Removing hair is about more than just not having hair in that area; you also want your skin to look smooth and healthy. Bumps, stubble, razor burns, acne, and more can ruin that look. So how do you get the best results from your hair removal efforts?

Before we dive into some suggestions for the best hair removal techniques, it’s key to point out that every person has different skin and what works for one person may not be the solution for another. 

It’s best to do a little experimentation, and use the knowledge you already have about your skin, to find your optimum hair removal technique.

Hair removal techniques

The good news is there are a lot of different ways to remove hair from your body. If one doesn’t work, ditch it and try another. 

1. Shaving

Whether you use an electric razor or a good, old-fashioned razor, shaving is the preferred method for many because it’s inexpensive and easy. Of course, the results don’t last very long, maybe a day or two, and there is the possibility of getting a cut or having some skin irritation.

2. Waxing

You can wax your own skin at home, or you can go to a salon for this treatment. Warm wax is applied to the area in strips, and once it cools and solidifies, it’s ripped off to pull the hair out at the root. 

Waxing lasts up to four weeks, which is unlike shaving that you have to do often. Unfortunately, waxing can be painful and could cause redness, irritation, and even some damage.

3. Depilatory creams

Depilatory creams use chemicals that break down the bonds in your hair shaft. Once it has had time to work, you simply wipe off the hair and rinse your skin. 

Depilatories work on the visible hair, so they last about as long as shaving, some people report they last a day or two longer. For some, the smell of these products is a turn-off. Other people find that the chemicals irritate their skin.

4. Sugaring

This is a trendy way to remove hair, but it’s not new. This ancient Middle Eastern technique combines sugar, lemon juice, and water to create a paste that works much like waxing but is less painful. 

Sugaring will last several weeks because it pulls hairs out at the roots. The use of common ingredients typically prevents irritation for most people. There are few downfalls to this method, but it’s best done by a trained professional so it can be expensive.

5. Threading

Threading is another way to remove hairs, and it requires the use of threads that grab hairs and pull them out by the root. The method can be painful and is slow, so it’s best for small areas. It’s something that should be done by a professional, but the results will typically last up to six weeks.

6. Laser hair removal

If you want the hair to be gone for good, this is your best bet. Laser light is beamed into your hair follicles, and it destroys the hair. While this method is extremely effective, it’s a medical procedure and requires a trained professional. It’s also very expensive, and multiple sessions are needed.

7. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is similar to laser hair removal but not the same. A professional is still required as they insert an epilator device into the skin and use shortwave radio frequencies to stop hair growth. You’ll need several treatments, but the FDA backs this as a permanent hair removal solution.  

Products to use after hair removal

Now that you’ve figured out how you’re going to remove your hair, it’s time to focus on keeping the skin looking fantastic.

Benzoyl peroxide. If you get razor bumps, the cause is often similar to acne, and a good exfoliator and cleanser can help. Benzoyl peroxide is a good solution but too harsh for many. If you find it irritating, try alpha-hydroxy acids instead.

Exfoliation. If you are waxing or using a sugar method, ingrown hairs are a common complaint. The best way to prevent them is to exfoliate the skin to help keep the pores open.

Cooling options. If you have irritation after waxing or other hair removal methods, a cool compress can easily help. If you still have problems, look for an anti-inflammatory cream or lotion.

Moisturize. Removing hair leaves the skin more vulnerable than before, and you lose moisture. To combat this, you need to moisturize; regularly and frequently. Simple Beauty's Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer is a powerful combination of skin-smoothing retinol and hydrating botanicals. You can also double your efforts by drinking more fluids to combat any moisture loss.

To put it simply

Bare skin looks best when it has a healthy and youthful glow. There are two key components to getting that youthful look when your skin is no longer as young as it used to be. 

The first part is selecting the right hair removal method. You want to pick something that fits within your budget, your available time, your skin type, and your preferences. You might not always want to use the same method so you can switch it up.

The second part is caring for your skin before and after removing the hair. Keeping your skin in tip-top shape is essential for getting that fresh, youthful appearance. Some people have specific hair removal concerns, so there may be other products that can help you find relief for your specific needs, but Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer is a powerful combination of botanicals that soothe and maintain your skin as aftercare to help you get great results.