What’s the best for facial hair removal tool for women?
The best hair removal method will vary based on your skin type and where you’re looking to remove hair. Here are a few of the most popular options.
Dermaplaning: “Dermaplaning is the use of a single-blade razor on dry skin. It is a way to exfoliate, getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells and those pesky, fine vellus hairs,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group. She recommends dermaplaning as a gentle option to remove hair on all skin types.
“I absolutely recommend dermaplaning,” says makeup artist Shreni Patel. “Because it gently takes off excess hair and dead skin cells, it creates a better canvas for not only makeup but better skin care absorption. Makeup goes on so much smoother and doesn’t cling to any peach fuzz or skin patches. My favorite part is that you can do it at home—and it’s painless.”
Oil-planing: Your favorite face oil can also act as a shaving oil of sorts for your dermaplaning routine, according to Dr. LoGerfo. “Oil-planing is dermaplaning after the application of an oil. It is considered a gentler way to dermaplane,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “The razor glides more easily after the oil is applied, as opposed to using a dermaplaning razor on dry, rough skin. It more gently removes dead skin cells and facial hair and is a great way to dermaplane on older skin or skin that is more sensitive.”
Tweezing: Tweezers are intended to precisely pluck individual stray hairs. They’re great for removing stray hairs on the chin or upper lip, as well as the brows. They are not recommended for removing peach fuzz or for use on large areas.
Waxing: “Wax strips or kits eliminate both vellus and terminal hairs (the dark, thick hair that covers our body). It is longer-lasting than shaving or chemical depilatories because the hairs are removed from the bulb,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “Some advantages to waxing include that it can slow the rate of regrowth compared to shaving or depilatories, and it is advantageous to wax larger areas.”
When waxing your face at home, Dr. LoGerfo recommends exercising caution. “Some issues that can occur after waxing include folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), burns, irritation to the skin, and allergies,” she says. If you are on Accutane, she recommends avoiding waxing altogether. If you use retinol, it’s recommended to discontinue use for several days before and after waxing. Sugaring is another gentler option which pulls out hairs using a gel mix of sugar, lemon and hot water.
Epilating: Facial epilators use hundreds of tiny tweezers to pull multiple hairs from the root at once. The higher the tweezer head count, the faster the epilator will be able to perform root removal. Epilators are typically preferred for removing body hair rather than facial hair, since they’re bigger than most facial trimmers. There are also cream-based epilators, also known as depilatory creams, which dissolve hair at the root.
No matter which option you go for, proper prep is essential for avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs, whether you choose to shave, wax, or pluck. “You should always cleanse the area you are going to remove the hair from thoroughly with a gentle cleanser,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “Lightly exfoliating is also helpful. You can do this the day before hair removal.” If you plan to shave or dermaplane, you can apply an oil or a light moisturizer before doing so.
As for waxing, you should only apply wax to clean, dry skin in order for the wax to adhere properly. “Before waxing, make sure your hair is about one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long,” says Hadley King, MD and board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “Trim it if it’s longer to make the process less messy and painful.” Heat up the wax according to the package instructions, then test a small amount on your wrist before applying to your face. “It should feel warm but should not hurt or burn,” she says.
What do dermatologists recommend for facial hair removal?
Dr. Waller says shaving and depilatory creams are easy at-home options, while waxing, epilating, dermaplaning, and threading take a bit more skill but can deliver excellent results. With so many options available, Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist suggests choosing a method based on your skin sensitivity and type. “For those with sensitive skin, opt for methods such as dermaplaning,” she says.
Another option both Dr. Graf and Dr. Waller recommend for more long-term results is in-office laser hair removal. “For lasting hair reduction, laser hair removal or electrolysis are worth considering,” says Dr. Waller. If you want to go this in-office route, both suggest consulting a dermatologist to confirm you’re a suitable candidate and to discuss the safest option for your skin type.
Should you pluck chin hair?
Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Waller says plucking your chin hairs is totally OK and won’t lead to more hair growth in the long run. “Plucking chin hair is completely fine, and it won’t make hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster,” she says. “It’s a quick, effective way to tidy areas like chin or brows when needed.”
With that said, Dr. Graf suggests plucking occasionally, as frequent plucking can, in the long run, lead to ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation. “For recurring chin hairs, you should opt for a more long-term solution like laser hair removal,” she adds.
Can peach fuzz grow back stubbly after dermaplaning?
While it’s a great way to gently remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells, dermaplaning can leave a stubbly texture when the hair begins to grow back. “Because hair is cut at the surface, regrowth may feel slightly stubbly for the first few days, but it’s completely normal and temporary,” says Dr. Waller.
How to remove hair on sensitive skin
If you have a sensitive skin type, it’s best to avoid using retinol or exfoliating acids before your hair removal process, according to Dr. Garshick. “Always start with clean skin, use light pressure if dermaplaning, avoid going over the same area repeatedly, and follow with a gentle moisturizer,” she says. It’s also a good idea to wear a facial sunscreen afterward, since the skin can be more susceptible to UV damage post-hair removal. If you want permanent hair removal, she recommends reaching out to your board-certified dermatologist to learn about professional treatment options, like laser hair removal.
We tested the best hair removal for face products over multiple uses, focusing on ingredients, ease of use, and how smooth our skin felt after use. Glamour contributors evaluated how each product targeted facial hair—whether that means at the surface with a razor or depilatory formula, or a more intensive approach by removing the hair follicle by plucking or waxing. We paid attention to how skin looked and felt after continued use and favored those that made our skin softer and smoother without irritating it. The best ones we found were tough on facial hair but gentle on our delicate skin and didn’t lead to redness, acne, or ingrown hairs.
- Brittany Waller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Melanie Abeyta, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, licensed master injector, longevity coach, and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center
- Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group
- Shreni Patel, a makeup artist
- Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hadley King Dermatology
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm
