions will be needed to treat these hairs when they re-enter the growth phase," she explained.

Hair removal products: FAQs

What is the best hair removal method for me?

The most suitable hair removal method for you will depend on your time scale and pain tolerance. For example, if you're looking for a quick, in-the-moment solution, a pain-free method would be razors for women. Another easy, painless example is hair removal cream. However, if you can put up with the pain, waxing will last longer compared to shaving the hair follicles down to the skin. If you're keen on hair removal for your face, you can use epilators or laser hair removal for facial hair, but this may take longer. Overall, it's all about compromise and what works best for you at that particular moment in time.

Are hair removal lasers safe?

If the device is listed as being accredited and tested, then it is perfectly safe to use. There is no evidence that using laser devices like these to remove hair causes skin cancer. However, pregnant people and people with very sensitive skin are advised not to use these types of devices.

How do hair removal lasers work?

IPL lasers work by emitting a ray of light onto the skin, which is absorbed by the melanin in the hair. This light energy is converted to heat energy, which demolishes the tube-shaped hair follicle sacs within the skin. This damage creates a permanent reduction in hair growth. You'll need regular sessions to keep your hair from regrowing - experts recommend four weeks for facial hair and six to eight weeks for body hair.

Does hair removal cream make hair thicker?

Hair removal cream does not affect the thickness of hair growth once used. Nor does it affect the speed of growth. However, because hair removal cream does not remove the hair from the root, you may still be able to see the small shadow of the hair follicle under your skin after using the cream.

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