I’ve Been Waxing for Years—Experts Convinced Me to Try These 10 Facial Hair Removal Products Instead
I remember the first time I got my lip waxed like it was yesterday. A boy in middle school pointed out that I had upper lip hair, and I found myself at the salon that evening. Good for my self-image? Maybe not! But did it start me on a path of body hair literacy? Most definitely.
Now, this is not to say that you need to remove body hair at all. It’s a personal preference to keep, maintain, or remove the hair you naturally grow—and should you choose the latter, I’ve got you covered. I’ve tested and researched several hair removal products over the years, including creams, devices, shaving tools, and more, but I enlisted the help of a dermatologist to see which ones are really worth the hype.
“Topical creams like Nair and others may work, unless a person has a reactive rash or allergic or irritant contact dermatitis to any of the ingredients,” says board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. However, Kobets points out that these are temporary fixes, and laser hair removal is the better option for permanent results. “In my experience, facial hair growth is often hormonally driven, especially in cases of hormonal imbalance like PCOS,” Kobets adds. Identifying the cause of your hair concerns is integral when picking which product is best for you—more on that later.
Below, the 10 best facial hair removal products to try in 2025.
The Best Facial Hair Removal Products, at a Glance
Best Cream: Nair Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
Nair
Hair Remover Moisturizing Face Cream
Pros: Low price, painless, slows hair growth
Cons: Smell may be irritating to sensitive noses
Use: Topical application; upper lip, chin, jaw | Key benefits: Infused with almond oil, dissolves hair
We’ve tested many depilatory creams in our day, but nothing beats this budget-friendly pick from Nair. The brand name is iconic for a reason—it’s been trusted by dermatologists, beauty experts, and probably your own mom for decades. The cream targets the hair shaft under the surface of your skin, dissolving the keratin that makes up your peach fuzz. After three to 10 minutes of letting a thick layer sit on your skin, simply wipe away the formula (avoiding your mouth and eyes) for smooth, hairless skin that will be slow to regrow.
Customer review: “I used to get waxed, as I’m getting older I now get red for days and breakout. Using this from now on. Quick, painless, and cheap!”
Pros: Removes hair and dead skin cells, reusable, ergonomic
Cons: Pricey on first buy
Use: Manual shaver; anywhere on face | Key benefits: Sustainable, easy to store, offers a close shave
If you’re looking for something that will make your makeup apply smoother, your skin look glowier, and your complexion feel fuzz-free, then this single-blade facial razor is the one for you. We Who What Wear editors named this dermaplaning tool the best we’ve tested because of the close shave its stainless steel blades offer, taking dead skin cells with them for ultra-smooth, resurfaced skin. Plus, you can get a bundle with three replacement blades, which will stretch for up to nine months of use.
Customer review: “Oh, my gosh!? I’m loving this sharper than sharp razor! I’ve used a lot of the plastic store bought types thinking there wasn’t much better? This proves me wrong! This improves your skin, sloughs off the dead skin cells, gets rid of the fuzz, helps your skin better absorb the products you pay dearly for. Don’t be afraid of it’s sharpness—just respect the fact it’s sharp and don’t go too fast. Try it & hope you find the success I have.”
Best Electric Razor: Flawless Facial Hair Remover
Flawless by Finishing Touch
Facial Hair Remover
Pros: Easy shave, portable, prevents nicks, beginner-friendly
Cons: Short-term fix
Use: Electrical razor; upper lip, chin, jaw | Key benefits: Pain-free, no regrowth period necessary
Let me start by saying that I’ve owned an older version of this very device for close to 10 years—yes, that long—and there’s not a week that goes by that I don’t use it. This user-friendly electric razor works flawlessly on the upper lip, chin, and anywhere else you want to touch up before applying makeup, illuminating your skin with a small LED light to locate those ultrafine hairs. Small blades are covered by a protective plate to trim fine peach fuzz down to a microscopic height, meaning there’s no way to nick or cut yourself in the process, and there’s no regrowth waiting period (like waxing) before your next treatment. This tool is easy to take on vacation and great for beginners.
Customer review: “I’m surprised!! This little gadget really does get rid of unwanted fuzz. I’ve noticed it shaves off fuzz better than thicker hairs. When I emptied the chamber and saw how much fuzz accumulated, that’s when I realized this gadget works… All I can say is: zero irritation, removes unwanted peach fuzz, and is quick and convenient. No more chemical burns for me!”
Dermaflash
Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning + Peach Fuzz Removal
Pros: Spa-grade results, user-friendly, effectively exfoliates
Cons: Pricey compared to manual dermaplane razors
Use: Electric shaver; anywhere on face | Key benefits: Moves on its own, removes dead skin cells, improves skincare penetration
My mom, 53, was influenced to buy this electric dermaplaning tool after a facialist used it on her during a treatment at an upscale Arizona hotel spa. While she used to be dedicated to her monthly facials prior to that fated trip, she now relies on this tool for her own hair removal treatments. “It’s a salon-quality dermaplaning tool in every way,” she raves. “I actually like it more than getting dermaplaned at the spa—it makes my makeup lay so much nicer on my skin because it sloughs off all the dead stuff,” she adds. My mom is also a fan of the face wash it comes with, which is pumped full of exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing willow bark, and protective niacinamide.
Customer review: “This product is phenomenal. I have been waxing my face for years and I break out in horrible red numbs for almost a week after every wax because I have very sensitive skin. This product didn’t irritate my skin at all.”
Best Wax Kit: Bliss Poetic Waxing At-Home Wax Kit
Bliss
Poetic Waxing At-Home Wax Kit
Pros: Gentle formula, agreeable price, microwave safe
Cons: Some customers complain that it takes a long time to heat up
Use: Reusable wax; anywhere on face | Key benefits: Safe for sensitive skin,
If you’re a fan of at-home waxing (I’m raising my hand, if you can’t tell), then you’ll want to take this budget-friendly kit out for a spin. Bliss’s aqua-blue wax is easy to heat—simply put it in the microwave in 30-second increments until it has a honey-like consistency—and spread the goo onto your skin with a wax stick. (Though, I’ve found regular popsicle sticks work just fine, too.) Its plant-based formula ensures that this wax is comfortable enough for even those with sensitive skin to use.
Customer review: “Waxing is never easy or fun. But I’ve tried all sorts of methods of reducing and removing my facial hair, and I keep coming back to this. It’s easy, quick, and WORKS. It’s economical because you can reuse the wax over and over.”
Best Wax Strip: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face
Athena Club
Wax Strip Kit for Face
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, mess-free, no heat necessary
Cons: Not the best for thick facial hair
Use: Strip wax; upper lip, eyebrow, face | Key benefits: Single strip can be used two to three times, nourishing formula
At-home waxing kits are great for reuse, but there’s no denying that they can be quite messy. If you want something without all of the steps and maintenance, give these wax strips from Athena Club a shot. The kit comes with 20 large wax strips infused with jojoba seed and sunflower seed oils to nurture the skin while plant-based wax effectively wraps around fine hair strands for smooth, irritation-free treatments. Plus, it comes with post-wax wipes and a calming serum for aftercare.
Customer review: “I have been needing to wax my brows for quite some time and I prefer to use strips, so this is a great find for me! There was soft wax on both papers, so both were usable. The post-wax serum is amazing—it comes in a little tube with a roller ball style applicator so you don’t have to touch it or your freshly waxed skin. It felt quite soothing, and when I woke up this morning, my skin looked great with no signs of redness from my evening wax job! Will definitely buy more of this when I run out.”
Best Laser: Currentbody Laser Hair Removal Device
CurrentBody Skin
Laser Hair Removal Device
Pros: Works on the body as well, substitutes in-office visits, cheaper than clinical laser treatments
Cons: Quite pricey, not suitable for all skin tones
Use: Laser; three times per week, from cheeks downward | Key benefits: Claims to reduce hair growth by 82% in eight weeks, includes six laser levels and ice cooling technology
If you’re looking for an at-home alternative to in-office laser hair removal, you’ll want to turn your attention to this device from Currentbody Skin. This handheld device utilizes a clinic-level laser beam that targets the hair follicle and reduces hair growth over time—working your way from three uses per week for the first three weeks to one weekly use over the following four to 12 weeks, as hair growth decreases with continuous use. Its two-minute treatments make this device a faster and more convenient alternative to in-office visits. Plus, it works on your body, too.
Customer review: “I suffer from hormone-related hair growth but have considerable facial hair… Six sessions in with this laser hair removal device, and I can honestly say the hair growth has already slowed down and is finer. If this continues to do what it is, it will be an excellent—and thinking long-term—far more economical alternative to expensive laser clinics. So far, well worth the outlay. P.S. also very easy to use and not painful at all, even on the highest setting.”
Best IPL: Ulike Air 3 IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Ulike
Air 3 IPL Laser Hair Removal Device
Pros: Customizable settings, results within three weeks, safe for sensitive skin
Cons: Technically not made for deep skin tones (but testers found that it can work!)
Use: IPL laser; one to three times per week, face and body | Key benefits: Nearly painless, fast results
IPL (or intense pulsed light) devices are another form of laser hair removal, and this pick from Ulike is a standout for many reasons. It has four treatment modes (face, body, auto, and “power”) plus cooling technology to keep things painless. Beauty writer Shawna Hudson (a woman of color between types four and five on the Fitzpatrick scale) tested this laser on her legs and didn’t experience any discoloration or irritation with this device—just smooth, hairless skin. However, she recommends asking your dermatologist before using if you also have deeper skin.
Customer review: “I was skeptical at first, but this Ulike device seriously works! After just a few weeks, I noticed way less hair growth. It’s painless, easy to use, and feels super high-quality. The cooling feature is a game-changer, no burning or discomfort at all. So glad I bought this instead of paying $$$ for salon treatments!”
You Might Ask: What’s the difference between laser and IPL?
“Laser, unlike IPL, uses a concentrated laser beam to permanently disable hair growth, giving you lasting results,” reads a statement on Currentbody’s site. On the other hand, IPL utilizes several wavelengths of broad-spectrum light to damage the hair follicle. Laser might be better for precision, whereas IPL covers a wider base—just with less accuracy. IPL is considered to be less painful because it is less concentrated, whereas laser might be more “effective” yet more uncomfortable.
Best Laser for Deep Skin: Epilaser 980
Epilaser
980 Laser Hair Removal Device for Dark Skin Tones
Pros: Safe for melanated skin, distinguishes hair from hyperpigmentation, compatible with dark hair color
Cons: Most expensive option on our list
Use: Laser; two to three times per week, face and body | Key benefits: Nearly painless, fast results
While laser and IPL are great options, these at-home hair removal treatments are not yet safe for deeper skin tones, as the laser beams and broad-spectrum light target melanin to damage hair follicles (which, in fairer-skinned people, is usually hair). Hudson tested and raved about this product for its effectiveness, inclusivity (can treat skin tones up to level six on the Fitzpatrick scale!), and quick results. Not to mention how painless it is: “I was shocked that I felt absolutely nothing when using this device,” Hudson writes. “As someone who has done some pretty painful in-office sessions, this was a welcome change.”
Editor review: “I’ve only been using the Epilaser for about a week and a half, but have noticed some subtle results already. I’d gotten to a point where I had to shave every other day, but now, I’ve gone a bit longer between shave days, so that’s already a huge plus to me. I know this device is more of an investment piece, coming in at $995. But when you think about it, in-office laser hair removal sessions can be even more expensive—especially if you have stubborn, coarse hair like I do.”
Best Epilator: Braun Facespa Pro
Braun
Facespa Pro Face Epilator
Pros: Plucks ultrafine hairs, long-lasting results
Cons: Shoppers cite some pain when using
Use: Electric tweezer, anywhere on face | Key benefits: Comes with extra skincare brush heads
If you prefer to go the epilator route, you’ll experience smoother results for longer than you would when waxing, tweezing, or using depilatory creams—and the best one we editors have tested is the Braun Facespa Pro. This facial hair–friendly handheld includes three attachment heads that pluck hair, cleanse, and tone the skin for a mini facial with every use. The epilator head has 10 micro-openings to catch the ultrafine hairs that evade even wax, offering silky results for longer.
Customer review: “This epilator has worked well! I’ve found that the pain has become more manageable with each use, and that prioritizing hygiene (exfoliate ahead of time, wash face before use, disinfect the device head with isopropyl alcohol before/during/after use, applying hypochlorous acid to skin after) has significantly reduced breakouts. The battery life is excellent (I’ve used it about 5 times since my initial charge, still going strong), and I appreciate the little stand it comes with… I don’t think I will ever go back to messy waxing or facial razors after discovering this.”
What to Look For When Shopping for Facial Hair Removal Products
- Compatibility: Not all hair is the same, so you’ll want to make sure your product is equipped to handle the strands you’re targeting—whether it’s fine peach fuzz or thicker hair, like brows. However, it’s also important to consider your skin tone, as not all (especially laser devices) are safe for deep skin tones.
- Duration of results: Whether you’re looking for quick fix or long-term results, there are products out there to suit your needs. Looking for something less intense, more affordable, yet with short-term results? Try waxing, dermaplaning, or epilating. Looking for something that goes a bit deeper? Laser hair removal and IPL devices offer long-term results with frequent use.
- Pain tolerance: Now, none of these at-home treatments should be painful. But if you know yourself to hate the feeling of plucked brows, you might want to stick to depilatory creams like Nair for your peach fuzz.
Which Method Is Best for Facial Hair Removal?
There are many methods for facial hair removal—many of which have product recommendations above. However, they don’t all offer the same benefits.
Short-Term Results:
- Wax: For longer-lasting results, you might want to wax—aka, pull the hair from the follicle. Apply either a wax strip or heated wax to your skin and wait until the wax has cooled. Tug your skin taut and pull the strip off in the opposite direction that you applied it.
- Dermaplaning tool: These long, thin blades are ultrasharp and used to provide such a close shear that they remove not only facial hair but dead skin cells, too. Just be sure to use light strokes at a 45-degree angle on dry, clean skin.
- Electric razor: Great for quick fixes, these razors are typically covered with a protective plate to avoid accidental nicks and cuts. They don’t offer as close of a shave as a dermaplaning tool, but they are great for upper-lip fuzz in a pinch.
- Depilatory cream: These hair removal creams dissolve the keratin in hair, eradicating the hair from the follicle and delaying the regrowth process. You typically leave these on for around 10 minutes (or as instructed on the box), and you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation.
- Epilator: This kind of device is equipped with several tiny tweezers that automatically pluck hair as the tool is moved around on the skin. These tools are typically better at pulling fine hairs than wax.
Long-Term Results:
- Laser: If you want long-term results, try laser hair removal devices. They use a concentrated beam of light to damage the hair follicle, preventing regrowth with gradual use. These require multiple uses per week for several weeks before eventually tapering off when the desired results are achieved.
- IPL: Intense pulsed light devices work similarly to lasers but are less powerful because they utilize a wider range of light than a concentrated beam. It may take longer to see results with these devices, but they are less “painful” and still offer gradual results.
How Should You Prep for Facial Hair Removal?
“Whether you’re removing hair with a cream or using laser hair removal, the skin should be cleansed of any creams, makeup, or foundation,” says Kobets. If you’re prepping for a laser treatment, whether at home or in an office, Kobets recommends avoiding retinoids beforehand, as they can make the skin irritable or sensitive when topical numbing agents are used. However, the dermatologist believes that the long-term use of retinoids may even reduce the chance of hair regrowth and enhance the results of laser hair removal—meaning you don’t need to nix your go-to retinols forever.
“I recommend my patients—especially those prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—start lightening agents one to three months before laser hair removal,” Kobets adds. “This helps control melanocyte activity in skin of color.”
How Should You Care for Your Skin After Removing Facial Hair?
“I recommend using post-procedure hydrocortisone if there’s any redness or irritation—especially in skin of color—to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Kobets. “It is also important to wear a non-irritating sunscreen daily, especially post-procedure, as redness can persist and lead to pigmentation.”
Does Removing Facial Hair Make It Come Back Thicker?
Kobets is here to shut down this rumor once and for all. “In some cases, it may feel thicker because a hair that hasn’t been touched or shaved for a long time becomes thinner and lighter from environmental wear and sun exposure,” she explains. “When you remove it and it grows back, it may feel coarser or darker than what it looked like before—but it’s not actually thicker than the original.”
How We Chose
As someone who grew up experimenting with different facial hair removal techniques, I’m well-versed in the options on this list—and so is my mom, who has mature skin. I included a few of my tried-and-true favorites, along with the recommendations of my mother, fellow editors with varied skin tones and textures, and a celebrated dermatologist with experience in hair removal—specifically laser. I kept budget, inclusivity, result timing, and pain tolerance top of mind when curating this comprehensive list.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
