10 Best Hair Removal Products To Try At Home
If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably been slacking on shaving and taking advantage of the quarantine months by hiding weeks of hair growth under your sweat pants and over-sized hoodies.
Before we know it, this time will be over and we’ll be taking out our spring dresses — so it’s time to start thinking about hair removal. 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 laser hair removal devices, there’s something to meet each person’s level of comfort.
1. Nair
The special formula of Nair hair removal cream is packed with effective chemicals that work fast. With Nair, you can be hair-free in just about 3–5 minutes after application.
Aside from having a stronger formula, their cream also has a nice consistency that makes application easier and more pleasant, which is great for quick hair removal sessions, especially for busy and on-the-go people.
Nair, manufactured by Church & Dwight since 2001 but around since the 1940s, is best known for its depilatories. Its set of products commonly uses potassium thioglycolate, calcium hydroxide, and sodium hydroxide, the latter two responsible for breaking down the hair. The consistency of the cream for Nair products is reportedly nicer because they are thicker. The formula for Nair is stronger, which is why it claims to do the job faster and more efficiently.
The cream usually is left on your hairy areas for a matter of 3 to 5 minutes, after which you need to remove it in a process as simple as wiping to prevent the cream from burning the skin. Those with sensitive skin often tend to stay away from Nair, but the brand often compensates for the harshness of its chemical formula with added mineral oil or other organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, green tea, and acai berry.
Nair focuses more on function than the presentation, especially when compared against Veet. The smell depends on the product and the person, but the harsher ingredients of Nair can cause a slightly stronger smell.
It also has a wide selection of products depending on your needs, professional products included, and even has a stronger formula for men’s products. In recent years, the brand has developed a line for removing hair in the bikini area. The products are often more expensive than Veet, and that is also a factor to consider.
2. Veet
Unlike Nair and other hair removal products, Veet uses ingredients that are gentle on the skin, especially those that are prone to irritation and allergic reactions.
While it does have a specific product for sensitive skin types, all other variations of its removal cream are skin-friendly. Most of its products also have added Vitamin E and Aloe Vera for moisturization, leaving the skin smooth and supple after hair removal.
Veet, originally called Neet, has been around longer in the business than Nair. In the 1920s, its products were already being sold for removing hair.
For its creams, Veet mainly uses potassium hydroxide and thioglycolic acid. Hair removal takes longer to remove than Nair, but the ingredients are preferable to those who claim to have sensitive skin. The process may have to be repeated a few times because it leaves more hair than Nair, but clearing the product is easy-peasy, as some Veet creams only need to be wiped. Others can even function when used in the shower. It is safe to use Veet in a public area. You can also use Veet to remove hair from private parts.
Veet is meant to be used luxuriously even though it is more common for the brand to be accessible than its top contender. As such, presentation is a priority, and its creams feel less “chemical.” Besides arriving in lovelier and functional packages that claim to be drip-free, Veet creams smell more pleasant and irritate less. Nair may have more choices in creams, but Veet has products for hair removal from head to toe. They are also particular with skin type, so there are options here regardless if you have dry, sensitive, or normal skin.
3. Nad’s Hair Removal
Nads is a very cheap alternative to other creams and professional-grade treatments. And while it doesn’t offer the absolute best results it does do enough to warrant its very affordable price.
Overall, Nads does make decent hair removal products. They definitely don’t provide the same results you’d see with slightly more expensive, similar items such as Skinception’s StopGrow hair removal cream, but it does a well enough job. Just keep in mind that Nads is NOT designed to prevent future hair growth. It is a one-off treatment meaning if you want to keep the hair away forever you’ll have to keep buying their products over and over again for future use.
Nads is definitely a decent choice, though. It’s far better than some of the other, more expensive creams that we’ve reviewed such as the very disappointing Revitol hair remover which is next to useless. But, again, this is basically no different than waxing yourself, only it’s not painful. Well, as long as you don’t leave it on too long.
For more serious treatments, ones that are designed to work toward permanent loss of hair, you may want to consider getting professional laser hair removal treatments done on yourself. If that option is a bit too expensive (which is understandable because it often requires several treatments to finish the job) you can also look at trying less expensive options such as using an at-home laser hair removal system, which is just as effective as a professional laser but costs far less and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
4. Dermaflash Luxe
When I first saw this, I thought it was a gimmick. But, using this device makes my skin so incredibly soft and smooth—it’s like nothing I’ve felt before. My foundation and concealer look way more natural and blend in seamlessly. It’s made my fine lines less noticeable and has helped cut down on how often my pores get clogged.
It’s ergonomic and makes it easy to get areas like your chin and jawline by using short, feathery strokes. Yes, there are infinitely cheaper manual tools on the market, but I’ve never received the same level of smoothness as I have with this gadget thanks to its vibration feature. You get two speeds to choose from as it cuts the hair for an incredibly close removal. Plus, it’s a device I actually use regularly—unlike the laser hair removal gizmo that’s collecting dust in the back of my closet.
5. Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision
While waxing and depilatory creams can provide temporary results, the thought of never having to do either is pretty tempting. With laser hair removal products, that thought can become a reality.
Board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek of Union Square Dermatology in New York City recommended heading to a professional since professional lasers are stronger and “utilize wavelengths that are better at targeting the hair follicle” but she also noted that it’s possible to perform laser hair removal at home successfully.
“The home devices are reasonable for light skin patients with dark hair who have a few small areas they want to treat or who want to supplement their office treatments with an at-home treatment,” said Chwalek. It’s not an excellent option for those with darker skin, she added. And, if you’re unsure whether an at-home device is right for you, consult a dermatologist.
The power of professional laser hair removal in the palm of your hands. The Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision is powered by the same Diode Laser Technology preferred by dermatologists for a fraction of the in-office procedure.
Small, lightweight, and compact, the Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision is convenient to use both at home and away, so you never have to miss a treatment. Its contoured design is perfect for small, more sensitive areas like the bikini area, underarm, and face.
The Tria Hair Removal Laser Precision targets and permanently disables the hair follicle to stop hair growth on the body for permanent results.
For best results, treat the area once every 2 weeks until the desired result has been reached.
