Although we're well into winter and the cardinal rules of shaving are reserved for warmer months when shorts become a wardrobe staple, perhaps you're preparing for a spring break getaway that forces you to break those rules a bit early.
While razors are often quick and inexpensive, they’re only effective at removing surface hair, so post-shave stubble may appear faster than we’d like. Luckily, for those tired of reaching for the razor so often — and those interested in minimizing the risk of those annoying ingrown hairs — there are other ways to keep hair away!
From depilatory creams to at-home waxing kits, there’s something to meet each person’s level of comfort. To give you a running start, we consulted beauty and skin experts about the best hair removal products on the market (and added a few shopper-loved picks, too).
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Best home waxing strips and kits
Flamingo Face Wax Kit
For when it gets so bad that your dermaplaning razor won't be able to take it on, or you want a more long-term solution to ridding your facial hair, turn to this at-home face wax kit from Flamingo. With wax strips, post-wax cloths and a soothing serum, this kit "works extremely well with minimal pain," said one reviewer.
Sliick by Salon Perfect At Home Waxing Kit
Perfect for waxing your eyebrows on your own or for touching up leg hairs at the last minute, this at-home kit includes wax beads that you melt in the microwave and apply to the desired spot. Other included items such as a reusable cup and applicator means you only need to replace the beads when it's time for your next at-home salon night.
Pro Wax-100 At Home Wax Kit
Commenters on TikTok raved about this affordable kit from Amazon, noting that this one is "definitely worth it." This kit includes every thing you need for the waxing process, including pre- and post-wax treatments and four packets of wax pellets.
Nad's Body Wax Strips
These wax strips can be kept in your bag in case you catch sight of a missed hair or two while you're out and about. To use them, just rub them in between your hands to warm them up, peel the strips apart, apply to the desired area for hair removal, rip and go!
Tress Wellness Waxing Kit
This bestselling wax kit on Amazon has everything you need for several at-home sessions. In addition to the wax warmer, the set includes five bags of hard wax beans in different scents, 20 waxing sticks, 10 eyebrow waxing sticks, five protective rings, one pre-wax spray and one post-wax spray. One verified five-star reviewer said the kit is great for both beginners and experienced at-home waxers.
Nair Wax Ready-Strips
Nair Wax Ready-Strips don’t require any rubbing or heating and can be used for any part of your body. The strips work like wax-filled stickers that remove hair from the root with little effort.
Hairstylist Jennifer MacDougall recommends these strips for beginners. “You don’t have to worry about burning yourself," she said. "That’s one of the biggest things that someone can do if they don’t know how to do this themselves.”
Yoffee Nose Wax
A pre-waxed strip may not be suitable for the insides of nostrils, but Yoffee Nose Wax makes it simple to remove hair up there. The unisex product, made with natural beeswax, comes with an easy-to-use applicator. Spread the "gum-like" wax on the applicator and insert it directly into the nostril for about 90 seconds before removing for best results, suggested MacDougall.
Parissa Quick and Easy Wax Strips
This is a favorite of makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla. To use, rub the strip between your hands to warm it up, press it onto the skin in the direction of hair growth and pull the hair directly out of the root.
Chinchilla said some wax jobs should be left to the professionals, though.“Make sure you don’t try and wax your eyebrows yourself. You could easily mess up and remove too much," he cautioned.
Veet Ready-to-Use Wax Strip Kit
This inexpensive wax strip kit is under $10 and comes with 40 strips and six finishing wipes. Veet’s formula locks around the smallest of hairs — they can be as short as 1/16 of an inch. The ready-to-use strips can also be used on any part of your body. However, there is a separate option specifically for your underarms, bikini and face.
Philips Satinelle Essential Corded Epilator
While an epilator isn’t a wax, it also removes hair directly from the root. It takes a bit longer to use than wax, so it's only good for those capable of enduring a bit more discomfort. Highly rated on Amazon, the Philips Satinelle Epilator grips and removes even the shortest hairs on either wet or dry skin.
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Best depilatory creams
Unlike waxing, which can be uncomfortable if you have a low threshold for pain, depilatory creams are painless. They can get messy, but are usually pretty inexpensive.
The creams work by dissolving hair at or just below the surface of the skin, making it easy to wash away. Make sure your skin doesn't react poorly to depilatory cream by testing it out on a small patch of hair. The effectiveness of the cream may also vary depending on the amount of hair and hair type.
WooWoo Tame It! Hair Removal Cream
Made with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, this hair removal cream takes the mess out of the entire process as it's most effective in the shower. Simply put it on before you step in the shower, then rinse it off as part of your daily shower routine for "no more gymnastics in the shower and no more razor burns," according to one reviewer.
Neomen Hair Removal Cream
This cream has earned an average rating just over four stars from more than 5,500 verified Amazon shoppers. It boasts results in as little as five minutes and features ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E and baby oil in the formula to keep legs feeling moisturized.
Veet Sensitive Hair Remover Gel Cream
This Amazon bestseller only needs 10 minutes (at most) to leave you feeling smoother than ever.
Nad’s Sensitive Hair Removal Cream
Chinchilla said this is one of his go-to products for removing unwanted hair at home. Generously apply the lotion to skin for at least four minutes and then wash it off: quick, painless and easy! This Nad’s option is formulated for sensitive skin and includes natural aloe vera, avocado oil and honey extracts.
GiGi Hair Removal Cream
For hair removal on arms, legs and bikini area, Gigi Spa offers this inexpensive option. Apply the hair removal lotion to damp skin for 10 minutes before rinsing. The lotion has nourishing cocoa butter and vitamins C and E to soothe skin smooth once the unwanted hair is washed off.