If you’re on the market for hair removal options between salon visits, look no further! This product guide from Beauty Expert Bahar Niramwalla will take you through the different options, and help you decide which is best for you!  

Before you try any of these hair removal methods, be sure to do a patch test at least 24 hours in advance with the associated product to ensure that you won’t have any allergic reactions. Exfoliating the skin a couple of days before can help prevent ingrown hairs and really boost the efficacy of these methods.

Option #1: Waxing

Waxing is a great option but can be super tricky if you’re trying it at home for the first time. Luckily, there are many products designed with the waxing novice in mind. Before waxing, ensure that your skin is clean and dry, and that your hair is at least 1/4 inch long. Also, maybe don’t go for the Brazilian unless you’re pretty comfortable in your waxing abilities.

Strips are great for beginners and very effective for people with finer hairs. Apply the strip in the direction of the hairs, press firmly on the strip while holding the skin taut and grit your teeth as you pull it off. Be sure to pull in the opposite direction of hair growth without pulling upwards.

If your hair has a bit more coarseness to it, you may want to opt for a cold or warm wax that can be heated up in the microwave. Aim for a liquid honey consistency before applying. Check to make sure the wax won’t burn you, and apply it in a thin sheen over your hair. Then, like the paper strip, pull off in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Persian make great quality cold wax and wax strips, and Parissa is a great strip brand for beginners. If your skin is feeling irritated after waxing, a soothing lotion, oil, or aloe vera can do wonders to relieve discomfort.

Option #2: Epilators

Certainly the least well-known method on this list, epilators provide an alternative to shaving, but with longer-lasting results! They’re also great for those with sensitive skin. What epilators actually do is remove hair at the root without actually touching the skin, using rotating tweezers. It works on very short hairs, with only 1/8 inch needed for the epilator to work. It also works on both wet and dry hairs.

To use an epilator, ensure your skin is clean. Then, loosely hold the epilator by your hair and move against the direction of your hair growth, making small circular motions. This is pulling out your hairs, so to minimize pain, we recommend epilating in small sections, trying different settings and using the epilator in a warm shower to sooth the skin.

If you’re new to this, one of the highest rated epilators online – Braun – is great for beginners.

Option #3: Shaving

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one, whether you’re shaving your legs or your face. So many women shave their face but keep quiet about it, so we wanted to give a few tips to get the most out facial shaving. Shaving is great for the face, since it not only removes hair fast, but also exfoliates, smooths and softens skin and allows for better penetration of product. Just a word of warning though: if you struggle with acne psoriasis or eczema, you may want to try one of the other methods to avoid cuts and injuries.

To shave the face safely, first ensure that the skin is clean and dry. You can also apply a serum or moisturizer. Using a face razor like this one from Tinkle, hold the skin taut and shave in the direction of hair growth. Clean your face again afterwards to remove any excess hairs or buildup. Be sure to replace your blades often and keep them clean!

We hope that these tips help you to look and feel your best even, without salon treatment. Check out the products we recommended in this article here: