Best Ways To Remove Unwanted Hair At Home

The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. Access Hollywood makes a commission on purchases.

Professional services like hair waxing and laser can get expensive. Removing hair at home can be a more affordable option and a more comfortable experience.

However, we know you’re not a pro! Doing it at home alone can be anxiety-inducing! What’s the best way to avoid razor burn? How can you wax with as little pain as possible? To achieve the best results at home, there are a few things you need to know first.

We spoke with esthetician and hair removal expert Eva Gonzalez, who shared her top tips for removing hair from head to toe.

Read on for esthetician-approved tips, tricks, and techniques, and find out which hair removal method is right for you.

How To Prep Skin for Hair Removal

“Good skin prep will give you the best results,” says Gonzalez, so it’s important to take it seriously if you want a smooth finish.

Before waxing or lasering, she recommends avoiding sun exposure for four to five days, as sunburns can damage the skin barrier or cause irritation.

No matter the hair removal method, “I always suggest exfoliating a day or two before with a gentle exfoliator to remove any dead skin,” she advises. You can use a physical exfoliant like a scrub or mitt (Dolce Glow makes a good one), or opt for a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs.

A pro tip to avoid razor burn? “Using a warm towel to soften hair before shaving can also give you a much cleaner shave,” she says.

At-Home Hair Removal Methods

Apart from shaving, there are a few different ways to remove unwanted body hair. There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s all about what makes sense for you!

Waxing: Stop spending a fortune and wax at home instead. Here are a few esthetician-approved tips in to set yourself up for success.

“Use a good quality wax, your wax should never be runny! That’s an indication that it is too hot! Think sticky like honey,” Gonzalez says.

Don’t try to wax fresh out of the shower! Gonzalez advises that you need to “make sure your skin is clean and dry.”

“Wax will not stick to skin with lotion or oils. Use a drying agent like baby powder to remove any excess oil and moisture from the skin. If you are waxing make sure your hair is as long as a grain of rice or 1/4 inches,” she shares.

And don’t be afraid to really get in there. “Hold your skin taught to avoid brushing or breaking hair while waxing as this can cause ingrowns,” she shares.

“Lay your wax with the hair growth and remove in the opposite direction (against the growth). This step is very important. Pull parallel to the skin, NEVER up!” Gonzalez warns. “Most importantly, be patient and work in small sections when working with wax.”

Laser hair Removal: In terms of at-home laser hair removal, Gonzalez says the method “can be effective in hair reduction, but they are not all created equal,” so it’s important to do your research to see which option is most compatible with your hair color and skin types.

At-Home Hair Removal Aftercare

Hair removal is only as successful as your aftercare. “For any waxing, it’s best to avoid hot showers, saunas, pools, jacuzzis, limit sun exposure, and wear sunscreen for the next two or three days,” advises Gonzalez. “It’s also smart to skip the gym and avoid sweating for a few days to help prevent bacteria from clogging your pores.”

If waxing or shaving has left your skin feeling sensitive, Gonzalez suggests “using calming creams like aloe vera or azulene oil” to help with redness.

If you happen to get an ingrown hair (ugh, who hasn’t been there!), don’t pick at it—no matter how tempting it might be. Instead, Gonzalez recommends, “use a hot compress and gentle exfoliator to help bring it to the surface.”

To prevent ingrown hairs altogether, she advises using a gentle exfoliator two to three times a week and applying a fragrance- or alcohol-free moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated.

Shop picks inspired by Gonzalez’s guidance below!